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Bandipur National Park
About Bandipur National Park
Bandipur Tiger Reserve situated in Mysore District of Karnataka State of India was among the first nine Tiger Reservescreated in India at the launch of Project Tiger in 1973. It is contiguous to Madhumalai Wildlife Sanctuary in Ta
mil Nadu state to south and Wynad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala state to the south-west.To the north-west lies Nagarhole National Park. The highest peak is Gopalaswamy hill.
The main perennial rivers of the Reserve are Nugu, Kabini and Moyar. The Nugu river flows in the middle of the Reserve. Whereas, the Moyar river forms the southern boundary between this reserve and Madhumalai Wildlife Sanctuary. The Kabini river, across which a major irrigation dam has come up at Beechanahalli, forms the boundary between this Reserve and NagarholeNational Park of Karnataka. The Kabini reservoir provides water facility and the grazing ground on the foreshore, for hundreds of elephants during severe and prolonged pinch period. Seasonal streams like Wadli, Chammanahalla, Aidasanahattihalla, Hebballa, Warranchi, Chippanahalla and Mavinahalla are also present.
There are a few natural & artificial saltlicks available in the Reserve and are being regularly used by the wild animals. This park is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve - the first 'Biosphere Reserve' of India.
Location of Bandipur National Park :On the Mysore-Ooty Highway, from where the Deccan plateau rises to meet the mountains Of the Western Ghats, in the district of Chamrajnagar, Karnataka. Bandipur has nearest airport (190km; 118 miles); nearest railhead is Mysore, 65km (40 miles) away.
Climate of Bandipur National Park :Moderate climate (32°C, or 90°F, in summer; 18°C, or 64°F, in winter). Summer rains arrive late and are called 'mango showers'. Monsoon strikes twice a year southwest monsoon from June to September, northeast monsoon from November to February.
When to go Bandipur National Park : March to June and September to November is best.
Getting to Bandipur National Park : Gundulpet is the nearest town (20 km, or 12 miles, from the park). Buses operate regularly on the Mysore-Ooty Highway via Bandipur; taxis can be hired from Mysore and Ooty.
Facilities at Bandipur National Park : Accommodation is available in forest lodges, cottages and forest rest houses in the park; canteen facilities. Bush Beta Wildlife Resort very comfortable. Elephant rides for hire. Guided jeep tours; no private vehicles permitted in park.
Landscapes of Bandipur National Park : Composed of igneous metamorphic rocks; clayey-black ilnd red-loamy soils. Mountainflowing rivers such as the Kabini, Nugu and Moyar have carved valleys, and cloud-covered peaks of Nilgiri hills form a splendid backdrop to the park.
Permits and Reservations for Bandipur National Park : For further information and accommodation contact: The Field Director, Bandipur Tiger Reserve, Mysore-570004
Conservation History
A Sanctuary of 90 sq. km. area was created in Bandipur Reserve Forest in 1931. Venugopala Wildlife Park was constituted in 1941, extending over 800 sq. km. The Park was named after the deity, Venugopala of the shrine atop this hill.
Bandipur Tiger reserve was formed by including most of the forest area of the then Venugopala Wildlife Park and its sanctum sanctorum at Bandipur, in the year 1973 and named Bandipur National Park.
All the forests included in the Reserve are reserved forests notified prior to independence. Notification for proposed Bandipur National Park was issued in 1985
Archeology Venugopala Swami Temples
Forest Types
Dry deciduous scrub, Southern tropical/Dry deciduous & Southern Tropical Moist Mixed deciduous forests cover the reserve area.
Main Species (Flora)
Tectona grandis, Dalbergia latifolia, Pterocarpus marsupium, Adina cordifolia, Grewia tiliaefolia, Amblica officianalis, lagerstroemia lanceolata, Terminalia tomentosa, Anogeisus latifolia, Terminalia chebula, Schleichera trijuga, Odina wodiar, Butea monosperma, Cassia fistula, Dendrcalamus strictus, Bambusa arundinacea,Chloroxylon swetenia, Acacia catechu, Shorea talura, Randia uliginosa
Main Species (Fauna)
Tiger, Leopard, Elephant, Gaur, Sambar, Spotted deer, Sloth bear, Mouse deer, Wild dog, Four horned Antelope.
Special Projects
Salim Ali Institute of Ornithology (SICON), Comibatore : Habitat changes in the Reserve.
Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore : Man-Animal Conflicts
University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore : Mites.
New Initiatives
Eco-development
To reduce the pressure on the Reserve by the people living adjacent to the park, eco-development works are being carried out in and around the villages situated on the periphery of the Reserve.
