Bandipur Safari Lodge

The Deccan Plateau is home to one of the country's earliest tiger reserves, the Bandipur National Park, which is bordered by the wildlife sanctuaries of Mudumalai National Park in Tamil Nadu and Wayanad in Kerala. It is nestled well within the towering Western Ghat Mountains on the Mysore-Ooty route. A remarkable variety of flora and wildlife are supported by a moderate climate and different geographic features. One of the 15 sanctuaries included in the Project Tiger Scheme, which the World Wide Fund for Nature began in 1973, is Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary.

Bandipur was designated a national park in 1974 in accordance with the Wildlife Protection Act. Asia's Bandipur National Park is unique in that it features one of the largest elephant herds.

This region is home to a fifth of the world's population of Asiatic elephants as well as the largest density of Indian tigers. In actuality, these woods are home to roughly 5000 wild elephants.

The Moyar River's waters support a variety of deciduous woods, evergreen forests, and scrub that cover the Bandipur National Park. The Asian elephant, gaur, sambhar, chital, mouse deer, four horned antelope, wild pig, black napped hare, and Indian porcupine are the main species of fauna in this reserve. Bandipur is home to the Asiatic elephant in addition to having a sizable population of tigers—roughly 66 in total. Stunted trees, bushes, and open grassland patches make up the scrub jungles. The vegetation in the northwest region ranges from tropical mixed deciduous woods to open dry deciduous forests.

 

Best Time to Visit Bandipur Safari Lodge

Though Bandipur is an around-the-year tourist destination, summers are the best time for wildlife sightings. March to May being the dry season, the animals come out of hiding and can be spotted by the watering holes. But for bird-watchers, the winter months are a better bet, for November to January, many migratory birds from the North, especially the Himalayas come down south to roost.

 

Accommodation in Bandipur Safari Lodge

Only 22 rooms make up the Bandipur safari resort, with a focus on minimal effect. These rooms are themed and contemporary in design and comfy with modern attached bathtubs that include various eco-friendly features: The Gaur Room, The Elephant Room, and The Tiger Room.

Air conditioners and televisions are purposefully avoided in all of the rooms to preserve the peace and serenity of the natural environment at the lodge. Why would visitors even miss them? It becomes absurd when a soft breeze drifts in from the hillsides and through the cool shade of luxuriant thickets to provide fresh, oxygen-rich, natural air conditioning.

 

Places to visit near Bandipur Safari Lodge

Bandipur Tiger Reserve And National Park- Located in the Hangala village of Bandipur district in Karnataka, Bandipur National Park was recognized as a Tiger Reserve by the Indian Government in 1974. This reserve is one of the best places to visit near Bandipur. Bandipur Tiger Safari is always the primary choice of people while deciding places to visit around Bandipur forest.

Location: NH 67, Hangala Village, Gundlupet Taluk, Bandipur, Karnataka

Distance from Bandipur: 3 km

 

Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta- Gopalaswamy Betta, a hill near Bandipur, is regarded as one of the best locations nearby. The hill is also known as Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta because it is perpetually shrouded in mist. The fact that it is the highest mountain in Bandipur National Park and that an exciting elephant ride is the main draw for many tourists to this misty hill makes it particularly unique. Tourists can go on elephant safaris with the Forest Department at a reasonable price. Gopalaswamy Betta is best visited in August and later, right after the rainy season.

Location: Gundlupete Taluk, Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka, India

Distance from Bandipur: 12 km

 

Activities at Bandipur Safari Lodge

The prospects for animal viewing in the National Park early in the morning and late at night are the highlights of a stay at Bandipur Safari Lodge. Visitors are assisted in recognising and comprehending the vast diversity of flora, fauna, and avifauna through excursions in open-top jeeps and on foot into the Park with a professional and experienced naturalist as guide.

In these pristine surroundings, there are many chances for nature walks, bird watching, and wildlife photography for the naturalists at heart. Visitors can also partake in stargazing, wildlife films, and slide exhibitions.

Gol Ghar, a unique open-to-sides gazebo and banquet space at the Bandipur Safari Lodge, offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills, including Gopalaswamy Betta, the highest peak in Bandipur at 1455 meters.

The Lodge also offers a multi-cuisine restaurant, a private bar, and campfire settings. There is a well-stocked visitors' room with a great selection of books and CDs about ecology and wildlife.

 

Cuisine at Bandipur Safari Lodge

The Lodge offers a delectable buffet of Indian food, both vegetarian and non- vegetarian, mainly from the south. There is also an excellent Chinese and Thai menu.

 

How to Reach Bandipur Safari Lodge

By Road- It is about 224 km from Bangalore city and 70 km from Mysore city. Located on the Mysore-YT Highway, the resort is well connected by road and easily accessible. The city of Coimbatore is also about 180 km away from the resort.

By Rail- The nearest railway station is the Mysore junction of Mysore and is well connected by trains.

By Air- The nearest airport is the Mysore Airport, which connects to Bangalore.