Nestled at the foothills of the Nilgiris, along the Mysore-Ooty highway Bandipur National Park is perhaps the best place in India to spot elephants. A part of the lower reaches of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Bandipur National Park was constituted in 1973. Here’s a quick travel guide to exploring the wildlife haven. By Karan Kaushik
Plan a trip to Bandipur National Park with this easy travel guide
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Things to do
Jungle Safari
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Safaris at Bandipur National Park are conducted on specially-constructed game roads. Watch out for elephants, tigers, leopards, gaurs, and sloth bears. Right now, only Jungle Lodges is authorised to conduct jeep safaris in the park. The forest department also conducts minibus safaris from 6:15 am to 9 am and 2:15 pm to 5:00 pm. Please note that the elephant safaris at Bandipur are no longer operational. Book your safari here.
Interpretation Centre
Before you hop on the jeep and begin your thrilling safari, visit the well-maintained interpretation centre at the entrance of the Bandipur National Park. The centre gives great insights into the region’s rich biodiversity and wildlife. It remains open from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm.
Moyar Gorge
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Also known as Mysore Ditch or Moyar Canyon, Moyar Gorge is mostly visited by wildlife enthusiasts from the Madumalai Wildlife Sanctuary. If you wish to witness the dramatic landscape that surrounds the gorge, you can reach the gorge by trekking or embarking on a jeep safari. The gorge is as old as 2.5 billion years and has caught the fancy of many a geologist.
Where to stay
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Situated on the periphery of the Bandipur National Park, The Serai Bandipur offers decadent accommodation options set against the beautiful Nilgiri Hills. The wildlife resort effortlessly captures the essence of the surrounding wilderness in its living spaces with a careful interplay of natural tones and textures. Each of the cottages and residences looks out to the hills while making generous use of dark wood to create a setting so charming that you would hardly want to venture out.
With no TV, Wi-Fi, and mobile connectivity, The Windflower Bandipur promises an unparalleled experience in the wilderness of Bandipur. Get woken up by soothing bird songs, take leisurely strolls in their meandering greens, enjoy a flavourful breakfast in your luxury cottage, or spot a big cat from the safety of your safari, there’s never a dull moment at The Windflower.
How to reach
By Air: Bengaluru, at 220km is the nearest airport. Taxis and buses for Bandipur are easily available from Bengaluru.
By Rail: Nanjangud, at 65km is the nearest railhead. Mysuru is another major station (80km) and enjoys good connectivity with all parts of India.
By Road: State transport buses ply regularly from Bengaluru, Mysuru, Ooty, and Coimbatore. KSTDC luxury buses are also available from Bengaluru and Mysuru.
Related: This Luxury Safari Camp Has Tents With All-Glass Bathrooms, A Gin Bar And Resident Monkeys
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