Bandipur was established in 1974 as one of the first nine tiger reserves under Project Tiger.
The park was originally the private hunting ground of the Maharajas of the Kingdom of Mysore.
It is geographically contiguous with the Wayanad, Mudumalai, and Nagarhole wildlife sanctuaries, forming the largest protected area in India.
The Moyar River flows through the park, serving as a primary water source for wildlife.
Bandipur supports a significant population of gaur, the world's largest species of bovine.
The park's altitude ranges from approximately 680 to 1,455 meters above sea level.
It contains a high concentration of teak and rosewood trees, which are indigenous to the region.
The park serves as a key site for research into the interactions between tigers and dholes (Asiatic wild dogs).
Local tribal communities, including the Soliga, historically coexist with the forest ecosystems within the reserve boundary.
Wildlife sightings are influenced by the natural fire cycles that clear dry undergrowth during the pre-monsoon season.
Bandipur National Park is one of India's premier tiger reserves, covering 874 square kilometers in the state of Karnataka. It forms part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The park contains a high density of tigers and is one of the last habitats for the Indian elephant in southern India. Diverse terrain features deciduous forests, evergreen forests, and scrublands supporting a variety of herbivores and carnivores. The park is situated at the intersection of the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats, creating a unique ecological transition zone. It is a critical corridor for migrating megafauna moving between the adjacent Nagarhole and Mudumalai national parks. Over 200 species of birds and several endangered flora species reside within its protected borders.
The elevated viewing platforms near the main forest department entry gate offer excellent landscape vistas.
Book safari vehicles through official government portals well in advance to ensure availability.
Keep binoculars and a telephoto lens ready, as wildlife is often spotted at a distance.
Maintain absolute silence during safaris to increase the probability of spotting elusive predators.
Do not wear bright, neon-colored clothing that alerts animals to your presence; avoid private vehicle safaris, which are prohibited in core forest areas.
The park may partially restrict access or close safari routes during the peak of the monsoon season or due to extreme forest fire risks in the height of summer.
Strictly refrain from littering, feeding animals, or exiting safari vehicles; maintain a noise-free environment; follow all instructions from forest department guides.
