Once a part of Wynad, besides the Nagarhole National
Park, this Tiger Reserve runs in continuum to the Mudumalai Sanctuary in
Tamil Nadu and the Wynad Reserve in Kerala. Stretching across an area of
874.20 sq km, Bandipur has open grassy woodlands to the south of the
Kabini River. The dense deciduous forests reach as high as 30m and are
home to valuable hardwood trees like teak, sandal and rosewood. It lies
in the shadow of the Western Ghats and is known as one of the finest
habitats of the Asian Elephants and Gaurs. It was established in 1931 by
the Mysore rulers at the foothills of the Nilgiris and display a rare
spectacle of harmonious existence of flora and fauna. Some of the
species that one can see here are Peafowls, Patridges, Quails,
Hornbills, Giant Squirrels, Dholes (Wild Dogs), Elephants and Sambars
(Barking Deers).An elephant safari in the woods here is a delightful experience. Situated within Chamarajanagar district, it is the southernmost of the nine reserves specially established under Project Tiger. As the life blossoms after the pre-monsoon showers in April, Bandipur blooms into a nature lover's delight with the breeding activities and melodious calls of our avian friends, while in summers, the large mammals wandering often to the backwaters of the Kabini Reservoir make a unique feature that is perhaps the only one of its kind in Asia. Thus, the best season to visit the Bandipur National Park is from April to October.
