The park is home to significant populations of endangered species, with tigers being the flagship species. Other notable mammals include Indian elephants, leopards, dholes (wild dogs), sloth bears, and four species of deer - chital, sambar, barking deer, and mouse deer. The park supports over 200 species of birds, including peacocks, hornbills, and eagles. Reptiles like pythons, king cobras, and various species of vipers are also found here. The park is also home to numerous species of butterflies and insects, contributing to its rich biodiversity.
Bandipur's vegetation primarily consists of dry deciduous forests with patches of moist deciduous forests in higher elevations. The park hosts over 150 species of trees, including valuable timber species like teak, rosewood, and sandalwood. Common flora includes bamboo thickets, axlewood, Indian kino tree (Pterocarpus marsupium), and various species of terminalia. The understory is rich in medicinal plants, and during the monsoon season, the forest floor comes alive with numerous species of wild flowers and herbs.
The park is situated in the Western Ghats mountain range, characterized by undulating hills and valleys with elevations ranging from 680 to 1,454 meters above sea level. The landscape features predominantly deciduous forests growing on ancient granite and gneiss formations that date back to the Precambrian era. The terrain is marked by numerous small hills, ridges, and watercourses, creating diverse microhabitats. The soil is primarily red laterite, which supports the rich vegetation of the region.
Established in 1974 as a tiger reserve under Project Tiger, Bandipur was originally a private hunting reserve of the Maharaja of Mysore. The area was declared a national park in 1985 and has since become one of India's premier tiger reserves. The park was named after the ancient village of Bandipur, which was once a prominent settlement in the region. This protected area has played a crucial role in wildlife conservation in South India and forms part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which was established in 1986 as India's first biosphere reserve.
Bandipur is renowned for its successful conservation programs, particularly for tigers and elephants. The park features several watchtowers and viewing points that offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. The Moyar River forms a natural boundary with Mudumalai National Park in Tamil Nadu, creating an important wildlife corridor. The park's location along the Mysore-Ooty highway makes it easily accessible, though vehicle movement is restricted during night hours to protect wildlife. The park also houses a butterfly park, interpretation center, and various eco-tourism initiatives that promote conservation awareness.
Bandipur National Park experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The temperature ranges from 15°C to 35°C throughout the year, with October to February being the most pleasant months for visitors. The park receives rainfall during both the southwest monsoon (June-September) and northeast monsoon (October-November), with an annual rainfall of about 800mm. Summers (March-May) can be quite hot and dry, making it challenging for wildlife viewing, though animals frequently visit water holes during this period. The best time to visit is during the winter months when the weather is mild and wildlife sightings are more frequent.
India
11.6670°, 76.6330°
1974
874
Bandipur National Park is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The park supports the largest population of wild elephants in South India. It features dry deciduous forests and is home to tigers, leopards, and various deer species.