This is story of a hunting ground turned around a wildlife cemetery turned sanctuary. Where in the years long gone many a gun-wielding hunter dispatched many on animal. And many a tale of pathos lies smothered  in the scrub, tale of shikars that lead to the selfish self-aggrandisement of the rich the famous and the powerful. Of a place that is mercifully now a haven habitat home refuge and shelter for many an occupant of the wilds around. 

A place widely  regarded as one of the better managed national park in the country Bandipur national park.

To put it simply, in the bygone era, the royalty of mysore the Wodeyars owned the place. All 880 Sq km of it. Having realized the sheer wastefulness and worthlessness of random bullets fired at helpless eild animal in the name of sport, they decided to usher in a change of policy. Thus was born the game sanctuary.

Safaris

Although you’ll not see the tiger here as easily  as you would in Ranthambhore, kanha or bandhavgarh. The mere knowledge that he exists in fairly respectable numbers in these forests is enough to put you an alert as you meander along in a mini bus during the safari.

Panthers jackals and an array of snakes from the cobra to the python all live here. As for spotted deer,  you’ll need a heavy duty calculator to keep count of them! As night falls you’ll find them congregating around the relative safety of the guest houses, their eyes shining like lustrous  diamonds as they come into the glare of vehicle headlight or even a flashing torch. The shy four horned antelope  is part of this forest but then more often than not he chooses to remain quite detached from the tourism Zone. Sloth bears amble around even as the grey langurs with tails in the shape of a   perennial questions   mark chatter high up in the trees. The forest of Bandipur are indeed a haven for wild animals and those who love them.

Safari fee

Adults Rs 75.  child Rs 30. foreigner  Rs 200.

Camera  fee :  still Rs 25.  video Rs 250.

Elephant  ride ( 20 minutes ) Rs 100. per 4 people .

Timings round ( 45 minutes each ) between 6 & 9 pm.