Bandipur National Park

Bandipur National Park is located in Karnataka's Western Ghats, along the Mysore-Ooty highway. It is a significant part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which includes the Rajiv Gandhi National Park (Nagarahole) in Karnataka, the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, and the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala. Bandipur National Park covers an area of 872.24 square kilometres. It is split between the Chamarajanagar District's Gundlupet taluk and the Mysuru District's H.D.Kote and Nanjangud taluks.

 

The Maharaja of the Kingdom of Mysore used to use Bandipur National Park as a hunting reserve. Bandipur is the most prominent national park located in the south Indian state of Karnataka and is best known for its varied wildlife boasting different biomes in the dry deciduous forest. It was established in the year 1974 as a forest tiger reserve under the Project Tiger. It is regarded as one of India's best-managed parks.

 

This reserve is South India's largest protected area and home to the world's largest population of wild elephants.

 

On the Mysore – Ooty highways, the park is located. This keeps the park on a popular tourist route that attracts thousands of visitors each year. The park is home to a large number of tigers and elephants. This park is shared by Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Mudhumalai Reserve is the name of the park in Tamil Nadu. The nomination of Bandipur National Park as a heritage site has been made.

 

The Bandipur national park, like many others, was once a hunting ground for kings. Elephant herds and a few tigers have been spotted in the area due to the rich flora.

 

Hunting elephants and deers was a popular pastime among royals. The Bandipur sanctuary, which is only 90 square kilometres in size, was established by the king of Mysore in 1932. Venugopala Wildlife Park was the name given to it. In 1973, the wildlife park was expanded by 800 square kilometres and renamed Bandipur National Park.

 

The Nilgiri biosphere was then added to it. It was placed under Project Elephant because of its large elephant population. It was also included in Project Tiger in 1973, and the park now houses around 80 tigers.

 

The park is situated where the Deccan plateau and the Western Ghats meet. The park's elevation varies from 680 to 1,454 metres.

 

East– The scrub jungle and major forest areas make up this region. There are both dry and moist deciduous trees in the park's forest area. Many flowering plants can be found in the park's shurblands. The best spot for bird watching. It's easier to spot carnivorous animals here.

 

The Nugu River, which is famous for spotting animals, is located in the central region. This region contains the HimavadGopalaswamy Betta summit. This is the park's highest vantage point. This peak is well-known among hikers and pilgrims. People climb to the top to get a bird's-eye view of the park. On the summit, there is a Hindu temple. Sandalwood trees can be found in this area. Due to the abundance of watering holes near the hill, elephants are common.

 

North West – The Kabini Reservoir is the most famous feature of this region.

 

It is the park's main source of water. During the summer, this is the best place to look for animals. Dry deciduous forest and tropical forest dominate the forest region in this area. During the monsoon season, the area will be lush.

 

This area is bordered on the south by the Moyar River. This is the best place to see a variety of animals. This area is home to deer, elephants, bison, squirrels, jungle cats, and other animals.

 

North – This area includes Kabini's river and backwaters. There are two streams in this area as well. Boating and birdwatching are popular activities in this area. Birds can be seen in large groups when the river dries up in the summer. You can also see a lot of fish. In this area, bicycle tours are available.

 

Teak, rosewood, sandalwood, Indian kino tree, Indian laurel, clumping bamboo, and giant clumping bamboo grow abundantly in the park's forest. Axle wood, black cutch, indigo berry, golden shower tree, black myrobalan, flame of the forest, kadam tree, Indian gooseberry, and other flowering and fruit trees to look for include axle wood, black cutch, indigo berry, golden shower tree, black myrobalan, flame of the forest, kadam tree, Indian gooseberry, and others. There are also tamarind, mango, and other common trees here.

 

The Bandipur national park is well-known for its elephant and tiger sightings. The bonner macaque, dhole, civet, jungle cat, Indian palm, giant flying squirrel, striped hyena, rusty-spotted cat, Nilgiritahr, leopard, Hanuman langur, cat leopard, four horned antelope, Indian hare red, and others are among the top mammals to see here.

 

Birdwatching is a popular pastime in this area. Peafowl, junglefowl, drongos, redheaded vultures, flowerpeckers, Indian rollers, creasted serpent eagles, bee-eaters, hawk eagles, kingfishers, ospreys, and other birds can be found in this park. The park is home to over 200 different bird species. Bird breeding season begins just before the monsoon season.

 

The Indian rock python, Indian pond terrapin, flying lizard, mugger, monitor lizard, rat snake, and other reptiles can all be found here. The common rose, common jay, lime butterfly, Malabar raven, crimson rose, blue Mormon, and other butterflies to look for include the common rose, common jay, lime butterfly, Malabar raven, crimson rose, blue Mormon, and others. The park is home to a variety of butterfly species. A wide variety of beetle species can also be found here. There are also many new species of butterflies and beetles that have yet to be identified. There are also turtles, crocodiles, and frogs to be found here.

 

 

The Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta, also known as the Gopalaswamy Hills, is a majestic and lofty hill located in the Bandipur National Park's core area. The hills are located in the Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka, at a height of 1,450 metres above sea level. The name Himavad comes from the fact that the mountain is surrounded by mist all year. Himavad means fog in Kannada's native language, while Betta means mountain in the same language. The hill is located in the Bandipur National Park's core area and is frequented by wildlife, particularly elephants. This hill, which is also the park's highest peak, is home to a dense forest.

 

Wayanad: It is the most remarkable location near Bandipur, which is primarily known for its paddy fields and is nestled between the western ghat mountains. Wayanad is one of Kerala's most beautiful hill stations, and it's also a great place to find a variety of products to trade, as well as wildlife sanctuaries in the area.

 

Mysore: Karnataka's second largest city, Mysore is also known as the state's cultural capital, thanks to the numerous palaces that dot the city, earning it the nickname "City of Palaces." A must-see destination for architecture buffs. The Mysore Palace is the city's most famous attraction, and it's best seen in the evening when the entire palace is lit up with sparkling lights.

 

Ooty: Also known as Ootacamund, Ooty is the Queen of the Hill Stations and is the capital of the Nilgiris district. This is one of the most beautiful picnic spots in the area, and it is especially popular during the summer and on weekends. The most blooming vegetation, lofty mountains, dense forest, sprawling grasslands, and miles and miles of tea gardens can be found in Ooty.

 

Kabini: This area is naturally defined as the area along the Kabini River, and it is the ideal location for the Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary. Because of the densely lushly regions, which are a mix of tropical, moist, and dry deciduous types, the Kabini area is quickly referred to as Kabini forests. Kabini is ideal for those who enjoy spending time in pristine and virgin natural areas in search of inspiration and rejuvenation.

 

Nagarhole: The Nagarhole National Park's regions are also highlighted in the Kabini area. For most visitors, the area of Nagarhole, which means "Snake River" in Kannada, is a picture-perfect tourist destination. The name Nagarhole comes from the serpentine course of the river as it flows through the forests.

 

Coorg: Another fascinating hill station in the region, Coorg stands out for its natural beauty and exotic scenic environment. Coorg defines itself through the majestic beauty and cool ambience of the hill station at an altitude of 3500 ft above sea level, earning it the nickname "Scotland of India"

 

Bangalore: India's main IT hub, Bangalore is the country's most beautiful city, with nicknames like Garden City, Silicon Valley of India, Pub City, and so on. The city is known for its pleasant climate and is graced with tall tree-lined streets and several parks that add to its greenery, earning it the title of 'Garden City.'

 

Thekkady: Located 160 miles from Trivandrum in the Idukki district, Thekkady is one of India's most popular tourist destinations. It is the most unique and diverse in terms of flora and fauna, with a diverse range of birds. The presence of a man-made lake in the area, as well as other attractions such as trekking, wildlife train, bamboo rafting, border hiking, and rock climbing, draws a lot of attention.