Jungle Safari in Bandipur National Park
Welcome, wanderers and nature enthusiasts, to a captivating expedition into the untamed beauty of Bandipur National Park! In this blog, I am delighted to share an unforgettable adventure – a jungle safari in the heart of India’s wilderness. Nestled amidst the awe-inspiring Western Ghats of Karnataka, Bandipur beckons us with its rich biodiversity, lush landscapes, and a symphony of wildlife that calls this sanctuary home.
In this blog, we’ll embark on an immersive journey through the sights, sounds, and scents of Bandipur’s wilderness, capturing fleeting moments of splendor and forging an unbreakable bond with the wild heart of India. So, buckle up, and let’s set forth on a thrilling safari that promises to leave us in awe of nature’s grandeur.
The different types of jungle safaris at Bandipur
Bandipur National Park offers a range of jungle safaris that cater to diverse preferences and experiences for visitors. Each safari type offers a unique way to explore the park’s rich biodiversity and witness its captivating wildlife. Here are the different types of jungle safaris at Bandipur:
- Jeep Safari: The most popular and common safari at Bandipur is the Jeep Safari. Jeep safaris are conducted in 4×4 vehicles and offer a more intimate and personalized experience, accommodating a small number of participants. With knowledgeable naturalists guiding the way, these safaris allow you to venture deep into the forest and explore off-the-beaten-path areas.
- Canter Safari: Canter safaris are ideal for larger groups and families. These open-top buses offer a comfortable and budget-friendly option for wildlife enthusiasts to explore Bandipur. Canter safaris follow fixed routes within the park, providing a wider overview of the landscapes and wildlife, but with fewer opportunities for personalized attention.
- Elephant Safari: For a unique and traditional safari experience, Bandipur also offers Elephant Safaris. Riding on the back of these majestic giants, you can traverse through the forest leisurely, offering a different perspective of the wildlife. Elephant safaris are a quieter approach to observing animals, and wildlife photographers especially favor them.
- Birdwatching Safari: Bandipur’s avian diversity makes it a haven for birdwatchers. The Birdwatching Safari is designed to focus on observing and identifying various bird species inhabiting the park. Led by expert birdwatching guides, these safaris offer excellent opportunities for spotting and photographing a wide array of birdlife.
- Nature Walk: For a more immersive experience, Bandipur offers guided Nature Walks. These walking safaris allow you to explore the forest on foot, offering a closer look at the smaller flora and fauna and enabling you to observe wildlife behavior in a more intimate setting. Nature walks are ideal for those seeking a deeper connection with nature.
Jungle Safari at Bandipur Ticket Price -
Ticket prices for jungle safaris at Bandipur National Park may vary based on several factors, including the type of safari, the duration of the safari, and the nationality of the visitors. Here are approximate ticket prices for jungle safaris at Bandipur as of my last update:
1- Jeep Safari (Indian Nationals):
- Morning Safari: Approximately INR 1,000 to INR 1,500 per person
- Afternoon Safari: Approximately INR 800 to INR 1,200 per person
2- Jeep Safari (Foreign Nationals):
- Morning Safari: Approximately INR 2,000 to INR 2,500 per person
- Afternoon Safari: Approximately INR 1,500 to INR 2,000 per person
3- Canter Safari (Indian Nationals and Foreign Nationals):
- Approximately INR 500 to INR 800 per person
4- Elephant Safari (Indian Nationals and Foreign Nationals):
- Approximately INR 1,500 to INR 2,000 per person
What to expect on a jungle safari at Bandipur
Embarking on a jungle safari at Bandipur National Park promises an enchanting and immersive experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of nature. Here’s what you can expect on a jungle safari at Bandipur:
- Encounter with Wildlife: Bandipur is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including Asian elephants, Indian gaurs (bison), spotted deer, sambar deer, wild boars, langurs, and various other mammal and bird species. During your safari, you may have the opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, going about their daily activities.
- Chance to Spot Tigers and Leopards: Bandipur is also known for its healthy population of tigers and leopards. While tiger sightings are not guaranteed, the park provides a good chance to glimpse these elusive big cats. Leopard sightings are relatively more common, offering a thrilling experience for wildlife enthusiasts.
- Birdwatching Extravaganza: Bandipur is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 200 bird species residing in the park. The safari provides a fantastic opportunity to spot and observe various colorful and fascinating birds, including Indian rollers, crested serpent eagles, hornbills, and many migratory species during winter.
- Serene Natural Landscapes: The park’s landscapes are a mesmerizing blend of lush forests, open grasslands, and picturesque water bodies. As you traverse through Bandipur, you’ll be treated to scenic vistas and serene surroundings that offer a sense of tranquility and harmony with nature.
- Knowledgeable Naturalists: Your safari will be led by experienced naturalists with in-depth knowledge about the park’s wildlife, flora, and fauna. They will provide valuable insights, share interesting facts, and help you understand the ecosystem’s delicate balance.
- Golden Hours of Safari: Bandipur conducts two safaris daily, one in the early morning and another in the late afternoon. Morning safaris offer the opportunity to witness the wildlife at sunrise when animals are more active. Afternoon safaris allow spotting animals as they become more active before dusk.
- Responsible Wildlife Watching: Maintaining a respectful distance from the animals and following the park’s rules and guidelines to ensure the wildlife’s well-being and the ecosystem’s conservation is essential.
Best time to go on a jungle safari at Bandipur:
The best time to go on a jungle safari at Bandipur is during the dry season, from October to June. During this time, the weather is cooler and the animals are more active. The park is also less crowded during the dry season.
However, if you want to see the annual migration of elephants, you should go during the monsoon season, from July to September. The elephants migrate to Bandipur from the neighboring forests during this time.
Here are some of the factors to consider when choosing the best time to go on a jungle safari at Bandipur:
- Weather: The weather is cooler and drier during October to June, making it more comfortable for a jungle safari. However, the monsoon season (July to September) can also be a good time to go, as you may see the annual migration of elephants.
- Animal activity: The animals are more active during the dry season, so you are more likely to see them. However, the monsoon season can also be a good time to see animals, as they may be more concentrated in certain areas due to the flooding.
- Crowds: The park is less crowded during the dry season so that you will have a more enjoyable experience. However, the monsoon season can also be a good time to go, as the crowds will be smaller.
Where to stay in Bandipur/ Accommodation at Bandipur National Park
Bandipur has many different places to stay, from budget-friendly lodges to luxurious resorts. Here are a few of the most popular options:
- The Serai, Bandipur: This luxurious resort is located in the heart of the Bandipur National Park and offers stunning views of the surrounding forest. The resort has various accommodation options, including cottages, tents, and treehouses.
- Jungle Safari Resort Bandipur: This resort is located just outside the Bandipur National Park and offers a more affordable option than The Serai, Bandipur. The resort has a variety of cottages and tents, and it is a great place to experience the area’s natural beauty.
- The Windflower Jungle Resort: This resort is located in the Bandipur National Park and offers the unique experience of staying in a former royal hunting lodge. The resort has various accommodation options, including cottages, tents, and treehouses.
- Dhanak Eco Camp: This camp is located in the Bandipur National Park and offers a more rustic experience than the other options. The camp has a variety of tents, and it is a great place to experience the area’s natural beauty.
- The Kabini River Lodge: This lodge is located on the banks of the Kabini River and offers stunning views of the river and the surrounding forests. The lodge has a variety of accommodation options, including cottages and suites.
Bandipur national park safari timings -
The safari timings in Bandipur National Park are as follows:
- Morning safari: 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM
- Evening safari: 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM
The Forest Department operates the safaris and the tickets can be booked online or at the park office. A safari ticket costs INR 1000 for adults and INR 500 for children.
It is important to note that the safari timings may change depending on the time of year. During the monsoon season, the safaris may be cancelled due to the rain.
Bandipur tiger safari timings -
The tiger safari timings in Bandipur National Park for tiger safaris are as follows:
- Morning safari: 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM
- Evening safari: 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM
The Forest Department operates the safaris and the tickets can be booked online or at the park office. A tiger safari ticket costs INR 2500 for adults and INR 1250 for children.
