Bangalore (now Bengaluru) is known for a lot of things like its technology hub, parks and its nightlife. However, its wildlife and large chunk of forest and well–preserved natural habitats are often not included in its list of popular tourist attractions. Indeed, Bangalore is a city that has evolved from being the ‘Garden City’ to the ‘Silicon Valley of India.’ In due course, while transformations came in this fast-growing city, it has still managed to retain its beautiful lakes and parks.
The neighbouring areas of Bangalore remain quiet, serene and green to seek the attention of nature lovers. That is why Bangalore and its surrounding areas remain ideal places to enjoy various adventure games. With some of the most famous jungle safaris near Bangalore, this region remains in the limelight on the national and international sphere.
Top Jungle Safari Near Bangalore
The list is long when it comes to exploring Bangalore and its surrounding places that offer amazingness to wildlife enthusiasts. Experience first-hand the roaming beasts and soaring birds, safari joy rides in deep forests, spotting animals in their natural habitats and more. There are several places where you can experience all this and venture into the wildlife with the following jungle safari near Bangalore:
1. Bannerghatta National Park – Experience the Wild Like Nowhere Else
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The Bannerghatta National Park spans over an area of 65,127 acres which is divided into smaller hubs for various types of flora and fauna. It has a hilly terrain, deciduous forest, valleys and scrublands. Some of its main destinations include a zoo, animal rescue centre, butterfly enclosure, a pet shop, a snake house, safari park and an aquarium. It also has the enclosures for sheep and cattle farming.
Other attractions in its confines include a children’s park, crocodile farm, prehistoric animal’s park and also a museum. It has safari roads that go up to six kilometres. The jungle safari is the most popular activity here where you can get close and personal with its wonderful wildlife. You can spot elephants, jackals, foxes, spotted deer, Asiatic lions, royal Bengal tigers, monitor lizards and cobras.
Safari: It offers different kinds of safaris like the Grand Safari where you experience the entire 8 kilometres stretch, Lion and Tiger Safari which is 11 kilometres or Zoo Safari.
Safari Timings: From 2 in the afternoon till late in the evening.
Distance from Bangalore: Within city limits.
Cost: For adults, it is INR 260/- and children INR 130/-.
IS: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/679786
Best Time to Visit: Although it is open throughout the year, the best time to visit is from November to June when the weather is pleasant.
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2. Bandipur National Park – The Perfect Combination of Forest and River
The Bandipur National Park is situated in a huge area of 874 square kilometres. It is tucked between the Deccan Plateau and Western Ghats. It has several dry deciduous forests, moist forests and shrublands. Therefore, it remains an ideal forest safari near Bangalore. Its wide range of habitats supports a variety of wildlife. It also has the Kabini, Nugu and Moyar Rivers in its midst.
So, boating and rafting are also potential options here. Don’t be surprised if you come across mammals like tigers, wild boars and Indian giant squirrels, and birds like grey junglefowl, red-headed vultures, and brown fish owls. Since it is situated at an altitude of about 600 kilometres, this park is a good place to get into trekking and hiking.
Distance from Bangalore: 234 kilometres.
Safari: The safari goes around the park. You cannot take your own vehicles inside.
Safari Timings: from 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM. And 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Cost: It is INR 300/- per person and to take a camera inside would cost you an extra amount of INR 300/-.
Best Time to Visit: October to May.
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3. BRT Wildlife Sanctuary – Brave the Wild Elephants and Mountains
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The BRT Wildlife Sanctuary spreads across an area of 540 km. It is located right in the middle of the Western and the Eastern Ghats. There are also Kaveri and Kapila rivers in its confines. It has scrublands, dry and moist deciduous forests, semi-green and evergreen forests, besides shola forests. Its diverse landscape allows the sanctuary to support a wide range of flora and fauna. It is home to wild elephants, gaurs, chitals, and many more wildlife animals.
It has 250 species of birds, 116 species of butterflies and 22 species of reptiles that you can spot easily. You can take part in activities like trekking, fishing, boating, bird watching, rafting and camping. Hence, you should definitely go here to a good forest safari near Bangalore.
Safari: The safari is the main activity in this sanctuary. And, it has lodges inside from where the safari usually begins and covers a large area of the sanctuary. It is mostly a jeep safari.
Timings: From 6 AM to 8 AM and 3 PM to 5 PM.
Distance from Bangalore: 180 kilometres.
Cost: It costs about INR 500/- per person.
Best Time to Visit: September to May.
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4. Nagarhole National Park – Enjoy the Waterfalls and the Greenery
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Nagarhole National Park is spread across an area of about 700 square kilometres. A river flows right in the centre of it and includes the reserve forests of Arkeri, Nalkeri and Hatgat. Other rivers that flow in the park are the Lakshmana and Teentha Rivers. It is a remarkably beautiful park because it is filled with waterfalls, streams, forests and hills. It is also a premier tiger reserve in India. You can spot jungle cats, common otters, mouse deer, crested serpent eagles, and a variety of mammals, birds and reptiles. The park has the highest density of flora and fauna. That is why it is considered as the best jungle safari near Bangalore.
Safari: There are different ways to experience this most exquisite jungle safari around Bangalore. The best one is surely the jeep safari which is perfect for spotting predators, herbivores and other mammals. It also offers a river safari on the Rabini River to experience the best of aquatic wildlife like water birds, crocodiles and many more.
Safari Timings: From 5:30 AM to 10:00 AM and from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Distance from Bangalore: 224 kilometres.
Cost: INR 250/- per person.
Best Time to Visit: October to May.
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5. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary – Let the Deep Valleys and Hills Mesmerise You
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The Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of about 500 square kilometres in the Western Ghats. It has a variety of landscapes which include tropical deciduous forests that are dry, moist or mixed. It also has a scrub forest and there are about 120 species of flora and a diverse range of fauna including tigers, elephants, wild dogs, porcupine and many others.
The forests are also rich in butterflies, reptiles and birds with about 250 species of it. There are also lodges in the sanctuary for tourists to have an authentic wildlife experience. The highest peak here is the Hebbe Giri that has a height of about 1900 metres. Therefore, you can also go trekking, hiking and camping here.
Such a versatile place that has diverse wildlife and many activities to engage in makes it to be one of the best jungle safaris near Bangalore.
Safari: The safaris here are conducted here in jeeps mostly. Private vehicles are also not allowed.
Safari Timings: There are two safari rides every day. One at 6:30 AM and the other at 4:30 PM.
Distance from Bangalore: 285 kilometres.
Cost: INR 1250/- per person.
Best Time to Visit: From October to March.
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With so many amazing places to enjoy a jungle safari around Bangalore, all you have to do is take a pick! Soon, you could be spotting elephants, chasing butterflies and experiencing a joyful safari rides through the serene forests near Bangalore. These are the five renowned Jungle Safaris near Bangalore which you must plan for on your next trip to Bangalore. Exploring them will offer you unique experience of feeling proximity to nature. An adventurer in you will find a perfect retreat through such Safari rides.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Jungle Safari Near Bangalore
Which is better, a jeep safari or a bus safari?
Bus have a first come, first serve policy. In case, you don’t make it in time you could miss the safari. So, for that, a jeep safari is ideal as it gives you more time and can be more private.
Can I hire a jeep, engage a ranger escort and go on a safari in all the parks near Bangalore?
Mostly, you can. But certain parks and sanctuaries don’t allow a private vehicle inside. So, you should call the park you want to take a safari in and confirm if you can take in a private vehicle.
How are Bandipur National Park’s cottages for lodging? Are there any food options available?
Accommodation has been rated satisfactory by many visitors and food is decent too.
Which is the best place to enjoy a jungle safari near Bangalore?
Bandipur and Nagarhole National Parks have the best sightings, comfortable lodgings and many options for safari. They are the best ones.
What is the price range for accommodation in the park’s cottages?
It starts from INR 1000/- and basic amenities cost extra. However, cottages should be booked beforehand.
Can we ride elephants in any of the National Parks that also have safaris?
Yes, almost all of these National Parks let you ride an elephant with nominal charges.
Is food allowed in the safari parks?
If you have packed food in plastic, then they ask you to transfer that in paper bags or anything else because most of them are plastic-free zones. So, don’t buy a lot of food before you enter the safari. If you must, don’t use plastics.
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