Bandipur is a small town near Karnataka -Tamil Nadu border. Being famous for its Tiger Reserve, which was established in 1974, Bandipur forest stretches over an entire length of over 220 km. Bandipur National Park along with Mudumalai National Park, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, and Nagarhole National Park has the highest tiger population in the country and has been a place of attraction among many tourists. If you are a wildlife lover, then this place is definitely for you. There are several places to visit near Bandipur where your can go to enjoy a vacation which is filled with fun and entertainment.
7 Best Places To Visit Near Bandipur
There are many places to visit near Bandipur that are worth your time and effort. All these places are rich in biodiversity and hence, will only add to your knowledge of India’s flora and fauna. And that’s not all! These spots are also great for weekend getaways and recreation. So check out our list of 7 best places near Bandipur to know more details.
- Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
- Mudumalai National Park
- Bandipur Tiger Reserve And National Park
- Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta
- BRT Wildlife Sanctuary
- Rajiv Gandhi National Park
- Ooty
1. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
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Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the northern corner of the Kerala border, stretching around 344 sq. km of area inhabits a variety of spices including 45 species of mammals, 203 species of birds, 45 species of reptiles, and many more. Elephants, Gaur, Tiger, Panther, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Barking deer, Wild boar, Sloth bear, Nilgiri langur, Bonnet macaque, Wild dog, common otter, Malabar giant squirrel, etc are the major animals living in Wayanad forest. If you are planning to visit places near Bandipur, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary would be an ideal choice. The best time to visit is the autumn season, from December to May.
Location: Bathery- Puthuppally Road, Sultan Bathery, Kerala 673592
Distance from Bandipur: 69 km
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2. Mudumalai National Park
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Mudumalai National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Nilgiri, around 23 km to the south of Bandipur city. Mammals that can be spotted here include Deer, Gaur, Indian Elephant, Bengal Tiger, Striped Hyena, Golden Jackal, Bonnet Macaque, Leopard Cat, Jungle Cat, and others, together making it one of the best places to visit near Bandipur. The best time to visit the park is from February to June. During this season, animals come to watering holes and lakes to drink water so it is much easier to spot them.
Ideal Duration: 1 Day
Location: Theppakkadu, Ooty, India
Distance from Bandipur: 22 km
Suggested Read: 30 Best Things To Do In Ooty That Will Make You Fall For The Hills All Over Again!
3. Bandipur Tiger Reserve And National Park
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Located in the Hangala village of Bandipur district in Karnataka, Bandipur National Park was recognized as a Tiger Reserve by the Indian Government in 1974. This reserve is one of the best places to visit near Bandipur. Being a house to a large variety of spices, this tiger safari is known to have the second largest population of tigers in India, with around 120 tigers. Park is best visited during the winter season between October – March. Bandipur Tiger Safari is always the primary choice of people while deciding places to visit around Bandipur forest.
Location: NH 67, Hangala Village, Gundlupet Taluk, Bandipur, Karnataka 571126
Distance from Bandipur: 3 km.
Suggested Read: 25 Stunning Places To Visit In Summer In Karnataka For A Relaxing Retreat!
4. Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta
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One of the best places near Bandipur, Gopalaswamy Betta is a hill that is frequently visited by travelers. As the hill is found covered by mist throughout the year, it is also known as Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta. What makes it so special is that it is the highest peak in Bandipur National Park and the main reason for many tourists visiting this misty hill is the adventurous elephant ride. Forest Department arranges elephant safaris for tourists at an affordable fee. The best time to visit Gopalaswamy Betta is just after the monsoons, that is, August onwards.
Location: Gundlupete Taluk, Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka, India
Distance from Bandipur: 12 km.
Suggested Read: Top 51 National Parks In India: A List You Just Can’t Ignore!
5. BRT Wildlife Sanctuary
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One of the most famous tourist places near Bandipur, BRT Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for the Temple of Biligiri Ranganatha Swamy. It is situated on the convergence of the Eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats and the main site of attraction of the place is the BR temple, which is the only temple in India that has a standing idol of Lord Ranganatha. Known for its traditional Dravidian style of architecture, this temple of Biligiri Rangaswamy is a place of pilgrimage for over 500 years. The temple priest and localities from places around, together celebrate their annual festival tributing Lord Ranganatha, in the month of April at this spot. You can also enjoy activities such as safari, trekking, fishing, professional angling, coracle boat rides, bird watching, river rafting, and outdoor camping. The best time to visit BRT Wildlife Sanctuary is from October to May.
Location: East of the Western Ghats, Chamarajnagar, Bandipur, India
Distance from Bandipur: 92 km
Suggested Read: 8 Best Places To Visit Near Wayanad, Hidden In The Ghats Of Kerala
6. Rajiv Gandhi National Park
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Also known as Nagarhole National Park, Rajiv Gandhi National Park is located in the southern part of Karnataka about 110 km north-west from Bandipur. The park has 47 streams, 41 artificial tanks, 4 lakes, 4 perennial streams, and a dam that attracts tourists throughout the year. The Kabini river at the park is a major source of water for wild animals such as elephants, deer, and other animals that can be easily spotted. This park is an ideal place to visit all throughout the year.
Location: Nagarhole Rd, Veeranahosahalli, Karnataka 571105
Distance from Bandipur: 110 km
Suggested Read: 15 Top Hill Stations In Karnataka To Rejuvenate Yourself
7. Ooty
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We can’t talk about the best places to visit near Bandipur and forget Ooty, right? Ooty (short for Udhagamandalam) is a hill town in the Western Ghats mountains of Tamil Nadu. Main places to visit in Ooty include Rose Garden, Ooty Lake, Wax World, Deer Park, Avalanche Lake, and St. Stephen’s Church. You must take a ride in the Ooty mountain train which still runs on the steam engine! The best time to visit Ooty is around January to May, when the weather is a bit cooled down. While you are in Bandipur, Ooty is just a 30 min drive away and you can easily get a cab from Bandipur to Ooty since this is already a very popular route among tourists.
Best Time To Visit: October – June
Ideal Duration: 2 Nights/3 Days
Things To Do: Nilgiri Mountain Toy Train, Botanical Gardens, Dolphin’s Nose, Toda Huts
Location: Tamil Nadu, India
Distance from Bandipur: 49 km.
Further Read: 10 Best Places To Visit Near Bannerghatta To Unravel The Hidden Gems In Karnataka!
Bandipur is a great place for tourism and the places around it are also as amazing as the city itself. There are numerous places to visit near Bandipur that will make your vacation all the more exciting. The National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries are great for explorations and photographs. So, stop thinking and start planning your trip to Karnataka with TravelTriangle and experience all these places near Bandipur for a fulfilling and fun vacation!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit Near Bandipur
Is accommodation possible in Bandipur?
Yes, accommodations by several private resorts and hotels are available which provides you a comfortable and cozy stay.
What is the best time to visit Bandipur?
The best time to visit Bandipur is during winter, between the months of October and March. But if you love wildlife photography, then summer is more ideal.
At what time does Bandipur road close?
During the night (9 pm to 6 am)to avoid accidents with wild animals crossing the roads. For two-wheelers, the roads close 6 pm onwards itself.
How does one get to Bandipur?
Take a flight/train to Mysore, whichever is comfortable for you. Now from Mysore, you will easily find a cab/private Taxi to travel to Bandipur.
Which animal is famous in Bandipur National Park?
Bandipur is famous for a variety of animals such as tigers, Gaur, Sambhar, Chital, Mouse-deer, Jackal, Panther, and Porcupines.
How far is Bandipur from Mysore?
Bandipur is located at a distance of 85 km from Mysore.
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A budding entrepreneur, Raminder has completed his studies from Delhi and gradually developed interest in writing. His zeal and experience is what has made him a successful writer today.
