Bandipur measuring a good 900 sq km was the private hunting ground of the Wodeyars of Mysore who like every other royal clan in India were lovers of shikaar( hunting).The difference is that they soon realized the need for conservation and turned it into a game sanctuary. One of the present princesses of the Mysore royal family even runs a resort in this area. The early mornings are best for treks but again only with a local guide as the sloth bear is found in abundance in these areas with a hillock being named after it -Karadi Betta.When the forest is in bloom the juicy flowers become a haunt for the numerous varieties of birds. You can often see the myna, the weaver bird and the parrot feasting together. A jeep safari is a great idea and animals you are sure to spot include panthers, jackal, sambhar, antelope and gaur besides elephants. The pachyderms are everywhere and these forests are supposed to be home to 2,000 -3000 elephants. Besides trekking and wildlife safaris there is nothing else to do in Bandipur.You can do bird watching and take long walks and relaxing in the real wild.
Where to stay
Forest Dept cottages
Tuskar Trails
Bush Betta
How to get there
Air: Nearest airport is at Bangalore 204 km away
Rail: The nearest railway station is at Mysore
Road: It is connected to Bangalore by State Highway no-17
