Stay At The Bandipur Tiger Reserve For Just INR 450 For Dorms And INR 1,000 For Cottages

Right in the buffer zone of the Bandipur Tiger Reserve, the government guest houses are perfect for location and budget — where else can you get dorm rooms for INR 450, and suites for INR 650 upwards!

The first lodge to be set up in the Bandipur Tiger Reserve, just on the border of the buffer zone, the government guest houses are a real steal for such prime location. With about 25 cottages with suites and rooms in them, and dormitories that can hold a total of 45 people {6, 9, 10, 20 in each category}, it’s got plenty of space. Very basic in the set up, it’s a typical lodge with beds, bare minimum furniture in the room, and in the sit out area. Plus, a canteen that serves homely but tasty food. Book well in advance as it’s either crowded or really empty — but don’t take the risk!

For those ready to forgo the luxuries of swanky resorts, in favour of easy access to the tiger reserve, having deer, elephant and monkeys roaming the property and the odd bear family wandering across the gardens, then this one’s for you. And at the price, it’s almost too good to be true. Expect it’s good and true!

While staying on the campus of the lodges is an option, because some wildlife can be spotted right from your room, it’s best to sign up for the activities they have. Pick from jeep safaris {best to get a gypsy if you’re six people; it’s only INR 3,000 for the vehicle, and entrance to the park}, regular bus safaris and organised treks to keep you occupied. It’s really a fantastic experience. And since it’s a government enterprise, you get access to places private resorts don’t. That only means one thing — more chances of spotting wildlife in their natural habitat. Being a photographer it’s always a good thing. Nothing like capturing elephants, gaur, langurs, tigers, spotted deer, sambar, bear and peacocks, among other things.

Food is served from a canteen, and they function only at specific times. The lodges themselves have very strict timings, so make sure to adhere to the rules, as it’s a wildlife zone, and animals and birds are priority. You’re in their home, afterall!

Try and hunt for the Cobra Lily, after the monsoon. It’s a majestic flower that looks exactly as impressive as it’s namesake, the Cobra snake.