The Ultimate Bandipur Guide: Safaris, Picturesque Drives, Hikes, And Picnics

So when we say Bandipur, we mean the Bandipur National Park and the surrounding areas. From Bangalore, it’s about a half-day drive, so if you leave a bit early, before the day traffic, you can really do two full days at Bandipur. There are no flights or direct buses to Bandipur, so it’s best to travel by road. The nearest railway station is Mysuru Junction, and the nearest airport is Mysore Airport, but we recommend that if you’re coming from out of state, to fly into Bangalore and then drive down.

Distance from Bangalore: 210 kilometres or about 4 hours via road

Best Time to Visit Bandipur: The national park recommends October to February as the best months to visit because it’s a relatively easier weather and there’s a higher chance of spotting wildlife. Summers, which is usually between March and May are the best time to spot tigers and elephants. 

Bandipur National Park is 80km away from Mysore, and is one of the biggest biosphere reserves as it also shares borders with Nagarhole National Park (Karnataka), Mudhumalai (Tamil Nadu), and Wayanad (Kerala). At one point, you’re in the middle of three states so take your pick of which one you’d like to catch wildlife like elephants, tigers, Indian Bison, deer, monkeys, and the occasional peacock. If you’re just passing by, enjoy the greenery and extra oxygen; just remember that it’s shut between 9 PM and 6 AM. 

Went to Bandipur just to go on the safari? Check in to the Bandipur Safari Lodge at the National Park. The Guesthouse boasts of quaint cottages and dorm rooms, pick a room based on your comfort. The main attraction (apart from wildlife casually walking past you) are the safaris that you get access to. Mornings, go for a nature walk with a naturalist, enjoy adventure activities in the afternoon, and bonfires once the sun sets.

The Kabini River nicely flows between Nagarahole National Park and Bandipur National park, providing water for all the lush flora and fauna to both. If you’re not boating or rafting along the Kabini River, make a stop by the Backwaters or Dam for a picnic and great views. Ideally, visit for lunch (with your picnic baskets, a blanket, and lots of sunscreen) and stay for the sunset, before you head off to the nearest resort for the night, among other things to do. 

Built by Sir.M.Viswesvarayya, the relatively small dam is a picturesque location around an hour and a half away from Mysore, and an hour from Bandipur National Park. Walk along the bridge, and come monsoon, enjoy the gushing water from the sluice gates. Otherwise, just enjoy the water body and set up a picnic on the way back to Bangalore or Mysore. We’ll have you know that August is a great time to visit, as the reservoir is pretty full, and the constant grey clouds make a dramatic view over the dam. Do know that this might be closed. 

You or your travel companion a touch religious? Atop the highest peak of Bandipur is the Gopalaswamy Temple. Cool, windy, and always misty, the temple can be reached by foot if you’re okay with an easy hike. If not, there’s mini-bus service by the Forest Department costing around a minimal INR 20 per head as private vehicles aren’t allowed past the checkpost. We’d strongly suggest the hike, as you’re likely to encounter wildlife like monkeys and deer on your path, and breathtaking views of the misty hills of course. Do know that timings may vary due to the pandemic restrictions and even seasonal differences.