Neighbouring Spectacles from Bandipur National Park
Karnataka is a proud state housing the second highest population of Tiger in India, after Madhya Pradesh. As per the latest reports of 2022, the current number of tigers is 563 in the state. 173 of them reside in Bandipur National Park. Bandipur Tiger Reserve is known to be one of the finest tiger habitats in India, located in South Karnataka’s Chamarajanagar and Mysore revenue districts. Going by its geographical placement, the tiger reserve is a meeting point of the Eastern and Western Ghats, with an amazing collection of flora and fauna. The areas of Western Ghats in Bandipur Tiger Reserve have higher tiger records compared to the eastern side.
Other wildlife variations in Bandipur National Park are Indian elephant, leopard, gaur, sloth bear, sambar, chital, wild boar, etc. Bus, jeep and camper safari are available in different slots in the morning and afternoon to set forth deep inside the jungle to feast your eyes on the mesmerising wildlife as well as flora. A Bandipur Tiger Safari Tour is the best thing you can do on your visit to the national park.
However, there are a few more attractions around Bandipur National Park, in case you have a craving for nearby sightseeing. Here are some of the options for you –
Sultan Bathery (21.5 km) - It is a popular tourist attraction in Kerala, a very short drive from Bandipur National Park. Earlier known as Ganapathi Vattam, the place is named after Tipu Sultan, who during the invasion of the Malabar region, used this place to stock up artillery inside an ancient Jain temple. The Edakkal Caves are a must-visit on a trip to Sultan Bathery.
Kanakgiri Kshetra (42.8 km) - The Kanakgiri Temple is dedicated to Jain Parshwanatha and is located in Kanakgiri, Chamarajanagar. This ancient Jain temple is perched atop a hill and a fleet of stairs leads to the entrance of the shrine. The magnificent temple is believed to have been built by the rulers of the Western Ganga Dynasty during the 5th and 6th centuries.
Gopalaswamy Betta (17. km) - Himavad refers to height, in the famous Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta. The spot is the highest point of Bandipur National Park and hence the name. The temple is the abode of Lord Krishna posed as a shepherd playing a flute, known as Venugopala, and surrounded by cows. The place has a significant population of wild elephants.
Masinagudi (12.8 km) - On your way to Ooty, lays Masinagudi on the Mysore-Ooty highway. Masinagudi is situated in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu and the Mudumalai National Park is the top attraction there. Other attractions include Theppakadu elephant camp, Maravakandy Dam and Murugan Malai.
If you are planning to chalk out an itinerary for sightseeing near Bandipur Tiger Reserve, then you can plan a visit to Mysore, Ooty, and Coonoor to cover the top attractions in a single day.
Mysore (72.4 km) - Mysore Palace, Trinesvaraswamy Temple, Brindavan Gardens, Sri Chamundeshwari Temple, Jagmohan Palace, St. Philomena’s Church, Lalitha Mahal Palace.
Masinagudi (12.8 km) - Doddabetta Peak, Avalanche Lake, Toda Hamlet, Botanical Garden, Pine Forests, Emerald Dam.
Coonoor (71.9 km) - Lamb’s Rock, Dolphin’s Nose, Sim’s Park, Wellington Lake, Highfield Tea Factory, Rallia Dam.
