Complete Guide to Bandipur National Park, Location, Flora, Fauna & Tourism Info

Bandipur National Park is one of wildlife reserves located in the Chamarajanagar District of Karnataka. Established originally as Venugopala Wildlife Park in 1931 by the Maharaja of Mysore, it became a designated Tiger Reserve in 1973 under Project Tiger. Spread across an area of 872.24 sq. km, it forms a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which also includes the Nagarahole, Mudumalai, and Wayanad wildlife areas. This region is known for its scenic beauty, ecological richness, and biodiversity conservation efforts.

Bandipur National Park

Bandipur National Park lies at the convergence of the Deccan Plateau and the Western Ghats, making it ecologically diverse. The park ranges in altitude from 680 m to 1,454 m, which contributes to its varied flora and fauna. It has dry deciduous forests, moist deciduous forests, and scrublands that support numerous endangered species. Known for its effective wildlife management, Bandipur is a popular destination for eco-tourism and conservation education. It plays a crucial role in protecting several flagship species, especially tigers and elephants.

Bandipur National Park Geographical Features

• Location: Situated in the Chamarajanagar and Mysore revenue districts in southern Karnataka, India.
• Geographical Coordinates: Latitude extends from 11° 35′ 34″ to 11° 55′ 02″, and longitude from 76° 12′ 17″ to 76° 51′ 32″.
•  Total Area: Covers 1456.309 sq. km., categorised into four zones:
  • Core Zone (Perilous Tiger Habitat): 872.24 sq. km.
  • Buffer Zone (Peripheral Region): 118.279 sq. km.
  • Forest Area: 465.79 sq. km.
  • Non-Forest Area: 584.069 sq. km.

• • Altitude: Elevation ranges between 780 metres and 1455 metres above mean sea level.

• Rivers:

• • River Kabini borders the northern region.
  • River Moyar defines the southern boundary.
  • River Nugu flows through the park.

• • Highest Point: Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta is the highest peak within the reserve.
  • Climate: Annual temperature ranges from a minimum of 10°C to a maximum of 35°C.
  • Rainfall: Receives an average annual rainfall of approximately 1200 mm.

• Neighbouring Protected Areas:

• Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (Tamil Nadu) to the south

• Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala) to the southwest

• Nagarahole Tiger Reserve (Karnataka) to the northwest

• Nearest Town: Gundlupet, located about 20 km from the reserve.

Bandipur National Park Significance

Bandipur National Park is home to India’s second-largest population of tigers and the largest population of wild Asian elephants in South Asia. It serves as a crucial corridor connecting multiple tiger habitats, including Nagarahole, Mudumalai, and Wayanad. The park forms part of the Western Ghats Tiger Landscape, which has one of the highest densities of tigers globally 11 per 100 sq. km as per the 2010 assessment. The park is closed to vehicular movement between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. to prevent wildlife casualties and promote safe animal movement.

Bandipur National Park Map

Bandipur National Park is geographically positioned in southern Karnataka and shares boundaries with Tamil Nadu and Kerala, forming a unique tri-junction. The Bandipur National Park Map is divided into zones like the core zone (872.24 sq. km) and buffer zone (118.27 sq. km), all contributing to habitat management and eco-tourism regulation.

Bandipur National Park Flora

1. The Bandipur National Park Flora is diverse, with ecosystems from scrublands to tropical dry and moist deciduous forests.
2. The northeastern part of the reserve is primarily covered with dry deciduous forests.
3. In contrast, the eastern region is dominated by shrublands interspersed with open grassy patches.
4. Prominent tree species found in the park include rosewood, sandalwood, Indian laurel, Indian kino, bamboo, and black cutch.
5. Flowering and fruit-bearing trees such as kadam, Cassia fistula (commonly known as the golden shower tree), Indian gooseberry, crape myrtle, and indigo berry play a significant role in supporting biodiversity.
6. These trees not only enhance the ecological richness of the area but also provide essential food sources for herbivorous species inhabiting the reserve.

Also Read: Tapti River System

Bandipur National Park Fauna

1. Bandipur National Park Fauna hosts a wide range of wildlife species, with a primary focus on the conservation of tigers and elephants.
2. The park also shelters other large mammals such as gaur, sloth bear, four-horned antelope, dhole (wild dog), and golden jackal.
3. Reptilian species found in the area include the Indian rock python and the mugger crocodile.
4. Bandipur National Park is also rich in avian diversity, with more than 200 species of birds recorded within the reserve.
5. Its proximity to other wildlife sanctuaries facilitates genetic exchange, which is vital for maintaining healthy animal populations.
6. The abundance and variety of fauna make Bandipur an important centre for wildlife conservation in India.