Bandipur National Park

Located on Mysore - Ooty highway in southern Karnataka, Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary is spread in 800 sq kms. Established in 1930, this sanctuary was declared as one of the nine tiger reserves in India under Project Tiger Plan. Later, the sanctuary attained the status of a National Park in 1974, under the Wildlife Protection Act.

Some of the rare plant species found in the park include Teak, Dalbergia Latifolia, Pterocarpus Marsupium, Adina Cordifolia, Grewia Tiliaefolia, Anogeissus Latifolia, Terminalia Chebula, Schleichera Trijuga, Odina Wodiar, Butea Monosperma, Cassia Fistula and Dendrocalamus Strictus.

Housing a wide array of animals like Tiger, Leopard, Elephant, Gaur, Sambar, Chital, Sloth bear, Mouse deer, Wild dog, Wild boar, Barking deer, Four horned Antelope and Hyena; the sanctuary is also home to some important birds like Grey Jungle Fowl, Pompadour Green Pigeon, Honey Buzzard, Red-headed Vulture, Nilgiri Flycatcher, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Little Spider Hunter and Plain Flower Pecker.

Wildlife safaris are also at the disposal of the tourists at the sanctuary. Elephant or jeep safaris can be a potential option to explore the natural beauty of the place.