| Price (Indian) | INR 2500 / - Jeep ( Maximum 6 Persons are allowed in ONE Jeep) |
| Price (Foreigner) | INR 5000 / Jeep ( Maximum 6 Persons are allowed in ONE Jeep ) |
| Zones | Noolpuzra/Moyar / Gundre / Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta |
| Timings | Morning 6:00 AM - 9:00 AM | Evening 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM (Safari Timing Varies as Season Changes) |
| Inclusions | Permission of BTR, Jeep, Driver, Permit and All Entries & Taxes. * Guide Fee to be paid by the guest on the spot directly. * Pick & drop is not included from hotels |
Bandipur Safari Booking: A Simple Guide for Your Adventure
Planning to go on a safari in Bandipur Tiger Reserve? This easy-to-follow guide will help you book your safari and get ready for an unforgettable experience in one of South India’s most spectacular wildlife destinations.
Bandipur Tiger Reserve is a crown jewel of Karnataka’s wildlife heritage, nestled in the scenic Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Spanning over 874 square kilometers of pristine forests, rolling hills, and grasslands, the reserve is home to a thriving population of Bengal tigers, majestic Asian elephants, and an incredible diversity of flora and fauna. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, nature photographer, or adventure seeker, this guide will cover everything you need to know to plan the perfect Bandipur safari.
The park is open from October to May, with the best time to visit being between October and March, when the weather is pleasant and comfortable for wildlife viewing. During these months, you’ll enjoy cool mornings, moderate temperatures, and excellent opportunities for spotting animals in the open grasslands.
For those eager to see more wildlife, including tigers and elephants, visiting during April to May is ideal. As summer temperatures rise, animals frequently visit water holes and streams, making sightings more predictable. However, be prepared for warmer weather during these peak summer months, with temperatures reaching 35-40°C.
The park remains closed during the monsoon season (June to September) to allow the forest ecosystem to rejuvenate naturally. Post-monsoon months of October and November offer lush green landscapes, blooming wildflowers, and a refreshing atmosphere that transforms Bandipur into a verdant paradise. The misty mornings and vibrant vegetation create picture-perfect moments for nature lovers and photographers.
Bandipur offers diverse safari experiences that allow you to explore its magnificent wilderness from different perspectives. Each safari type provides unique opportunities to witness the reserve’s incredible biodiversity.
The Jeep safari is the most popular and intimate way to explore Bandipur’s diverse landscapes. A Jeep can accommodate up to 6 people, taking you through dense teak forests, bamboo groves, open grasslands, and along scenic forest trails where you can spot tigers, leopards, elephants, gaur, deer species, and numerous birds. Jeep safaris provide close encounters with wildlife, guided by experienced naturalists who share fascinating insights about animal behavior, ecology, and conservation efforts.
The Bus safari is an economical option perfect for families and larger groups who want to experience Bandipur’s wildlife together. The forest department operates specially designed safari buses that can carry up to 45 passengers. While less intimate than Jeep safaris, bus safaris cover major wildlife areas and offer good opportunities for elephant sightings, deer herds, and birdwatching. The elevated seating provides excellent visibility, and the shared experience creates a fun, community atmosphere.
Limited elephant safari experiences are occasionally available near the park’s buffer zones, offering a traditional and unique way to experience the forest. These safaris provide stable viewing platforms and allow access to areas where vehicles cannot venture. However, availability is restricted and should be confirmed in advance.
Here’s a detailed look at the timings and prices for safaris in Bandipur Tiger Reserve:
Jeep Safari:
Bus Safari:
Note: Safari timings may vary slightly based on seasonal daylight hours. It’s recommended to arrive at the entry gate 15-20 minutes before scheduled departure time.
Bandipur Tiger Reserve is divided into several safari zones, each offering distinct terrain, wildlife experiences, and scenic landscapes. Here are the most popular and productive safari zones:
The Moyar Zone, accessed via Moyar Gate, is known for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes shaped by the Moyar River flowing along the forest edge. This zone offers excellent opportunities to spot Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, deer, and a variety of bird species amid open forest tracks and riverine terrain. The scenic backdrop and abundant wildlife make it a favorite among photographers and wildlife enthusiasts. .
The Noolpuzha Zone, entered through Noolpuzha Gate, is another prominent safari area in Bandipur Tiger Reserve, offering a tranquil wilderness experience. It features rich tropical forests where visitors can encounter diverse animal species including herbivores and predators, along with vibrant birdlife. This serene zone is ideal for those seeking peaceful yet rewarding wildlife sightings
The Gundre zone is characterized by rolling hills, seasonal streams, and mixed forest vegetation that attracts a wide variety of wildlife. This zone is known for elephant herds, particularly during early mornings and late evenings when they move between feeding grounds. Gundre also offers good opportunities to spot four-horned antelopes, muntjacs, and pythons basking near rocky outcrops. The zone’s diverse topography provides stunning landscape photography opportunities alongside wildlife encounters.
Located at higher elevations, Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta zone offers a unique combination of wildlife viewing and scenic beauty. The zone features misty hilltops, dense evergreen patches, and grasslands that provide habitat for leopards, sloth bears, elephants, and endemic bird species. The cooler temperatures and fog-laden atmosphere create a mystical ambiance, especially during winter months. The zone is also home to the ancient Gopalaswamy Temple, adding cultural significance to your wildlife adventure.
Booking your safari in Bandipur is straightforward if you follow these steps:
Safari Permit: Obtain your safari permit through the Karnataka Forest Department’s official website or authorized booking portals. Permits are required for all safari types and should be booked in advance, especially during weekends and peak tourist season (December to March).
Book Your Safari Package: Reserve your Jeep safari with a reliable operator like Eagle Safaris. We handle all arrangements including vehicles, permits, experienced naturalists, and necessary documentation, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Confirm Your Accommodation: Book accommodation near the reserve well in advance. Options range from luxury jungle resorts and eco-lodges to budget-friendly homestays and government rest houses.
Enjoy Your Safari: Arrive at the designated entry gate on time with your permits, government-issued ID proofs, and essentials. Get ready for an extraordinary wildlife adventure in Bandipur’s breathtaking wilderness!
Bandipur Tiger Reserve is home to a healthy population of over 150 Bengal tigers, along with approximately 2,000 Asian elephants, leopards, dholes (wild dogs), gaur (Indian bison), sloth bears, four-horned antelopes, spotted deer, sambars, barking deer, and over 200 species of birds. The reserve’s diverse landscape features dry deciduous forests, bamboo groves, grassy swales, and seasonal water bodies, creating a photographer’s paradise.
During your safari, you’ll traverse different habitat types and elevations, from flat grasslands to undulating hills. Each safari offers unique experiences—whether it’s watching a tiger emerge from the shadows, observing a herd of elephants bathing in a stream, witnessing the coordinated hunting strategies of wild dogs, or capturing the vibrant colors of Malabar trogons and Indian rollers. The unpredictability and raw beauty of nature make every moment in Bandipur truly memorable and exhilarating.
At Eagle Safaris, we specialize in creating exceptional Bandipur safari experiences that are seamless, memorable, and tailored to your wildlife interests. With over 10 years of experience in wildlife tour management across India’s premier tiger reserves, we offer professionally guided safaris led by expert naturalists and experienced drivers who possess intimate knowledge of Bandipur’s terrain, wildlife behavior, and best viewing locations.
Our team has accumulated thousands of hours of safari experience specifically in Bandipur, ensuring you receive expert tracking skills, ecological insights, and the best opportunities for memorable wildlife encounters. We understand the unique character of this reserve and design each safari to maximize your chances of seeing tigers, elephants, and other magnificent creatures.
We provide comprehensive services including free pick-up and drop-off from your accommodation within the Bandipur region, complimentary water bottles, safari essentials, wildlife identification guides, and personalized attention throughout your visit. Our naturalists share captivating stories about Bandipur’s wildlife, conservation challenges, local tribal communities, and the reserve’s critical role in the Nilgiri Biosphere landscape.
Bandipur Tiger Reserve plays a crucial role in India’s wildlife conservation story. As part of the larger Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, it forms a critical wildlife corridor connecting several protected areas, enabling free movement of elephants, tigers, and other species. Your visit contributes directly to conservation efforts through park fees and employment of local communities as guides, drivers, and hospitality staff.
While visiting Bandipur, take time to explore the rich cultural heritage of the region. The nearby town of Gundlupet offers insights into local life, and the ancient Himavad Gopalaswamy Temple atop a hill within the reserve provides spiritual significance and panoramic views. The vibrant city of Mysore, just 80 kilometers away, features magnificent palaces, bustling markets, and historical monuments worth exploring.
Let Eagle Safaris help you discover the incredible wilderness of Bandipur Tiger Reserve. Contact us today to plan your adventure into the heart of Karnataka’s premier wildlife destination!
Experience Bandipur – where the roar of the tiger echoes through ancient forests, and every moment brings you closer to nature’s most magnificent creatures.
For bookings and inquiries, contact Eagle Safaris – Your trusted partner for unforgettable wildlife adventures in India.
