Things to do at Bandipur Safari Lodge

There are many activities that you can enjoy at Bandipur Safari Lodge. Some of the things you can do include:

1. Safari tours: The lodge offers guided safari tours through the national park, where you can spot a variety of wildlife, including elephants, tigers, deer, and a variety of bird species.
2. Birdwatching: The lodge is located in an area with a rich diversity of bird species, making it an ideal place for birdwatching. You can take guided birdwatching tours or simply enjoy the birds from the comfort of your cottage.
3. Nature walks: The lodge offers guided nature walks through the surrounding forests, where you can learn about the local flora and fauna and get a sense of the natural beauty of the area.
4. Cultural experiences: The lodge also offers cultural experiences, such as visits to local villages and temples, where you can learn about the local culture and traditions.
5. Relaxation: In addition to these activities, you can also simply relax at the lodge and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Where is Bandipur Safari Lodge?  

Bandipur Safari Lodge is located in the Bandipur National Park in the state of Karnataka, India. The park is situated in the Western Ghats, a mountain range that runs parallel to the western coast of India. The lodge is located in a serene and peaceful location surrounded by the lush green forests of the national park. It is about 80 kilometers from the city of Mysore and about 220 kilometers from the city of Bangalore. The nearest airport is in Bangalore, which is about a 4-hour drive from the lodge. There are also several bus and train services that operate between Bangalore and the lodge.

About the Bandipur Tiger Reserve

Bandipur Tiger Reserve and National Park is a protected area located in the state of Karnataka, India. It is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park covers an area of approximately 874 square kilometers and is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including over 100 species of mammals and over 300 species of birds. The park is known for its large population of Bengal tigers, which are the main attraction for visitors. Other wildlife found in the park includes elephants, gaurs (Indian bison), deer, and a variety of bird species. The park is also home to a number of endangered species, including the Indian giant squirrel and the lion-tailed macaque. The park offers a range of activities, including safari tours, nature walks, and birdwatching. It is an ideal place for those who want to experience the natural beauty and wildlife of the Western Ghats.

What to expect at Bandipur Safari lodge lodge? 

At Bandipur Safari Lodge, you can expect a comfortable and authentic wildlife experience. The lodge is located in a beautiful and serene location surrounded by the lush green forests of the Bandipur National Park. It offers a range of accommodations, including cottages, tents, and treehouses, all of which are designed to provide guests with a comfortable and memorable stay. The lodge also has a range of facilities where you can relax and unwind.

During your stay at the lodge, you can participate in a variety of activities, including safari tours, birdwatching, nature walks, and cultural experiences. The lodge offers guided tours and activities, as well as the opportunity to explore the surrounding area on your own. You can also simply relax at the lodge and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Overall, you can expect a comfortable and enjoyable stay at Bandipur Safari Lodge, with the opportunity to experience the natural beauty and wildlife of the Bandipur National Park.

What is the Bandipur National Park famous for? 

It is famous for its rich biodiversity and is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including several endangered and threatened species. The park is known for its population of Indian elephants, which are a major attraction for visitors. It is also home to other large mammals such as tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and several species of deer and antelope. The park is also home to a wide variety of birds, reptiles, and amphibians. With seven large angulate species (muntjac, chital, sambar, chousingha, gaur, wildpig, and elephant) and three large predatory carnivores (tiger, leopard, and dholes), the park is one of the richest wildlife locations in India. In addition to its natural beauty, the park is also known for its efforts to conserve and protect its wildlife and natural habitats.

Bandipur Safari Timings

The package is inclusive of two jeep safaris into the Bandipur Tiger Reserve. The first safari happens between 3:15 PM- 6:15 PM on the first day. If you don't get the chance to spot too many animals on the first day, you'll have another chance the following morning from 6:15 AM- 9:30 AM.

Accomodation and amenities during Bandipur Stay

The Bandipur Safari Lodge accommodations has a strong focus on minimising its impact on the environment and therefore has a limited number of rooms, with only 22 available. These rooms are designed in a contemporary style and feature modern attached bathrooms with eco-friendly features. Each room is also themed, with options including The Gaur Room, The Elephant Room, and The Tiger Room. The lodge aims to provide a comfortable and enjoyable stay for guests while also maintaining a commitment to sustainability. 

Maharaja Package: This special cottage accommodation package includes stay, lunch, dinner & breakfast, safari into Bandipur Tiger Reserve, guided nature walk, forest entry charges and GST 18%. The amenities include bathroom, housekeeping, parking, umbrellas, luggage assistance, wake-up call/ service, seating area, balcony, coffee maker and a TV. This package has AC and non- AC options, with varying prices. 

Prices for Bandipur Safari Lodge - Maharaja Package starts from ₹ 6290 / person (Excl. Taxes). 

Please note that the prices are subject to weekday and weekend rates. 

Viceroy Package: This cottage accommodation package includes stay, lunch, dinner & breakfast, safari into Bandipur Tiger Reserve, guided nature walk, forest entry charges and GST 18%. The amenities include bathroom, housekeeping, parking, umbrellas, luggage assistance, wake-up call/ service, seating area, balcony, coffee maker, air cooler and a TV. 

Prices for Bandipur Safari Lodge - Viceroy Package starts from ₹ 5525 / person (Excl. Taxes). 

Please note that the prices are subject to weekday and weekend rates. 

The Lodge serves a delicious buffet of vegetarian and non-vegetarian South Indian cuisine. There is also a superb Thai and Chinese menu. The Bandipur Safari Lodge has an interesting open-to-sides gazebo and banquet area called Gol Ghar, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills, including Gopalaswamy Betta, the highest peak in Bandipur at 1455 metres. The Lodge also offers a multi-cuisine restaurant, a private bar, and campfire settings. There is a well-equipped visitors' lounge with a great selection of books and CDs about ecology and wildlife.

The lodge prioritizes maintaining a tranquil and harmonious environment for its guests. The prospects for animal viewing in the National Park early in the morning and late at night are the highlights of a stay at Bandipur Safari Lodge. Guests are assisted in identifying and comprehending the vast diversity of flora, fauna, and avifauna through excursions in open-top jeeps and on foot into the Park with a professional and experienced naturalist as guide. In these pristine surroundings, there are many opportunities for nature walks, bird watching, and wildlife photography for the naturalists at heart. Guests can also partake in stargazing, wildlife films, and slide shows.

Your itinerary at Bandipur Safari Lodge

Check in at 1 pm, soak in the beauty of the place and relax for a bit. Treat yourself to a sumptuous lunch at the Gol Ghar. By 3 pm, gear up for a ride into the Park with tea/ coffee served at the reception area with safari briefing. Enjoy yourself on a wildlife Safari till 6:30 pm in a Vehicle into the Bandipur Tiger Reserve Park, where the Lodge’s naturalists show and share their experiences and information about the jungle and all the animals that live there. Have some delicious tea/ coffee served at the pugmark restaurant till 7pm. Watch a wildlife film show at the conference hall till 8.15 pm. Then, bask in the warmth of the campfire, while you dine in the Gol Ghar, exchanging tales of the jungle with the other guests and our staff.

We advise staying at the Bandipur Safari Lodge for two or three nights if you wish to experience a genuinely gratifying wildlife vacation. Of course, you are free to schedule a longer vacation before making a reservation. For travellers planning a quick visit, a day package is available.

Best time to visit Jungle Lodges & Resorts Bandipur

Although the park is a good spot to visit throughout the year, summer months of March, April and May are the best for sighting wildlife. October to February is when the climate is very pleasant and the forest is at its greenest best.

How to reach JLR Resorts Bandipur

By road: It is about 224 km from Bangalore city and 70 km from Mysore city. Located on the Mysore Highway, the resort is well connected by road and easily accessible. The city of Coimbatore is also about 180 km away from the resort.

By railway: The nearest railway station is the Mysore junction of Mysore and is well connected by trains.

By air: The nearest airport is the Mysore Airport, which connects to Bangalore. There are various modes of transportation from the airport to the property via bus, taxis, car, etc.

Comparison between Bandipur and Kabini reserve 

1. Accessibility: 

Bandipur and the Kabini side of Nagarahole are located within a short driving distance from Mysore, about 60-70 kilometers away. Both forests are situated within the Nilgiri Biosphere reserve and are separated by the Kabini River. In the past, these forests were popular hunting grounds for the Maharaja of Mysore, but they have since been converted into Tiger Reserves. The forests are approximately 210-225 kilometers away from the city of Bengaluru.

2. Topography:

Bandipur is the larger of the two forests, covering approximately 874 square kilometers. Nagarahole is slightly smaller, at just under 650 square kilometers. Bandipur is divided into 12 ranges, and tourists can go on safari through the Bandipur range. Nagarahole is divided into 6 ranges, and tourism is permitted in the Veeranahosalli, Mattiguppe, Nagarahole, and Kallahalla ranges in the north, as well as in the D B Kuppe and Antarasante range in the Kabini side of the national park.

Bandipur is situated at an interesting point within the Nilgiri Biosphere, located near Mudumalai and Wayanad, where the forest is characterized by dry, arid conditions that resemble a scrub jungle. While these forests are close to each other, they have different types of vegetation. Bandipur is mostly made up of dry deciduous forest and is situated at a higher altitude than Nagarahole. It has rugged terrain with rocky outcrops and thick vegetation, with grasslands at the hilltops providing a break from the dense cover of wildlife that fills the forest.

On the other hand, Nagarahole is primarily composed of moist deciduous forest, with teak and eucalyptus plantations scattered throughout. It is located at a lower altitude and has open areas, making it easier to spot wildlife and providing excellent photography opportunities. Both forests can be explored through safari tours, but Nagarahole has a more comprehensive network of roads, making it easier to track wildlife.

3. Wildlife:

The wildlife found in both Bandipur and Nagarahole is very similar, with both parks being home to rare and majestic animals such as tigers, leopards, Asiatic elephants, gaurs, and dholes (Indian wild dogs). Bandipur also has some unique species, such as the Indian hyena, blackbuck, and Chinkara (Indian gazelle) which can be found in the scrub forest surrounding the Moyar River, which divides Bandipur and Mudumalai.

Both parks are renowned for their big cat populations, although the dynamic of sightings has changed in recent decades. In the early 2000s, Bandipur was the go-to destination for cat sightings, particularly tigers, in South India, while Nagarahole had relatively few sightings. Tigers like Gauri and the Aralikatte Male, who lived in Bandipur, are some of the most well-known and widely photographed tigers in South India.

4. Sighting experience:

One potential explanation for the higher frequency of cat sightings in Kabini National Park (Nagarahole) compared to Bandipur National Park is the lack of highway traffic passing through Kabini. Unlike Bandipur, which is located near a popular tourist route to Ooty, Kabini is not on a main road and is less impacted by passing tourists. In Bandipur, it is common to see tourists stopping briefly for a safari during their journey, while in Nagarahole, most tourists stay in the area for a longer period of time and take multiple safaris. In terms of wildlife concentrations, Nagarahole is known for its dense populations of animals in the grasslands, while Bandipur's wildlife sightings are more concentrated in higher altitudes where deer and elephants retreat to graze on the abundant grass.