Situated in the Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka state Bandipur is one of the most important Tiger reservatory national parks. It is 80 kilometers south of Mysore city with neighbors such as The Mudumalai National Park in Tamilnadu, Wayanad Wildlife sanctuary in Kerala and the Nagarahole National Park in the northwest. This national park comes under the Project Tiger which comes under the endangered species preservation category. The Bandipur National Park is home to 70 tigers and a couple thousand Asian elephants, leopards, gaur, sloth bears and dholes. This National Park comes under the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve region in Karnataka. Started as one of the initial tiger reserves in 1931, it was transformed into a National Park under the wildlife protection act in 1974.
History of Bandipur National Park
- The idea was proposed by then Maharaja of state Mysore in 1931. In its initial days, the Bandipur National park only had 90 sq kilometers of the area under it which karter expanded. The Bandipur National Park was first named Venugopala Wildlife Park but it was soon changed into Bandipur. By 1973 800 sq kilometer if the additional area was introduced within the Bandipur range and it was then established under Project Tiger.
- Soon the Bandipur National Park was joined to neighboring smaller National Parks such as Mudumalai National park having 320 sq kilometers and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary with 344 sq kilometers making it the largest wildlife protected area.
Flora & Fauna at Bandipur
- Bandipur region is filled with a tremendous amount of Wildlife from reptiles to big cats. It has an innumerable number of species within its premises which are hard to count for anyone. It also has some endangered mammal species, such as Dhole, Langur, Stripe-necked Mongoose, Chital, Grizzled Indian Squirrel, The Flying Squirrel and many more.
- Bandipur is not only associated with flora but also green trees and medicinal shrubs. It has Teak, Sandalwood, Rosewood, Indian Kino Tree, Indian Gooseberry, Kadam Tree and much more.
- Due to this mesmerizing variety of flora and fauna, Bandipur National Park has a most picturesque view to offer. A nature walk at this National Park will forever have its impact on you.
The Present of Bandipur National Park
The Bandipur National Park now has over 1000 sq kilometers of the area under it for wildlife preservation. With a pleasant weather of 24°-28° throughout the day and calendar, this is most ideal conditions for most plants and animals.