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Bannerghatta National Park, Karnataka | Wildlife Tours

History of Bannerghatta National Park

Bannerghatta National Park was established in 1971, with an initial area of just 25,000 acres. However, over the years, the park's boundaries were expanded to encompass 104.27 square kilometers. The park was created with the aim of preserving the natural habitat of the region's wildlife and was later declared a National Park in 1974. In 2002, the park was included in Project Tiger, a wildlife conservation program aimed at preserving the country's dwindling tiger population.

Geographical Location and Climate

Bannerghatta National Park is located in the southern state of Karnataka, just a short distance from the city of Bangalore. The park's altitude ranges from 1,000 meters to 2,300 meters above sea level, making it a perfect destination for those looking to escape the heat of the lowlands. The park's climate is tropical with an average temperature of 24.5°C. The monsoon season runs from June to September, while the dry season is from October to May.

Flora and Fauna at Bannerghatta National Park

Bannerghatta National Park boasts an impressive array of flora and fauna, making it a paradise for nature lovers. The park is home to more than 150 species of birds, 30 species of mammals, and numerous species of reptiles and butterflies.

Mammals

The park is home to a variety of mammals, including tigers, lions, leopards, elephants, sloth bears, spotted deer, sambar deer, barking deer, gaurs, wild boars, langurs, and macaques.

Birds

Bannerghatta National Park is a bird lover's paradise, with over 150 species of birds found within the park's boundaries. Some of the most commonly spotted birds include the Oriental White-eye, Grey Junglefowl, Rufous Babbler, Yellow-throated Bulbul, and the Blue-faced Malkoha.

Reptiles

The park is home to several species of reptiles, including the King Cobra, Russell's Viper, Common Krait, Indian Rock Python, and the Green Vine Snake.

Butterflies

Bannerghatta National Park is also home to numerous species of butterflies, including the Southern Birdwing, Blue Mormon, Common Jay, and the Crimson Rose.

Safari Tours and Other Activities

A visit to Bannerghatta National Park wouldn't be complete without experiencing the park's amazing

wildlife up close. The park offers a range of safari tours and other activities to give visitors an unforgettable experience.

Grand Safari

The Grand Safari is the most popular safari tour offered at Bannerghatta National Park. It takes visitors on a 16 km journey through the park's dense forests and grasslands. The tour is conducted in a specially designed vehicle that can accommodate up to 14 people. Visitors can spot tigers, lions, bears, deer, and other animals during the safari.

Jungle Safari

The Jungle Safari is another popular safari tour that takes visitors deep into the park's forests. Visitors can spot several species of animals and birds, including tigers, lions, bears, elephants, and more.

Butterfly Park

The Butterfly Park is a unique attraction at Bannerghatta National Park that houses over 20 species of butterflies. The park is spread over an area of 7.5 acres and is designed to mimic the natural habitat of the butterflies. Visitors can witness the entire lifecycle of butterflies, from egg to caterpillar to pupa to butterfly.

Zoo

The zoo at Bannerghatta National Park is home to several species of animals and birds, including the white tiger, Bengal tiger, Asiatic lion, Himalayan black bear, and more. The zoo also has a reptile park that houses several species of snakes, lizards, and turtles.

Trekking

For those who love adventure, trekking is a great way to explore the park's natural beauty. The park offers several trekking trails that take visitors through dense forests, grasslands, and hills.

Camping

Bannerghatta National Park also offers camping facilities for visitors who want to spend a night in the wilderness. The park has several campsites that are equipped with basic amenities like tents, sleeping bags, and food.

Bird Watching

The park's diverse birdlife makes it a great destination for bird watchers. Visitors can spot several species of birds, including the Oriental White-eye, Grey Junglefowl, Rufous Babbler, Yellow-throated Bulbul, and the Blue-faced Malkoha.

Best Time to Visit Bannerghatta National Park

The best time to visit Bannerghatta National Park is from September to January, when the weather is pleasant and the chances of spotting wildlife are higher. The park remains closed on Tuesdays and during the monsoon season.

Accommodations

There are several accommodations available near Bannerghatta National Park, ranging from budget hotels to luxury resorts. Visitors can choose from a range of options based on their preferences and budget.

Bannerghatta National Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The park's diverse flora and fauna, coupled with a range of safari tours and other activities, make it an unforgettable experience. Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or just some time in nature, Bannerghatta National Park has something for everyone.

How to travel by road to Bannerghatta National Park and the nearest bus stand 

If you're planning to visit Bannerghatta National Park by road, there are several options available to you. The park is located approximately 22 kilometers away from Bangalore city, which makes it easily accessible by road.

The best way to reach the park is by hiring a cab or taking a private vehicle. You can hire a cab from Bangalore city or book one in advance through various online taxi booking services. The park is well connected by road and the journey takes around 1 hour to complete.

Another option is to take a bus from Bangalore city to Bannerghatta National Park. There are several buses that operate between Bangalore and the park, including both government and private buses. The nearest bus stand to the park is Bannerghatta Biological Park Bus Stop, which is just a short walk away from the park entrance.

It's important to note that the roads leading to the park can be narrow and winding, so it's advisable to drive carefully and cautiously. Additionally, during peak season, the roads can get crowded, so it's recommended to plan your trip accordingly and avoid peak hours.

How to travel by train to Bannerghatta National Park and the nearest railway station

Unfortunately, there is no direct train connectivity to Bannerghatta National Park. The nearest railway station to the park is Bangalore City Railway Station, which is located approximately 22 kilometers away.

Once you reach Bangalore City Railway Station, you can hire a cab or take a bus to reach the park. As mentioned earlier, there are several buses that operate between Bangalore and the park, which can be easily accessed from the bus stand near the railway station.

Alternatively, you can also hire a cab from Bangalore City Railway Station to reach the park. Several taxi services are available near the railway station, which offer affordable rates for the journey.

It's important to note that the journey from Bangalore City Railway Station to the park can take around 1 hour, depending on the traffic conditions. It's advisable to plan your trip accordingly and avoid peak hours to ensure a hassle-free journey.

How to travel by air to Bannerghatta National Park and the nearest airport

The nearest airport to Bannerghatta National Park is Kempegowda International Airport, which is located approximately 60 kilometers away. The airport is well-connected to major cities in India and several international destinations.

Once you reach the airport, you can hire a cab or take a bus to reach Bannerghatta National Park. Several taxi services are available at the airport, which offer affordable rates for the journey. You can also book a cab in advance through various online taxi booking services.

If you prefer to travel by bus, there are several government and private buses that operate between the airport and Bangalore city. From there, you can take a bus to reach the park.

It's important to note that the journey from the airport to the park can take around 2 hours, depending on the traffic conditions. It's advisable to plan your trip accordingly and avoid peak hours to ensure a hassle-free journey.

FAQs

Q.1 What is the entry fee for Bannerghatta National Park?

The entry fee for Bannerghatta National Park varies for Indian and foreign visitors. For Indian visitors, the fee is Rs. 100 per person for adults and Rs. 50 per person for children. For foreign visitors, the fee is Rs. 400 per person for adults and Rs. 300 per person for children.

Q.2 Are there any restrictions on safari tours at Bannerghatta National Park?

Yes, visitors are required to follow certain rules and regulations during safari tours. They are not allowed to get down from the vehicle during the tour and are prohibited from feeding the animals.

Q.3 Is it safe to go camping at Bannerghatta National Park?

Yes, camping facilities at Bannerghatta National Park are safe and equipped with basic amenities like tents, sleeping bags, and food. Visitors are advised to follow the instructions of the park authorities and take necessary precautions.

Q.4 What is the best time to visit Bannerghatta National Park?

The best time to visit Bannerghatta National Park is from September to January, when the weather is pleasant and the chances of spotting wildlife are higher.

Q.5 What are the different types of animals that can be spotted at Bannerghatta National Park?

Visitors can spot several species of animals at Bannerghatta National Park, including tigers, lions, bears, elephants, deer, and more. The park is also home to several species of birds and reptiles.