Bandipur National Park

Bandipur National Park is situated along the Mysore-Ooty highway in the state of Karnataka, India. Different biomes are present in here making it rich in biodiversity. The park covers an area of about 8754sq.km, and it is a significant site of protection of endangered species in Southern India. The park hosts a wide range of flora and fauna along with the beautiful picturesque.

---

Geographical landscapes of the National Park

As it is located near the Deccan plateau, where it drops in the Ghats, it has rich biodiversity along with beautiful geographical features. The park is positioned between 11?35?N to 11?57?N and 75?12?E to 76?51?E. The Nugu River and the Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta summit are confined within the Bandipur National Park. The Kabini reservoir is located in the North West region of the park. Animals are usually seen near these water bodies while drinking water, especially in summer.

---

Nearby wildlife sanctuary

The Mudumalai wildlife sanctuary is the nearest sanctuary, and these are often considered to be the same as they share borders. Several Endangered and Critically Endangered species of animals and birds are found here. Bandipur lies in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.

The area receives moderate precipitation, and the monsoon lasts up to September. The average summer temperature varies up to 38-degree centigrade whereas the average winter temperature is about 22-degree centigrade. The overall climatic condition is moderate because of its vicinity to the coast and the Western Ghats.

It is essential to plan out a trip keeping in mind the animals because they are the very first reason, one visits a national park. October to May is the best time to visit Bandipur. This is the time when people can spot several migratory birds. Also, other residents can be seen without much difficulty. Summer is still an excellent time.

The park is set up as a habitat to numerous animals and birds, making it biologically wealthy. Almost 75 tigers and 3470 Indian elephants can be seen here. Animals like Gaur, chital, langurs, four-horned Antelope, Flying Squirrel, Nilgiri Tahr, Leopard, Macaque, jungle cat and civets live here in the bounty. Along with these, the different varieties of insects and reptiles are the cherry on top. Indian rock python, flying lizard, crocodiles, frogs, Malabar raven, blue Mormon and beetles are some of the familiar creatures which are quite easy to spot.

The bird population is enormous as well. It is a pleasure to watch about 200 different species of birds, including the Indian Vultures, Indian rollers, Changeable Hawk Eagle, Kingfishers, Peafowl, Grey jungle fowl, Red-headed vultures and the bee-eaters. The suitable climate may be the reason why these birds can be seen most of the time of a year.

---

The natural vegetation or flora

Bandipur National Park is famous predominantly for the dry deciduous vegetation it grows within its borders. The trees of Rosewood, clumping bamboo, sandalwood, teak, Indian Kino and the Indian laurel can be seen lined up in the area of the park, enhancing its charm. Flame of Forest is a particular tree found in the forest, and its beauty can be felt only by the one who sees it! Local trees of Mango, Tamarind, Gooseberry and others are also present.