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Bannerghatta National Park
Location: Karnataka
Area: 104.27 sq. km.
Major Wildlife Attractions: Elephant, Wild Boar, Cheetal
Best time to visit: Mid-June to August
Places to Stay: Bannerghatta Nature Camp
About Bannerghatta National Park
The Bannerghatta National Park,
situated in the south Indian state of Karnataka was established in the
year 1971 and includes ten reserve forests of the Anekal Range. The
hills surrounding the forest are dotted with temples and the park
boasts of a rich variety of flora and fauna. Situated at an altitude
of 3375 ft., the uneven terrain is interspersed with valleys, streams
and other scenic spots.
The park is open throughout the year for visitors while the best time
to visit the place is between mid-June and August when the place is at
its greenest and provides a beautiful eye soothing spectacle. The best
time to spot wild animals however is between the months of November
and June.
A downside about the place is that its close proximity to a major
metro has created problems of growing industrialisation and
urbanisation. Incidents of poisoning of animals have been a major
concern for the park authorities.
Safari options abound in the park. The forest department offers a
number of safaris including the grand safari which covers all the four
enclosures of the park. Other safaris include the tiger and lion
safari, elephant joy ride and a short trek. Safaris are also offered
by the jungle lodges. Timings for the safaris are 10AM to 4:30PM.
Wildlife Attractions in
Bannerghatta National Park
The Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP) is the area where the forest
department has kept lions and tigers rescued over the years from
circuses. The area is of major interest to the visitors and more than
10 lakh tourists throng the place every year.
Some of the major animals found in the region include elephant,
bonnet macaque, cheetal, muntjac, slow loris, wild boar, porcupine,
fox and three striped palm squirrel.
The park is also home to a myriad variety of avian population. In
fact, there are over 200 species of birds found in the park which
include honey buzzard, great horned owl, spotted owlet, purple
sunbird, loten's sun bird and the small green barbet.
Best Time to Visit Bannerghatta National Park
The best visiting season of Bannerghatta National Park is from
Mid-June to August.
How to Get there
Air: Bangalore is the nearest airport. Jet Airways flies to
Bangalore from Chennai (10:05, Daily), from Delhi (6:35, 9:50, 17:50,
Daily), from Goa (14:15, Daily) and from Kolkata (6:50, 14:00, Daily).
Rail: Bangalore is the nearest railhead, connected by daily
trains from Delhi : Karnataka Exp. (21:15), from Mumbai : Coimbatore
Exp. (22:30), Udayan Exp. (8:05) and from Chennai : Bangalore Mail
(23:15), Mysore Exp. (21:45)
Road: To reach from Bangalore, follow the Bannerghatta road to
south Bangalore. It is best to take one of the regularly plying state
transport buses or hire a taxi to reach the park. |
