Bannerghatta National Park, Bangalore, Karnataka, India

Few Facts and Figure

Area : 25000 Acres
Altitude : 740 to 1034 meters above sea
level
Temperature Range : 30°C to 25°C
Best time to Visit : September to January

About Bannerghatta National Park

Bannerghatta National Park is about 22 km from Bangalore in Karnataka. This zoological garden is spread over area of about 25000 acres. It consists of dense forest and scrub land becoming home for wild animals like bison, leopard, wild boar as well as being an important corridor for elephants migrating between the eastern and western ghats.

One of the main attractions here are the lion and tiger safari. Other attractions here are a butterfly park, crocodile farm, serpentarium. In addition, a portion of the park is used as a sanctuary for wild rescued animals.

Safari in Bannerghatta National Park

The famous Safari has Carnivore Section and Herbivore section. In the Safari rides, visitors are taken around a mini bus through the enclosed and protected area of the aninmals to roam around freely. The Herbivores section comprises of few animals like deers, bears and a few monkeys etc.

White Tigers, Bengal Tigers make up for the Tiger Safari, Lions Safari and Bear Safari in the carnivores' section. Though the entire national park stretches across 104.27 sq km, only a small portion in the north has been carved out for tourism.

Zoological garden and Trekking in Bannerghatta National Park

You can find everything from avifauna to hyenas, panthers, neel gay, etc in the Bannerghatta National Park. The 25,000 acre park is home to panthers, lions, tigers and a large variety of birds. Wander through the Zoological Garden, with its canopy of shady and sturdy trees, find a quiet resting spot beside a pond and watch waterfowl frolic, also facilities to rest, pinic are also available in the park premises.

The zoo boasts an amazing reptile collection, an encounter with the scaly, slithery creatures at the snake park. Uddigebande (3.5 km) a natural rock formation called Hajjamana Kallu (3 km) and Mirza Hill (1.5 km) are for the Trekking enthusiasts.

There is also Jumbo ride for the visitors beyond the parking slots organized by the Forest Department. One has to buy a ticket for this ride. The area spread of Dry deciduous forests and thorny scrub, with patches of moist deciduous forests along the streams.

Suvarnamukhi Stream and Temple in Bannerghatta National Park

Covering an area of 104 sq km, including ten reserve forests of Anekal Range of the Bangalore Forest Division, the scenic hills are covered with many ancient temples.A stream named Suvarnamukhi flows through the park, originates in the Suvarnamukhi hills. These hills spread out to a huge rock, about a kilometre long.

The Champaka Dharna Swamy temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi is built in the Dravidian style of the Hoysala age, lies at the foot of the rock. There is also a Narasimha temple about two km away from the Suvarnamukhi pond. The waters of this pond are believed to have curative powers.

For those of you who are nature and wildlife buffs, visiting Bangalore for few days, a trip to Bannerghata National Park will truly be an unforgettable experience.

Access From Airport

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).




Access From Railways

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)





Access From Roadways

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.

Travel Tips For Visiting the National Park

Follow the rules, for e.g., do not walk around if you are not permitted to do so

• Do not disturb the animals during day time as most of the nocturnal animals sleep during day time.

• Do not try to irritate the animals or make them angry by teasing them.

• Wear clothes in shades of brown and green as they are less disturbing to the environment.

• Avoid wearing perfumes and do not smoke in restricted areas.

• Animals are extremely weary of the human voice. Don’t make noise, don’t play music and please don’t honk car horn.

• Take official guides along with you on the park trip.

• Do not smoke inside the park.

• Picking of plants and insects is strictly prohibited.

• Wear loose fitting and simple clothes that blend with the park surroundings.

• For the safety of the visitors, walking and hiking within the vicinity of the park is not allowed.

• Camping and picnicking is not allowed within the park.

• Carry plenty of water along with you.

• Carry Personal medication and insect repellent.

• Carry Binoculars, Cameras, film rolls and Flashlight along with books and other reading material.

• Do not use flash or intrusive photography.

• Don’t leave behind any litter and plastic bags are big hazards for animals.

• Comfortable walking shoes are appropriate than the fashionable ones.

• For winter travel heavy woolens are a must especially for open jeep safaris. Cottons are apt for summer months.

• Rain Gear is essential for the monsoons and the last

• Find about the habits of the animal you want to see to avoid disappointment.

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