Located 80km south of Mysore, Bandipur Park (865 sq km) is home to tigers (supposedly twenty-five), elephants, gaurs, sambars, spotted deer, black-faced monkeys, and sloth bears. Tigers are rarely seen.

Admission is Rs 175, which includes a one-hour bus tour of the park. The bus departs at 8 am and between 4 and 5 pm. You can also view wildlife from the back of an elephant (Rs 25 per person per hour). Private vehicles are not permitted in the park, but jeeps may be arranged through the Forestry Dept. The best place to see wildlife is from the raised platforms near the watering holes.
The best time to visit is between October and February, and from May to June (for sightings, but not for comfort). You have a good chance of seeing wild elephants at this time. It is best to avoid the park on weekends—it is crowded with tourists.

Advance bookings for the bus tour and accommodations may be secured through the Forest Department’s Chief Wildlife Warden (080 334-1993), Aranya Bhavan, 18th Cross, Malleswaram in Bangalore, or with the Field Director (0821 520-901), Project Tiger, Ashokapuram in Mysore.

Elephants are trained to work at Kargudi Elephant Camp, 5km from Bandipur. The elephants do puja (worship) in a temple at 6 pm. It can be visited.

Where to Stay and Eat
The Forest Department’s lodges have rooms with hot water for Rs 100 to Rs 200 and dorm beds for Rs 30. These places must be booked in advance (see above). Wildlife is often visible from lodge windows.
The KSTDC’s Tourist Cottages (08229 7301), about 3km from the park, has cottages for Rs 450. They can be booked at the KSTDC Transport Office in Mysore (423-652) or at the KSTDC Office (221-2901), Kasturba Rd, in Bangalore.
There are some places to stay in the nearby town of Gundlupet, which is on the road to Mysore. Ganga Lodge (08229 2235) has rooms for Rs 300. Shrinagar Hotel has rooms for Rs 225.

Where to Stay—Resorts
The following prices usually include room, meals and transportation to the park. These places should be booked in advance at far in advance as possible. Seagull Travels in Mysore books these place.
Tusker Trails (reserve in Bangalore 080 334-2862; fax 226-4674), Hospital Cottage, 3km from Bandipur village, has rooms for $100/150 and a pool. You may see wildlife from your room. It is a recommended place that should be booked in advance.
Tiger Ranch (reserve in Bangalore 080 337-4558; fax 337-3508) has cottages for Rs 1100 per person.
Bush Betta (reserve in Bangalore (080 551-2631; fax 559-3451), Raheja Plaza, Richmond Rd), about 4km from the park reception center off the road to Mudumalai, has rooms for $100/175, which includes meals, a jeep safari, and an elephant ride. Book in advance. Transportation is arranged from the park reception center.

Travel
There are buses to here from Mysore (2 hr, 80km, 10 daily) and Ooty (3 hr).

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