| The state of Karnataka is blessed with a high density of forest cover ( approx. 22% of land area), including the Western Ghats - one of the last
remaining 'Bio-diversity Hotspots' in the world
The ideal way to experience the richness of Karnataka's natural world is at the Bandipur Safari Lodge, located at the edge of the Bandipur National Part (880.02 sq km). Also know as Bandipur Tiger Reserve, this park was one of the first seven to be brought under Project Tiger in 1973. Nestled at the foothills of the
Nilgirs of the Blue Mountains, Bandipur was once the private hunting ground of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and one of the best-known wildlife
sanctuaries in India. The highest density of the world's
Asiatic Elephant population. In fact, about 5000 wild elephants roam these jungles! |
|
|
WILDLIFE
Bandipur's deciduous habitat is ideal for viewing elephant, gaur, sambar, chital, wild boar - and if one is lucky, elusive predators like the tiger, leopard or wild dogs. a bird-watcher's paradise, Bandipur is home to over 300 species of birds, of which many are endemic to these jungles. Although the park is a good spot to visit
throughout the year, summer months of March, April and May are the best for sighting wildlife. October to February is when the climate is very pleasant and the forest is at its greenest best. |
 |
| |
 |
ACTIVITIES
The highlights of a stay at Bandipur Safari Lodge are the wildlife viewing opportunities in the National Park at daybreak and in the evening. Trips in open-top jeeps and on foot into the park, along with a trained and experienced naturalist as guide, help guests identify and understand the rich diversity of flora, fauna and avifauna. For the naturalists-at-heart, there are plenty of opportunities for nature walks, bird-watching and wildlife photography in these
un spoilt environs, Elephant ride, wildlife film and slide shows, star-gazing are other activities that guests can enjoy | | |
|
ADVENTURES
For those looking to take on the outdoors, there is the inviting challenge posed by the summit of Gopalaswamy
Betta (12 km from the lodge ), or another exhilarating trek along the slopes of the Moyar Gorge (18 km). Guests can also choose from ten well-marked trials inside the National Park, the stretch from 6.75km to 26.5km. |
 |
| |
 |
ACCOMMODATIONS
With special
emphasis on minimizing impact, the Bandipur
Safari Lodge has only 12 rooms. Contemporary in
style and comfortable with modern attached
baths, which incorporate several eco-friendly
features, these rooms are thematic - The Gaur
Room, The Elephant Room, The Tiger
Room.....
To maintain
the tranquility and natural harmony at the lodge, air-conditioners and TVs are consciously avoided in all our
|
|
room. And why would
guests even miss them .... when a gentle breeze
wafts in from the hillsides and through the cool
shade of lush thickets to provide fresh
oxygen-rich, natural air-conditioning.
|
| |
|
FACILITIES
The Bandipur Safari Lodge has an interesting open-to-sides gazebo and banquet area called Gol Ghar, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills
including Gopalaswamy Betta, the highest peak (1455m) in Bandipur. The Lodge also provides campfire settings, an exclusive bar and a multi-cuisine restaurant. There is a fully-equipped Visitors'
Lounge with an excellent collection of CDs and books on wildlife and nature
|
 |
| |
 |
CUISINE
The Lodge offers a delectable buffet of Indian food, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian, mainly from the South. There is also an excellent Chinese and Thai menu.
|
| |
|
|
