Great
spots at Bandipur National Park
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As
with all wildlife reserves, even at Bandipur National Park, it is a matter
of chance whether you spot a particular animal, or where you spot a particular
animal. Yet, it is possible and helpful to take some tips from experienced
hands about the locations where the probability of spotting certain animals
is higher. At Bandipur, some of the ideal locations for certain animals
are:
The Eastern extremes of the park are ideally suited for inhabitation by animals like the Hyenas. It is most probable to come across a small pack of them in this area than anywhere else in the park.
Tigers are equally spread out all over the park and are equally difficult to spot everywhere due to the dense cover provided by the vegetation. Also, unlike in parks like Ranthambore where the tigers no longer fear and shy away from tourist vehicles, the tigers in this area are still very vary of humans and prefer to restrict their movement to the night.
Leopards are equally difficult to sight but the chances are best in the neighbouring Karapura area where their concentration is at maximum.
Due to the massive population of elephants, mostly migratory, they are visible in every nook and corner of the park during the cooler months. However, during the hotter season of summer, the best places to look for them would be along, or close to, the banks of the river Kabini and Mule-hole.
For animals like the Chital, you do not need to make much of an effort except sit quietly outside your rest house, preferably concealed, and be patient. Huge herds descend every evening in and around the rest house compounds. Areas near the kitchen windows or rubbish bins are also the best spots for looking out for porcupines.
Wild boars can be found all over the park but mostly in more damp areas near water bodies. Here it is easier for them to indulge in their favourite habit of digging up the ground for roots to gorge themselves on.
The rarely seen Wild dogs are mostly sometimes spotted in open areas. These are their ideal hunting grounds, where they can run down their prey in a way that is not meant to be witnessed by the faint hearted.
The Kabini reservoir has an abundant population of bird life. It also is the best location to try and spot Marsh Crocodiles and Otters. It should be kept in mind that both these animals are extremely quick at noticing any kind of movement and almost immediately shy away out of sight. Therefore, it is advisable to cautiously approach the first possible vantage point and watching for a while before moving any closer. Photographers can also take this opportunity to take some pictures because the next movement might have all their subjects diving for cover.
The Russel's Fire Line, Karapura and Moyar areas are best for trying to sight the four horned antelopes (aka Chausinghas). These animals are the only four horned deer species in the world, although the front two horns are more like mere stubs.
The neighbouring karapura area is also the best Bear sighting location.
Other than these animal specific location tips, it is worth taking the trips to experience the views from the highest point of the park at Gopalswamy Betta and then at the Rolling Rocks to see the Moyar Gorge.
The Eastern extremes of the park are ideally suited for inhabitation by animals like the Hyenas. It is most probable to come across a small pack of them in this area than anywhere else in the park.
Tigers are equally spread out all over the park and are equally difficult to spot everywhere due to the dense cover provided by the vegetation. Also, unlike in parks like Ranthambore where the tigers no longer fear and shy away from tourist vehicles, the tigers in this area are still very vary of humans and prefer to restrict their movement to the night.
Leopards are equally difficult to sight but the chances are best in the neighbouring Karapura area where their concentration is at maximum.
Due to the massive population of elephants, mostly migratory, they are visible in every nook and corner of the park during the cooler months. However, during the hotter season of summer, the best places to look for them would be along, or close to, the banks of the river Kabini and Mule-hole.
For animals like the Chital, you do not need to make much of an effort except sit quietly outside your rest house, preferably concealed, and be patient. Huge herds descend every evening in and around the rest house compounds. Areas near the kitchen windows or rubbish bins are also the best spots for looking out for porcupines.
Wild boars can be found all over the park but mostly in more damp areas near water bodies. Here it is easier for them to indulge in their favourite habit of digging up the ground for roots to gorge themselves on.
The rarely seen Wild dogs are mostly sometimes spotted in open areas. These are their ideal hunting grounds, where they can run down their prey in a way that is not meant to be witnessed by the faint hearted.
The Kabini reservoir has an abundant population of bird life. It also is the best location to try and spot Marsh Crocodiles and Otters. It should be kept in mind that both these animals are extremely quick at noticing any kind of movement and almost immediately shy away out of sight. Therefore, it is advisable to cautiously approach the first possible vantage point and watching for a while before moving any closer. Photographers can also take this opportunity to take some pictures because the next movement might have all their subjects diving for cover.
The Russel's Fire Line, Karapura and Moyar areas are best for trying to sight the four horned antelopes (aka Chausinghas). These animals are the only four horned deer species in the world, although the front two horns are more like mere stubs.
The neighbouring karapura area is also the best Bear sighting location.
Other than these animal specific location tips, it is worth taking the trips to experience the views from the highest point of the park at Gopalswamy Betta and then at the Rolling Rocks to see the Moyar Gorge.