If we count on one of the best national parks in the nation, then this Bandipur national park should be the gem among all, as it is a wildlife reserve, a beautiful treasure of wildlife. This park is located in the picturesque surroundings of the Western Ghats of Karnataka. Bandipur is counted to be one of the finest tiger reserves in India. Bandipur National Park along with Mudumalai National Park, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, and Nagar hole National Park has the highest number of tiger population in the country and has been a place of attraction among many tourists. If you are a wildlife lover, then this is the best place for you.
The park is spread over 874.2 sq. kilometers and is together with Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala, and Nagar hole National Park in Karnataka. The national park is home to a large number of Tigers, Mouse deer, Elephants, Gaur (a type of bull), Chital, Sambhar, Four-horned Antelope, Wild Dogs, Wild Boar, Panther, Jackal, Sloth Bear, Malabar Squirrel, Porcupines, and the Black-knapped Hare.
Not just the national park, there are a lot of famous places near the park where you can visit and explore.
1. Biligirirangan Hills
Biligirirangan Hills- The Hills is also known as BR hills; it is a hill range that forms the south-eastern border of Karnataka. Even though, the place is also known for the Biligiri Rananatha Swamy temple. The BR hills joined the Eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats, which allows animals to move between the two ghats and even facilitates the gene flow between populations of species in these areas. For this sanctuary can be counted on to serve as an important biological bridge for the biota of the entire Deccan plateau.
The Biligiri Rangaswamy temple is situated at the edge of the cliff and is the only temple in India where the only standing form of God Ranganatha can be witnessed.
2. Mudumalai National Park
Mudumalai National Park- The Mudumalai is sharing the border with Bandipur National Park and is situated in Tamil Nadu. Mudumalai is located on the north-western side of the Nilgiri Hills in the Nilgiri District. The park is home to many endangered species like the Indian elephant, gaur, Bengal tiger, and Indian leopard. There are about 266 species of birds in the sanctuary, including endangered species like Indian white-rumped vultures and long-billed vultures.
Also Visit: Indian Pangolin or Anteater – the Most Trafficked Wildlife Species!
3. Malai Mahadeshwara Hills
Malai Mahadeshwara Hills- Malai Mahadeshwara Temple Hills is a holy place for Hindu devotees. Malai is situated in the eastern parts of Kollegal in the Chamarajanagar district, of the south Indian state of Karnataka, the hills are surrounded by dense forests. Malai Mahadeshwara is famous for its temple which is dedicated to Lord Mahadeshwara (Lord Shiva). The legend has it, 600 years ago, people say that Mahadeshwara Swamy came here to perform his atonement and the people believe that he is still performing his atonement in the temple in the form of Lingam.
4. Sulthan Bathery
Sulthan Bathery– Sulthan Bathery, which was previously known as Ganapathi Vattam is a popular tourist place in Kerala. The place got its name from Tipu Sultan, who during his conquering of the Malabar region parked his artillery in an old Jain temple. Sulthan Bathery, today is the largest known town in the Wayanad district and is well known for tourism because it is rich in history, the town has pre-historic caves, jungle trails, sparkling streams, rivers, and green fluctuating hills.
Therefore, the Edakkal Caves are an important tourist attraction near Sulthan Bathery. The rock wall consists of some interesting carvings, which represents the human and animal figures and objects of human used and symbols. These carvings seem from the pre-historic age.
Also Visit: 8 Cultural Activities to Experience in India in 2023
5. Ooty
Ooty- Ooty, is a well-known place for its beauty and holiday destination. Ooty is located a short distance from Bandipur national park. Generally, Ooty is known as the Queen Hill Station and has a few tourist places to visit and recreational activities to attract tourists. The place is blessed with a pleasant climate and the major attractions of Ooty are the Government Rose Garden, Ooty Lake, Toda Huts, Ooty Botanical Gardens, Ooty Mountain Railway, St. Stephen’s Church, Wax World, Tribal Museum, Tribal Museum, and Deer Park. Ooty is situated at a distance of 49km from Bandipur.
6. Coonoor
Coonoor- Coonoor, a famous holiday destination and a gem of Tamil Nadu, Coonoor is a very ideal destination if you are at Bandipur Tiger Reserve. This is just situated at a distance of about 80 km from Bandipur and is well known for its primarily growing Nilgiri tea. The place is offered trekking for mountaineers and adventure lovers. The major attractions of Coonoor include Sim’s Park, Lamb’s Rock, Biological Station, Dolphin’s Nose Viewpoint, Droog Fort, Law’s Falls, Katary Falls, and Pasteur Institute.
7. Gaurishwara Temple
Gaurishwara Temple- this temple is very popular among tourists. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and houses a Shivalingam, revered and worshipped by the pilgrims visiting the temple. This majestic temple was built under the backing of a local chief Singedepa Devabhupala of the Hadinadu organization. Even though the temple is mainly famous for its architecture of the ancient period and is simple in its portrayal. The entrance walls of the temple have been beautifully adorned with images from Puranas and epics that provide a spectacular visual effect to the observer. This temple is situated 20km from Chamarajanagar Railway Station and 700 meters from Yelandur Bus station, Karnataka.
Also Visit: 15 Best Waterfalls near Pune & Mumbai
