About Bannerghatta National Park
The
Bannerghatta National Park, situated in the south Indian state of Karnataka
was established in the year 1971 and includes ten reserve forests of the
Anekal Range. The hills surrounding the forest are dotted with temples and
the park boasts of a rich variety of flora and fauna. Situated at an
altitude of 3375 ft., the uneven terrain is interspersed with valleys,
streams and other scenic spots.
The park is open throughout the year for visitors while the best time to
visit the place is between mid-June and August when the place is at its
greenest and provides a beautiful eye soothing spectacle. The best time to
spot wild animals however is between the months of November and June.
A downside about the place is that its close proximity to a major metro has
created problems of growing industrialisation and urbanisation. Incidents of
poisoning of animals have been a major concern for the park authorities.
Wildlife Attractions in Bannerghatta National Park
The Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP) is the area where the forest
department has kept lions and tigers rescued over the years from circuses.
The area is of major interest to the visitors and more than 10 lakh tourists
throng the place every year.
Some of the major animals found in the region include elephant, bonnet
macaque, cheetal, muntjac, slow loris, wild boar, porcupine, fox and three
striped palm squirrel.
The park is also home to a myriad variety of avian population. In fact,
there are over 200 species of birds found in the park which include honey
buzzard, great horned owl, spotted owlet, purple sunbird, loten's sun bird
and the small green barbet.
Safaris
Safari
options abound in the park. The forest department offers a number of safaris
including the grand safari which covers all the four enclosures of the park.
Other safaris include the tiger and lion safari, elephant joy ride and a
short trek. Safaris are also offered by the jungle lodges. Timings for the
safaris are 10AM to 4:30PM.
Other Attractions
Pearl Valley
Situated around 25 km from the park is the beautiful pearl valley. A
popular picnic spot, the area is surrounded by thick vegetation which still
harbours some wild animals. 280 steps cut into the rock lead to the bottom
of the valley where an ancient Shiva temple is to be seen.
Nrityagram
India's first dance village, the Nrityagram is situated just 32 km from the
park. The spring festival held at the place in February each year witnesses
culture enthusiasts from Bangalore and other cities come to the place in
large numbers.
How to Get There
By Air : 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).
By Rail : 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)
By Road : 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.
Distances from Major Cities
Bangalore : 23 km (S)
Mysore : 125 km (NE)
Delhi : 1753 km
Mumbai : 848 km
Travel Tips/Important Information
- The core zones of the park are closed for the visitors and you will
have to drive on for another 5 km to the Bannerghatta Biological Park,
which is open to visitors.
- The BBP has a zoo (timings : 9AM to 5PM), which houses various
species of mammals, reptiles and birds. A museum and auditorium provide
information about the park.
- Tickets to the zoo and safaris can be obtained from the BBP office
near the entry gates.
- Zoo tickets : Rs. 10 (Weekdays) & Rs. 15 (holidays), Grand
Safari : Rs. 30 (Weekdays) & Rs. 40 (holidays), Tiger and Lion
safari : Rs. 15 (Weekdays) & Rs. 25 (holidays), Elephant ride : Rs.
15 (weekdays) & Rs. 20 (holidays), Short Trek : Rs. 10 (weekdays and
holidays).
- Other attractions worth a thought are the Reptile Park, Mirza Hill,
Butterfly Park, Hajjamana Kallu and Uddigebende.
- Do not pollute the environs by throwing plastic bags and other waste
material.
Jungle
Resorts in Bannerghatta
| Bannerghatta
Nature Camp |
As the name
signifies, Bannerghatta Nature Camp is a perfect abode for a refreshing
holiday in the lap of mother nature.
|
