Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
zone for over 100 species of mammals, including tiger, elephant, leopard, gaur (Indian
bison), chital (spotted deer), sambar, sloth bear and langur. It's also home to an impressive
350 species of bird. Only 80km south of Mysore on the Ooty road, it's very accessible
from both Bengaluru and Mysore.
Only government vehicles are permitted to run safaris within the park, and the best op-
tion is to go on Bandipur Safari Lodge's ( Click here ) two-hour drives for ?2000, inclusive
of park entry fees. The forest department also arrange safaris (2hr jeep safari ?3000;
6am &
4pm) , but its rumbling minibus is simply best avoided.
Sleeping & Eating
It's also possible to stay at the forest department bungalows ( 236021; dc_bandipur@yahoo.com ;
20-bed dm ?1000, bungalow foreigner from ?3000) , but you're likely to pay a ?1000 entry fee, making
it terrible value given it's a 20-bed dorm.
Hotel Bandipur Plaza
( 8547680406; Ooty-Mysore Hwy; r ?1500) Its highway location may not be what you hope for
when visiting a national park, but its rooms are functional and affordable in an otherwise
pricey destination. It's close to Bandipur Safari Lodge, so it's easy to book safaris in the
park.
HOTEL $$
Tiger Ranch
( 8095408505; www.tigerranch.net ; Mangala Village; r incl full board ?1105) The only place in Bandipur
with a genuine outdoorsy feel to it, the very basic rooms here blend wonderfully into
nature. It has an atmospheric thatched-roof dining hall, and evenings can be enjoyed
around the bonfire. Be warned that monkeys are a nuisance here, so don't leave valuables
(or food!) lying around your room. There's no alcohol here, but it's fine to bring your
own. It's inconveniently located away from the park, so you'll need to call ahead to ar-
range a pickup (?300).
LODGE $$
Dhole's Den
LODGE $$$
(
8229-236062; www.dholesden.com ; Kaniyanapura Village; s/d incl full board & safari from ?9000/10,000;
)
With a boutique design that's lifted straight from the pages of an architectural
magazine, Dhole's effectively mixes comfort and its lovely pastoral surrounds. Stylish
rooms are decked out with art and colourful fabrics, plus couches and deck chairs that
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