Apart from being home to the Asiatic elephant, Bandipur also has a sizable number of tigers. According to a census conducted in 1993, there are 66 tigers. The park is one of the 15 sanctuaries selected across India for Project Tiger, a scheme launched in 1973, by the World Wildlife Fund for Nature in conjunction with the Indian Government. The project is designed to save the tiger and its natural habitat from potential dangers.
The best time to spot elephants in large herds is the rainy season, although they may be spotted anytime of the year as their numerical strength in the forest approximately stands close to a healthy 1,900. Other natural inhabitants of this lovely forest are gaur (a type of bull), sambhar, chital, mouse deer, four-horned antelope, wild boar, jackal, sloth bear, panther, Malabar squirrel, porcupines and the black-knapped hare. Birds like jungle fowl and green pigeon are also found here.
This forest reserve also has pleasant scenery to offer. Gopalaswamy Betta, near the park forest office base, provides a view of Mysore plateau and its adjoining hills from an elevated ridge, while the "Rolling Rocks," to the south of the forest, offer panoramic views of the weather-beaten 260-meter-deep "Mysore Ditch" and the entire Moyar gorge. Places such as these are a photographer's delight.
PLACES AROUND WILDLIFE SANCTUARY BANDIPUR
Nagarhole, Madumulai and Wynad National parks all lie in the vicinity of Bandipur forest. A reservoir and a dam that separates Bandipur from Nagarhole reserve is an interesting place as well.
There is the famous Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta temple located in the hill top. The place is surrounded with a lot of greenery which is very soothing to the eyes. You can visit this region to see the temple, herds of elephants, and expect a lot of fog.
There is a cool and comfortable climate in the region. There is a perpetual wind blowing in the area. There is an entrance fee which depends on the type of vehicle you take to climb the hill. Distance: 15 Km from Bandipur.