Karnataka · 6 destinations & hidden spots
Bandipur, Kabini & Nagarhole Wildlife
Once the private hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Mysore, Bandipur was established as one of India's first Project Tiger reserves in 1974. Spanning 874 sq km of dry deciduous forest and fragrant sandalwood groves, open-top safari jeeps navigate tracks frequented by Royal Bengal tigers, leopards, Asian elephants, dholes (wild dogs), and spotted deer.
Bandipur, Kabini & Nagarhole Wildlife
Nagarhole (Rajiv Gandhi National Park) protects pristine moist deciduous teak and rosewood forests bounded by the Kabini River. During summer months, receding waters create green pastures where hundreds of Asiatic elephants congregate alongside marsh crocodiles, while the forest boasts one of the highest densities of leopards and black panthers in India.
Hidden Gem
Bandipur, Kabini & Nagarhole Wildlife
The Biligirirangana Hills (BR Hills) form a vital ecological wildlife corridor connecting the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats. Rising to 5,091 feet, the misty hills are inhabited by indigenous Soliga tribes and harbor over 250 bird species, sloth bears, tigers, and wild elephants. A hilltop cliff temple overlooks panoramic green valleys.
Bandipur, Kabini & Nagarhole Wildlife
Rising to 4,770 feet within the core of Bandipur National Park, Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta ('Himavad' meaning enveloped in fog) is crowned by an 14th-century temple built by Hoysala King Chola Ballala dedicated to Lord Krishna playing the flute. Private vehicles are restricted, and government KSRTC buses transport pilgrims through scenic elephant grassland corridors.
Hidden Gem
Bandipur, Kabini & Nagarhole Wildlife
Formed by the damming of the sacred Kabini River, this expansive waterbody transforms with the seasons. At sunset, silent round coracle boats glide along reed-fringed shorelines where ospreys, cormorants, and river terns fish, while chital deer graze peacefully along the water line.
Hidden Gem
Bandipur, Kabini & Nagarhole Wildlife
Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary encloses the tranquil catchment basin of the Nugu Dam adjoining Bandipur National Park. Far less crowded than major safari hubs, it is an essential seasonal refuge for wild elephant herds during dry months, surrounded by undisturbed teak woodlands and rolling hill ridges.
