Chamarajnagar is popular for its wildlife sanctuary-Bandipur National Park. The climate of the state of Karnataka is such that it can be a perfect haven for the animal world. Predators, herbivores, birds and reptiles thrive in this region. And Bandipur National Park is another testimony to this fact. To arrive at this national park one has to travel via Mysore. This district is situated in this royal city. Travelers can either travel by road or they can make use of the railway services. The nearest railway station is Mysore.
Bandipur National Park is important for tigers, as tiger conservation programs are an integral part of the park. It has around 70 tigers and more than 3000 Asian elephants. Besides these majestic beasts one can also catch a glimpse of dholes, leopards, gaurs and sloth bears. The park is said to be actually famous for elephants and gaurs. Teak is a common tree in Karnataka and found in abundance in this park. Apart from this there are other plants like sandalwood trees, bamboo, Odina Wodier, rosewood, Indian kino tree (medicinal tree), Haldina or Kadam tree and several other deciduous trees are found in this region. Bandipur National Park is also a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
The animal kingdom that thrives here is huge in true sense of the term. Predators like tigers, panthers and leopards are the major attraction. Besides them one can also watch out for mouse deer, sloth beer, gaurs, crocodiles, cheetals, wild boar, python, osprey, antelope, hyenas and barking deer. Some of these are endangered species. Hence all the measures are taken by the authorities to conserve them. Another striking feature about the national park in Karnataka is the birds. A variety of birds are seen flying around. Green pigeon, honey buzzard, hornbill, brown hawk owl, Nilgiri flycatcher, little spider hunter, plain flowerpecker, Malabar trogon, grey headed fish eagle, red headed vulture and others are part of the animal world at Chamarajnagar national park.
Reptiles such as King cobra, adder, frog, tree frog, water snake, cobra, lizard, chameleon, tree frog, tortoise and others are found in Bandipur National Park. Although the park can be visited any time but it is preferable that the visitors tour it in the dry seasons of November and March. For nature enthusiasts there is another great way of exploring Bandipur National Park--eco trekking.
