Bannerghatta Butterfly Park forms a part of the Bannerghatta National Park, located near Bengaluru in the south Indian state Karnataka, and is accredited as the first butterfly enclosure of India at a park. It was established by the former Union Minister of Science and Technology, Kapil Sibal, on 25th November 2006. It spans over an area of 7.5 acres and hosts a museum, a butterfly conservatory, a butterfly garden to sustain local butterfly population, a curio shop and research and captive breeding laboratory. About 48 species of butterflies have been reported at Bannerghatta Butterfly Park in various seasons. About thirty species of butterflies have been identified to belong to five families namely Hespiridae, Lycaenide, Nympalidae, Pieridae and Papilionidae which are bred under captive conditions in different seasons, following which they were released into the conservatory dome.
A beautifully designed three dome structure in the park houses the conservatory, museum and the multi-media centre. The first dome has the butterfly conservatory which constitutes a circular enclosure having a poly-carbonate roof and encompasses an area of 10,000 square feet. It has a wondrous landscaped garden and provides all the habitat requirements for butterflies. The environment within the conservatory has been so designed as to support numerous species of butterfly. The humid tropical climate inside the conservatory has been beautifully adorned with vivid flora and artificial waterfall which attracts butterflies. Bannerghatta Butterfly Park is a wonderful destination where colourful butterflies can be observed in a vibrant natural environment.
A second dome led by the conservatory hosts a museum which provides various information through dioramas. Carefully preserved butterflies have been exhibited there. The third dome is the audio visual room where documentary movies on butterflies are projected. Butterflies occupy a special place in the nature and their charming visage makes them even more fascinating. Bannerghatta Butterfly Park was conceptualized as an integrated centre for promoting the conservation, education and research activities directed towards butterflies as flagship ambassadors of conservation. A butterfly trail in the park measures about 1 kilometre in length. Bannerghatta Butterfly Park forms an exquisite tourist destination and a heaven for the nature lovers.
