Bandipur National Park has always attracted researchers, scientists, and wildlife enthusiasts because of its rich and diverse biodiversity, which is unlike anywhere else. The primary reason is that the park is located in one of the best biodiversity hotspots in the world, the Western Ghats, in confluence with the Eastern Ghats, which makes the region flourish with diverse wildlife!
Bandipur National Park is in Karnataka, part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, the country’s most extensive protected forest area. You can only expect the range of flora and fauna you will see if you visit the place. For the benefit of your exploration, we have classified the same into the following so that you come prepared with what to look for when you hop onto a safari at the park.
Flora in Bandipur National Park
Bandipur National Park’s terrain includes a large variety of shrubs and timber trees such as teak, sandalwood, rosewood, bamboo, and others. You will also see a variety of flowering plants such as crape-myrtle, Indian gooseberry, satinwood, and black clutch, among others. Medicinal plants are also available here in large numbers. Some of the significant types of flora species found here are:
Indian Rosewood: Indian Rosewood, more popularly known in India as Shisham, is a fast-growing deciduous tree found in large numbers in Bandipur’s deciduous forest. The tree is of high value for its beautiful wood, which produces premium quality musical instruments and furniture.
Sandalwood trees: The park is also famous for its many sandalwood trees, which have medicinal properties and beautiful aromas. This is why the trees have been used for centuries in traditional Indian medicine and for making perfumes. In Bandipur National Park, these trees are a significant part of the park’s system and are protected by the forest department.
Teak trees: Teak is another species commonly found in Bandipur National Park. It is a tropical hardwood tree species highly valued for its strength and durability. Teak wood is a very important source of timber, so much so that its second name is ‘King’ of Timber. The forest department also thoroughly protects it.
Bamboo: One of the most common trees in India, bamboo is a fast-growing plant abundant in Bandipur National Park. The highly versatile plant is used in a range of household products, including furniture, textiles, paper, etc. The bamboo forest in Bandipur National Park is also home to a variety of bird species.
Acacia trees: Acacia is a genus of trees and shrubs commonly found in the savannahs, grasslands, and deserts of Bandipur National Park. These trees are an important source of food for many herbivorous animals, including elephants and giraffes.
Fauna in Bandipur National Park
Given such flourishing floral biodiversity, it is very likely that the region will see equally greater diversity in wildlife. A magnificent composition of mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects is present all across the park. The park’s attractions are Bengal Tigers, Indian Elephants, Chital, Gaur, and Sambar deer species. Because of such diversity, researchers have long conducted several studies that have served an instrumental role in understanding wildlife conservation in the place.
Indian Elephant: Most South Indian national parks are famous for their large elephant population. Bandipur National Park is home to 1,600 elephants, which makes it one of the best places to see these majestic animals in their natural environment. You can take an elephant safari ride to explore the forest or see them in their large herds. The sight of these majestic animals bathing in the rivers and lakes of the parks is quite a spectacle.
Bengal Tiger: One of the earliest tiger reserves in the country, Bandipur National Park is a popular place to see the big cats. Nature enthusiasts regularly visit Bandipur, home to over 70 tigers, to see these beautiful but ferocious creatures. Sighting them in their natural habitat on your safari is an unforgettable experience!
Indian Leopard: Another major species of animal from the cat family found in large numbers in Bandipur National Park. Sighting Indian Leopards is quite easy if you have an eye for it. If you take a guide/naturalist in the park, he will tell you these are shy and elusive species that are famous for their agility and hunting skills. When they are hunting, one can observe them on the park’s grasslands and forests, stalking their prey. And, if you see leopards live hunting for prey, that will be a lifetime experience!
Sloth Bear: With their long and shaggy fur, sloth bears are common in the Bandipur forest. They commonly dig into termites and other insects on the forest floor. They are usually very shy and avoid human contact, so sighting these beasts in close proximity on your safari will be an exciting experience!
Spotted Deer: While on safari, you will see many deer roaming around the forest region. Spotted deer, called Chital, are the most common species in Bandipur National Park. They have distinctive white spots and are major prey for tigers and leopards. If you are on safari, you’ll see many spotted deer in the park. And, if you are after big cats, look for alarm calls that these deer emanate for better chances of a sighting.
Indian Gaur: Indian bison or gaur are also some of the park’s attractions. They are large and strong species of wild cattle that can weigh up to 1,000 kg and have massive horns and strength. You can see these bison species along with the deer in the park’s grasslands and forests.
Besides these, you can see Indian Peafowl and Crested Serpent Eagle among the bird species. Peafowls are particularly famous for their beautiful features and elaborate mating displays. Eagles are beautiful creatures with distinctive crested feathers and powerful claws. You can watch the mostly high in the trees, scanning for prey from above. You can find several reptilian species here; a common one among them is Indian Python. Sighting these can be a thrilling and memorable experience in their natural habitat.
Bandipur National Park is undeniably a paradise for nature and wildlife enthusiasts, given its rich flora and fauna surrounded by beautiful landscapes. If you are looking for an exciting wildlife tour, then take the Bandipur National Park tour package right away. Contact Indian Visit to build amazing wildlife tour packages with the best stay options, transfers, and meals. Enquire now!