Trekking opportunities in Bandipur National Park 

(please read general guidelines on trekking along with this)

Bandipur National Park (BNP), part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, was the hunting ground of the erstwhile Maharajas of Mysore. This NP was brought under Project Tiger in 1973 and is well protected.  It is situated across the Ooty-Mysore highway, and happens to be one of the most visited NPs in India. Encompassing an area of 874 sq. km, Bandipur NP contains a variety of vegetation types ranging from deciduous to scrub forest and grassland. Accordingly, the animal life is also rich and varied.  

Bandipur is a trekkers paradise. The diverse topography, ranging from the depths of Moyar gorge to Gopalswamy hill-top is good enough to attract a variety of trekking enthusiasts. Accompanying experienced Naturalist further enhances the value. However, the trekker is cautioned that Bandipur NP is elephant-infested, and therefore a certain level of risk element exists.

The Forest Department have established 10 trekking trails in Bandipur NP, to satisfy variety of preferences and interests. Some of the trails are day-treks, while others involve camping in the jungle.

Maps and trail routes  

Please 'click' on the following:

1.      Route Map to Bandipur NP

2.      Map of all 10 trekking routes shown together

3.      Individual trekking routes No. 1 to 10

The above illustrations give a vivid description of each route so as to enable the trekker to choose from among them. The distance and the elevation are also indicated. The starting stations begin with 0 km and the distances covered at different points are stated. The lowest elevation among the stations within the route is given the value of 0 M. This helps you to judge the gradient involved, and to intelligently choose a particular trekking route according to ones requirement. The images could be printed and used during the programme.

Procedure for booking

Trekking programme can be booked either separately, or along with your stay at Bandipur. Several departmental accommodations and other programmes are available at Bandipur (for details see the activities and tariff page of this website). The procedure for booking is as under:

First, contact the Range Forest Officer, Bandipur Range at 08229 636047 for route Nos. 1, 2, 7, 8, 9 and 10, and find out about the availability and other particulars and then make reservation. An application in the prescribed proforma has to be submitted for reservation. His postal address is RFO, Bandipur Range Office, Gundlupet Taluk, Chamarajanagar District, Karnataka, Pin- 571 126.

or

The Range Forest Officer, Moyar Range, at 08229 636045 for route Nos. 3, 4, 5 and 6. His postal address is -RFO, Moyar Range, Melukamanahalli, Gundlupet Taluk, Chamarajanagar District, Karnataka, Pin- 571 126.

In case of difficulty the DCF may be approached at  08229 636043. His address is Deputy Conservator of Forests, Bandipur Tiger Reserve, Gundlupet Taluk, Chamarajanagar District, Karnataka, Pin- 571 126.

Trekking fee structure  

Out of the above, the trekking guide fee (d.) has to be paid directly to the Guide in cash before setting out. The other fees calculated on the above basis have to be paid in advance and receipt and entry permit obtained either personally or by post. Without receipt and entry permit, one cannot enter the NP.

Mode of payment

The amount shall be paid in either cash or as Demand Draft in favour of Deputy Conservator of Forests, Bandipur, Pin- 571 126, along with the application. Without advance reservation the trekker could check the availability, take a chance and go directly to the Range office, pay the fees, and do the trek.

Once the amount is paid and bill raised, no refund is permitted against cancellation. However, on advance cancellation for which intimation is received, the payment made may be adjusted towards any Bandipur trek programme undertaken by the applicant in future, within 6 months.

Payment if Group Leader is engaged 

If the programme is arranged through an accredited Group Leader-cum-Naturalist, he may undertake the responsibility of reservation as well as conduct the programme, in the form of a total package. If the Group Leader takes the full responsibility, the procedure of going through the Forest Department becomes unnecessary. However, he may charge a certain sum towards the services rendered. The additional amount charged by him over and above the Forest Department tariff may differ from Naturalist to Naturalist, and the details and quality of service offered. This is already explained in "the general guidelines".

Jungle Lodges & Resorts Ltd., package 

The trekkers may also avail the package provided by Jungle Lodges & Resorts, at their unit: Bandipur Safari Lodge, Melukamanahalli, Mysore-Ooty Road, Bandipur NP, Pin- 571 126. Or you may contact them at 08229 -  633001 or at their Head Office in Bangalore at 080-5597021, 24, 25 or E-mail- info@junglelodges.com.  This organization is the sister organization of the Forest Department, and they are authorized to operate on behalf of the Forest Department.