Wild Escapes: All About Bannerghatta National Park In Karnataka

The Bannerghatta National Park, located approximately 22 kilometres to the south of Bangalore’s city centre, is spread across an extensive area of 260.51 square kilometres and is home to a wide variety of wildlife. It was founded in 1970 and was recognised as a National Park in 1974.

The park features a hilly topography with granite sheets covering moist valleys of deciduous forest and scrubland in higher areas. A small portion of the park became a zoological garden in 2002, the Bannerghatta Biological Park. The Bannerghatta Biological Park is also the first biological park in the country to have an enclosed forested elephant sanctuary. This sanctuary, which is 122 acres in size, is sponsored by PETA India. The park also has a rescue centre for the rehabilitation of hurt animals.

The biological park boasts a Lion and Tiger Safari, with enclosures that recreate their natural habitat. Besides these, there’s a snake park, a butterfly park, a zoo and a nature camp for kids. The park is also a famous destination for hiking and trekking, as there are several ancient temples inside it. Furthermore, it’s also a refuge for people who want to escape the bustling city life and spend some time rejuvenating and relaxing in the peace and calm of nature.

Things To Do

Zoo: The 12-hectare Bannerghatta National Park Zoo is home to a diverse range of wild animals, including bears, deer, crocodiles, king cobras, and birds. With 94 species of animals to see, this zoo is expanding further to add eight more enclosures soon. 

Safari: Bannerghatta National Park has a variety of safaris, from the lion and tiger safari to the herbivore and bear safari. Nineteen lions are housed in a 5-hectare enclosure, offering visitors a chance to witness the predator up close and personal. There are 33 tigers, including seven white tigers, at Bannerghatta. The tigers are kept in three groups; two of the groups sleep in their respective enclosures, and the third group is released into the reserve forest so that tourists can observe them.

Butterfly Park: Bannerghatta National Park's dedicated butterfly park comprises a 7.5-acre butterfly garden, a butterfly conservatory, a museum, a research facility, and a curio shop. The butterfly park is home to 48 different species of butterflies.

Prices

The jeep safari is priced at INR 3500 (which includes the zoo, safari, butterfly park, and camera). AC bus safaris cost adults and children INR 500 and INR 300, respectively, while non-AC buses are priced at INR 280 and INR 140, respectively (inclusive of zoo and safari). 

The park is open from 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. The safari is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Boating is available for INR 60 per person and lasts 30 minutes along the previously mentioned typical safari timings. The video costs INR 200, and the camera still costs INR 25.  

(Prices may vary)

Best Time To Visit

Karnataka is one of the most visited states in the country, and it is known for experiencing all four seasons. Summer or winter are the ideal times of year to visit Karnataka. If you dislike the rain, you should avoid visiting this state during the monsoon season. It is best to schedule your trip for the early summer or late winter if you're considering a trip to Bannerghatta Biological Park. September through March are the ideal months to explore Bannerghatta Biological Park. These months are great for a day trip; you may meander through the park and see the best flora and fauna.

Getting There

Besides driving one's car, there are several other ways to get to and from this park. You can park your car at the parking lot offered by KSDC and BMTC buses. Thus, getting to the Bannerghatta National Park Safari is hassle-free. There are buses available in Bengaluru from several locations, specifically the Shivaji Nagar market.

You can book your flight tickets for Bangalore from here.