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Located in Karnataka, Bandipur is a place with great biodiversity. It is surrounded by the popular Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. You must check out places to visit in Bandipur for a great visit to this destination as you explore the scenic landscapes with your loved ones. This destination is near exceptional national parks and is a great destination for nature enthusiasts. It is a peaceful escape from your daily life, offering an ideal destination for rejuvenation and relaxation.
Top 10 Places To Visit In Bandipur And Its Nearby Regions
It is time to start planning your next vacation by taking the first step as you check out the places to visit in Bandipur and around.
1. Bandipur National Park
Photo: Vinaysalimath / Wikimedia Commons
Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the top tourist attractions in Bandipur. It was established in 1974 as part of the larger Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The sanctuary is home to a thriving population of tigers, along with other big cats like leopards and wild dogs. You can also spot herbivores such as Chital, Sambar, and Nilgai roaming freely in their natural habitat. One of the main highlights here is the Bandipur Safari, which offers guided jeep and bus tours through the forest. These safaris provide an excellent opportunity to explore the rich biodiversity of the park, observe wildlife up close, and enjoy the scenic beauty of the area.
Location: Karnataka
Timings: 6 AM – 9 PM and 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Suggested Read: Kudremukh National Park
2. Gopalaswamy Betta
Photo: Athulvis / Wikimedia Commons
Located in Karnataka, India this place is a popular trekking destination with breathtaking views and lush green landscape. It has diverse wildlife including elephants, deer and a variety of birds. It is a paradise for bird watchers. There is a temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, Gopalaswamy Temple where you can visit and offer prayers. The climate is pleasant, especially during the months of summer. This place is easily accessible by road.
Location: Gundlupete Taluk, Chamarajanagar, Karnataka
Timings: 8:30 AM – 4 PM
3. Mudumalai National Park
Photo: Timothy A. Gonsalves / Wikimedia Commons
Located at the tri Junction of Karnataka, Caroline Tamil Nadu, this national park is popular due to its variety of flora and fauna including several endangered species. It is one of the best Bandipur tourist places which has Indian elephants, Indian bison, leopards, sloth bears, wild boars, and langurs. You can find about 260 bird species including Indian peafowl and hawk eagle. Jeep safari and safari are extremely popular. Inside the park, there is an elephant camp where you can watch them being fed and bathed.
Location: Mudumalai, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Suggested Read: Anshi National Park
4. Nugu Reservoir
Photo: Александр К. / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
This is a water body which is constructed across the river Nugu and is located in Beerwah Village. It is a scenic water body with rolling hills and forests. It is home to species of flora and fauna including elephants, deer and a variety of birds. You can spot migratory birds at this place. It is a great place for recreational activities like photography and nature walks. It has a tranquil environment around it for picnics and meditation. October to May is considered as the ideal time to visit.
Location: Karnataka 571121
Timings: 6:45 AM – 8:45 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
5. Himavad Gopalaswamy Temple
Photo: athulvis / Wikimedia Commons
This temple is a revered Hindu site of worship in the ChamarajaNagar district of Karnataka. It has historical significance as it was constructed in the 14th century and showcases a rich cultural heritage. It has a scenic location in Karnataka and is situated at a height of about 1400 m. Festivals like Janmashtami are celebrated with great vibrancy in the region. This is situated in a cool climate zone and is one of the ideal places to visit in Bandipur during the summer months. It is easily accessible, and the trek to the temple is exciting in nature.
Location: Himavad Gopalaswamy Hills Rd, Berambadi State Forest, Karnataka 571126
Timings: 8:30 – 4 PM
Suggested Read: Best Places To Visit Near Iskcon Temple Bangalore
6. Masinagudi
Photo: Timothy A. Gonsalves / Wikimedia Commons
It is an attractive village located in the Nilgiri District of Tamil Nadu sharing a border with Karnataka. It is in close proximity to national parks like Bandipur National Park and Mudumalai National Park. It is a great site for wildlife spotting. The Flora and fauna of this area are praiseworthy. You can enjoy a Safari tour, trekking and hiking in this region. It is known for its scenic beauty providing a serene environment for a perfect backdrop. The cultural experience includes a mix of tribal and local communities where you can get an insight into their way of life.
Location: Masinagudi, Tamil Nadu, India
Timings: 24*7
7. Biligiriranga Hills
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
Also known as BR Hills, this mountain range in the Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka is among the popular tourist places in Bandipur. It has breathtaking views of lush forests and valleys offering a perfect place to relax and enjoy nature. You can trek and hike the panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. The best time to visit is from October to May as the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities. This place is inhabited by indigenous tribes which are mostly engaged in agriculture.
Location: Jyothigowdanapura, Karnataka 571342
Timings: 7 AM – 2 PM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Nandi Hills For A Scenic Getaway In Karnataka
8. Moyar River
Photo: A. J. T. Johnsingh / Wikimedia Commons
This river flows through the Nilgiri Hills in Southern India and covers the states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. It has a geographical significance as it is a striking natural feature formed by a river cutting through the hills. The majority of the park is that of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve which is a UNESCO-designated reserve. There are adventure activities to try like water rafting, and kayaking, making it one of the top places on the Bandipur tourist places list.
Location: Mayar, Masinagudi–Ooty
Timings: 7 AM – 9 AM and 3 PM – 6 PM
9. Theppakadu Elephant Camp
Photo: Timothy A. Gonsalves / Wikimedia Commons
This elephant camp is located within the Mudumalai National Park in the Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu, India. It is popular for the rehabilitation of elephants rescued from captivity or distressing situations. The camp provides a natural habitat to the elephants allowing them to recover. Various educational programs are conducted for the conservation of elephants. October to May is the ideal time to visit. Visitors are expected to respect the wildlife and carry essentials like sunscreen during their visit.
Location: Theppakadu, Tamil Nadu 643223
Timings: 8:30 AM – 9 PM and 5:30 PM – 6 PM
Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Bandipur For A Mesmerising Getaway In Karnataka
10. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Outlander07 / Wikimedia Commons
This wildlife sanctuary is a protected area located in the district of Kerala, India. It was established in the year 1973 and is home to a variety of plants and animals. There are a number of endangered species like that of elephants, tigers, leopards and bird species. This sanctuary is divided into Muthanga, Tholpetty and Kurichiat. There are nature trails to explore along with the forest and hills. You can take a guided tour to explore the entire region. Maintaining a safe distance from animals should be followed as a safety measure.
Location: Bathery- Puthupally Road, Sultan Bathery, Kerala 673592
Timings: 7 AM – 10 AM and 3 PM – 5 PM
11. Chamarajeshwara Temple
Photo: CC0 Public Domain / PxHere / Image For Representation Only
One of the top things to do in Bandipur is visiting the Chamarajeshwara Temple, which is a beautiful example of both Dravidian and Hoysala architecture. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is thought to have been built in the 10th century during the Chola era. It was later fixed up by the Wodeyar kings in the 19th century. The 70-foot-tall, five-tiered Rajagopuram with brass kalashas is the most impressive part of it. There are pillars with intricate carvings, frescoes, and paintings of mythological scenes in the temple complex.
Location: Car St, Galipur, Chamarajanagar, Karnataka 571313
Timings: 7 AM – 12 PM and 5:30 PM – 8 PM
Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Kollur Mookambika Temple For Travellers
12. Male Mahadeshwara Betta
Photo: Jagannathan Narayanan / Shutterstock
Among the top places for Bandipur trip is a holy hill shrine called Betta in Karnataka’s Chamarajanagar district. The temple is dedicated to Lord Mahadeshwara, who is an incarnation of Lord Shiva. It is on top of a beautiful hill surrounded by thick woods and rolling hills. It is a major travel site that draws tens of thousands of religious people every year, especially during major holidays and religious fairs. There is a lot of different plant and animal life in the woods around the hill, which makes it more appealing to people who like wildlife and hiking.
Location: Karnataka 571490
Timings: 5:30 AM – 8:30 PM
13. Kanakagiri Kshetra
Photo: Dineshkannambadi / Wikimedia Commons
Kanakagiri Kshetra is a quiet, less well-known spiritual spot close to Bandipur. It is known for its peaceful surroundings and religious significance, and many people who are seeking peace and mental comfort go there. The site has old shrines, holy ponds, and places to meditate, so it’s perfect for people who want to learn about Karnataka’s spiritual history without a lot of other people. The peaceful atmosphere of Kanakagiri and the stunning scenery of the nearby hills and woods make it an ideal place to relax and think.
Location: Shri Kshetra Kanakagiri Digambara Jaina Basadi, Maleyur, Karnataka
Timings: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Karnataka
14. Needle Rock View Point
Photo: Raj / Wikimedia Commons
Wondering what to do in Bandipur? Near Gudalur on the way to Ooty is Needle Rock View Point is a stunning lookout point known for its wide views of the Nilgiri hills and rivers. The name of the viewpoint comes from the unusual cone-shaped rock feature that looks like a needle. Beautiful views await visitors, especially at sunrise and dusk, when the land is bathed in golden light. Trekkers, photographers, and people who love nature all like to visit this area to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and stunning views.
Location: Ooty Main Road, NH67, Tamil Nadu 643212
Timings: 7 AM – 5 PM
15. Sonapura Lake
Photo: CC0 Public Domain / PxHere / Image For Representation Only
Sonapura Lake is a calm spot and is famous as a Bandipur picnic spot. The lake is surrounded by lush vegetation and peaceful scenery, making it a great place to watch birds, have a picnic, or just think. Its calm seas are home to many migratory and resident birds, making it a great place for bird watchers. Sonapura Lake’s peaceful setting and natural beauty make it a great place to relax instead of going to a busy tourist spot.
Location: Sangapura, Karnataka
Timings: 7 AM – 7 PM
Suggested Read: Explore The Largest Lake In Karnataka
Now that you have checked the places to visit in Bandipur, this place guarantees several scenic spots for a great holiday in the lap of nature. There are numerous reasons to visit this place for a mesmerizing experience in Karnataka. Whether you love trekking or a photography enthusiast, this place has perfect surrounding areas with a diverse range of attractions.
Experience a great visit as you schedule your trip with TripXL for a relaxing time and learn about the importance of nature conservation.
Cover Photo: Jimmy Kamballur / Shutterstock
