NATIONAL PARKS OF INDIA

Bannerghatta National Park is located about 22 km from the Bengaluru city (earlier Bangalore) in Karnataka. The park covers an area of about 104.27sq.km.

About the park
The park was created in 1971 for the purpose of wildlife conservation and promotion of wildlife tourism in the state of Karnataka. In 2002, some portion of the park was carved out to create Bannerghatta Biological Park which is managed by the forest department. The park is one of the rare places in the world where wilderness is located in close proximity to a big city.

Fauna
The park is home to different species of animals such as lion, elephant, panther, bison, bear, spotted deer, etc. Tigers and the white tigers are the prime attraction here.

Avian fauna
Grey Jungle Fowl, Partridges, Flycatchers, Cuckoos, Ibis, Parakeets, Storks, Sunbirds, Flower-Peckers, Eagles, Minivets, Wood Peckers, Wagtails, etc. are endemic bird species of the region.

Flora
Thorny scrub and dry deciduous forests with patches of moist deciduous forests are located along the streams of Suvarnamukhi River.

Getting there
By road Bannerghatta National Park is easily accessible from Bengaluru city. Tourists can hire cabs or take the state transport buses to reach the park. The nearest airport and railway station are located in Bengaluru.

General information
There are no accommodation facilities available in and around the park area. So day trips are suggested. The best thing about this park is that it comprises of different units such as Butterfly Park, Zoo, Safari, and Rescue Centre. Each of these units is created to provide a suitable ambience for each inhabitant of the sanctuary.

Safari packages such as Grand Safari, Lion and Tiger safari are available for tourists to experience the wildlife more closely. Food and beverages inside the park area are quite expensive. So it is advisable to carry one's own foods.

Tourist information
Address: Bannerghatta National Park, Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka -560083, India.
Phone: +91-80-22352828
Ideal time to visit: September to January
Entry timings: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Closed on: Tuesday