Bandipur Safari Lodge is located halfway down the
Mysore-Ooty road adjacent to the world-renowned Bandipur National Park. The mountain
breeze flowing down the vales of the picturesque Nilgiris invites you to this
perfect backdrop for a wildlife safari. Nestling in the foothills of the Nilgiris,
the Bandipur National Park was formed by extending the Venugopal Wildlife Park,
set up in 1931 by the Mysore Maharajas. It is now one of the tiger reserves in
the country. It also forms a part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which is the one
of the last refuges of endangered Asiatic wild elephants.
Accommodation Bandipur
Safari Lodge is built along the lines of contemporary architectural style with
a maximum capacity of 24 persons at a time. There are twelve well-furnished, elegant
rooms with modern amenities and spacious bath to relax your senses. (But there
is no A/c or T.V. in any of the accommodation). The campus is dotted with medicinal
and ornamental plants and the panoramic view of the surrounding hillocks instills
the naturalist in you.
Facilities The exclusive banquet area
called the Gol Ghar (circular, open-to sides marquee) is a specialty of Jungle
Lodges and offers a platform for interaction with other guests. Our open-top jeeps
take you on a safari into the Tiger Reserve every evening. To enjoy the wilder
side of life, sit around the campfire area and unwind yourself in the barbeque
and the background humming of a guitar. There is also a restaurant and bar facility
provided for the day visitors and highway commuters.
The Cuisine Safari
Lodge specialises in serving a delectable buffet of South Indian, North Indian,
Chinese and Continental cuisine.
Activities The major attraction
of Safari Lodge is its wildlife expeditions into the Bandipur National Park. The
trips are slated for the best periods of wildlife sighting, i.e. at the daybreak
and in the evening. One of them will be a ride in an open-top jeep and in the
other guests are taken for a trek guided by a conversant and experienced naturalist
who will initiate you to the mysterious landscapes of nature. For those who want
an arduous workout, there is no greater challenge than hiking the heights of Gopalswamy
Betta or down the slopes of the Moyar Gorge. Bird watching, wildlife viewing and
photography can have no better opportunity than a walk on this treasure trove
of natural features
Location Air : The nearest airport is Mysore
(80 km). Very limited flights land there presently.
Road: Motorable roads
connect Bandipur to Bangalore 220 km via Mysore, which is 80 km away. It is 170
km away from Coimbatore and 80 km from Ooty.