Bannerghatta National Park is an Indian national park near Bangalore, Karnataka. It was established in 1970 and designated as a national park in 1974. The Bannerghatta Biological Park, a small portion of the park, was established in 2002. The park contains ancient temples for worship and is a popular trekking and hiking destination. Six rural villages are enclosed within three large enclosures for sheep and cattle farming within the national park area. This park provides the exploratory with a diverse range of wildlife. This park, located in Bengaluru, Karnataka, offers a guided bus tour all along the 6 km safari roads, which are specially designed for safarists and foreign tourist gatherers.
Bannerghatta Park has various units such as Zoo, Safari, and Butterfly park spread over 731.88 Ha. The field activities of the biological park are manyfold as it is classified as one of the major zoos in the state/country with a lot of scope for scientific development. The activities prevailing in the Biological Park are Maintenance of the zoo – which exhibits varieties of birds, reptiles, and mammals within the well-maintained enclosures.
Features Bannerghatta National Park
The Bannerghatta National Park, located 22 kilometers from Bangalore, is a haven for a wide range of flora and fauna. This national park, which covers an area of approximately 104.27 square kilometers, was established in 1971. Within its boundaries, the park contains a number of establishments, including the country’s first butterfly park.
Running and maintenance of safaris – drive the tourists through the animals’ enclosures in the vehicles i.e. tigers, lions, bears, and herbivores safaris and also for breeding of endangered species of animals /ungulates; Rescue Centers to provide lifetime facilities to the rescued animals like tigers, lions, and bears from circuses, madaris, etc., Butterfly park; Nature camp for the people those wish to stay and study the flora and fauna in forests; tourism and facilities to visitors; feeding and health care to captive animals; with inbuilt administrative set up to manage all the affairs of the Bannerghatta Biological Park
Other attractions include ten Reserve Forests of the Bangalore Forest Division’s Anekal Range, an aquarium, a zoo, a children’s park, a crocodile farm, a snake park, and a park dedicated to prehistoric animals. Furthermore, a jungle safari, which is a popular activity here, allows you to get up close and personal with the wondrous wildlife. The best part about Bannerghatta National Park is the small well-defined animal zones, which almost guarantee that you will see the animals. People travel in enclosed vehicles (buses/safaris).
Bannerghatta National Park Highlights
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Spread over an area of 260.51 sq. km., the Bannerghatta National Park is a natural habitat of a wide range of wild animals, birds, reptiles, and more.
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The Park also has a Zoo where you can see several wild animals such as King Cobra, Panthers, Crocodiles, Deer, bears, and birds.
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Its Jungle Safari lets you cover 18 km over a jeep or bus and see a wide range of animals in their natural habitat.
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You can also opt for an elephant safari in the park and enjoy an incredible experience.
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The Butterfly Park is another attraction of the facility that comprises a butterfly conservatory, a research laboratory, a museum, and a curio shop, and 48 species of butterflies.
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Here, you can also opt for short trekking and hiking expeditions and enjoy a lifetime experience.
How To Reach Bannerghatta National Park
The Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru is approximately 55.8 kilometers from Bannerghatta Biological Park. Depending on traffic, it takes about an hour and a half to get to the park from Bengaluru Airport. It is recommended to take a bus from the airport to Ulsoor before visiting Bannerghatta Biological Park. You can then take a taxi from Ulsoor to the park.
Alternatively, a prepaid taxi or Ola and Uber from the airport to Bannerghatta Biological Park is also recommended. A taxi will get you to the park the fastest while taking the bus will get you there the cheapest.
Best Time To Visit Bannerghatta National Park
Although Bannerghatta Biological Park is available all year, the optimum time to visit the park is between October and February. The temperature is cool and pleasant at this time of year, ideal for viewing the blossoming trees and wildlife.
This is also the time shortly following Karnataka’s severe monsoon season when the weather is almost ideal for going outside. The city also celebrates Wildlife Week during the first week of October, with the Karnataka State Forest Department organizing several beautiful environmental programs in the park in collaboration with different other organizations and nature clubs.