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Bannerghatta National Park

Bannerghatta National Park

About:

Bannerghatta National Park is about 25 km from Bangalore. The National Park boasts of Tiger or Lion safari which takes you on tour of the section where the big cats roam free. You ride inside a poorly designed diesel bus while the animals peer at you quite close by. This park spread over a 100 square kilometer has thick thorny undergrowth and dry deciduous forest teeming with animals. You can take an elephant ride into the less dense part of the forest too. Don't miss the Indian peacock - Pavo cristatus which is in dark blue color. This peacock is magnificent to behold when it is in the mood to display its full plumage. Peacock is the National bird of India and is considered as the vehicle for Murugan - a deity from south India.

 

Wild Boars, Leopards, Sloth Bears, Jackal, Porcupine, Pangolin, Slender Loris, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Monitor Lizards, Cobras, Pythons, Kraits and Russell Vipers, Cormorants, White Ibis, Little Green Heron, Grey Heron, Paradise Flycatcher, Tickell's Blue Flycatcher, Common Grey Hornbill, Whitebellied Drong, Spotted Owlet, Collared Scop's owl, Mottled Wood Owl, Eurasian Eagle Owl and Brown Fish owl

The Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP) is the area where the forest department has kept lions and tigers rescued over the years from circuses. The area is of major interest to the visitors and more than 10 lakh tourists throng the place every year. Some of the major animals found in the region include elephant, bonnet macaque, cheetal, muntjac, slow loris, wild boar, porcupine, fox and three striped palm squirrel. The park is also home to a myriad variety of avian population. In fact, there are over 200 species of birds found in the park which include honey buzzard, great horned owl, spotted owlet, purple sunbird, loten's sun bird and the small green barbet.Monkey BonneteSafari options abound in the park. The forest department offers a number of safaris including the grand safari which covers all the four enclosures of the park. Other safaris include the tiger and lion safari, elephant joy ride and a short trek. Safaris are also offered by

Location info:

Address: Bannerghatta National Park,Bangalore, Karnataka, India
District:Bangalore
Nearest City: Bangalore
Best time to visit: 01-Sep to 31-Jan

Climate/Weather of Bannerghatta National Park:

The weather is moderate in the range of 15 - 22 Degree C all through the year. Best season:Septmeber to Jan

History of Bannerghatta National Park:

Established in 1971, Bannerghatta National Park is part of the Nilgiris-Eastern Ghats Reserve (NEGR). Regarded the largest elephant reserve in the country, the NEGR is the abode to over 2500 Asiatic elephants. As such migratory corridors for elephant movements pass through the Banerghatta Park.

Interesting things to do:

Safari :
The famous Safari has Carnivore Section and Herbivore section. In the Safari rides, visitors are taken around a mini bus through the enclosed and protected area of the aninmals to roam around freely. The Herbivores section comprises of few animals like deers, bears and a few monkeys etc.White Tigers, Bengal Tigers make up for the Tiger Safari, Lions Safari and Bear Safari in the carnivores' section. Though the entire national park stretches across 104.27 sq km, only a small portion in the north has been carved out for tourism.

 

Zoological garden and Trekking :
You can find everything from avifauna to hyenas, panthers, neel gay, etc in the Bannerghatta National Park. The 25,000 acre park is home to panthers, lions, tigers and a large variety of birds. Wander through the Zoological Garden, with its canopy of shady and sturdy trees, find a quiet resting spot beside a pond and watch waterfowl frolic, also facilities to rest, pinic are also available in the park premises.

The zoo boasts an amazing reptile collection, an encounter with the scaly, slithery creatures at the snake park. Uddigebande (3.5 km) a natural rock formation called Hajjamana Kallu (3 km) and Mirza Hill (1.5 km) are for the Trekking enthusiasts.There is also Jumbo ride for the visitors beyond the parking slots organized by the Forest Department. One has to buy a ticket for this ride. The area spread of Dry deciduous forests and thorny scrub, with patches of moist deciduous forests along the streams.

Interesting things to Visit:

Suvarnamukhi Stream and Temple:
Covering an area of 104 sq km, including ten reserve forests of Anekal Range of the Bangalore Forest Division, the scenic hills are covered with many ancient temples.A stream named Suvarnamukhi flows through the park, originates in the Suvarnamukhi hills. These hills spread out to a huge rock, about a kilometre long.The Champaka Dharna Swamy temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi is built in the Dravidian style of the Hoysala age, lies at the foot of the rock. There is also a Narasimha temple about two km away from the Suvarnamukhi pond. The waters of this pond are believed to have curative powers.

 

 

Pearl Valley:
Situated around 25 km from the park is the beautiful pearl valley. A popular picnic spot, the area is surrounded by thick vegetation which still harbours some wild animals. 280 steps cut into the rock lead to the bottom of the valley where an ancient Shiva temple is to be seen.

Nrityagram:
India's first dance village, the Nrityagram is situated just 32 km from the park. The spring festival held at the place in February each year witnesses culture enthusiasts from Bangalore and other cities come to the place in large numbers.

Butterfly Park:
The butterfly conservatory is a circular enclosure stretching over an area of 10,000 sq ft, covered by a polycarbonate roof. There are approximately 20 species of butterflies at the conservatory, which has an adjusted environment that suits the butterflies. The setting is entire tropical, with humid climate and an artificial waterfall. The flora of the conservatory includes those plants and shrubs that attract butterflies. As you move forward from the conservatory, you will come across the second and third dome, which house a museum. The museum has numerous dioramas and exhibits on display.

Mobile range info:

 

How to reach Bannerghatta National Park?

Nearest Railway Station:Bangalore,railway station
Nearest Airport:Bangalore airport
Road Transport:The Bangalore one can get a car or bus to Bannerghatta

Nearest Visiting places in Bannerghatta National Park:

The Bangalore Palace & Fort:
The Bangalore Fort was built by Kempe Gowda and expanded by Tippu Sultan. Within its walls is the well preserved 16th century Ganapathi Temple.The Bangalore Palace was built by a Wodeyar king in 1887 on the 400 acre space. Inspired by the Windsor castle, this palace was built in the Tudor style, complete with Gothic windows, foiled windows, battlements and turrets resembling the Daria Daulat Palace in Srirangapatanam, this summer palace has been constructed largely of wood and is famous for its carving and paintings.

 

Lal Bagh:
Hyder Ali laid out this famous botanical garden and his son added horticultural wealth to them by importing trees and plants from several countries. The garden today houses over 1000 species of flora which include rare and enchanting collection of tropical plants, trees and herbs. The Glass House, modelled along London's Crystal Palace, is the center of attraction in this 2400 acre park. Bi-annual flower shows attracting participants from all over India is held in the Glass House. In July, 2003 it was decided that the Department of Horticulture and Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) would jointly take up the development of Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens.

ISKCON:
Situated on Chord Road, it is a must visit temple in Bangalore. It stands over a small hill and is a very clean and well maintained temple. Akshaya Patra program sponsored by the temple is very popular.

Bull Temple:
This temple, built by Kempe Gowda, houses the magnificent stone statue of the sacred bull, Nandi. It stands over 15 feet tall and is over 20 feet long . In Nov/Dec every year, when the groundnuts have been harvested, a groundnut fair is held near the temple. The first groundnuts are offered by the farmers to the sacred bull.

Gangadhareshware Temple:
Known for its four monolithic pillars and rare idol of Agni, the God of fire,this temple was built by Kempe Gowda. A unique phenomena is witnessed here on Jan 13/14th every year when the rays of the setting sun enter through the window, pass between the horns of the Nandi and shine on the Shivalingam.

Dharmaraja Temple:
Located at Nazarethpet in the suburbs of Bangalore, this temple is the starting point of the annual Karaga procession. The revered idols of this temple are the Shri Dharmaraja Swamy, hero of the Mahabharata and Lord Krishna.

Dargah Hazarath Tawakkal Mastan:
This Muslim shrine,located in Cottonpet, a suburban locality, is associated with the Hindu Karaga festival too. The procession annually visits the Dargah of this Sufi saint, Tawakkal Mastan. His tomb attracts both Muslim and non-Muslim pilgrims.

Jumma Masjid:
The Jumma Masjid is probably the oldest mosque in the city. It is an imposing structure with tall ornamented granite pillars adorning the elevated prayer hall. Scores of devote Muslim worshippers throng this masjid during the annual festivals of the Muslims. It is located in the busy market area of Bangalore, K.R.Market.

Ravindra Kalakshetra:
The Kalakshetra, built to commemorate Rabindranath Tagore's centenary, promotes cultural activity in the city. It has a superb theatre and houses the Cultural Akademi Offices. Next to it is the Gothic styled Puttannachetty Town Hall whose huge auditorium can easily accommodate over 1500 persons.

St. Mary's Church:
Established by a French missionary Abbe Dubois in 1811, St.Mary's church is the only church in Karnataka state to be elevated to the status of a minor Basilica. Every September, The Virgin Mary's festival is celebrated with a procession that attracts people of all faiths. The church is situated near the Shivaji Nagar Bus Terminal.

Ulsoor lake:
A picturesque lake with several tree-shaded islands in it, is an ideal picnic spot. You can go boating or go for a swim in the nearby swimming pool that is part of the recreational complex near the lake. You can also go to the nearby Gurdhwar, the largest Sikh shrine in Bangalore...More

Tipu's Palace:
Built in 1791, this beautiful two-storeyed ornate wooden structure with exquisitely carved pillars, arches and balconies was one of Tipu's favourite summer retreats.

Hesaragatta:
25 Kms away, Hesaragatta is an interesting picnic spot offering water sports to the adventurous. Boating and wind-surfing is the major attraction. It also has a dairy & horticulture farm where you can picnic.

Ramohalli:
Ramohalli, located 28 Kms west is a popular picnic spot. A major attraction at Ramohalli is the 400 year old giant Banyan tree which sprawls over an incredible 3 acres.

Muthyalamaduvu:
Also known as the Pearl Valley, Muthyalamaduvu is 40 Kms away. The beautiful cascading water falls surrounded by verdant settings provide an ideal picnic getaway.

Ramanagaram:
Rock-climbers and adventure seekers need look no further. 49 Kms south-west from Bangalore, Ramanagaram, provides the ideal location with landscaped rock faces. Another major attraction at Ramanagaram is the silk cocoon marketing centre. One of the most famous Hindi movies Sholay was shot in Ramanagaram.

Janapada Loka:
Sprawling across 15 acres, Janapada Loka or "Folk-culture World" is a world of simplicity and art.Janapada Loka, a subsidiary of the Karnataka Janapada Parishath, is dedicated to preserve and promote folk art and culture. The complex has an art gallery, an open-air theatre, a studio and a museum. Janapada Loka is located near Ramanagaram and is 53 Kms away from Bangalore.

Channapatna:
A bustling town, 60 kms south-west from Bangalore, Channapatna is famous for its eye-catching lacquer ware and hand-crafted wooden toys. It is also a major silk centre of Karnataka.

Mekedatu:
Gushing waters, imposing landscapes, and untouched picnic spots is what Mekedatu is all about. The Cauvery river squeezing through a narrow gorge before traversing its south-bound terrain is a breathtaking sight .It is 98 Kms south of Bangalore.

Nandi Hills:
One of the popular retreats of Tipu Sultan, the Tiger of Mysore, Nandi Hills offers breathtaking getaway of the weary tourist. Tipu's Drop, a 600m high cliff face provides a magnificent panoramic view of the beautiful terrain. Nandi Hills is 60 Kms north of Bangalore.Other attractions are Tipu's Drop, Yoga Nandishvara Temple, a beautiful Chola temple, Dravidian-style Bhoganandishvara temple and Muddenahalli, hometown of Sir M. Visvesvaraya, architect of modern Karnataka at the base of the hill.

Nearest Petrol Pump:

Sadhana Petrol pump:no.15,3 rd 'G" Main,Ramaiah Layout,Kammanahalli, Bangalore, Karnataka,India,Mo:09740842009

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation nearby Bannerghatta National Park:

Ginger Hotel:124, EPIP Phase II,Whitefield,, Bangalore, Karnataka,India,ph:080 56663333

 

Fortune Select Trinity:Whitefield,134-, 136, Road No.1, EPIP Area, Bengaluru, Karnataka,India,ph:080 40200200

Magaji Orchid Hotel:Bangalore:Nagappa St,Bengaluru,Karnataka,India

Things to carry:

 

Tips & Suggestions for Bannerghatta National Park:

 

Help Line/Phone Number:

Police Station:100
Nearest Hospital:
Society/Community Phone Number:

Bannerghatta National Park Nearest Attraction

Ghati Subramanya
Ghati Subramanya is one of the popular pilgrim centers located near Doddaballapur of Bangalore Rural district. Ghati Subrahmanya is located about 60 Kms from Bangalore.The temple here is dedicated to Lord Subramanya and Lord Lakshmi Narasimha. It is believed that the idol of Shri subrahmanya is self originated.....more
Chunchi Falls
Chunchi Waterfalls The waterfall is on tributary of Kaveri, lying amidst rocky hills with shrub vegetation. It is a small deviation from the road to Mekedatu, famous for the waterfall through a small gap between two rocks.....more
Muthyala Maduvu Waterfall
Muthyalamaduvu is a picnic spot near Anekal, 40 km from Bangalore, Karnataka, India.In the local Kannada language, Muthyalamaduvu means 'pearl valley' (muthu = pearl and maduvu = valley), apparently named for its 92 meter waterfall, whose falling water appears to look like drops of pearl.....more
Vrishabhavathi River
The Vrishabhavathi River is a minor river that flows north of the Indian city of Bangalore. The Vrishabhavathi is a tributary of the Arkavathy River. The majority of the sewage emanating from Bangalore is carried by these two rivers.....more