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Bandipur National Park
Bandipur
National Park
Location : Karnataka
Area : 874.20 Sq.Km
Best Time to Visit :
March - August
In
Karnataka lies one of India's best-known wildlife reserves - Bandipur National
Park. It is situated where the Deccan Plateau rises to meet the wrinkled folds
of the Western Ghat Mountains. It is situated within Chamarajanagar district
in the southern Indian state of Karnataka. It is one of the finest habitats
of the Asian elephant. Drained by the Moya River, its open forest makes it easy
for visitors to see the elephant and gaur in natural surroundings. There is
another attractive wildlife park nearby at Nagarhole. Though separate entities,
these are part of a larger contiguous wildlife reserve that includes the Mudumalai
Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu and the Wayanad Reserve in Kerala. Both the parks are
easily accessible from Mysore.
A tracing of recent history, Bandipur became one of the first
of India's Tiger Reserves in 1973. Bandipur is the southernmost of the nine reserves
specially established under Project Tiger, when in a 1974 declaration under the
Wildlife Protection Act it was notified as a National Park. The park host huge
congregations of large mammals, especially the elephant and the gaur. The onset
of pre-monsoon showers in April, Bandipur begins to unfold in all its glory. The
park supports a remarkable variety of flora and fauna, making it a veritable paradise
for wildlife. This unique feature makes a breathtaking spectacle, and is almost
the only one of its kind in Asia.
A dam on the Kabini and its picturesque
reservoir separate the two parks. There is a gradual shift in the vegetation from
open dry deciduous forests to tropical mixed deciduous forests. These diverse
habitats support an enormous diversity of animal life. In the dense moist deciduous
forests of this area the upper canopy reaches heights of 30m and valuable hardwoods
like teak and rosewood are also to be found here. The 874.20 sq. km. Bandipur
National Park, with its open grassy woodland, lies to the south of the Kabini
River while Nagarhole, 643.39 so. km. in area, to the north of the river, has
taller and denser forests.
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Bhimeshwari National Park
Best
time to visit : December - March
The
Bhimeshwari lies between the twin falls of Barachukki and Gaganachukki, with
yet another set of falls called Mekedatu fall is about 35 kms downstream is
yet another set of falls called Mekedatu (Goat's Leap). Lying between these
breathtaking cascades is Bhimeshwari. The nature has created a home for a variety
of exciting animals. It is also the natural habitat for the Mahseer fish and
is also known as fishing game or angling destination in India. Bhimeshwari in
Manday district is an ideal place not only for the wildlife but also for people
on a holiday spree. It is perfect picnic spot for the nature lovers.
Enthusiastic Anglers don't
forget to take the fishing rods, as they may find be a catch of their life - time.
The Fishing Camp here has comfortable tents equipped with all basic facilities
like cots, mosquito nets, shower, toilet and even a kitchen. Food is served in
the 'Gol-Ghar', to open air dining room. As the sun gives way to the moon, and
the bonfire is lit up, the evening casts mysterious shadows.
The lush
forest sheltered by steep valleys and scattered by little streams, invites large
groups of animals and birds. You can see herds of elephants amongst the thick
tree. One can see Deers springing in the air with Wild boars, monkeys, Jackals,
crocodiles, otters and even leopards for a company in Bhimeshwari National Park.
And of course, there are plenty of birds too! Heron, ibis, cormorant, kingfisher
… have all made their home here. Giving you a never-before opportunity of
no-stop viewing.
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