“With temples, villages, farms & fun-filled centres within its residence, it’s a tiny hassle-free world far away from the World”
Bannerghatta National Park is bound along the periphery by the mighty ranges of Anekal placing it atop, at a varying elevation of 1245 m – 1634 m above the sea level and approximately 22 km from the city of Bangalore. This mesmerising piece of land is spread across a huge area of 25,000 acres and encompasses six villages (alongwith cattle & sheep farms), ancient sacred temples and well; yes a biological park offering tons of recreational activities!
The National Park is a famous trekking destination while the Biological Park provides a wide range of activities from safaris, to visiting the pet corner, snake house, aquarium, a butterfly enclosure and so much more! It’s all right there, in the same place! The national park is also home to an amazing variety of lions, panther, tigers, leopards and avi-fauna. A trip to Bannerghatta National Park will prove to be a joyful and educational experience for your kids and yourself!
[Also Checkout: Wildlife Sanctuaries in India]
Climatic Conditions
The climate at Bannerghatta is of the tropical type. The temperature ranges between 15˚C to 30˚C on an average. The park receives and annual rainfall of 700 mm.
Best Time to Visit
Because of the pleasant weather conditions, you can visit Bannerghatta anytime of the year. Yet, the months of September to January are considered the best time to visit the Bannerghatta National Park.
Wildlife & Vegetation
1. Animals
The forest area is maintained by the forest department and is part of the Elephant corridor and connects B.R. Hills and Sathyamangla forest areas. Other wild animals that can be found trolling around the woods of Bannerghatta include the lions, tigers, leopards, sambars, chittals, bisons, sloth bear, barking deer, wild boar, mouse deer, bonnet macaque, wild dog, porcupine and many others. A rare and exquisite variety of the wild cat i.e. the white tiger can also be found here.
2. Birds
A stupendous variety of avi-fauna can be found adorning the skies and ponds of Bannerghatta. These include Quails, Peafowl, Parakeets, Drongos, Flycatchers, Flower-peckers, Woodpeckers, Storks etc.
3. Reptiles
Reptilian species found here include lizards, snakes, crocodiles and tortoises.
4. Vegetation
Vegetation at Bannerghatta is characterised by a mixture of dry deciduous forests, southern tropical dry deciduous forests and southern tropical moist mixed forests. These consist of various types of trees, tall and short, with or without canopy cover etc, all amalgamating to form the beautiful landscape of the park.
Distance from Nearby and Major Cities
Bannerghatta national park lies at a distance of 22 km from Bangalore city. Distance from other major cities is as follows:
• Bangalore: 40 km via NICE ring rd
• Mysore: 165 km
• Chennai: 346 km via NH 46
• Hyderabad: 617 km via NH 7
• Delhi: 2197 km via NH 7
• Mumbai: 1004 km via NH 4
• Kolkata: 1908 km via NH 5
• Lucknow: 1913 km via NH 7
How to Reach
Banerghatta can be reached via Bangalore which is well connected by roadways, airways and railways to other major cities.
• By Air: Nearest Airport: Bangalore International Airport is only 60 km away.
• By Rail: Bangalore City Train Junction lies 23 km away from Banerghatta.
• By Road: A number of buses run by BMTC and private taxis are available from Bangalore city towards Bannerghatta National Park. Notable among these are Buses No. 365 from Kempegowda Bus Stand/City Railway Station, 368 from Shivajinagar Bus Stand, 366 from City Market and Bus BIG 10 from MG Road.
Local Attractions: Banerghatta Biological Park
Different units are set up at Bannerghatta Biological Park. These include the zoo, butterfly park, safari and rescue centre.
• The zoo houses 1301 animals both endemic and exotic. It also includes a museum displaying various awards and trophies and an auditorium where movies related to wildlife & conservations are showcased. This makes way for a great educational experience for the kids!
• The butterfly park is popular among tourists. Set up across an area of 7.5 acres, tourists are lead via a 1 km “butterfly trail” upto the area harbouring the conservatory, museum and multi-media centre. As many as 48 species of butterflies can be found at Bannerghatta.
• Animal safaris including Lion safari, Tiger safari, Bear Safari etc are quite common and popular at Bannerghatta.
• Boating and trekking are also available.
Accommodation
Bannerghatta Nature Camps maintained by Jungle Lodges & Resorts offers wide range of accommodation options from tented cottages to dormitory facilities, all well-equipped with basic amenities. For reservations, contact:
Bannerghatta Biological Park,
Around Bangalore – 560 083 Karnataka, India
Manager: Mr. Poovappa
Contact Number: 9449599756
Land-line: 080-6575124
Email Id: bnc@junglelodges.com
Other Useful Information
• Bannerghatta National Park remains open on all days of the week except Tuesdays.
• Timings: 9 am to 5 pm
• Entry fee (Zoo)
Adults: Rs. 80 (for Indians), Rs. 400 (Foreign nationals belonging to non-SAARC countries)
Children aged between 6 and 12 yrs: Rs. 40 (for Indians), Rs. 300 (Foreign nationals belonging to non-SAARC countries)
Senior Citizens (above 60 yrs of age): Rs. 50
• Butterfly Park
Adults: Rs. 30 (for Indians), Rs. 400 (Foreign nationals belonging to non-SAARC countries)
Children aged between 6 and 12 yrs: Rs. 20 (for Indians), Rs. 300 (Foreign nationals belonging to non-SAARC countries)
Senior Citizens (above 60 yrs of age): Rs. 20
• Boating:
Rs. 60/- per head/trip. Duration: 30:00 Minutes a trip
Rs. 300/- for full boat hire/trip. Duration: 30:00 Minutes a trip (Max. 4 members only)
