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Best time to visit

October - May (ideal)
June - September (good)

For Whom

Wildlife and wildlife photography enthusiasts; Bird enthusiasts

Extended Weekend Tours

Bandipur

KMTR-Kuduraivetti

Pampadum Shola

The Anamalais

Agumbe

KMTR-Sengaltheri

Rajamalai & Rhodo Valley

Periyar & Gavi

Mukurthi Fishing Hut

Ghermalam

Point Calimere

Kabini

B R Hills

Long Breaks

Bird Endemics & More

Kerala Birds

Megafauna & Endemics

Wildlife, Nilgiris & Top Slip
Bandipur Tiger Reserve 2 Nights / 3 Days from Rs. 14,500/-

Summary

The foothill forests of the Nilgiris are among south India’s oldest protected areas and among its best locations for viewing and photographing large mammals. Bandipur, lies within this vast, wildlife rich landscape that includes Nagarhole, Mudumalai and Wynaad, among numerous smaller protected areas of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.

The Kabini river, which forms a reservoir here, defines the eastern boundary of Nagarhole with Bandipur National Park, two of south India’s finest wildlife destinations. The area is especially interesting within this large protected area network of the NBR, when hundreds of Asian elephants and much other wildlife, congregates around the reservoir during the dry season. Bandipur’s relatively open deciduous forests are very good for wildlife viewing and megafauna, including Asian Elephant, Tiger, Leopard and Gaur are regularly sighted, all year round. Other notable wildlife that are often seen in Bandipur include the pack hunting Indian wild dogs, sloth bear and several species of deer, primates and small mammals.

Bandipur’s hilly terrain, and adjacent scrub habitats also provides a contrasting setting for wildlife and enhances chances of sighting of rarities such as the shy four-horned antelope and striped hyena, which are very difficult in the wetter locations of the Biosphere Reserve. The panoramic moutainscape of the Nilgiri hills, visible from Bandipur, adds to the charming scenery of the location.

Over 250 species of birds have been recorded from deciduous, riverine and scrub forests of the location. Notable sightings include dry habitat specialities such as the White-bellied Minivet and Sikeer Malkoha as well as several south Indian endemics.

Itinerary Outline

  • Day 1: Depart Bangalore 8 AM and arrive in Bandipur by 2 pm. PM Jeep Safari
  • Day 2: AM Jeep Safari. After safari and breakfast, drive to highest point in the reserve at Gopalaswamy Betta with packed lunch. PM nature walk.
  • Day 3: AM nature walk. Depart by 11 AM and reach Bangalore in the evening.

Facilities
Accommodation: : Quaint private resort with modern facilities
Food: : Pan-Indian, with a few international dishes
Transport: : Road transfers in Chevrolet Tavera or similar
Difficulty level: : Easy
Dates : Download itinerary for latest schedule
Please note that we can customise schedule for independent travel
Costs : INR 14,500/person  (USD 330/GBP 215/EUR 260)
- based on minimum 4 persons traveling, ex-Bangalore

Terms & Conditions

  1. Tour costs are per person based on twin sharing basis ex- Bangalore and is all inclusive (transport, accommodation, food, naturalist, 2 safaris, guided walks and all taxes and fees). Please check with us on specific items to make sure if it is included in the published tour costs.
  2. Maximum Group Size on this tour is 10
  3. Bookings are confirmed only upon full payment of the tour cost and at least 15 days in advance from the proposed departure date
  4. We reserve the right to cancel the tour at anytime due to unforeseen circumstances. We will refund the entire booking amount under these circumstances.
  5. Payment options:
    1. Our preferred mode of payment is through electronic transfers into our bank account. Relevant details will be provided to you once you are ready to make the payment.
    2. Online credit card payments in USD/GBP/EUR are accepted through Paypal. Indian customers can also use a credit card to pay online through Paypal, but please be aware that you will be charged an additional currency conversion fee for the same.
    3. We accept demand drafts/cheques in INR, GBP, EUR or USD
  6. In case you want to cancel your booking:
    1. A 90% refund if cancellation requested more than one month before the proposed date of departure
    2. A 15% refund if cancellation requested less than one month from the proposed date of departure.

FYI and Guidelines

  1. Weather: Updates based on dates of travel
  2. Please bring your binoculars along - you will appreciate the sights of the forests much more with binoculars on hand. However, we will have a pair or two to share amongst us.
  3. Please bring essential medication with you, since the local outlets are few and far between and may not always carry what you are looking for.