Best National Parks of Karnataka
Karnataka is one of the most visited states in India, known for Mysore, Coorg, Shivanasamudra Falls, and more. One more thing people flock to this state is its wildlife. The national parks in Karnataka are slowly developing into a hub for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. The pleasant and calming weather here makes it a perfect home for the numerous animals and birds here. Karnataka is home to five national parks, and each one of them is unique and a must-visit for all wildlife and nature lovers. The national parks in Karnataka include Bandipur Tiger Reserve and National Park, Bannerghatta National Park, Mudumalai National Park, Kudremukh National Park, and Nagarhole Tiger Reserve.
Why is it home to such impressive national parks? If you are wondering this, the reason is simple: the diverse terrain and the Western Ghats here offer impeccable climate, and the water bodies here nurture the dense forests, making it ideal for it to become home to a lot of exotic flora and fauna. Apart from these 5 national parks in Karnataka, you will also see 18 wildlife sanctuaries and 9 bird sanctuaries, so again, a wildlife enthusiast must head here. Let’s learn more about these national parks in depth below.
Best 5 National Parks of Karnataka
1. Nagarhole National Park
Established in 1988, the Nagarhole National Park is situated between the Mysore and Kodagu districts. It is the 37th Tiger Reserve in India and is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It is a haven for animal and wildlife lovers, appealing to people with its dense forests, hills, streams, waterfalls, and valleys. There are many animals here, including tigers, elephants, sloth bears, striped hyenas, Indian leopards, and deer. This national park in Karnataka lets you witness animals in their natural habitat hunting or roaming around fearlessly. Many safaris operate here, like jungle safaris, boat safaris, bus safaris, and even a coracle safari, letting you enjoy the wildlife here.
- Timings: 6:30-9 am; 3-5:30 pm
- Price: INR 900 (Bus safari); INR 10,000 (Jeep Safari)
- Famous for: Its significant population of Tigers and large mammals.
- Best Time To Visit: October to May
- Distance From Bangalore: 200 km
2. Kabini National Park
Established in 1988, the Nagarhole National Park is situated between the Mysore and Kodagu districts. It is the 37th Tiger Reserve in India and is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It is a haven for animal and wildlife lovers, appealing to people with its dense forests, hills, streams, waterfalls, and valleys. There are many animals here, including tigers, elephants, sloth bears, striped hyenas, Indian leopards, and deer. This national park in Karnataka lets you witness animals in their natural habitat hunting or roaming around fearlessly. Many safaris operate here, like jungle safaris, boat safaris, bus safaris, and even a coracle safari, letting you enjoy the wildlife here.
Timings: 6:30 am to 6:30 pm
Price: INR 500 (adults); INR 250 (Child) [ All safaris]
Famous for: Tigers, Leopards and boat safari on the Kabini River
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Distance From Bangalore: 203 km
3. Bandipur National Park
Bandipur National Park used to be a private hunting ground for Mysore’s Maharajas. But in 1974, the 874-sq-km forest turned into a Tiger Reserve. Bandipur National Park is an enchanting national park and home to over 70 tigers, spotted deer, 3000 Indian elephants, antelopes, and other native animals. There is a ban on private vehicles inside the park. Park it safely and choose a safari option to explore the animals here. You can pay for your camera and bring it here for clicking some of the most impressive photos ever.
Timings: 6-8 am; 2:30-4:30 pm
Price: INR 3000 (Jeep Safari); INR 350 per person (Non-AC Bus Safari)
Famous for: Rich biodiversity of animals like Tigers, elephants, leopards and other wildlife.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Distance From Bangalore: 212.5 km
4. Bannerghatta National Park
At the Anekal range in Bangalore’s outskirts is the Bannerghatta National Park on the foothills. The numerous fauna at this park include the Bengal tiger, spotted deer, zebra, white tiger, and many others. The national park also has an elephant corridor, and the elephant sanctuary allows you to see these mammals freely without worrying about any human interference. If here, ensure you also head to visit the butterfly park housing a butterfly conservatory, museum, and an audiovisual room. The tiger and lion enclosures similar to their natural habitat attract the most tourists.
Timings: 9:30 am to 5 pm
Price: Grand Safari- INR 260 (adults); INR 130 (Children) (This includes herbivore, Bear, Tiger and Lion Safari).
Famous for: Tiger and Lion Safari
Best Time To Visit: September to January
Distance From Bangalore: 21.7 km
5. Kudremukh National Park
This national park in Karnataka is perched on a mountain range in the Western Ghats. It is an exceptional national park with scenic waterfalls like Hanumangundi and Kadambi, lush green forests, and a rich fauna including tigers, leopards, wild dogs, lion-tailed macaques, and more. Kudremukh National Park has many trekking paths, allowing the tourists to enjoy the natural scenic beauty while enjoying seeing the animals in their natural habitat. It is also a great place for clicking great pictures while trekking with coffee and tea plantations as the backdrop.
Timings: 10 am to 5 pm
Price: INR 3000 (Vehicle charges)
Famous for: Tigers and the Black Panther- ‘Saya’
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Distance From Bangalore: 318.4 km
Piyush Nirban
Piyush is a dedicated writer for nagarhole.org, specializing in Nagarhole National Park and its diverse wildlife. With deep expertise in India’s national parks and safaris, he offers valuable insights into the country’s natural wonders. His passion for nature and years of exploring India’s wilderness enrich his articles, engaging fellow wildlife enthusiasts.