Bangalore to Bandipur: How to Reach, Best Route & Travel Tips

Bangalore to Bandipur: Best Route, Distance & Travel Tips

Planning to visit Bangalore to Bandipur? For nature lovers, Bandipur is not just a forest. It is an experience in itself of wildlife, clean air, and greenery. The teak and sandalwood forests, dense and thick, create a cool environment for tourists. Bandipur National Park is a very popular wildlife sanctuary in India. It is situated in the foothills of the Western Ghats, which is approximately 220 km from Bangalore. Bandipur National Park falls under the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and has tigers, elephants, leopards, and more than 200 bird species as their inhabitants.

Compared with other Bangalore weekend outings, Bandipur has something special. Mysore is known for its heritage. Coorg is known for coffee plantations. Chikmagalur is a hill station. But Bandipur is different since it is a pure wildlife outing where you get to experience safaris and see rare animals. Find out the best routes from Bangalore to Bandipur, distance, expert travel tips here.

What is the Distance Between Bangalore and Bandipur?

The total road distance from Bangalore to Bandipur is approximately 220 km. The driving time is approximately 5 to 6 hours based on the route, traffic, and stops you take.

Taking the route through Mysore has an approximate distance of 220 km. Going through Kanakapura, Kollegala, and Chamarajanagar has a little more distance but is more scenic.

What Are the Best Routes from Bangalore to Bandipur?

Route 1: Bangalore- Mysore- Gundlupet- Bandipur.

Distance: 220 km

Travel time: 5–6 hours

Highlights: Broad highways, easy travel, Mysore city stopover, with lots of restaurants and fuel stations.

Cons: Increased traffic within and surrounding Mysore, and especially over weekends or holidays.

Route 2: Bangalore- Kanakapura- Kollegala- Chamarajanagar- Bandipur.

Distance: Approximately 230 km

Travel time: 6 hours

Advantages: There are fewer cars on the road, the road is clean, and the countryside is beautiful.

Cons: The roads are narrow in certain locations, and there are fewer restaurants and places to refuel.

Tejas Travels provides outstation car rentals and customised tours to Bandipur to individuals who need luxury and professional service.

What Are the Transport Options from Bangalore to Bandipur?

Self-Drive: Ideal for families and small groups. Sedans are inferior to SUVs, as SUVs handle forest roads more smoothly. The biggest plus point is that you can change your plans. The disadvantage is that the driver may become tired.

Taxi and Private Cabs: Many of the travellers choose to hire a cab so that they can enjoy a hassle-free ride. Depending on the number of people, you have the option of sedans, SUVs or speeding travellers.

Buses: KSRTC and private buses operate from Bangalore to Gundlupet. From Gundlupet, you can take a cab to Bandipur. Buses are low-cost and not that flexible.

Tejas Travels presents outstation car rentals and tailored packages for trips to Bandipur exclusively for people seeking luxuries and professionalism in service.

How to Book a Cab from Bangalore to Bandipur?

Booking a cab is easy:

First visit Tejas Travels or call their bookings number.

Second, choose pickup and drop points.

Then choose the kind of car - sedan, SUV, or tempo traveller.

Lastly, check and confirm the date and time of booking..

Round-trip vs. One-way: Round-trip is economical, if you return the same way. One-way cabs are suitable, if you need to travel further to Ooty or Coimbatore.

Estimated Costs: A Sedan will cost you around ₹4,500–₹6,000 for a round trip. SUV will cost you ₹6,500–₹8,500. Tempo travellers are best for groups and are more expensive.

Group Tips: Share the expense among tourists. It makes luxury travel possible.

What Is the Best Time to Visit Bandipur?

Winter (October -February): Best time to go on safari. It has a nice climate and is full of wildlife.

Summer (March -May): It is hot in the afternoon, but it is the best season to see wildlife around water bodies.

Monsoon (June-September): The park is lush green, and safarising in the park is harder due to the rain.

October to May are the best months to spot wildlife. Bookings of safaris fill up fast on weekends and holidays, so book early.

Where to Break Journey from Bangalore to Bandipur?

Mysore Palace: A royal palace that cannot be missed with its beautiful architecture.

Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary: Near Mysore, a wonderful destination for birding and boat trips.

Gopalaswamy Betta: A temple atop a hill with hazy views of the scene, as well as a peaceful environment just in the surrounding vicinity of Bandipur.

Best Restaurants and Petrol Stops:

Maddur Tiffany's (Maddur): Renowned for Maddur vada.

Kamat Lokaruchi (Ramanagara): Good South Indian cuisine.

Empire Restaurant (Mysore Road): Well-known for non-veg thalis.

Fuel points can be found along the highway, particularly around Mysore and Gundlupet.

What Are the Safari Options in Bandipur?

Jeep Safari: Best for small groups and for a small-scale wildlife experience. Seat reservation, in advance.

Canter Safari: Open bus with 20 seats, suitable for budget travellers.

Bus Safari: Organised by the forest department, less expensive but impersonal.

Timings: Morning safari starts at 6.30 am. Evening safaris begin at 3:30 PM.

Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours.

Cost: ₹1,000–₹3,000 based on the safari type.

Booking: Online on the Karnataka Forest Department website or at the reception desk.

Safari Rules:

Don't get out of the vehicle.

No shouting.

Bring ID proof.

Wear plain-colored clothes.

Where to Stay in Bandipur?

Luxury Resorts: The Serai Bandipur, Jungle Lodges and Windflower Tusker Trails. These are within or close to the forest and provide safari packages.

Mid-Range Hotels: MC Resort, Bandipur Safari Lodge.

Budget Stays: Guesthouses in Gundlupet and homestays in Masinagudi.

In case your prime concern is safaris, stay close to the park entrance so you can easily get in.

Is It Safe to Drive from Bangalore to Bandipur?

Yes, if you observe a few rules:

Highways are well-maintained.

Wildlife crossings are designated; drive slowly within forest regions.

A night ban on traffic from 9 PM to 6 AM exists on the forest section between Gundlupet and Bandipur. Travel accordingly.

What to Carry on a Bandipur Trip?

Clothing: Light cottons for summer, warm cover-up jackets for winter mornings.

Safari outfit: Binoculars, camera, sunglasses, cap, heavy-padded shoes.

Necessities: ID evidence, a water bottle, sunscreen, an insect repellent, and some basic medications.

Pro Tips: Come in with refillable water bottles, no plastic, and be aware of the forest ecosystem.

Bangalore to Bandipur Itinerary for a 2-Day Road Trip

 Day 1:

Bangalore early morning take off.

Tour Mysore Palace.

Lunch in Mysore.

Reach Bandipur by afternoon.

Check in to your resort.

Evening safari at Bandipur.

Day 2:

Early morning safari at 6:30 AM.

Go back to the resort and eat breakfast.

Exit through Chamarajanagar to take a scenic route.

Maybe go to Gopalaswamy Betta or Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary.

Day Extension: Take another day off at Masinagudi or continue to Ooty and have some hill station fun.

Can I Go to Ooty from Bandipur?

Yes, you can. Ooty is only 80 km from Bandipur. The drive passes through Masinagudi and has ghat sections with steep inclines. The road is lovely but narrow. It would take about 3 hours to get to Ooty.

Several tourist groups, Bangalore – Bandipur- Ooty, in one trip. In this manner, you have both hill station and wildlife experiences.

Why Choose Tejas Travels for the Bangalore to Bandipur Tour?

Tejas Travels is one of the most trusted travel service providers in Bangalore. They provide:

Fleet Options: Sedan, SUV, luxury car, tempo travellers, and bus.

Custom Packages: Family tours, group tours, individual travel plans.

Professional Drivers: Trained, courteous, and experienced in long-haul routes.

Low Prices: No overcharged prices.

At Tejas Tours & Travels, we make each journey special with our extensive travel facilities. Whether it is a luxury car rental or a tempo traveller, we have the ideal drive for pilgrimages, family trips, group outings, and vacation visits. Our expert drivers and well-fitted vehicles ensure safety, comfort, and reliability on every journey.