Bannerghatta National Park spread over 25,000 acres was established in the year 1974. It is situated 22 km south of Bangalore, Karnataka at an altitude of 1245 to 1634 meters above sea level. If you are a wildlife or nature enthusiast and happen to visit Bangalore, make sure you make time to visit this place.
This forest area belongs to the forest department and is considered as an Elephant Corridor that connects to B.R.Hills and Sathyamangala forest areas. Apart from a large population of Elephants the forest is home to elephant, leopards, bison, deer and other wild animals.
A part of the National park is used to house wild animals from circuses.
Interesting things to see and do in Bannerghatta are:
- Zoo
- Butterfly Park
- Safari
- Trekking
- Suvarnamukhi hills, stream and pond
- Champaka Dharna Swamy temple
Zoo
The Zoo has many animals, reptiles and birds in captivity. The snake enclosures attract a lot of attention especially the king Cobra. Peacocks, Peasants, Munia, Love Birds are kept in large numbers.
You can go on an Elephant ride in the zoo for a small fee.
Butterfly Park
The butterfly park here is the first enclosed Butterfly Park in India. Started in 2006, it is spread across 7.5 acres of land. The living environment inside the enclosure has many tropical plants, controlled humid climate, waterfalls that support the breeding of Butterflies.
There are around 20 species of butterflies. There is an exhibition on Butterflies and a hall for audio video presentation of butterflies.
Picture – Caterpillar > Pupa > Butterfly
Safari
The Safari is the most exciting activity at Bannerghatta. The Safari is divided into Carnivore and Herbivore sections. The visitors are taken in an enclosed vehicle into an area where the animals are left to roam freely. You can spot Black Bucks, Nilgai, Deer, Bear in the Herbivore section and Tigers and Lions in Carnivore section
While driving to the forest you come across lakes filled with water lilies. You might also find Crocodiles basking in the sun on one of the rocks. The forest is a combination of dry and moist deciduous forests.
Trekking
An 8 Km trekking route was made available for wildlife enthusiasts. The route is between Chikka Ragihalli Gudda and Uddige Bande area. For the fit and fine, another 8 Km stretch is also open.
While trekking, wild animals can be spotted as well as various birds. There are 110 species of birds. There are rare insectivorous plants in the forest that can be spotted along with multi colored butterflies.
Maximum group limit is 20 people. For trekking bookings, call 28429366.
Suvarnamukhi Hills, Stream and Pond
Suvarnamukhi hills form the backdrop for the Bannerghatta National Park. The Suvarnamukhi Stream originates from Survarnamukhi hills and flows into the park.
There is also a pond known as Suvarnamukhi pond, which is believed to have curative powers.
Champaka Dharna Swamy Temple
This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi. Champaka Dharna Swamy temple was built during the period of the Hoysalas in the Dravidian style. It is situated at the foot of the Suvarnamukhi hills rock.
There is also a Narasimha temple about two km away from the Suvarnamukhi pond.
Place Statistics:
Type of Place: National Park
Situated: Bangalore
Distance: 22 km south of Bangalore
Transport: Well connected by road. Many buses ply to the national park
Timings: 9AM to 5PM
Holiday: Tuesday
Contact Details of the park:
Phone: 080-27828540/300
email: bannerghattazoo@gmail.com
website: bannerghattabiologicalpark.org
Contact Details of Jungle lodges:
Tel : 080-25597021 – 25 (Corporate Office),
Fax : 080-25586163 (Corporate Office),
Email : junglelodges@vsnl.com.
