Bannerghatta National Park is one of the interesting places to visit in Bangalore for the assorted wildlife and natural establishments and the rich vegetation. One can hire jeeps and cars or board a bus for touring around this massive national park sprawled across an area of 104.27 sq. km.
The park encompasses a number of establishments such as a butterfly park, an aquarium, Children's park, a zoo, a Crocodile farm etc.
Located on the outskirts of Bangalore, and usually known as BBBP, the Bengaluru Bannerghatta Biological Park is amongst the most popular and frequently visited destinations in the city. Catering to nature and wildlife enthusiasts, it is an integral part of the magnificent Bannerghatta National Park and is spread across a massive area.
It was declared a biological reserve in 2002 and is also one of the only places in the world where one can experience wilderness in such a close proximity to the city. In addition to a zoo and jungle safari, the Bannerghatta Biological Park also has a butterfly park and a rescue centre where the animals who were in captivity are conserved and protected.
The Bannerghatta Biological Park is also the first biological park in all of India, which has a fenced forested elephant sanctuary. Covering an expanse of 122 acres, this sanctuary is sponsored by PETA India.
The biological park is also home to a large variety of butterfly species. On a safari here, you can catch a glimpse of various animals, including tigers, bears, deer, elephants as well as monkeys.
Additionally, you can also get to see many beneficial herbs and plants here, such as neem, tamarind, eucalyptus and sandalwood, amongst others. The park is also a complete retreat for people, with different safaris, along with locations for short trekking and hiking expeditions.
Many people also visit the park due to the presence of several ancient temples in its premises. Additionally, the park is also a haven for those who wish to get away from the busy city limits and spend some time rejuvenating and relaxing amidst the calm of nature.
The Bannerghatta Biological Park is also a great place for photography, with shutterbugs getting an opportunity to capture a lot of amazing sights in their camera.
Highlights
• Spread over an area of 260.51 sq. km., the Bannerghatta National Park is a natural habitat of a wide range of wild animals, birds, reptiles, and more.
• The Park also has a Zoo where you can see several wild animals such as King Cobra, Panthers, Crocodiles, Deer, bears, and birds.
• Its Jungle Safari lets you cover 18 km over a jeep or bus and see a wide range of animals in their natural habitat.
• You can also opt for an elephant safari in the park and enjoy an incredible experience.
• The Butterfly Park is another attraction of the facility that comprises a butterfly conservatory, a research laboratory, a museum, and a curio shop, and 48 species of butterflies.
• Here, you can also opt for short trekking and hiking expeditions and enjoy a lifetime experience.
How To Reach
From Bangalore Airport -
The Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru is located approximately 55.8 kilometres from the Bannerghatta Biological Park. It usually takes around an hour and a half to reach the park from Bengaluru Airport, depending upon the traffic.
While going to Bannerghatta Biological Park from the airport, it is recommended to first take a bus from the airport to Ulsoor. Subsequently, you can take a taxi from Ulsoor to the park.
Alternatively, taking a prepaid taxi or Ola and Uber from the airport all the way to Bannerghatta Biological Park is also advisable. A taxi will take you to the park the fastest, whereas taking the bus is the cheapest way to the park.
Best Time To Visit
Although the Bannerghatta Biological Park is open all through the year, the best time to visit the park is between the months of October and February.
It is during this time that the weather is cool and pleasant and perfect for spotting the blooming trees and wildlife.
This is also the time just after the heavy monsoon season in Karnataka, with the weather being almost perfect for going outdoors. The first week of October is also the Wildlife Week in the city, with the Karnataka State Forest Department organising several wonderful nature programmes in the park, teaming with various other organisations and nature clubs.
Other Essential Information
-Location: Bannerghatta Rd, Bannerghatta, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560083
- Timings: The timings of Bannerghatta National Park are from 09:30 a.m. to 05:00 p.m. The park is open to the public on all days of the week except Tuesday.
- Price: The entry fee to the Bannerghatta Biological Park is INR 80 for adults and INR 40 for children.
Places to visit near Bannerghatta Biological Park -
Located just on the outskirts of the city of Bengaluru, the Bannerghatta Biological Park also has several attractions located near it. Some of these places which you can visit near the park are:
Uddigebande: A place located quite close to the biological park, Uddigebande is a trekkers’ haven here. From here, trekking enthusiasts can go up to Hajaamana Kallu, a natural rock formation, as well as the Mirza Hill.
Chudahalli Reservoir: Located around 15 kilometres from the Bannerghatta Biological Park is the picturesque Chudahalli Reservoir.
Located on the outskirts of Bangalore, this reservoir is the best place to visit for a retreat, away from the busy city limits. It is also a great place for those who wish to click stunning pictures of nature.
Thottikallu Falls: Situated 7 kilometres away from Bannerghatta Biological Park, the Thottikallu or Suvarnamukhi Falls is a great place for trekking. Surrounded by lush greenery and verdant landscapes, the falls offers great views of the nature around.
Byatarayana Doddi Lake: Located 6 kilometres from the Bannerghatta Biological Park, this is a scenic lake just on the outskirts of the city of Bangalore. Visitors can choose to swim or boat in the lake, or simply relax on the shores of it.
Savandurga: A place oozing of scenic beauty, Savandurga is known for its two hills and the temples scattered around. Famous for the Kaprigudda- the black hill and Biligudda- the white hill,
Savandurga has hills made up of humongous rocks, granite as well as laterite. One can also visit the beautiful Veerabhadreshwara Swamy and Narasimha Swamy Temple here.
Ramanagara: Also known as the Silk City of the south, Ramanagara is the same famous town we heard of in the cult movie Sholay. It takes around an hour to reach this scenic town from the Bannerghatta Biological Park.
Surrounded by seven majestic hills, the city is famous for its harvest of silk, which is transported across the globe. This place is also a paradise for rock climbers.
Facilities at Bannerghatta Biological Park -
Bannerghatta Biological Park is one of the most visited places in and around the city of Bangalore. It also has a lot of facilities which the visitors can make use of and enjoy. Some of these facilities are:
Parking Space: The park has a designated area for vehicle parking. Close to 2,500 vehicles (two and four-wheelers) can be parked here at the same time.
Drinking-Water: You can find drinking water in several areas scattered around the park. Some shops inside the park also sell bottled water to the visitors.
Restrooms: The park has four washroom facilities for visitors. These restrooms are located outside the park (near the parking area), in the zoo expansion area, inside the existing zoo premises, near the Gharial enclosure, as well as near the Nocturnal enclosure.
Baby Care Unit: The park also houses two baby care units, equipped with feeding and diaper changing facilities.
Other facilities in the Bannerghatta Biological Park include:
1. Benches
2. Restaurants And Hotels
3. Resorts And Lodges
Additionally, the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation, as well as the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation, maintain and manage the biological park when it comes to coping up with the demands of the tourists or providing transportation services to the staff, labour or even the tourists.
Tips for Visiting Bannerghatta Biological Park -
1. When visiting the Bannerghatta Biological Park, there are a few things one should always keep in mind. Some of these tips are:
2. It is always recommended to reach the park before 02:00 p.m., especially on weekends, to avoid crowds and the non-availability of entry tickets.
3. It is advised to not try to feed any birds or wild animals, especially the ones that are kept in cages.
4. For visitors who have their own cars, it is recommended to reach Bannerghatta a little early and park your vehicles in the authorised parking premises of Bannerghatta.
5. Those who visit with little kids are advised to not leave their children alone and remain in the areas which are meant for visitors.
6. There are dustbins kept in many areas of the park for the easy disposing of your waste. Littering inside Bannerghatta Biological Park is a punishable offence.
Elephant Sanctuary
The park is the first in the whole country to have a fenced elephant sanctuary, where the gentle giants roam around freely, devoid of any restrictions. It was designed by Carol Buckley and spreads across 122 acres. You can interact and play with them here.
Zoo
The park also has a zoo where many different species of wildlife are exhibited. The zoo also includes a separate reptile park as well as a small theatre. The zoo is home to a wide variety of mammals, reptiles, as well as Indian and exotic birds living here.
Over 1900 animals of 94 species are present here. These also include the Thamin Deer, Crocodiles, Hog Deer, King Cobra and the Himalayan Black Bear, amongst others
Butterfly Park
This is the first butterfly enclosure in the country, which was established in 2006. Expanding over 7.5 acres, the butterfly park also houses a museum, an audio-visual room as well as an observatory.
One can see almost twenty different species of butterflies here, along with their own artificial ecosystem which helps these butterflies to thrive, grow and flourish.
Champaka Dhama Swamy Temple
A place of religious importance to many, this temple was built in the Dravidian style of architecture, prevalent in the Hoysala Age in history.
The temple houses a shrine dedicated to Lord Narasimha/Vishnu, present here with his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi.
Jungle safari
The Bannerghatta Biological Park is best known for its incredible wildlife located so close to the city limits. One of the most favourite tourist activities here is a jungle safari. Catering to people of all ages, the Jungle Safari is one of the best and the most famous activities here.
Whilst on a safari, you get to drive through the magnificent forest reserve and have a close look at the beautiful wildlife.
In the jungle safari, you get to see quite a few wild animals in their natural habitat, such as leopards, lions, zebras, Bengal tigers, white tigers, panthers, rhinoceros, elephants, porcupines, bears, bison as well as a few species of deer.
In addition to this, you also get to visit the areas where orphaned and rescued animals are kept. The jungle safari is not only interesting and adventurous but also quite educational since it teaches visitors the value of empathy towards animals and helps
The jungle safari is a total of 16 kilometres, which can either be done via a Jeep or in an AC or non-AC bus. The entire safari takes around a little more than an hour, which is extra if visitors take the add-on elephant safari or bird spotting experience.
You can avail the jungle safari between 10:00 a.m. and 04:30 p.m. on all days of the week except Tuesdays when the park is closed.
Rescue centre
The Bannerghatta Biological Park is best known for its incredible wildlife located so close to the city limits. One of the most favourite tourist activities here is a jungle safari. Catering to people of all ages, the Jungle Safari is one of the best and the most famous activities here.
Whilst on a safari, you get to drive through the magnificent forest reserve and have a close look at the beautiful wildlife.
In the jungle safari, you get to see quite a few wild animals in their natural habitat, such as leopards, lions, zebras, Bengal tigers, white tigers, panthers, rhinoceros, elephants, porcupines, bears, bison as well as a few species of deer.
In addition to this, you also get to visit the areas where orphaned and rescued animals are kept. The jungle safari is not only interesting and adventurous but also quite educational since it teaches visitors the value of empathy towards animals and helps
The jungle safari is a total of 16 kilometres, which can either be done via a Jeep or in an AC or non-AC bus. The entire safari takes around a little more than an hour, which is extra if visitors take the add-on elephant safari or bird spotting experience.
You can avail the jungle safari between 10:00 a.m. and 04:30 p.m. on all days of the week except Tuesdays when the park is closed.
