Covering an area of about 874.20 sq km, the Bandipur National Park is home to tigers, wild dogs, wild boars, jackals, panthers, Malabar squirrels, sloth bears, black-knapped hare, porcupines, red-headed vultures, flower peckers, brown fish owls, bee-eaters, kingfishers, monitor lizards, Indian rock pythons, flying lizards, vipers, rat snakes and spectacled cobras. Along with the adjoining Nagarhole National Park to the north, Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala, it is one of the premier tiger reserves in the country, not to mention the biggest biosphere. These forests are collectively known as the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, and are extremely well-protected against poachers and deforestation activities. Birds like the jungle fowl and green pigeon are also found in the park. Not only fauna, the park also shelters a wide range of timber trees like teak, rosewood, sandalwood, clumping bamboo, Indian kino tree along with flowering and fruiting trees like kadam, Indian gooseberry, satinwood, golden shower tree, black clutch and flame of the forest.

For a true forest experience, visitors are advised to spend a few days in one of the many jungle lodges that dot the periphery of the reserve. These lodges offer comfortable rooms and other amenities that will make your stay pleasurable. Some of them organise jeep safaris into the forest, which allow guests to get close to the denizens of Bandipur and, if they�re lucky, also get a glimpse of the majestic and elusive tiger in all its glory. It is a must-visit place for wildlife enthusiasts.