Bannerghatta National Park: Wildlife Sanctuary, Safari, and Conservation Near Bengaluru

Bannerghatta National Park, located just 22 km south of Bengaluru, Karnataka, is a popular wildlife sanctuary and tourist destination. Established in 1974, the park is known for its grand safari, diverse wildlife, and India’s first butterfly park. 

It also plays a crucial role in wildlife conservation, providing a safe habitat for elephants, tigers, lions, and many other species. The park features a biological park, a zoo, and nature trails, making it an ideal spot for family outings and educational trips. 

Visitors can enjoy a close view of animals in their natural habitats while learning about conservation efforts and the importance of protecting biodiversity.

Bannerghatta National Park Overview

Bannerghatta National Park (BNP) is a very famous wildlife area in India. It is located near the big city of Bengaluru in Karnataka. This park is a beautiful spot for both nature lovers and students. It offers a mix of a zoo, a wildlife safari, and a special butterfly park.

About Bannerghatta National Park

Bannerghatta National Park was first established in 1970. In 1974, it was officially declared a National Park.

The total area of the park is about 260.51 square kilometers.

Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP)

In 2002, a smaller part of the national park was separated. This section became the independent Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP). The BBP is where the main attractions like the Zoo and Safaris are located. It was created to help with wildlife conservation and tourism.

Location: The park is situated about 22 km south of Bengaluru city.

Features of the National Park

The national park area is very important for many reasons:

• Elephant Corridor: The park is a key part of a wildlife path for elephants. This path connects two major forest areas: the BR Hills and the Sathyamangalam forest.

• Water Source: The Suvarnamukhi stream flows through the center of the park. This stream is the main source of water for all the animals living there.

• Forests: The area mainly has dry deciduous forests. This means the trees shed their leaves in the dry season. Sandalwood and neem are some of the trees found here.

• Wildlife: The park is home to many animals. You can find Indian elephants, tigers, leopards, sloth bears, gaur (Indian bison), and various types of deer.

Major Attractions at Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP)

The Biological Park offers a lot of things for visitors to see and learn.

Grand Safari

The safari is the most thrilling part of a visit to Bannerghatta National Park. Visitors ride safely in a caged vehicle through the forest. Here, you can see animals moving freely in their large enclosures. The grand safari includes sections for:

• Lion Safari

• Tiger Safari

• Bear Safari (Sloth Bears)

• Herbivore Safari (Deer, Blackbuck, Gaur)

India's First Butterfly Park

The park has a unique Butterfly Park. It was the first of its kind in India and opened in 2006. The park is spread over 7.5 acres. It has a special conservatory with a polycarbonate roof. This design helps to maintain a warm and humid environment. The park is a home to almost 48 different species of butterflies.

Elephant Sanctuary and Rescue Centre

Bannerghatta is home to a dedicated Rescue Centre. This center helps in rehabilitating animals that have been rescued from various places. It also has India's first fenced Elephant Sanctuary. This sanctuary is over 120 acres. It allows the elephants to walk around freely in a forest environment.

Zoo

The zoo section of the park is spread over a large area. It displays many different species of birds, mammals, and reptiles. The park also has a Snake Park and an Aquarium.