One of the best managed Tiger Reserves in the country, the Bandipur National Park nestles beautifully between the Western Ghats and the Nilgiris. Once, a game reserve for the Wodeyars royals, the land is now a protected home for a diverse range of flora and fauna. A part of the vast Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, amongst its proud residents, the park includes the elusive tigers, mighty Asian elephants, huge gaurs and swift chitals, just to name a few. Amongst the reptiles you could get face to face with the terrifying king cobra, the poisonous viper or the enormous python. Popular bird sightings include the grey junglefowl, pompadour green pigeon or the honey buzzard. Take a ride across the Park to view the richness of its wildlife or simply go for a trek and experience the wilderness.

• Wildlife: The Park is an ideal place to view rare beasts and birds. You would a large number of Asian Elephants roaming freely in their natural habitat, along with chitals, sambars and gaurs. The predators who find protection here include tigers and leopards. Four-horned antelope, panther, sloth bear, crocodiles, mouse deer, python and osprey are a few others that find home in this park. For bird lovers there is quite a range to view, including grey junglefowl, green pigeon, honey buzzard, red-headed vulture and brown hawk owl.

• Moyar Falls: An ideal picnic spot in Bandipur, the place is accessible by vehicle or on foot. The falls can also be viewed from the watchtower at Mudumalai.

• Sigur Plateau: This spot is known for its breathtaking views of the Bison Valley as well as the Moyar Falls. The place is excellent for trekking, but you must be accompanied by a guide to keep wild elephants away. Bird lovers would also find the place interesting.

• Gopalaswamy Betta: An interesting spot, the place is located on a hilltop north of the park and can be accessed via a motorable road. The region provides interesting trekking options too; just be aware of the herds of elephants that frequent the place. Lord Venugopala Swami Temple is located on top of the hill.

• Jungle Safari: Private Jeeps or shared mini-buses can be hired near the reserve. These take you on certain tracks which pass through grazing areas where you are sure to spot wildlife. Elephant Rides are also allowed within the park limits and is one of the best ways to view wild animals closely.

• Trekking: Among several areas of the park, the Sigur Palteau affords one of the best treks in the region. Take a guide along, who is familiar with the terrain and would be able to keep wild elephants at bay.

As is true of all wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, most of the eating places in Bandipur are restaurants attached to the various resorts and hotels in the area. The Tusker Trails Resort has a fine multi-cuisine restaurant serving excellent meals. Another fine dining place in the Park is one at Bush Betta Resort. They serve excellent Indian, Chinese and South Indian dishes. Bandipur Safari Lodge has restaurant and bar that serves mouthwatering vegetarian and non vegetarian dishes.