A Local Guide’s Recommendations to Exploring Forest Areas Around Bengaluru

Forests are always a relief from the hustle and bustle of the city where you have to gel with the busy life. When you decide to visit a forest, you are going to a new place where you have to adjust to the natural ways of the jungle. If you are in Bangalore, then you can drive for a few hours and reach some of the cherished forests and wildlife sanctuaries of India. Let’s have a look at some of the places that you can visit. Experience nature and adventure when you are thinking about things to do on the weekend. 

Bandipur National Park 

If you are into wildlife and forests of India, then you have to know about the Bandipur National Park. In this place, you will find the amalgamation of the Western Ghats and the Deccan plateau which proves the diversity in height. There are several forms of trees present in this place, especially the deciduous trees. Both the Nugu River and the Kabini River flow in this park. You can see several birds and animals over here, including tigers, elephant, sambar deer, junglefowl, etc. You should try to visit the place in the months of October to May and view the place in all its glory. Bangalore is about 234 KM from this national park. 

BRT Wildlife Sanctuary 

This sanctuary is about 180 KM away from Bangalore and is a 5 hours drive. On reaching, you will find it quite attractive and it forms an important part between the Eastern and the Western Ghats. It is a hub of wildlife, so you will be able to see several animals, including elephants, tigers, chital deer, four-horned antelope, Indian rock Python, etc. To get the best experience of this sanctuary, visit them between September and May. The place does remain open throughout the year. You should try safari to get a good view of the sanctuary. 

Silent Valley National Park 

This is an interesting National Park, which is the only tropical moist evergreen forest left in India. It is about 412 KM from Bangalore, which takes about 7 hours to reach the place. It is a small national park but is full of beauty and greenery. You can spot several animals like elephants, tigers, deer, gaur, wild boar, etc. The place is also home to the Lion-tailed macaques which are now endangered species. The Kuntipuzha river flows 15 Km through the area of the park. 

If you want to visit this National Park in its best form, you should do so between December and April.

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary 

This is another wildlife sanctuary that is present about a 5.3-hour drive from Bengaluru. It is a part of the Project Tiger Reserve, so you can spot one if you get lucky. There are several other animals that one can spot like the sloth bear, leopards, pangolin, porcupine, great back woodpecker, etc. You should visit the park between March and May to have a good look at the ecosystem and the nature present in this park. Do avail the safari if you want to spot the wildlife. This is especially great for an option in the day outings in Bangalore. 

Nagarhole National Park 

This is yet another popular national park present in India, which is about a 5-hour drive from Bengaluru. It is present in the state of Karnataka and then it spreads down to Kerala. The park mainly gets known for its beautiful wildlife population and nature. Some of the animals that you can spot include tigers, leopards, giant flying squirrels, herons, ducks, hares, etc. If you want to take a whole look at the forest, then it will take days. The months of October to May are the best time to visit the National Park to see it in its best beauty. Also, do try the safari to have an overall exploration of the park. 

So, here are some of the national parks and sanctuaries present near Bangalore. They are great and all of them have a lot of wildlife. We are sure that you wouldn’t be let down if you go to these places and have fun in exploration. 

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