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Jungle Lodges & Resorts · Wildlife

Bandipur Safari Lodge

Bandipur Tiger Reserve, Chamarajanagar District · 220 km from Bengaluru · 80 km from Mysuru
🐇 Tiger Reserve 🐘 Elephant Country 🌿 Nilgiri Foothills ☨️ Maharaja’s Legacy 🍸 Himavad Temple
220 km
From Bengaluru
3 Options
Maharaja · Viceroy · Deluxe
Year-round
Open season
From ₹7,948
WD · Per person
Bandipur Safari Lodge — dry deciduous forest golden light shafts, tiger reserve Karnataka
🐇

Bandipur Tiger Reserve

Indicative imagery — actual property scenery may vary

Property at a glance
Operated by
Jungle Lodges & Resorts
Govt. of Karnataka
Distance
220 km Bengaluru
80 km Mysuru
Nearest Railway
Mysuru Junction
80 km away
Nearest Airport
Mysuru Airport
~85 km away
Check-in / out
1 PM / 10:30 AM
Season
Year-round
Peak: Oct–May
Starts from
₹7,948
Deluxe Room Package (WD)
Night driving ban
9 PM – 6 AM
Plan arrivals before 9 PM

Our Perspective

Our perspective on this property

Bandipur Safari Lodge is the gateway to one of India’s finest tiger reserves — and it carries a historical weight that few wildlife resorts in South India can match. Once the private hunting grounds of the Maharaja of Mysore, Bandipur is now one of thirty tiger reserves under Project Tiger. Part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve — the largest protected forest complex in South India.

What makes this property practically valuable is its position — right at the reserve boundary with minimal travel to the forest, and two jeep safaris included in the main packages. Peacocks and deer are seen near the lodge itself. The Maharaja / Special Cottages are the comfort-led choice with air conditioning and TV, while Viceroy offers comparatively larger non-AC accommodation and Deluxe is the smaller non-AC option.

A key note for guests comparing with Kabini: the Bandipur-Ooty highway has a night driving ban between 9 PM and 6 AM. Plan your arrival before 9 PM. For 2-night stays, JLR arranges a complimentary visit to Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta — a beautiful mountain temple worth the detour.

Call us and we will help you choose the right package and plan your timing correctly.

Packages & Accommodation

Standard
Viceroy Package
WD ₹8,606  |  WE ₹9,563 per person · subject to change
Cottage · Comparatively larger than Deluxe · Non-AC · Closer to restaurant
  • Stay in Viceroy Cottage
  • Food — Lunch, Dinner & Breakfast
  • 2 Jeep Safaris into Bandipur Tiger Reserve
  • Forest Entry Charges
  • GST 18% included
Same safari experience as Maharaja at a lower price point. Its location closer to the restaurant can also reduce walking for some guests.
Standard
Deluxe Room Package
WD ₹7,948  |  WE ₹8,832 per person · subject to change
Deluxe Room · Smaller room category · Non-AC
  • Stay in Deluxe Room
  • Food — Lunch, Dinner & Breakfast
  • 2 Jeep Safaris into Bandipur Tiger Reserve
  • Forest Entry Charges
  • GST 18% included
Smaller, non-AC accommodation at the lowest of the three listed package price points, with the same safari inclusions.
  • WD = Weekday rate  |  WE = Weekend rate (Fri & Sat nights)
  • Tariff is per person per night on twin-sharing basis
  • Single occupancy: 30% extra above twin-sharing rate
  • Children below 5 years: complimentary  |  Children 5–12 years: 50% of adult tariff
  • Weekday discount withdrawn: Dasara 18–27 Oct, Diwali 9–12 Nov, Christmas 21–31 Dec 2026
  • Weekday discount also withdrawn April–May 2027
  • Night driving ban on Mysore-Ooty highway: 9 PM to 6 AM. Plan arrivals accordingly
  • 2-night stay: complimentary Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta temple visit arranged by JLR
Tariff is dynamic and subject to change without prior notice. Call Padaki Travel Desk at +91 97315 56663 for current rates before booking.

Maharaja, Viceroy or Deluxe — Which Should You Choose?

Maharaja / Special Cottage

Choose this if room comfort matters more: these cottages are comparatively larger and have air conditioning and TV. The safari and meal inclusions remain the same as the other packages.

Viceroy Cottage

A useful middle choice: comparatively larger than Deluxe, non-AC, and located comparatively closer to the restaurant. This can mean less walking for some senior citizens or guests with mild mobility concerns.

Deluxe Room

The smaller non-AC room category and the lowest of the three listed package price points. A sensible choice when the safari experience matters more than room size or air conditioning.

Guests with serious mobility limitations should discuss their needs before booking. Meal service to the room may be considered only on request and at the resort management's discretion; it should not be assumed as a guaranteed facility.

One Night or Two Nights?

Practical stay choice

One night includes two Jeep safari sessions and gives a compact Bandipur wildlife experience. Two nights includes four Jeep safari sessions in total and also adds the complimentary Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta visit. More safari sessions give you more time in the reserve, but wildlife sightings remain entirely a matter of chance.

Practical Details That Help Before You Book

Early Arrival / Later Departure

Check-in is 1 PM and checkout is 10:30 AM. Early arrivals may wait in the lobby or common areas until the room becomes available. After checkout, luggage can be left in the common area before a later departure.

Hired Drivers

Basic dormitory-style accommodation is available for drivers. Simple food can be arranged through the staff facility at a nominal charge. Reconfirm current arrangements when booking.

EV Charging

A slow EV charging facility is available at the property. Charging capacity and compatibility should be reconfirmed before travelling if you are depending on it for the onward journey.

Exploring other Jungle Lodges & Resorts properties?

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Best Time to Visit

🏖
October – February
Ideal Season

Pleasant weather. Consistent elephant, gaur and deer sightings. Post-monsoon green forest. Good bird watching. December supplement charges 21st–31st. Book 4–6 weeks ahead.

Best overall
☀️
March – May
Peak Wildlife Season

Water sources reduce. Animals concentrate at waterholes. Highest tiger, leopard and large elephant herd sighting probability. Hot but rewarding.

Best for big cats
🌧️
June – September
Monsoon Season

Forest is lush and atmospheric. Wildlife sightings harder. Generally lower tariff. Good for forest lovers. Night ban still applies.

Nature & photography

Who Should Book This

Wildlife Enthusiasts

Open Jeep safaris and a wildlife-focused stay near the reserve. One night includes 2 safari sessions; 2 nights includes 4 safari sessions plus the complimentary Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta visit.

Bengaluru & Mysuru Weekenders

220 km from Bengaluru, 80 km from Mysuru. Friday night departure, 2 nights, Sunday return — a complete wildlife weekend from either city.

Families with Children

Peacocks and deer near the lodge itself. Jeep safaris safe for older children. Evening wildlife documentary. Children below 5 complimentary.

Mysore-Ooty Travellers

Bandipur sits between Mysuru and Ooty on the same highway. A natural 1–2 night addition to either destination.

Kabini-Bandipur Combination

Kabini River Lodge is 80 km away. 2 nights Kabini + 2 nights Bandipur covers Karnataka’s two premier tiger reserves in one trip. Call us to plan.

Combine with These JLR Properties

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bandipur Safari Lodge?
Bandipur Safari Lodge is a wildlife eco-resort operated by Jungle Lodges & Resorts Ltd, Government of Karnataka, at the foothills of the Nilgiris on the Mysore-Ooty highway. It is adjacent to Bandipur Tiger Reserve and approximately 200 metres from the reserve entry gate. Offers Maharaja Package, Viceroy Package and Deluxe Room Package — all three including jeep safaris. Rates from Rs 7,948 per person, subject to change.
What is the difference between Maharaja and Viceroy packages at Bandipur?
Maharaja / Special Cottages are comparatively larger and have air conditioning and TV. Viceroy Cottages are also comparatively larger than Deluxe Rooms but are non-AC; they are comparatively closer to the restaurant, which can be useful for some guests who prefer less walking. Deluxe Rooms are smaller and non-AC. The safari inclusions are the same across the three packages.
Is there a night driving ban near Bandipur?
Yes. The Mysore-Ooty national highway through Bandipur has a strict night driving ban — no vehicle movement between 9 PM and 6 AM. This protects nocturnal wildlife crossing the highway. Plan your arrival at Bandipur Safari Lodge before 9 PM and departures after 6 AM.
How far is Bandipur Safari Lodge from Bangalore?
220 km from Bengaluru — approximately 4 to 4.5 hours via Mysuru. Take the Bengaluru-Mysuru expressway (2.5 hours), then continue on the Mysuru-Ooty highway to Bandipur (1.5 hours). Nearest railway station is Mysuru Junction, 80 km away.
What wildlife can be seen at Bandipur?
Bandipur Tiger Reserve is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Commonly sighted: tigers, leopards, Asian elephants in large herds, Indian gaur, dholes (wild dogs), spotted deer, sambar, barking deer, sloth bears, mongoose, peacocks and 200+ bird species. Peacocks are seen near the lodge itself. Tiger sightings occur but are always a matter of chance in any forest.
What is the best time to visit Bandipur?
October to May overall. October to February: pleasant weather, consistent wildlife sightings, excellent for bird watching. March to May: highest tiger and large elephant herd sighting probability as water sources dry. June to September: monsoon — lush forest but wildlife sightings harder. The night driving ban applies year-round.
What is included with a 2-night stay at Bandipur?
A 2-night stay with any package gives you 4 jeep safaris (2 morning and 2 evening). JLR also arranges a complimentary visit to Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta for 2-night stays — an ancient mountain-top temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu with panoramic views over the Nilgiris.
Can I combine Bandipur with Kabini River Lodge?
Yes — Kabini River Lodge is 80 km from Bandipur on the same Mysore-Ooty road. A 2-night Kabini plus 2-night Bandipur combination covers Karnataka’s two premier wildlife destinations in one trip. Call Padaki Travel Desk and we will plan the complete itinerary.
Is Bandipur Safari Lodge good for families?
Yes. Peacocks and deer are regularly seen near the lodge before the safari. Jeep safaris are safe and exciting for older children. Evening wildlife documentary is educational. Children below 5 complimentary. Children 5 to 12 at 50% tariff. Maharaja cottages are spacious enough for families.
How do I book Bandipur Safari Lodge?
Call or WhatsApp Padaki Travel Desk at +91 97315 56663 or email muralidhar@karnatakatravelguide.in. We book at official JLR rates. Advance booking of 3 to 4 weeks recommended. For long weekends and school holidays, book 6 to 8 weeks ahead.

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