Introduction
In a hurry but craving a decent jungle rush? Bandipur Tiger Reserve is the ideal 2 day getaway of Mysuru. You will take one scenic forest highway drive, one or two safari tours of elephants, gaur, deer and (with a favourable wind) tiger or dhole, and you will finish off with misty views at Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta, the highest hill in Bandipur which has a hill-top Vishnu temple.
This guide provides you with precise travel times, average prices in 2025 and a workable plan that suits family members and first-timers.
Getting There from Mysuru
- Route: Mysuru – Nanjangud – Gundlupete – Bandipur (NH 766).
- Distance/time: 80-95km; 2-2.5 hours, no long breaks.
- Night time traffic regulations: The stretch of the forest on NH 766 is closed to passing traffic at around 9.00 PM-6.00 AM. Arrange arrivals and departures during the day.
- Fuel/food rests: There are fuel pumps and food outlets in Nanjangud/Gundlupete towns which is the last reliable fuel pumps and food rests before the forest area.
Quick Planner: Distance, Time, Costs
| Mysuru → Bandipur drive | 2–2.5 hrs (80–95 km) | Start by 6:00–6:30 AM for morning safari |
| Forest Dept. bus safari | ₹350–650 per person | 60–90 mins; buy at official counter/online |
| Jeep safari (limited seats) | ₹1,500–3,000 per person (or ₹3,500–6,000/jeep) | 90–120 mins; very limited, reserve early |
| JLR Bandipur Safari Lodge (pkg) | ₹7,500–12,500 per person | Stay with 2 safaris + meals (indicative) |
| Gopalaswamy Betta bus/entry | ₹50–120 per person + parking | Only forest/KSRTC buses allowed uphill |
| Stay (per night) | Budget ₹1,500–2,800; Mid ₹3,000–6,000; Resort ₹6,500–12,000+ | Weekend surge applies |
| Good daily budget (pp) | ₹2,000–4,000 | Stay + food + one safari + local travel |
Best Season and Safari Windows
| Months | Weather & Forest | Safari Chances |
|---|---|---|
| Oct–Jan | Clear, pleasant, fresh post‑monsoon greenery | High |
| Feb–May | Dry, warm afternoons | High near waterholes |
| Jun–Sep (monsoon) | Lush, rainy spells | On but may pause in heavy rain |
Daily timing tip: Animal movement is best just after dawn and in the late afternoon. Morning safaris feel cooler and quieter; evenings have golden light.
Safari Booking: Types, Prices, How to Reserve
| Safari Type | Typical 2025 Price | How to Book |
|---|---|---|
| Forest Dept. Bus (shared) | ₹350–650 per person | Bandipur safari office counter or official website (when open for online slots) |
| Forest Dept./JLR Jeep (shared) | ₹1,500–3,000 per person (or per‑jeep rate) | Very limited; reserve early via official/JLR channels |
| JLR Package (stay+2 safaris) | ₹7,500–12,500 pp (indicative) | Book at Jungle Lodges & Resorts site |
What to carry: Original ID for ticketing, cash/UPI, a light jacket, cap, binoculars, camera with silent mode. Arrive 30–45 minutes before your chosen slot.
2‑Day Itinerary (safari + Gopalaswamy Betta)
Day 1: Mysuru → Bandipur + Evening Safari
- 6:00 AM: Leave Mysuru; breakfast at Nanjangud or Gundlupete.
- 8:30-9:00 AM: Reach Bandipur reception. Cheque in (or leave your luggage at the front desk).
- 11:00 AM-2:00 PM: Easy day- rest, early lunch, brief visit to the interpretation centre.
- 3:00 PM: Queue for evening safari.
- 3:30-5:30 PM: Evening safari (bus/jeep). Voice should be low; watch out elephants, chital, sambar, langur, peacocks and–be it auspicious–tiger/leopard/dhole.
- 6:30 PM: Dinner at your lodge; early night. Forest tracks become dark soon–do not drive after sunset.
Day 2: Gopalaswamy Betta + Optional Morning Safari → Return to Mysuru
- 6.00 am -8.00 am: Morning safari (great light; pre-reserved where feasible).
- 9:30 AM: Breakfast, check out. Drive 22-25km towards Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta base (near Hangala/Gundlupete side).
- Noon -12:30: Hill-top visit (see “Betta Guide” below). On clear days, cloud play and valley views are magnificent.
- 12.30-1.30 PM Lunch in Gundlupete/Nanjangud.
- 3:30-1:30 PM: Commute back to Mysuru before late evening highway traffic.
Fast-track option: In case you can arrive at Bandipur at 7.30-8.00 AM on Day 1, do the morning safari first, take a rest at noon and Gopalaswamy Betta early in Day 2 and go home after lunch.
Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta Guide (timings, buses, rules)
- What is it: It is the peak of Bandipur (approximately 1,450 m), topped by the Himavad Gopalaswamy temple and meadows that are breezy and command a panoramic view. The frequent mist of the hill is called himavad.
- Access: The road ascends through a forest area. The foothill cheque-post usually stops the private vehicles; visitors are allowed to travel in the forest/KSRTC buses.
- Times: It is generally about 8.30 AM-4.00 PM to access the hills; the last bus up is usually about 3.30-4:00 PM, the last one down is usually about 4.30-5.00 PM. Hours in temples may be a few hours different depending on the day/festival.
- Tickets (indicative): ₹50–120 per person for the uphill bus; small vehicle parking/entry fee at the base (₹20–60). Carry cash/UPI and a photo ID.
Where to Stay: Zones and Budgets
| Near Bandipur Reception (Melukamanahalli belt) | 1,800–3,000 | Family‑friendly, minimal driving |
| Gundlupete town | 1,200–2,500 | 20–25 km to safari gate |
| JLR Bandipur Safari Lodge | Package pricing | Easiest for guaranteed safari slots |
| Masinagudi (TN side) | 2,000–3,500 | Longer commute to Bandipur gate; separate forest zone |
Packing, Safety and On‑ground Tips
- What to carry: Neutrals (greens/khakis), light jacket in case of morning wind, hat, sunscreen, insect repellant, pair of field glasses, camera with silent shutter, reusable water, bottle.
- Safari etiquette:
Keep voices down; no music, no standing while the vehicle is moving.
Do not request off‑route driving—guides must follow fixed tracks.
Never feed animals - Driving through forest: Do not exceed speed, animals come into the road. Under no circumstances should we use the night-closure window.
- Food & cash: Have a small meal around the safari gate; have a meal at your lodge or Gundlupete. Bring along some money–network can dip.
- Health: In case you are motion sick, take pills prior to ghat/jeep rides. During monsoon, the leeches can occur on the hill–closed shoes and a bit of salt/sanitizer assist in getting them off.
- Sightings mindset: Sightings Bandipur is full of big mammals, although cats are never certain. Savour the woodland first; the sceneries are the later.
Conclusion
Two days are ideal in Bandipur when you do not make it too complicated: arrive on time to have one safari, sleep nearby to the gate, meet the forest again in the dawn or go to the clouds in Gopalaswamy Betta, and drive back home before it gets dark.
You will walk out with less stress, cleaner photos, and none of the stress with realistic costs, clear timings and the aforementioned rules.
