Good Time
Bandipur National Park in May
Karnataka, India
Very hot but wildlife congregates at diminishing water. Good sightings.
Why May scores 4/5
Weather
Very hot but wildlife congregates at diminishing water. Good sightings.
Roads & Access
self drive: Any car on highway. Inside park: safari jeep only.. road condition: NH766 excellent. Night driving banned 6pm-6am.. public transport: Buses on Mysore-Ooty route pass the gate.. from nearest city: Mysore 80km (1.5hrs). Bangalore 220km (4.5hrs). On Mysore-Ooty NH.. last km difficulty: easy
Safety & Emergency
Safety: 3/5. note: Remote. Carry first aid.. ambulance: 108 (30min+ response). police station: Forest department. Gundlupet police (22km).. nearest hospital: Gundlupet hospital (22km). Mysore (80km) for advanced.
Network
JIO: Yes, BSNL: No, NOTE: Yes, AIRTEL: No. Jio at gate area. No signal inside park.
Kids
Kid-friendly (4/5) — Safari exciting for kids, Elephant sightings almost guaranteed, Educational wildlife experience
Elevation
780m — Low altitude, no issues
Who should go
- ✓First-time travelers
- ✓Senior citizens
- ✓Families with children
- ✓Anyone looking for the best time to visit
Who should think twice
- ✗Anyone needing constant connectivity
All 12 Months
| Month | Score | Note |
|---|---|---|
| January | 3/5 | Cool mornings. Dense vegetation from recent monsoon. Moderate sightings. |
| February | 4/5 | Vegetation thinning. Tiger sightings improving. Pleasant. |
| March | 5/5 | Excellent — dry season, animals at waterholes. High sighting probability. |
| April | 5/5 | Best month — peak dry season, elephants at Kabini confluence. Hot but rewarding. |
| Mayviewing | 4/5 | Very hot but wildlife congregates at diminishing water. Good sightings. |
| June | 2/5 | Park closing for monsoon mid-June. |
| July | 0/5 | Closed — monsoon. |
| August | 0/5 | Closed — monsoon. |
| September | 0/5 | Closed — monsoon. |
| October | 3/5 | Park reopens. Lush green. Thick vegetation. Moderate sightings. |
| November | 3/5 | Cooling down. Birdlife excellent. Sightings improving. |
| December | 3/5 | Pleasant weather. Safari comfortable. Building toward peak season. |
Practical Details
How to reach
Mysore 80km (1.5hrs). Bangalore 220km (4.5hrs). On Mysore-Ooty NH.. Roads: NH766 excellent. Night driving banned 6pm-6am.. Self-drive: Any car on highway. Inside park: safari jeep only.. Public transport: Buses on Mysore-Ooty route pass the gate.. Last stretch: easy
Elevation
780m
Difficulty
easy
Budget tier
mid-range
Permits required
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Nearby in Karnataka scoring high in May
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