Top 5 National Parks in Karnataka

National Parks in Karnataka is one of the chief tourist attractions of this pretty state along with the state’s iconic palaces, splendid waterfalls, antique religious sites, and rich heritage. The Western Ghats and varied terrain of Karnataka with its flawless climate and countless water bodies nurture a number of dense forests that have become the home to a number of native and striking flora and fauna. 

Karnataka brags of 5 National Parks, 18 Wildlife Sanctuaries and 9 Bird Sanctuaries that make Karnataka state a wildlife lover’s bliss and a photographer’s glee. Be it the indigenous elephants and deers or the exotic black panthers as well as white tigers, Karnataka has it all. 

If you plan to visit Karnataka you should get a sneak-peek into the animal kingdom through a safari ride in the national parks and sanctuaries and enjoy witnessing the plentiful flora and fauna in their natural realms. Most of the national parks in Karnataka also have hiking and trekking guidelines to help you discover these biodiversity hotspots.

Here are the 5 best national parks in Karnataka

1.    Bannerghatta National Park

Situated in the foothills of the Anekal range in the outskirts of Bangalore, Bannerghatta National Park is known to be one of the most visited National Parks in Karnataka. The innumerous fauna at this park consist of Bengal Tiger, white tiger, lions, spotted deer, zebra, and many othe rs. 

This park also encompasses an elephant corridor and the elephant sanctuary here lets you look at these huge mammals roam about without restraint and without any human interference. Do visit the Butterfly Park that houses a butterfly conservatory, a museum, and an audiovisual room.

Safari Timings: 

10 am to 4.30 pm

Safari Cost: 

Non AC bus safari(zoo+ safari) at Rs. 260 per adult

AC Bus safari(Zoo+Safari+Butterfly Park+Camera) at Rs 500 per adult

Jeep safari (Zoo+Safari+Butterfly Park_Camera) starts at Rs 3000 in a 6 seater non-AC jeep

Location: Bannerghatta Rd, Bannerghatta, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560083

Best time to visit: September to January

2.    Bandipur National Park

This place was once the private hunting ground of the Maharajas of Mysore, the 874-sq.-km forested reserve of Bandipur was affirmed a tiger reserve in 1974. Bandipur National Park is one of the captivating National Parks in Karnataka and is the home to about 70 tigers, 3000 Indian elephants, spotted deer, gaurs (bison), antelopes and various other native animals. 

Private vehicles are not permitted inside the park and there is prohibiton on traffic from 9 pm to 6 am to bring down the death rate of wildlife.

Safari Timings: 

The bus safari is available between 6:30 am and 9:00 am and between 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm. 
Jeep safari is available from 6:00 am to 9:00 am and from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

Safari Cost:

Jeep safari is Rs. 3000 and non-AC bus safari is Rs. 350 per person

Location: NH 67, Hangala Village, Gundlupet Taluk, Bandipur, Karnataka 571126

Best time to visit: October to March

3.    Nagarhole National Park

With thick forests, streams, hills, valleys, and waterfalls within its compound, Nagarhole National Park in Kodagu district of Karnataka is an animal shelter. The park harbors many tigers, Gaur, elephants, Indian leopards, sloth bear, striped hyena, and deer. 

With just the right predator-prey ratio, the sanctuary is the closest form of a natural jungle where you can truly see animals hunting and roaming around freely. If you are looking for a day trip near Bangalore to one of the best National Parks in Karnataka, Nagarhole National Park will not disappoint you!

Safari Timings:

Boat safari is from 9 am to 11 am and 5 pm to 6 pm. 

Jeep safari is from 5.30 am to 10 am and 3 pm to 7 pm. 

Bus safari is from 6 am to 9 am and 3 pm to 5 pm.

Safari Cost: 

Rs. 250 per person for adults and Rs. 125  for children

Location: Mysore - Madikeri Road, Hunsur, Karnataka

Best time to visit: April to May and November to February

4.    Kudremukh National Park

On the brink in the Kudremukha mountain range of the Western Ghats, Kudremukh National Park is one of the most appealing National Parks in Karnataka with lush green forests, picturesque waterfalls like Kadambi and Hanumangundi, gripping natural pools and rich fauna which includes lion-tailed macaque, tiger, leopard, wild dog, Malabar giant squirrel, common langur, sloth bear, and a lot more. 

Kudremukh exactly translates to “horse’s face” and the national park has a number of thrilling trekking and hiking paths that let tourists enjoy its natural beautiful beauty and witness the animals in their natural habitat. If you are looking for some spectacular outdoor picture along with trekking and wildlife spotting, the tea and coffee plantations around the Kudremukh National Park give you the wonderful backdrop.

Location: Mudigere Taluk Chikmagalur district, Karnataka, India

Best time to visit: October to May and December to February

5.    Anshi National Park

Of late renamed as Kali Tiger Reserve, the Anshi National Park is a wildlife protected reserve is located by the River Kali. The safari ride in the national park lets you spot an enormous range of species like Indian Bison, mouse, deer, King cobra, rat snake, python, Malabar hornbills, and yellow-footed pigeon. 

The park is the only park in the entire Asia where you can witness black  panther in its natural habitat. Anshi National Park stands out from other National Parks in Karnataka with its excess of activities like trekking, safari tours, coracle boat rides, mountain biking, eco-tourism, and cycling where tourists can breathe in crip jungle air.

Safari Timings:

Monday to Sunday, 6:00 am to 8:30 am and 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm

Safari Cost: 

Rs. 450 per head

Location: Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka

Best time to visit: October to April