Bannerghatta National Park

Bannerghatta National Park is one of the largest and most well-conserved wildlife areas in India, home to both a zoo and a biological reserve spanning more than 25,000 acres.
Visitors can interact with native wildlife through a number of facilities or on a guided safari through the area. Surrounded by the Talli Reserve Forest to the east and the Bilikal Forest to the south, the hilly terrain of the park is lush with forests, valleys and scrubland. Elephants often pass between the two forests, making for more frequent sightings.
There are also several rural villages, ancient temples and paths that are great for trekking. Resident animals include elephants, bears, deer, wild boar, leopards, jackals and various reptiles and birds. The park includes an animal rescue center, an aquarium and a butterfly enclosure, India's first. With 27.5 inches of annual rain, there is also unique plant life to see, including sandalwood, tamarind, bamboo and eucalyptus plants. The Suvarnamukhi stream runs through the park, creating ponds whose waters are believed to have healing powers.

Practical Info

Located 13.7 miles (22 km) from Bangalore, Bannerghatta National Park can be reached by city bus routes 365 and 366, which depart every 20 minutes from the City Railway Station and the City Market, respectively. Entry is 400 Indian Rupees for adult foreigners and 300 Rupees for children. There are additional charges for boating and camera use.