The Bannerghatta biological park near Bangalore, Karnataka is where the Forest Department has rehabilitated lions and tigers in semi wild environs. It is hailed as one of the most famous and prominent of all national parks in India. This man–made park is home to several species of birds and animals and it attracts children and adults alike through its varied wildlife. The park is famously known for housing a wide variety of birds and animals and especially its tigers and lions.
Bannerghatta National Park : Know all about it !
The park is a treat for animal lovers and children. There are several small temples present atop the hills inside the park that can be visited. It is a popular tourist destination with a zoo, a pet corner, an animal rescue centre, a butterfly enclosure, an aquarium, a snake house and a safari park.
Whereabouts
The national park is spread over an area of 25,000 acre in the Anekal range at an elevation of 1245-1634 m. This wonderful retreat lies about 22km South of Bangalore. BBP has a hilly terrain of granite sheets under moist deciduous forest valley and scrubland on higher areas. The park is surrounded by sixteen villages. The Swarnamukhi stream runs through the national park and provides a pond having waters with curative powers.
At the Park
It has an exquisite variety of flora and fauna. The park comprehends ten reserve forests of the Anekal Range under the Bangalore Forest Division. The fauna here includes Leopards, Lions, Zebras, Bengal Tigers, Panthers, Porcupines, Rhinoceroses, Elephants, Spotted Deer, Macaques, Monitor Lizard, Cobras, Bears and many more. Around one hundred and one bird’s species are recorded in the park.
The park is divided into separate enclosures of herbivores and carnivores. The forest department also offers a Grand Safari covering all enclosures, an elephant joy ride a short trek and a longer trek.
The National Park includes a zoo which has a small museum for show casing special exhibits, a reptile park and a small theatre.
BBP also houses India’s first ever Butterfly enclosure. This conservatory is circular in shape and is dotted with flora that attracts over 20 different species of butterflies. The environment of the conservatory is designed to suit all these butterflies. It has a humid tropical climate with an artificial waterfall.
It is also the first biological park in India to have a fenced forested elephant sanctuary.
Trekking enthusiasts can traverse across the Uddigebande, Hajji Amana Kallu, Mirza Hills and visit the small temples located in these hills.
Knowledge Booster for Children
Children can gather information and improve their biological knowledge by paying a visit to the museum located inside the park that houses several exhibits. The nature lovers can feast their eyes with the exquisite varieties of the flora and fauna present at the park. Nature Camps are also organized which will enhance your knowledge and excitement too.
Timings
The park is open for all days except Tuesday from 9:30 a.m to 5:00 p.m. The timings for the Grand Safari are 10:00 a.m to 4:30 p.m. The duration of your visit can be of 4 to 5 hours. The best time to visit is between September and January.
How to Reach ?
Bangalore Airport and Bangalore Railway Station is the most nearest point from the park. The park is located at an hour’s driving distance from the city of Bangalore. There are regular buses connecting various areas of Bangalore to Bannerghatta National Park.
Entry Fee
For the zoo
Rs. 80 per person for Adults.
Rs. 40 per person for Children (upto 12 years of age).
Rs. 50 per person for Senior Citizens (above 60 years of age).
Butterfly Park
Rs. 20 per person for Children and Senior Citizens.
Rs. 30 per person for Adults.
For Foreigners
Rs. 400 per person for Adults.
Rs. 300 per person for Children .
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