Bannerghatta National Park Is a fascinating wildlife sanctuary nestled in the heart of the bustling city of Bangalore, India. This sprawling park is home to a wide array of flora and fauna, making it a popular destination for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and families alike.
In this blog, we will explore the wonders of Bannerghatta National Park and Zoo and discover why it is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Bangalore.
Location and History Bannerghatta National Park
Bannerghatta National Park and Zoo is located in the Bannerghatta region, approximately 22 kilometers south of Bangalore, the capital of the Indian state of Karnataka. It spans across an area of 104.27 square kilometers and was established in the year 1971.
The park was initially created as a biological reserve to protect the vanishing wilderness near Bangalore, and later it was upgraded to a national park in 2002.
Flora and Fauna
Bannerghatta National Park and Zoo is a treasure trove of biodiversity. It is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including many endangered species. The park has six different sections, each offering a unique experience for visitors.
Safari:
One of the highlights of Bannerghatta National Park and Zoo is the safari experience. Visitors can embark on a thrilling safari ride through the dense forests of the park, where they can spot majestic animals like tigers, lions, bears, and deer in their natural habitats.
The safari allows visitors to observe these magnificent creatures up close and learn about their behavior and habitat.
Zoo:
The zoo section of Bannerghatta National Park is a treat for animal lovers. It houses a wide variety of animals, including elephants, giraffes, zebras, kangaroos, reptiles, and many more. The zoo is designed with naturalistic enclosures, providing a safe and comfortable environment for the animals.
Lion Safari:
It is an open enclosure constructed in 1979 on 5.00 acres of Ragihalli Reserve Forest. A tall chain link mesh with a height of roughly 15 feet has been built all around the 5.00 Ha of woodland area. Furthermore, a large moat has been formed completely around the chain link mesh fence to prevent any wild creatures residing in the region from passing through.
The animal house has 11 holding rooms, and each of the 11 holding rooms has a retrieval space for daytime relaxation. For the advantage of visiting tourists, the specified groups of animals are only permitted onto safari on a regular rotational basis.
Tiger Safari:
The peripheral border for all three units has been established by dredging an open moat and installing a chain link mesh fence. The Indira Gandhi Tiger Safari includes 11 holding rooms.
The Appaiah Tiger Safari features two animal housing complexes. Both animal shelters include a total of ten animal holding rooms. The White Tiger Safari features two animal housing complexes. There are a total of eight animal holding rooms.
All of the holding homes have basic water and sanitary services. For the advantage of visiting tourists, the specified groups of animals are only permitted onto safari on a regular rotational basis.
Harbivore Safari:
Gaur, Sambar, Cheetal, Barking Deer, Black Buck, and Nilgai are among the creatures encountered on the safari. Other creatures commonly seen on safari include wild boar, porcupine, pangolin, and more, in addition to the other big mammals.
Bear safari:
Bear safari was built in the Ragihalli State Forest in 2002 over an area of 18.00 acres. The Safari area is surrounded by an open moat. The outer wall of the moat is embedded with stone slabs all around to prevent sloth bears from escaping or other free-roaming wildlife from entering the safari.
This safari also includes animal housing in five blocks: Panchavati, Chitrakuta, Kishkinda, Dr. G.K.V Block, and Jambava. There are around 100 animal holding rooms with cooking facilities.
Butterfly Park:
One of the unique features of Bannerghatta National Park and Zoo is the Butterfly Park, which is spread over 7.5 acres of land. It is a paradise for butterfly enthusiasts as it hosts a wide range of colorful butterflies, both indigenous and exotic.
The park also has a butterfly conservatory that provides a controlled environment for breeding and studying butterflies.
Rescue Center:
Bannerghatta National Park and Zoo also has a rescue center that provides care and rehabilitation to injured and orphaned wild animals. It serves as a haven for animals that are rescued from various situations, such as poaching, illegal trade, or conflicts with humans.
The rescue center is committed to the conservation and welfare of wildlife and plays a vital role in the park’s conservation efforts.
Snake Park:
Another unique feature of Bannerghatta National Park and Zoo is the Snake Park, which houses a variety of venomous and non-venomous snakes. Visitors can learn about different species of snakes, their behavior, and their role in the ecosystem through informative displays and exhibits.
Conservation and Education
Bannerghatta National Park and Zoo is not just a recreational destination but also a center for conservation and education. The park actively participates in various conservation programs and research activities to protect the flora and fauna found in the region.
It conducts awareness campaigns, workshops, and educational programs to promote wildlife conservation among visitors and local communities. The park also collaborates with national and international organizations for research and conservation initiatives, making it a significant contributor to wildlife conservation efforts in India.
Conservation Center:
The park also houses a conservation center that focuses on conservation research and education. The center conducts various research and conservation programs to protect the endangered species found in the park and raises awareness among visitors about the importance of wildlife conservation.
Fees
The current fee structures for zoo and safari visits are shown in the table below. (Effective as of April 1, 2023.)
| Zoo | Monday to Friday | Saturday ,Sunday & Govt Holidays |
| Adults | 100 | 100 |
| Children | 50 | 50 |
| Sr. Citizen | 60 | 60 |
| Butterfly Park | Monday to Friday | Saturday ,Sunday & Govt Holidays |
| Adults | 50 | 50 |
| Children | 30 | 30 |
| Adults | 30 | 30 |
| Non AC Bus Safari(Zoo+Safari) | Monday to Friday | Saturday ,Sunday & Govt Holidays |
| Adults | 350 | 400 |
| Children | 200 | 250 |
| Sr. Citizen | 250 | 300 |
| Foreigners | Monday to Friday | Saturday ,Sunday & Govt Holidays |
| Adults | 550 | 550 |
| Children | 450 | 450 |
| AC Bus Safari (Zoo+Safari+ButterflyPark+Camera) | Monday to Friday | Saturday ,Sunday & Govt Holidays |
| Adults | 670 | 720 |
| Children | 470 | 520 |
| Jeep Safari (Zoo+Safari+ButterflyPark+Camera) | Monday to Friday | Saturday ,Sunday & Govt Holidays |
| 6 Seater Non AC Jeep | 3600/- | 3900/- |
| 6 Seater AC Jeep | 4200/- | 4500/- |
| 6 Seater AC Xylo | 4700/- | 5200/- |
| 8 seater non AC Jeep | 4600 | 5100 |
| 7 seater Innova Car | 5700 | 6200 |
| School Groups (Safari entry fee for School Children Effective from 01.10.2022) | ||
| Zoo & Safari (Non-AC bus) | Monday to Friday | Saturday ,Sunday & Govt Holidays |
| Below 5 years | 120 | 120 |
| 5to12 Years | 150 | 150 |
| Above 12 Years | 280 | 280 |
| Only ZOO | Monday to Friday | Saturday ,Sunday & Govt Holidays |
| Below 5 years | Nil | Nil |
| 5to12 Years | 30 | 30 |
| Above 12 Years | 50 | 50 |
| Camera | ||
| Still | 50 | 50 |
| Video | 250 | 250 |
| Physically challenged persons | Monday to Friday | Saturday ,Sunday & Govt Holidays |
| Zoo & Butterfly Park | Free Entry | Free Entry |
| Safari | 200 | 250 |
| Others | ||
| Battery Operated Vehicle | Adults: 100/- Children: 50/- | Adults: 100/- Children: 50/- |
| Boating | 50/- per head/trip for row boat, 200/- for full boat(2 seater pedal boat, 400/- for full boat(4 seater pedal boat), 30 Minutes Duration | 50/- per head/trip for row boat, 200/- for full boat(2 seater pedal boat, 400/- for full boat(4 seater pedal boat), 30 Minutes Duration |
| Fine (on noncompliance) | Adults / Children : 100/250/500/- | Adults / Children : 100/250/500/- |
| Sl. No | Facilities | Open between |
| 1 | Zoo | 09:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| 2 | Grand Safari (Tiger , Lion, Bear & Herbivore safari) | 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| 3 | Butterfly Park | 09:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
Prices in INR
Every Tuesdays Holiday.
Visitor Experience
Bannerghatta National Park and Zoo offers a unique and immersive experience for visitors. And provides an opportunity to connect with nature and wildlife in a meaningful way. Visitors can enjoy the thrill of a safari, where they can spot wild animals in their natural habitats, learn about their behaviors, and understand the importance of conservation.
The zoo section offers a chance to observe a wide variety of animals up close, learn about their adaptations and habitats, and appreciate the beauty of wildlife. The Butterfly Park mesmerizes visitors with its colorful display of butterflies, and the Snake Park provides an opportunity to learn about the intriguing world of snakes.
Visiting Bannerghatta National Park and Zoo is not only an opportunity to have an enjoyable day surrounded by nature and wildlife, but it is also a chance to contribute to wildlife conservation.
The park charges entry fees, and these funds are used for the conservation and welfare of animals, research, and educational programs. By visiting the park, visitors are supporting the conservation efforts and contributing to the protection of wildlife in the region.
How to reach?
Bannerghatta National Park and Zoo is located approximately 22 kilometers south of Bangalore, Karnataka, India. It is easily accessible by various modes of transportation. Here are the different ways to reach Bannerghatta National Park and Zoo:
By Car:
The most convenient way to reach Bannerghatta National Park and Zoo is by car. You can hire a taxi or take your own vehicle from Bangalore. The park is well connected by roads, and you can take Bannerghatta Main Road from Bangalore to reach the park. The journey takes about 1-2 hours, depending on the traffic conditions.
By Public Bus:
BMTC (Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation) operates regular bus services from different parts of Bangalore to Bannerghatta National Park and Zoo. You can catch a bus from Kempegowda Bus Station (Majestic) or other designated bus stops to reach the park. It is an affordable option, but the travel time may vary depending on the route and traffic.
By Auto-rickshaw:
Auto-rickshaws are a popular mode of transportation in Bangalore. You can hire an auto-rickshaw from any part of the city to reach Bannerghatta National Park and Zoo. However, make sure to negotiate the fare beforehand or insist on using the meter for a fair price.
By Metro:
The nearest metro station to Bannerghatta National Park and Zoo is Yelachenahalli Metro Station, which is part of the Namma Metro Green Line. From Yelachenahalli Metro Station, you can hire an auto-rickshaw or take a bus to reach the park.
By Cab:
App-based cab services like Uber and Ola are also available in Bangalore and offer a convenient way to reach Bannerghatta National Park and Zoo. You can book a cab from your location and reach the park comfortably.
Once you reach Bannerghatta National Park and Zoo, there are ample parking facilities available for private vehicles. The park is open for visitors throughout the week, except for Tuesdays.
It is advisable to check the park’s official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on timings, entry fees, and other details before planning your visit.