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Bannerghatta National Park: A Complete Guide to Safaris, Wildlife & the Zoo

Escape the bustling city of Bengaluru and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Bannerghatta National Park, located around 22 km south of the city. Since its establishment in 1974, this park has been a sanctuary for wildlife enthusiasts, covering 260 sq. km. of dry deciduous forest teeming with tigers, elephants, leopards, and over 100 bird species.

The highlight of any visit is the thrilling safari at the nearby Bannerghatta Biological Park, where you can embark on a caged-vehicle journey through zones inhabited by lions, tigers, bears, and herbivores. This guide provides all the essential details about the park’s rich ecology, safari experiences, booking tips, what to pack, and the best nearby accommodations to ensure an unforgettable adventure.

What is Bannerghatta National Park?

Founded in 1970 and officially declared a national park in 1974, Bannerghatta National Park covers 260.51 sq. km. across the Anekal Hills, approximately 22 km south of Bengaluru. It encompasses 10 reserve forests within the Bangalore Forest Division and serves as a critical part of the elephant corridor connecting the BR Hills to the Sathyamangalam forest.

The Suvarnamukhi stream runs through its heart, providing a vital water source for the park's wildlife year-round. The park has been included in Project Elephant, a national conservation programme. In 2002, a 731.88-hectare portion was separated to form the Bannerghatta Biological Park, which now houses the zoo, safaris, and butterfly park that most visitors come to see.

A Forest of Teak, Bamboo, and Ancient Trees

The vegetation of Bannerghatta National Park is classified as a southern tropical dry deciduous forest, dominated by teak, bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus), sandal, neem, peepal, Indian fig, gooseberry, Ashoka, and tamarind. Valley regions support moist deciduous growth on sandy loam soil, while higher elevations feature drier, red-gravelly terrain.

During and immediately after the monsoon, the forest floor fills with flowering species that attract pollinators and migratory birds. This layered vegetation creates distinct microhabitats and is directly responsible for the exceptional biodiversity found inside Bannerghatta National Park.

A bee-eater sitting on the little branch of a tree

A view of an elephant calf walking on a dry land near a tree with greenery in the background.

Wildlife at Bannerghatta National Park

The park supports a wide range of mammals, birds, and reptiles. Many species roam both the protected national park and the adjoining areas of the Bannerghatta Biological Park's unfenced zones.

Wildlife Highlights

Mammals: Asian elephants, Bengal tigers, Asiatic lions, Indian leopards, sloth bears, gaur, sambar deer, spotted deer, nilgai, blackbuck, barking deer, wild boar, and dhole
Birds: 101+ species, including peafowl, kingfishers, herons, paradise flycatcher, eagles, parakeets, and Brahminy kite
Reptiles and others: King cobra, Indian python, marsh crocodile, land monitor lizard, frogs, and toads

The herbivore zone within Bannerghatta Biological Park is also a breeding ground for spotted deer and gaur, with young animals frequently visible during safari visits.

Bannerhatta Biological Park: The Zoo and Safari Heart

In 2002, the Government of Karnataka carved out 731.88 hectares from Bannerghatta National Park to form the Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP), now managed by the Zoo Authority of Karnataka. What began as a modest picnic corner in 1971 has grown into one of India's most visited wildlife destinations.

The BBP houses approximately 2,300 animals across 102 species, 5 distinct safari zones, India's first butterfly park, an elephant care centre, and a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre. The Leopard Safari, the newest zone, was inaugurated in June 2024. Bannerghatta Biological Park sits at the northernmost tip of the Mysore Elephant Reserve, placing it at the intersection of conservation and public education.

A blackbuck grazing on a green ground with bushes in the background

What to See at Bannerghatta Biological Park

Zoo: 1,941 individual animals across 94 species, including leopards, Himalayan black bears, king cobra, and crocodiles. The zoo also features an aquarium, snake house, crocodile farm, and prehistoric animals park.
Butterfly Park: India's first butterfly enclosure, opened in 2006, spread over 7.5 acres with a polycarbonate-roofed conservatory housing 48 butterfly species. Includes a museum, audiovisual room, and outdoor butterfly garden.
Elephant Care Centre: A dedicated sanctuary exceeding 120 acres for rescued elephants. Observation is maintained from a distance to minimise disturbance to the animals.
Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre: Cares for injured, confiscated, and unreleasable animals from across Karnataka. Located in a restricted section and not open to the general public.

Safari Zones at Bannerghatta Biological Park

Herbivore Safari: A 68-hectare zone where spotted deer, sambar, nilgai, gaur, and blackbuck roam freely around 5 interconnected natural lakes. Marsh crocodiles frequent the waterways, and young animals are visible year-round.
Bear Safari: A 20-hectare enclosure home to rescued sloth bears, many formerly used as dancing bears by Kalandar tribes. Maintained in partnership with Wildlife SOS, honey and seasonal fruit are scattered in the afternoons to encourage natural foraging.
Leopard Safari: A 20-hectare zone inaugurated in June 2024, featuring rocky terrain and semi-deciduous forest. Secured by a 4.5-metre chain-link fence, home to hand-raised rescued leopards.
Lion Safari: Asiatic lions resting and interacting near a natural lake among bamboo clusters. Prides are rotated by compatibility to maintain natural group dynamics.
Tiger Safari: Royal Bengal tigers, including leucistic variants, in tall grass and bamboo thickets. They scent-mark, rest near water, and occasionally approach safari vehicles at close range.

Bannerghatta Safari Timings, Tickets, and How to Book

Park Timings:

Zoo and Butterfly Park: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Safari: 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Closed: Every Tuesday

Ticket Prices:

Zoo only: Adults ₹120 / Children ₹60
Zoo + Butterfly Park: Adults ₹170 / Children ₹90
Non-AC Bus Safari (Zoo + Safari): ₹370 (weekday) / ₹420 (weekend) per adult; ₹210 / ₹260 per child
AC Bus Safari (Zoo + Safari + Butterfly Park + Camera): ₹690 (weekday) / ₹740 (weekend) per adult; ₹480 / ₹530 per child
6-Seater Non-AC Jeep: ₹3,600 (weekday) / ₹3,900 (weekend)
6-Seater AC Jeep: ₹4,200 (weekday) / ₹4,500 (weekend)
Still Camera: ₹50 / Video Camera: ₹250
Specially abled persons: Free entry to the zoo and butterfly park; ₹200 (weekday) / ₹250 (weekend) for safari

When to Visit Bannerghatta National Park

October to March offers the most rewarding experience. Temperatures remain mild, animals are more active, and the dry conditions make wildlife spotting easier as animals gather near the natural lakes inside the herbivore zone. The monsoon months (June to September) bring vivid green to the forest and offer excellent bird watching, though visibility in dense foliage reduces slightly.

Avoid peak holiday weekends such as Diwali, Christmas, and school half-terms, when queues stretch significantly. Arriving by 10:00 AM on a weekday remains the surest way to secure a seat on the first Bannerghatta safari batch, see the most active animals, and avoid midday heat inside the vehicles.

Packing Checklist for Your Visit

Clothing: Light, breathable fabrics in neutral tones, beige, khaki, or olive. Avoid bright colours inside the safari.
Footwear: Comfortable closed-toe shoes or sneakers, suitable for uneven terrain on the zoo walkways.
Essentials: Water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a light cap or hat, particularly for summer visits between April and June.
For children: Snacks, a reusable water bottle, and a light jacket for early morning visits between November and January.
Camera permits: Buy still camera permits (₹50) and video camera permits (₹250) at the ticket counter before entering.
Cash: Most services inside the park, including boating (₹50 per head) and battery vehicle hire (₹100 for adults), are cash-based.

Photography Tips for Bannerghatta

The safari vehicles provide a degree of stability, but wildlife photography at Bannerghatta National Park demands patience. Keep your camera at eye level before the journey begins, as sightings are brief. A 200 to 400 mm zoom lens delivers the best results from inside the bus; a 70 to 200 mm lens works well for jeep visits, given the closer proximity to animals.

Tips for the Best Shots:

Light: Visit between 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM, or between 3:30 PM and 4:30 PM, for softer directional light that minimises harsh shadows on animals.
Burst mode: Use it for moving animals, particularly tigers pacing through tall grass and bears foraging around scattered fruit.
Butterfly Park: A macro lens or 100 mm portrait lens works well inside the polycarbonate conservatory; the warm, humid environment makes hand-holding stable.
Flash: Strictly prohibited inside all safari zones. It disturbs the animals and violations are enforced on the spot.

Safety Guidelines for Visitors

Do not extend hands, arms, or any object outside the safari vehicle at any point during the journey.
Keep voices low inside the safari zones. Sudden loud noises startle the animals and disrupt sightings for all visitors in the vehicle.
Outside food and packaged snacks are not permitted inside the safari zone; the zoo area allows outside food.
Never attempt to feed or attract animals, regardless of how close or calm they appear.
Stick to designated paths in the zoo. Straying beyond marked areas carries fines ranging from ₹100 to ₹500.
Follow all photography rules. Flash is prohibited throughout the safari and fines apply for non-compliance.

Stay near Bannerghatta: RD's Nature Retreat

For visitors planning an overnight trip around Bannerghatta National Park, our resort is around 11 km from the park's entrance on Bannerghatta Road. RD's Nature Retreat spans 20+ acres of forest land with 5,678+ trees, offering a full resort experience without the stress of driving back to Bangalore after a full day at the park.

Arrive the evening before your park visit, enjoy a quiet night beneath the forest canopy, and wake refreshed for the 10:00 AM safari. With over 9,27,000 guests hosted across 12+ years, our retreat is a trusted base for families, school groups, and wildlife enthusiasts visiting Bannerghatta Biological Park.

Sleep in the Wild at RD's Nature Retreat

Gaia Studio 2-Sharing with Mountain View: A 1,200 sq. ft. studio for 2 guests with a king bed, private balcony, and double-seater Jacuzzi. Starting at ₹13,999 + 18% GST.
Gaia Studio 4-Sharing with Mountain View: A 1,200 sq. ft. studio for 4 guests with 2 king beds, private balcony, and double-seater Jacuzzi. Starting at ₹27,999 + 18% GST.
Gaia Room with Garden View: A 1,100 sq. ft. garden-facing room for up to 4 guests with a king bed, private balcony, and single-seater Jacuzzi. Starting at ₹9,999 + 18% GST.
Standard Room: A 150 sq. ft. room for up to 4 guests with a private balcony and forest views. Starting at ₹7,999 + 18% GST.
Club Room: An 800 sq. ft. dormitory-style room for up to 12 guests, ideal for school groups and large parties. Starting at ₹2,950 + 18% GST per head.
Camping Tent: A 2-person synthetic tent beneath the open sky with shared shower facilities. Starting at ₹4,236 + 18% GST for 2 guests.

A person rides an ATV on a dirt track surrounded by trees | RD's Nature Retreat, Bangalore

Adventure, Wildlife, and Good Food Under One Roof

Beyond the rooms, the retreat offers 25+ adventure activities designed to complement a wildlife-focused trip. ATV rides, zip-lining, boating, paintball, archery, water zorbing, 360° cycling, and a rain dance session are among the highlights, alongside a swimming pool and an aviary and exotic pets zone.

When it is time to eat, 3 dining venues cover every mood. Lake View Restaurant seats up to 400 guests with open views of the lake. Cave Restaurant offers an intimate cave-themed setting for up to 80 guests. The Open Flame brings live cooking to an open-air counter.

Breakfast: 8:30 to 10:30 AM
Lunch: 1:00 to 3:00 PM
Dinner: 7:30 to 9:30 PM

For guests not staying overnight, day outing packages are available from ₹1,499 per person, covering access to the adventure activities and dining facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between Bannerghatta National Park and Bannerghatta Biological Park?
Bannerghatta National Park is a larger protected forest covering 260.51 sq km. Bannerghatta Biological Park is a 731.88-hectare zone carved from the national park in 2002 to house the zoo, safaris, and butterfly park for public access.

What are the Bannerghatta safari timings?
The Bannerghatta safari runs from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The zoo and butterfly park are open from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. The park is closed every Tuesday.

Which is better, the bus safari or the jeep safari at Bannerghatta?
Jeep safaris offer a more immersive experience with closer views of tigers and leopards. The AC bus Bannerghatta safari is more economical and includes butterfly park access and camera usage in the ticket price.

How do I book the Bannerghatta safari in advance?
Online booking is available at etickets.bannerughattabiopark.org. Advance booking is strongly recommended for jeep safaris on weekends, which fill up quickly.

Is Bannerghatta Biological Park suitable for children?
Bannerghatta Biological Park is highly family-friendly. The safari, zoo, butterfly park, and boating are accessible to children of all ages, and the park has designated zones for school groups.

What is the best time to visit Bannerghatta National Park?
October to March offers the most comfortable conditions and the best wildlife visibility. Weekday mornings outside school holiday periods offer the quietest experience.

Is outside food allowed at Bannerghatta?
Outside food is permitted within the zoo area of Bannerghatta Biological Park. It is not allowed inside the safari zone.

Is there a new Leopard Safari at Bannerghatta?
Yes. The Leopard Safari at Bannerghatta Biological Park was inaugurated in June 2024 and is now part of the standard Bannerghatta safari route, covering a 20-hectare zone with rescued leopards.

How long does the Bannerghatta safari take?
The Bannerghatta safari typically lasts 45 to 60 minutes and covers all 5 zones: Herbivore, Bear, Leopard, Lion, and Tiger.

Where should I stay near Bannerghatta National Park?
RD's Nature Retreat is located around 11 km from the park entrance on Bannerghatta Road, offering stays, dining, and 25+ adventure activities as a convenient base for a Bannerghatta trip