Bandipur National Park and Tiger Reserve

This is one of the first Tiger Reserves of India which was established in the year 1931 by the Maharaja of Mysore. It was later declared a national park in 1974. This is a few kilometeres north of Mysore and shares boundaries with other sanctuaries and national parks of tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, etc. The national Park is one of the most popular in the country and the Kabini River is an added attraction here. There are about 70 tigers out here in this open area where the animals lead a free life with lots of space to roam about. The main animals here include leopards, chitahs, gaur, sloth bears, sambhars, mouse deer, wild dog, wild boar, barking deer, hyena and four horned antelope. The many species of birds include pompadour green pigeon, grey jungle fowl, honey buzzard, red headed vulture, owls and hawks.