Bandipur

No separate permit is needed for Indian citizens, but you must carry a government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar, driving licence, or passport) for safari booking and entry. Foreign nationals need their passport and visa, and all visitors must follow the forest department’s rules, like not carrying loudspeakers or drone cameras.

Carry light, layered clothing for early morning and evening chill, comfortable non-slip walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Also bring your regular medicines, a small first-aid kit, and a torch, as there are no ATMs or pharmacies inside the park; the nearest town, Gundlupet, is about 20 km away.

There are forest department lodges (like Bandipur Safari Lodge) and private resorts within a few kilometres of the park entrance. Most offer comfortable rooms with attached bathrooms, but check for ground-floor rooms or ramps if you have knee or back issues, as many older cottages have steps.

Yes, the park offers shared gypsy (jeep) safaris that are accessible, but you must book in advance online or at the forest office. Seats in the gypsy are limited, and while the ride can be bumpy on forest tracks, the driver and guide will assist you in boarding and alighting.

The park is closed from mid-June to mid-October due to the monsoon, so plan your trip between October and March. The winter months (November to February) are ideal for wildlife sightings as animals come out more during cooler mornings and evenings.