Complete Bandipur National Park Travel Guide from Thiruvananthapuram
Bandipur National Park is one of the most loved wildlife destinations in South India. Located between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, it forms a part of the famous Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. For travellers from Thiruvananthapuram, Bandipur makes a perfect weekend getaway. It gives you a break from city life and takes you straight into the heart of nature. Families, couples, and solo travellers often visit Bandipur for a quick escape into the wild. The best thing is its location - it lies just on the border of Karnataka, not too far from Kerala. It offers a complete wildlife experience that’s peaceful, refreshing, and thrilling at the same time.
The total distance between Thiruvananthapuram and Bandipur National Park is around 746 km. By road, it usually takes 13 to 14 hours, depending on traffic and stops along the way. The route is smooth and well-connected, passing through several scenic stretches of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Kerala’s road and rail networks make the journey simple for travellers. Many people prefer driving as it gives them the freedom to explore small towns and viewpoints along the route. Bandipur is also connected to other nearby destinations like Ooty, Mysuru, and Coimbatore, which makes it easy to combine multiple stops in one trip.
How to Reach Bandipur National Park from Thiruvananthapuram
By Rail
If you prefer trains, you can travel from Thiruvananthapuram to Mysuru Junction, Bangalore Junction or Coimbatore Junction. These are major railway stations with regular train connections from Kerala. Although Bangalore and Mysore are closer to Bandipur, Coimbatore has the best train connectivity, and the travel time also lessens to a great extent. While the train journey takes 8-9 hours from Trivandrum to Coimbatore, it takes nearly 18-19 hours if you board a train to Mysore or Bangalore.
• Distance from the Nearby Railheads Mysuru Junction: 75 km Coimbatore Junction: 187 km Bangalore City Junction: 220 km
By Air
The nearest airports to Bandipur are Mysuru Airport (65 km) and Coimbatore International Airport (178 km). However, note that there are no direct flights from Trivandrum International Airport to Mysore. Therefore, it is better to board flights to Coimbatore for better access.
Safari Options in Bandipur National Park
Once you reach, the best way to explore Bandipur is through a wildlife safari. The park offers Bus Safari and Canter Safari options, both managed by the forest department. Safaris are usually conducted twice daily - in the morning and evening. Morning safaris start around sunrise, while evening ones take you through the forest at dusk. Both give unique experiences, so many visitors prefer doing both.
You can also book Bandipur Online Safari Tickes in advance to avoid last-minute rush, especially during weekends and holidays. There are specific zones where safaris take place, ensuring a safe and organised visit inside the park.
2 Nights and 3 Days Bandipur Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and First Safari
Start early from Thiruvananthapuram and reach Bandipur by evening. After check-in, enjoy your first safari inside the park. The ride gives you your first glimpse of Bandipur’s wild charm. Have dinner and relax at your resort or lodge.
Day 2: Full-Day Jungle Experience
Wake up early for the morning safari. It’s one of the best times to explore the jungle. After breakfast, you can visit nearby viewpoints or take short nature walks. In the evening, go for another safari or visit nearby attractions like Gopalaswamy Betta for panoramic views. End the day with a quiet dinner and some stargazing.
Day 3: Departure
Enjoy a calm morning walk or a quick photography session near your stay. After breakfast, start your return journey to Thiruvananthapuram with happy memories and maybe a few amazing pictures.
