Key hubs
Bandipur airport and railway station
- Airport
- Mysuru Airport (MYQ), about 80 km by road; Bengaluru (BLR) is the main alternative at roughly 220–230 km
- Railway station
- Mysuru Junction (MYS), about 80 km away, has the best connections; Chamarajanagar (CMNR) is closer but has fewer trains
- Getting around
- A hired car from Mysuru or Bengaluru is simplest. Inside the reserve you move by forest-department bus, jeep or lodge vehicle.
How to reach Bandipur by air
Mysuru Airport (MYQ) is the closest, about 80 km from the reserve by road, though connections are limited. Bengaluru (BLR) has far more flights and is roughly 220–230 km away, a long half-day drive via Mysuru.
How to reach Bandipur by train
Mysuru Junction (MYS) is the practical railhead, about 80 km from Bandipur. Chamarajanagar (CMNR) is closer, roughly 50 km, but has fewer trains. Arrange a taxi from either station.
How to reach Bandipur by road
Bandipur sits on the Mysuru–Ooty road, part of NH 766, which passes through the reserve. Mysuru is about two to two and a half hours away and Bengaluru about 220–230 km. Night traffic is restricted on parts of the highway.
Getting around Bandipur
Inside the reserve, travel is by forest-department bus, jeep or lodge vehicle. Self-driving to the safari gate is fine in daylight. There are few autos or cabs, so arrange transport through your lodge or hire a car and driver for the trip.
For parents and senior travellers
Easy transfers to and in Bandipur
- Book a lodge inside or very close to the reserve so the early safari does not mean a 4 am drive on forest roads.
- Carry warm layers: early mornings can be cool even when afternoons are hot, and open vehicles are windy.
- Medical facilities are limited near the reserve. Carry regular medicines, a basic kit and the number of your lodge, and know the nearest hospital before you leave.
- Ask the airline or railway for wheelchair or porter assistance when you book, not on the day.
- Pre-book the pickup from the airport or station, so nobody has to negotiate with drivers after a long journey.
- Choose arrivals in daylight where you can, and keep the first afternoon free to rest.