Bandipur Safari Lodge (JLR)

Bandipur Safari Lodge is a Jungle Lodges and Resorts hotel at Melkamanahalli in Gundlupet Taluk, Chamarajanagar District, Karnataka, inside Bandipur National Park. The park is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and adjoins Nagarhole to the north and Mudumalai in Tamil Nadu to the south, forming one of the largest protected forest areas in southern India. Mysuru is roughly 80 km away and Bengaluru around 220 km, so most guests arrive by road, and the road to Ooty passes close to the park. The lodge is a government-run property with a simple, rustic character, set in forest surroundings with cottages arranged around a central dining and gathering area. Accommodation includes Cottages and Dormitory Beds, with rates that generally run from about INR 6,000 to INR 12,000 per night, and meals and safaris are usually bundled. Amenities include a restaurant, jeep safaris, wifi and evening bonfires. Meals are served at set times as buffets of Indian dishes, and the day follows the safari schedule of early morning and late afternoon drives, when animals are most active. Bandipur is known for elephants, gaur, deer and a healthy population of tigers, although sightings vary, and birdlife is rich throughout the year. Service is naturalist-oriented, with guides accompanying excursions, and the lodge appeals to families, budget-conscious wildlife enthusiasts and school or group visitors through the dormitory option. Facilities are simpler than at private luxury resorts, so the emphasis is on wildlife rather than comfort. Because demand is strong on weekends and holidays, bookings through the Jungle Lodges system should be made well ahead. Visitors should note that the park restricts night traffic on the highway and follows strict forest rules, including limits on noise and movement. Guests should expect an early start on safari days and quiet, early evenings, and mobile coverage can be limited inside the forest. Nearby, the hill temple at Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta can be visited by road on a separate outing.