Bandipur National Park is one of the best-known protected areas in India. It is located in the Chamarajanagar district of southern Karnataka and is also a Project Tiger reserve. The park is famous for its Bengal tigers, Asian elephants and for the abundance of sandalwood trees.

Established in 1931 as the Bandipur Reserve Forest, with an area of 90 sq km (square kilometer), it was later extended to cover 800 sq km for Project Tiger. It connects the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu and the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala, thereby forming a beautiful stretch of greenery and wildlife. The park is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Three rivers- the Kabini, Moyar and Nagur flow through this park.

The park can be visited throughout the year because of its wonderful weather. However, the best time to visit Bandipur is during the monsoons. The summer months are ideal for wildlife enthusiasts who want to observe animals around watering holes. It is also considered a photographer's paradise.