Kerala Trip- Wayanad - Kabini- Bandipur

KABINIThe vegetation in Nagarhole reflects the distribution of rainfall over the park. The eastern parts of the park receive less rainfall with a gradual increase to the middle and western parts of the park. The two broad forest types that dominate the park are the moist-deciduous, where the annual rainfall exceeds 1000mm and dry-deciduous where the rainfall is lower. Substantial areas were clear felled and monocultures of teak were raised. Where these plantations failed, secondary forests have taken over. There are also various microhabitat types such as hadlus, which are shallow clayey valley bottoms that contain swamp savannas and short grass clearings or veiwlines created to facilitate game viewing for the tourists. Flowering trees such as Flame of the Forest, Indian Coral Tree, Red Silk Cotton, Indian Laburnum and the Padri add a dash of colour during the dry season, taking turns to brighten up the park. A dam was built across the Kabini, creating a huge lake with Giant Bamboo dominating the river banks. During the dry season, water is let out for irrigation and the lake dries out leaving only the main river visible. The resulting open plain supports an abundance of fresh grass more reminiscent of African savanna than tropical India. This unique microhabitat has proved to be a boon for the park, providing fresh grass when the rest of the park is drying out.

BANDIPUR -India is a picturesque land that is home to diverse flora and fauna. The diversity in flora, fauna, landforms, the spectacular scenic locations and last but not the least the warm and friendly people here make it an attractive tourist destination. There are several beautiful hill stations, valleys and beaches that are a great place for a wonderful holiday. One such wonderful destination is the Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary which houses thousands of varieties of flora and fauna in the beautiful forests and is a truly mesmerizing experience in itself. A great vacation spot, away from the pressures of city life, Bandipur wildlife sanctuary is a wonderful place to unwind with nature by your side. Located in the southern part of the beautiful state of Karnataka, Bandipur is one of the oldest wildlife sanctuaries in India. The Bandipur National Park was made by the Maharaja of Mysore in the year 1931 and was then spread over an area of 90 sq kms. However, it was later increased to 800 sq kms and renamed the Venugopala Wildlife Park after the residing deity of the shrine located here at Gopalswamy Betta. The name Bandipur National Park was given in the year 1973 when the Government took over the park under the Project Tiger Scheme and it was then made into a Tiger Reserve. Bandipur Wildlife sanctuary forms the connecting link between the Mudumalai wildlife sanctuary in Tamilnadu and the Wayanad wildlife sanctuary in Kerala and thus, is a long beautiful stretch that you would fall in love with. There are three beautiful rivers that flow through the Bandipur sanctuary namely the Moyar river, the Kabini river and the Nagur river. The weather is ideally suited for a great vacation amidst nature. Bandipur is a lovely destination that can be visited all year round. The summer months from March to May would be a great time to watch the animals at the watering holes. However, the period between June to October (during the monsoons) is when Bandipur comes alive with greenery all over. Entry to the park is charged and the rates vary for Indian and foreign nationals. Vehicles on hire, cameras and the spectacular elephant safari are charged extra. There are a number of activities like boating, fishing, bird watching and trekking that you could indulge in while on your holiday here. For photographers and nature lovers, Bandipur is truly heaven on Earth. Being located so close to the happening city of Bangalore makes the BandipurNational Park a much sought after weekend getaway from Bangalore.