Bannerghatta National Park is an Indian national park located close to Bangalore, Karnataka. The park was established in 1970 and designated a national park in 1974. It is situated in the Anekal mountain range and is home to elephants. Elephants use the national park as a corridor between the BR Hills (Biligirirangana Hills) and the Sathyamangalam forest. In 2002, a small portion of the park became the Bannerghatta Biological Park, a zoological garden.
Bannerghatta National Park is home to a wide variety of diverse animal species. This park provides a guided bus tour along the 6 km safari roads, which are designed specifically for safari enthusiasts and foreign tourists. The government then designated 268.96 square kilometers as the buffer zone or Eco-sensitive Zone (ESZ). However, in a recent proposal, the buffer zone was reduced to 169 square kilometers.
Where is Bannerghatta National Park located?
Bannerghatta National Park is a national park located near Bangalore, Karnataka. The National Park encompasses a total area of 65,127.5 acres. Bannerghatta National Park is located around 22 kilometers south of Bangalore in the Anekal hills, at an elevation of 1245-1634 meters. The park is part of an elephant corridor connecting the BR Hills and the Sathyamangalam forest. The park is adjacent to Talli reserve forest and Bilikal woodland to the southeast and south, respectively.
History Of Bannerghatta National Park
This park, which was established in 1970 as a small zoo, was designated a national park in 1974. The national park has a variety of attractions for children, including a butterfly park, pet corner, aquarium, safari park, and snake house. This 260-square-kilometer park is renowned for being a refuge for numerous plant and animal species. Bannerghatta National Park featured a lion safari park established in 1979 and a tiger safari park established in 1987. A small area of the National Park was designated as a zoo in 2002 and is currently known as Bannerghatta Biological Park.
Major Attractions In And Around Bannerghatta National Park
The officials of the park conduct a Lion Safari for anyone who is interested. The Bannerghatta National Park (BNP) will now house 31 lions, lionesses, and a sloth bear rescued from Haryana and Uttar Pradesh circuses.
This park is surrounded by magnificent scenery. Among the park’s primary attractions are bison, lions, elephants, and panthers. In addition, it contains a Serpentarium and a crocodile farm. As a picnic location, it is always bustling with people. It also features a Lion Safari via which visitors can observe lions in the wild. Other attractions include Lion-tailed monkeys, a snake park, a museum, a collection of birds, a cheetah, and other wild creatures, as well as a very old ancient temple of Champakadharmaswara constructed by the Hoysalas in the 12th century A.D.
1. Butterfly Park
2003 marked the beginning of the development of the butterfly park, which was finished in 2007. According to data provided by the park, there are as many as 48 species of butterflies in the area. The research and exploration center is another location worthy of exploration that allows you to increase your understanding of the natural habitat of butterflies. A visit to butterfly research and captive breeding laboratory is essential, as you can learn a great deal about butterflies there.
2. Lion Safari
You can add the Lion Safari, which introduces you to the lions of the southern region, to your agenda for an additional thrilling adventure. You may encounter the King of the Jungle in his natural habitat, either in action or resting in the shade of a tree if you’re fortunate.
3. Elephant Sanctuary
The elephant sanctuary is the only one of its sort in India, as it is a gated enclosure created for elephant protection. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, a recognized group, funded the construction of the fence (PETA). Carol Buckley, an expert on elephants, built the sanctuary, which encompasses 122 acres.
4. Tiger Safari
Bannerghatta National Park is a place where you may observe two dangerous animals from the cat family, which is both exciting and terrifying. If you want close contact with tigers, you can opt for a safari in the park. You may also take advantage of this opportunity by photographing the national park’s stunning sights.
What is Bannerghatta Biological Park?
In 2002, a tiny area of the Bannerghatta National Park became the Bannerghatta Biological Park, a zoological garden. Bannerghatta Biological Park is a unique ecologically significant area since it is located at the northern end of Mysuru Elephant Reserve. The Park plays a significant role in the preservation of the region’s unique floral and faunal diversity, carbon sequestration, and regional hydrology.
The zoo’s primary mission is ex-situ conservation and bolstering the population of endangered animals. Currently, approximately 2300 animals from 102 species are being cared for and preserved in realistic environments within the Park.
The Park is committed to achieving the goal of the National Zoo Policy of 1998 by supporting national efforts to conserve rich biodiversity and United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15 (Life on Land).
Objectives of Bannerghatta Biological Park
- Complement and bolster national efforts in ex-situ conservation and strengthen the conservation of the country’s rich Biodiversity, especially its wildlife.
- Supporting the conservation of endangered species by providing species with no chance of survival in the wild with a last opportunity of survival through coordinated breeding under ex-situ circumstances and raising stocks for reintroducing them to the wild as and when it is feasible and desirable.
- To instill in zoo visitors an appreciation for wild animals, awareness of the importance of conserving natural resources, and a desire to preserve the ecological balance.
- Provides chances for scientific studies, research, and documentation on conservation, as well as the construction of a database for exchange between In-situ and Ex-situ conservation authorities.
- Conduct regular awareness and education initiatives and programs to raise public knowledge about the conservation and propagation of wildlife.
- Providing proper housing, clinical, and managerial facilities in an off-display area for the rescued and orphaned wild animals.
- To act as a gene bank and germplasm repository for future biological research on wild animals and to expand facilities for the study of animal behavior and reproduction.
- To educate visiting tourists on the importance of nature and wildlife protection.
- To maintain the founder population and bolster the declining wild populations of endangered species.