In short
- Distance: 220 km via the Mysore-Ooty highway.
- Time: 4 to 5 hours depending on traffic.
- Rule: NH 766 closes from 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
In this article
A Bangalore to Bandipur road trip is the most common way to reach the tiger reserve. The route follows a well-maintained highway through Mysore directly to the park gates. Timing your drive is critical to avoid being locked out by the nightly forest curfew.
What is the driving route from Bangalore to Bandipur?
The drive follows the highway to Mysore, continuing onto the Mysore-Ooty highway (NH 766).
You will cover 220 km in total. The first leg takes you to Mysore. From Mysore, it is another 80 km straight down NH 766 to the Bandipur Safari office at Melukamanahalli gate.
How long does the Bangalore to Bandipur road trip take?
The drive takes 4 to 5 hours under normal traffic conditions.
Plan for longer travel times on weekends and holidays. The final 80 km from Mysore takes about 1.5 hours by car.
Is night driving allowed in Bandipur?
No. Night traffic is banned on the NH 766 highway passing through the park from 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
This rule is strictly enforced to protect wildlife crossing the roads. You must cross the park boundaries before 9:00 PM. If you arrive late, you will have to wait at the forest gate until morning.
Can I take a bus instead of driving?
Yes. State-run buses from Bangalore to Ooty pass directly through Bandipur.
Bus tickets cost ₹150 to ₹300. Inform the driver you need to get off at the Bandipur Safari office. It is a request stop, so you must pay attention to your location.
Can I take my own car inside Bandipur National Park for a safari?
No. Private vehicles are strictly forbidden from entering the safari trails.
You can only drive your personal car on the main NH 766 highway to reach your resort or the safari office. For wildlife viewing, you must book a seat in an official forest department jeep or bus.
Are there trains from Bangalore to Bandipur?
There are no direct trains to Bandipur. You must take a train to Mysore Junction first.
Mysore Junction is the nearest major railhead. From the station, you can hire a taxi for a direct drop to your Bandipur resort. The taxi ride from Mysore station covers 80 km.
Questions travellers ask
How far is Bandipur from Bangalore?
Bandipur is 220 km from Bangalore. The drive takes 4 to 5 hours via the Mysore-Ooty highway.
What are the safari timings at Bandipur?
The park offers daily morning safaris from 6:30 AM to 9:00 AM and afternoon safaris from 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM.
Is the highway closed at night?
Yes. Night traffic is banned on the NH 766 highway crossing the park from 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
