2-Day Bandipur Tiger Reserve Tour from Bangalore with Somnathpur

Two days hunting tigers in India's oldest national park

A 2-day tour from Bangalore to Bandipur Tiger Reserve with private hotel pickup, jungle safari in a shared forest bus, overnight stay in a 4-star resort, and a stop at the 800-year-old Somnathpur temple on the return. The reserve holds an estimated 150–191 tigers and over 3,000 Indian elephants. Meals, transport and accommodation are included. An English-speaking guide accompanies the tour.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Travel from Bangalore to Bandipur

• Pickup from hotel in Bangalore
• Drive 240 kilometers to Bandipur
• Arrive at hotel and check-in
• Leisure time at hotel
• Buffet lunch at hotel
• Buffet dinner at hotel

Day 2: Bandipur safari and return to Bangalore

• Early morning jungle safari in tiger reserve
• Return to hotel for breakfast
• Checkout from hotel
• Drive back to Bangalore
• Visit Chennakesava temple at Somnathpur
• Arrive in Bangalore and drop at hotel or airport

The experience

The tour leaves Bangalore and covers 240 kilometers to Bandipur, arriving by midday. You settle into a private room at a 4-star hotel and have the rest of the day at leisure. The real work starts early the next morning: a shared jungle bus takes you into the tiger reserve at dawn, when wildlife is most active. The safari lasts several hours, then you return to the hotel for breakfast before checkout and the drive back to Bangalore.

Bandipur National Park sits within the Nilgiri Biosphere, one of India's oldest protected reserves and heavily guarded by the government. The high tiger density (the operator estimates 150 to 191 tigers) makes sightings possible, though not guaranteed. The reserve also holds more than 3,000 Indian elephants and other wildlife. The jungle bus is shared with other travelers, so you're part of a small group during the safari itself.

On the return journey to Bangalore, the route passes the Somnathpur temple, a UNESCO-protected site built 800 years ago. You stop to explore the temple grounds and its sculpture work at your own pace. No guide is provided at the temple. The tour ends with a drop-off at your Bangalore hotel or airport. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included throughout. Alcoholic drinks are available to purchase.

What’s included

• Private transportation from Bangalore to Bandipur and back.
• one night in a private room at a 4-star resort.
• breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• early-morning jungle safari in a shared forest bus.
• and free time to explore Somnathpur temple on the return.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and SundayDeparts at 07:00

AgesAdult (21 to 75 years) · Youth (14 to 20 years) · Child (5 to 10 years) · Infant (under 5)

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 6 days before the start.Between 2 and 6 days before the start, 50% refund.After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical level

Operated by Discover Activities

Is this one for you?Choose this shared bus tour if you want to join other wildlife travelers rather than arrange a private group, and need the 2-day format to justify the 240-kilometer drive from Bangalore.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (14 to 20 years); Child (5 to 10 years); Infant (under 5).

How many tigers live in Bandipur Tiger Reserve?

Bandipur holds an estimated population of 150 to 191 tigers, making it one of India's highest-density tiger reserves. The reserve also protects over 3,000 Indian elephants and sits within the Nilgiri Biosphere.

What time does the jungle safari start on day two?

The safari departs early in the morning, when wildlife is most active. You return to the hotel for breakfast afterward, then check out and begin the drive back to Bangalore.

Is a guide included at Somnathpur temple?

No guide is provided at the temple. You have free time to explore the 800-year-old Somnathpur temple and its sculpture work on your own during the return journey to Bangalore.

What meals are covered by the tour?

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included on both days. Alcoholic drinks are available to purchase separately.

Do I need to arrange my own transport from Bangalore?

Private pickup from your Bangalore hotel is included. The tour covers the 240-kilometer drive to Bandipur and the return journey, with a stop at Somnathpur temple on the way back.

What kind of accommodation is provided?

You stay in a private room at a 4-star luxury hotel in Bandipur for one night. If there are three passengers, the operator provides one double room with an extra bed or mattress.