Bannerghatta National Park Bangalore: Discover the Wonders of the Wilderness

I still remember how my heart raced after setting foot in a wild setting, knowing that all the surrounding animals were roaming freely with no cages to keep them in. This exhilarating experience makes the Bannerghatta National Park Bangalore, a popular destination. 

Existing on the fringes of a bustling metropolis, this vibrant oasis is a testament to the importance of preserving natural ecosystems amidst rapid urbanization. 

If you want your children to experience this biodiversity hotspot, let this article take you to every nook and cranny of the park to make your visit effortless.

Bannerghatta Zoo Timings

Bannerghatta Zoo stands out from other zoos like the National Zoological Park in Delhi. The sole objective of the park is to support the conservation of endangered species that might have little to no chance of surviving in the wild. 

To witness the wonders of the wilderness, you can visit the park from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm every day except Tuesdays. 

Go over the Bannerghatta Zoo timings for other activities: 

Facilities	Timings
Zoo	9:30 am to 5:00 pm
Grand Safari (Tiger, Lion, Bear & Herbivore safari)	10:00 am to 4:30 pm
Butterfly Park	9:30 am to 5:00 pm
Boating	9:30 am to 5:00 pm

Bannerghatta National Park Ticket Prices 

The Bannerghatta National Park ticket prices depend on what you’re looking to experience. Every attraction in the park is charged, including the Bannerghatta National Park entry fee to the zoo, Bannerghatta National Park safari price, the butterfly park, and even extras like cameras and battery-operated vehicles.

Following is the list of tariffs and the whole structure of the Bannerghatta Zoo ticket price: 

Entry Tickets
Zoo	Monday to Friday	Saturday, Sunday, and government holidays
Adult	₹100	₹100
Children	₹50	₹50
Sr. citizen	₹60	₹60
Physically challenged	Free Entry	Free Entry
Butterfly Park	Monday to Friday	Saturday, Sunday, and government holidays
Adult	₹50/-	₹50/-
Children	₹30/-	₹30/-
Sr. citizen	₹30/-	₹30/-
Physically challenged	Free Entry	Free Entry

Safari (combo tickets)
Non-AC bus Safari (Zoo +safari)	Monday to Friday	Saturday, Sunday, and government holidays
Adult	₹350/-	₹400/-
Children	₹200/-	₹250/-
Sr. citizen	₹250/-	₹300/-
AC bus Safari (Zoo+safari+Butterfly park+camera)	Monday to Friday	Saturday, Sunday, and government holidays
Adult	₹670/-	₹720/-
Children	₹470/-	₹520/-
Physically challenged	₹200/-	₹250/-
Jeep Safari (zoo+safari+butterflypark+camera)	Monday to Friday	Saturday, Sunday, and government holidays
6 Seater Non-AC Jeep	₹3600/-	₹3900/-
6 Seater AC Jeep	₹4200/-	₹4500/-
6 Seater AC Xylo	₹4700/-	₹5200/-
8 seater non-AC Jeep	₹4600/-	₹5100/-
7-Seater Innova Car	₹5700/-	₹6200/-
6 Seater Non-AC Jeep	₹3600/-	₹3900/-

Boating
Boating Type	Monday to Friday	Saturday, Sunday, and government holidays
Row boat	₹50/-	₹50/-
2-seater pedal boat (30 mins)	₹200/-	₹200/-
4-seater pedal boat (30 mins)	₹400/-	₹400/-

School Groups (Safari entry fee for School Children Effective from 01.10.2022)
Zoo & Safari (Non-AC bus)	Monday to Friday	Saturday, Sunday, and government holidays
Below 5 years	₹120/-	₹120/-
5 to 12 years	₹150/-	₹150/-
Above 12 years	₹280/-	₹280/-
Only Zoo	Monday to Friday	Saturday, Sunday, and government holidays
Below 5 years	Nil	Nil
5 to 12 years	₹30/-	₹30/-
Above 12 years	₹50/-	₹50/-

Others
Camera	Monday to Friday	Saturday, Sunday, and government holidays
Still	50/-	50/-
Video	250/-	250/-
Battery Operated Vehicle	Monday to Friday	Saturday, Sunday, and government holidays
Adults	₹100/-	₹100/-
Children	₹50/-	₹50/-
Fine (on noncompliance)	Monday to Friday	Saturday, Sunday, and government holidays
Adults	₹250/₹500	₹250/₹500
Children	₹100	₹100

A Tapestry of Attractions: More Than Just a Safari

Bannrghatta’s terrain consists mainly of hilly landscapes, dominated by granite sheets interspersed with moist deciduous forest, valleys, and scrubland at higher altitudes.

This varied topography supports a rich tapestry of life in the forest and becomes a gateway for numerous activities. Bannerghatta National Park has several key zones, offering a distinct experience for visitors. Here are some:  

Spread over 12 hectares, the zoo provides a more traditional wildlife viewing experience, housing a diverse collection of mammals, reptiles, and birds, both of Indian and exotic origin. 

Witness one of the most exquisite and lethal animals like the Royal Bengal tiger, the Asiatic lion, the Himalayan black bear, and much more in their natural habitat! 

This is India’s first Butterfly park, inaugurated in 2006. Spread across 7.5 acres, this enchanting place has been a favorite amongst children and adults alike! 

Visitors can wander through lush vegetation and witness a kaleidoscope of colorful butterflies fluttering around, representing nearly 50 different species. It’s an educational and visually stunning attraction that appeals to all age groups.

A safari into the wilderness is much better than just looking at some sad animals in cages. Just imagine witnessing the great Bengal Tiger casually walking in front of your jeep! Fascinating, right? 

Visitors can choose between bus safaris (both AC and non-AC) and jeep safaris. Bus safaris are more economical and suitable for larger groups, while jeep safaris offer a more personalized and closer wildlife viewing experience. 

Bannerghatta holds the distinction of being the first national park in India to have a fenced elephant sanctuary. This 122-acre area provides a spacious and naturalistic environment for elephants to roam freely. 

Visitors might have the opportunity to observe these gentle giants up close and learn about their behaviour and conservation.

For those seeking a more immersive experience, the Bannerghatta Nature Camp, managed by Jungle Lodges & Resorts, offers accommodation options right near the park entrance. These include tented cottages, log huts, and dormitory facilities. 

Nature camp serves as an ideal getaway for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and even corporate groups looking for off-site meetings in a natural setting.

The tranquillity of the surroundings, coupled with the proximity to wildlife, makes it a memorable experience.

Stepping away from the bustling wildlife encounters, the boating area offers a refreshing change of pace. As you gently paddle your way across the still waters, you’ll be treated to captivating views of the natural landscape, the soft rustling of leaves in the surrounding trees, and the calls of distant birds. 

The boating facility typically offers paddle boats, making it an enjoyable activity for families, couples, and groups of friends.

Bannerghatta Zoo: How To Book 

Bannerghatta offers offline as well as online ticketing options. Being a wildlife conservation park, the recently introduced online ticketing option proves to be a thoughtful yet smart step to book tickets as well as conserve nature by reducing the use of paper tickets. 

If you are planning a visit, I urge you to contribute to the environment and book your Bannerghatta safari tickets online, and the best part is it’s super easy! Just follow along with the steps: 

• Step 1: For Bannerghatta safari bookings, visit the official website and tap on the “Book My Ticket” option in the top right corner of the screen. 

  

• Step 2: This is where you can also check the status of your ticket. Now you can either click on the ‘Book Ticket’ option or ‘WhatsApp Ticketing’ to book your tickets online. 

  

• Step 3: If you click on the ‘Book Ticket’ option, you’ll be directed to another page. Select the attractions that you want to cover in your trip and pay according to them! 

  

• Step 4: After selecting the activity/attraction, you now have to select the number of people and the dates of the visit. 

  

• Step 5: Now, simply click on the ‘View Cart’ option at the end of the page. Check the cart again, and once you are satisfied with the dates and the ticket prices, hit the ‘Checkout’ button.

  

  

• Step 6: Now, the last step is to fill in all the required information and pay for the Bannerghatta Zoo tickets. 

  

• Step 7: If you’re booking through WhatsApp, the process is even easier. After clicking on ‘WhatsApp Ticketing’, you’ll be given a QR code along with a brochure stating all the steps. 

  

• Step 8: You can either scan the QR code and book the tickets or just send “Hi” to +91 9035092794 on WhatsApp. 

Bannerghatta Zoo Facilities 

Recognizing the diverse needs of its guests, the park management has developed a range of facilities and services to enhance their visit. From basic amenities to more specialized offerings, Bannerghatta strives to ensure that every visitor has a memorable and hassle-free time exploring its wonders.

The park understands the importance of fundamental facilities for a comfortable outing. These include:

• Parking space: Ample parking space is available for private vehicles, ensuring visitors can conveniently drive to the park.  

• Drinking water: Safe and clean drinking water facilities are provided at various points within the park, crucial for staying hydrated, especially during the warmer months.

• Restrooms: Well-maintained restrooms are accessible throughout the park, catering to the hygiene needs of visitors.  

• Baby care unit: Recognizing the needs of families with young children, a dedicated baby care unit offers a private and clean space for diaper changing and feeding.  

• Cloak room: Visitors can safely store their belongings in the cloakroom, allowing them to explore the park hands-free.  

• Wheelchair accessibility: The park strives to be inclusive by providing wheelchair accessibility in many areas, ensuring that visitors with mobility challenges can also enjoy the attractions. Wheelchairs may also be available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis.  

• First aid kit: For any minor medical emergencies, first aid facilities are available within the park. Trained personnel are on hand to provide initial assistance.  

• Information Kiosk: Visitors can obtain maps, information about the park, safari timings, animal details, and other relevant details at the information kiosk. Knowledgeable staff can answer queries and help plan the visit.  

• ATM: For the convenience of visitors who may need cash, an ATM facility is available near the entrance or other key areas.  

• Feedback mechanism: The park values visitor feedback and provides channels for guests to share their experiences and suggestions, contributing to continuous improvement.  

• Masks and Sanitizers: In line with health and safety guidelines, the park often makes masks and sanitizers available for purchase or use.  

• Sit-out benches and pergolas: Strategically placed benches and shaded pergolas offer visitors a chance to rest and relax amidst their exploration of the park.

Bannerghatta National Park Bangalore Photos 

Look at these high-quality photos from the Bannerghatta National Park in  Bangalore to give you an insight into the wonders of the wild. 

Best Time to Visit Bannerghatta National Park

You’ve already read about the Bannerghatta National Park timings and ticket price, along with all the important information; now let’s talk about what will be the best time to visit the park. 

Bangalore suffers from high temperatures and a heat that can roast anyone alive in the summer months. Although the National Park stays open throughout the year, the best time to visit is between October and February, when the weather is cool and pleasant, perfect for spotting wildlife. 

This is also a heavy monsoon time in the city, creating perfect conditions for enjoying the lush deciduous forest, the wildlife week, and nature programs in the park. 

How to Reach Bannerghatta Forest?

The National Park is located in the southeast of Bangalore, about 20 kilometers from the city center. This place is completely secluded from the hustle and bustle of the city, but fret not, reaching Bannerghatta is just as easy! 

Here is the exact location on the map and how you can reach the Bannerghatta Forest. 

• Nearest railway station: The closest railway station is Kengeri Railway Station, located about 15 km away. From there, you can hire a taxi to take you straight to the zoo. 

• Nearest airport: Kempegowda International Airport is the closest airport, located approximately 55.8 kilometers from the Bannerghatta Biological Park. From the airport, you can take a bus from the airport to Ulsoor. Subsequently, you can take a taxi from Ulsoor to the park.

• Nearest bus stand: Vijayanager bus stand is the closest central bus station, located roughly 20 km away. There you can take a taxi, which will be the fastest. 

Places to Visit Near Bannerghatta National Park

Bannerghatta National Park is located about 22 km south of Bangalore and is a fantastic destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. But the adventure doesn’t have to end within the park’s boundaries! 

Bannerghatta’s surroundings offer various attractions that cater to different interests, and if you’re making a day trip from the park, the following places will be just perfect! 

1. Antony Britdon — 16 km
2. Jollywood Studios and Adventures — 27.3 
3. Shri Panchamukhi Anjaneya Temple, Bangalore — 25.5 km 
4. Fun World Amusement Park — 31 km
5. Sagaru Hills — 33 km
6. Wonderla Amusement Park — 33 km

Final Words 

From the safari’s thrill to the Butterfly Park’s delicate charm and the elephants’ serene presence, Bannerghatta offers a diverse range of experiences that cater to different interests.

As you leave the park, carrying memories of majestic creatures and verdant landscapes, you’ll hopefully also carry a renewed appreciation for the natural world and the ongoing efforts to protect it.