Located on the outskirts of Bengaluru, Bannerghatta National Park is a popular destination for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and spend some time surrounded by nature and wildlife.
This was my first visit to Bannerghatta National Park, and my main attraction was the wildlife safari—a guided ride through the park's protected wildlife enclosures. If you enjoy animals, nature, and a little adventure, the safari is definitely an experience worth trying.
Reaching Bannerghatta National Park
After entering the park, the first thing we did was head towards the safari boarding area. The shelter houses are located on the left-hand side of the entrance. This is where visitors need to queue up and wait for their turn to board the safari bus.
The entry ticket cost us ₹100, while the safari ticket was ₹350. There was a bit of a wait before we could board the bus, but the excitement of seeing wild animals up close made it worthwhile.
The Safari Begins
Once the bus started moving, the atmosphere immediately changed. The sounds of the city seemed far away, and we were surrounded by greenery.
The park covers more than 100 square kilometres and is home to a variety of flora and fauna. The safari takes visitors through protected enclosures where animals can be observed in a more natural environment.
As our bus moved deeper into the safari area, everyone was eagerly looking through the windows, hoping to spot something interesting.
And we were lucky!
During our safari, we got the opportunity to see tigers, lions, and deer. Seeing these magnificent animals from the safari bus was thrilling. Every time someone spotted an animal, excitement spread through the bus as everyone tried to get a better view.
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Apart from the larger animals, the park is also home to deer and a variety of birds. For wildlife enthusiasts and photographers, there are plenty of moments that make you want to keep your camera ready.
A 45-Minute Wildlife Experience
The safari ride usually takes around 45 minutes. Although it may sound short, there is plenty to see along the way.
The experience is quite different from simply visiting a zoo. Sitting inside a moving safari bus and watching animals in large, protected enclosures give you a sense of being on a real wildlife excursion.
After the safari, you can ask the bus driver to drop you near the Butterfly Park, which is along the route back toward the point where the safari ride ends.
Exploring the Butterfly Park
The Butterfly Park is another interesting stop during the visit. It has two main sections: a butterfly museum and a small butterfly park.
Inside the museum, you can see preserved butterflies and their remains, along with displays related to these beautiful insects.
After spending some time at the Butterfly Park, we continued towards the zoo.
Exploring the Zoo
The main entrance of the zoo is approximately 600 metres from the Butterfly Park, so it is an easy walk.
The zoo has several sections dedicated to different types of animals. You can find areas for carnivorous animals, birds, bats, owls, and herbivores.
Walking through the different sections gives you another opportunity to observe a wide variety of wildlife after experiencing the safari.
My first visit to Bannerghatta National Park turned out to be an enjoyable combination of wildlife, nature, and adventure. The safari was undoubtedly the highlight of the trip, especially the excitement of spotting tigers, lions, and deer along the way.
If you are visiting Bengaluru and want to spend a day away from the city's busy streets, Bannerghatta National Park offers a memorable experience. Whether you are interested in wildlife, butterflies, photography, or simply want to spend some time surrounded by nature, there is plenty to explore.
For me, the safari was more than just a ride—it was a chance to experience a little taste of the wild, right on the outskirts of Bengaluru.
