If you live in Bangalore and are looking for a place to visit during the weekend, try going to Bannerghatta. This is a very prominent destination that attracts people from all around the world.
The Bannerghatta Wildlife Park, is located at a distance of 22 km south of Bangalore City. Covering an area of over 104 sq km, this park includes the ten Reserve Forests in the Anekal Range under the Bangalore Forest Division.
Established in 1971, the park consists of the main Nature Reserve, a zoo, a children's park, an aquarium, a crocodile park, a museum, a butterfly park, a snake park and even a pet's corner. The forest consists of deciduous trees and thorny scrubs.
Safaris In The Sun – Attractions In Bannerghatta
Bannerghatta's main attraction are its big cats. This is one of the few places in India where you can see lions in a nature reserve. The forest department organizes lion and tiger safaris or a Grand Safari that offers you glimpses of not just the big cats, but many other animals too. This 25,000 acre reserve is home to tigers, lions, leopards, bison, deer, bears, birds and butterflies.
Visitors can try their luck at spotting the ever elusive leopards, the rare white tigers, the beautiful Bengal tigers and the majestic lions. This region, mainly the park, has an area for animals that are rescued from circuses and other abusive situations. These animals come here from across India and are kept in fenced sections.
Among the other primary attractions, Bannerghatta's Butterfly Park is the first of its kind in the country. It was inaugurated by Union Minister Kapil Sibal in 2006. This Butterfly Park spreads over 7.5 acres and the conservatory here has a tropical environment with plants that are attractive to butterflies. It supports over 20 different butterfly species.
A Walk Along The Trees
You can visit the Bannerghatta National Park to see some glorious wildlife and can spot elephants, Gaurs, spotted deer, barking deer, Sambar, jackal, fox, sloth bear, wild pig, Langurs and Macaques. Elephant rides and jungle safaris can keep you occupied too.
The Swarnamukhi stream runs through the length of the park, giving it a striking look. The stream, originating from the Swarnamukhi hills, is surrounded by moist deciduous trees. For the religiously inclined, a beautiful temple is present – the Champaka Dhama Swamy temple, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his consorts, Sri Devi and Bhudevi.
Bannerghatta is a great place for a picnic and an exciting safari outing if you live in Bangalore, but it is worth a visit for the non-Bangaloreans as well!