Bandipur, located in Karnataka, is a renowned national park famous for its rich wildlife and lush greenery. Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu, serves as a major gateway for travelers heading to Bandipur. This route is popular among nature lovers, weekend travelers, and wildlife photographers seeking a serene escape from city life.

This guide covers all practical ways to travel from Chennai to Bandipur, including train, bus, car, and flight options. You will find detailed information on timings, routes, costs, and useful travel tips to help you plan your journey confidently.

Getting from Chennai to Bandipur – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train from Chennai to Bandipur is a convenient option for those who prefer a comfortable and scenic journey. Although Bandipur itself does not have a railway station, nearby stations like Mysore or Erode serve as access points.

• Nearest railway stations:

  Mysore Junction (approx. 80 km from Bandipur) and Erode Junction (approx. 120 km away) are the closest major stations. Both are well connected to Chennai with multiple daily trains.

• Train options and duration:

  Trains like the Chennai-Mysore Express take around 8 to 10 hours, with ticket prices ranging from INR 300 to 1,200 depending on class. Booking via IRCTC is recommended for confirmed seats.

• Last-mile connectivity:

  From Mysore or Erode, you can hire taxis or take state buses to Bandipur. The road journey from Mysore is about 2 hours via NH766, offering scenic forest views.

• Frequency and comfort:

  Trains run multiple times daily, including overnight options. Sleeper and AC coaches are available for comfort. Avoid traveling during festival seasons to secure tickets easily.

• Seasonal travel tips:

  Monsoon months may cause delays due to track maintenance near forest areas. Early morning trains provide better daylight for onward road travel.

Bus

Bus travel is a budget-friendly and popular choice for reaching Bandipur from Chennai, especially for solo travelers and groups. State transport and private operators run services connecting Chennai to Mysore and nearby towns.

• Bus routes and operators:

  Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) and Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) operate buses from Chennai to Mysore. From Mysore, direct buses to Bandipur are available.

• Duration and cost:

  The bus journey from Chennai to Mysore takes about 9 to 11 hours, costing between INR 400 and 700. From Mysore to Bandipur, local buses take around 2 hours for INR 100–150.

• Types of buses:

  Options include non-AC, AC sleeper, and Volvo buses. Volvo buses offer more comfort for overnight travel but are limited in frequency.

• Booking and boarding:

  Tickets can be booked online via KSRTC and TNSTC portals or at bus terminals. Chennai’s CMBT (Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus) is the main departure point.

• Travel tips:

  Avoid traveling late at night on forest roads due to wildlife crossing. Booking in advance during weekends and holidays is advisable.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Chennai to Bandipur offers flexibility and the chance to explore scenic routes at your own pace. The approximately 370 km journey takes about 7 to 8 hours by car.

• Recommended route:

  Take NH48 from Chennai to Krishnagiri, then NH766 via Mysore to Bandipur. This route is well-maintained and passes through picturesque landscapes.

• Road conditions and rest stops:

  The highways are mostly smooth with multiple fuel stations and eateries like A2B and local dhabas. Plan stops at Krishnagiri and Mysore for refreshments and sightseeing.

• Driving tips:

  Start early to avoid Chennai city traffic and reach Bandipur before dusk, as night driving through the forest is restricted for wildlife safety.

• Car rentals and tolls:

  Self-drive cars can be rented from Chennai with prices starting around INR 2,500 per day. Expect toll charges on NH48 and NH766, so keep cash or FASTag ready.

• Seasonal considerations:

  Avoid monsoon months due to slippery roads and possible landslides near forest areas. Winter mornings can be foggy, so drive cautiously.

Flight

While there is no airport in Bandipur, flying from Chennai to nearby airports like Mysore or Coimbatore is an option for faster travel. From there, road transport completes the journey.

• Nearest airports:

  Mysore Airport (approx. 90 km) and Coimbatore International Airport (approx. 120 km) serve as access points to Bandipur.

• Flight options and duration:

  Direct flights from Chennai to Mysore are limited but available, taking about 1 hour. Flights to Coimbatore are more frequent, with a 1-hour flight time.

• Onward travel:

  From Mysore or Coimbatore airports, taxis or buses can be hired to reach Bandipur. The road journey takes 2 to 3 hours depending on the airport.

• Cost and booking:

  Flight prices vary between INR 2,000 and 5,000. Booking in advance through airline websites or apps like MakeMyTrip is advisable.

• Travel tips:

  Flights save time but add to overall cost and require coordination with road transport. Check flight schedules carefully to avoid long waits at airports.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This simple itinerary helps first-time travelers plan their journey from Chennai to Bandipur efficiently, ensuring smooth connections and comfortable travel.

• Book your train or bus tickets early:

  Use IRCTC for trains or KSRTC/TNSTC websites for buses. Booking at least 2 weeks in advance is recommended during peak seasons.

• Reach departure point early:

  Arrive at Chennai Central railway station or CMBT bus terminus at least 30 minutes before departure to avoid last-minute rush.

• Pack essentials for the journey:

  Carry water, snacks, and a light jacket as temperatures can vary. Also, keep your ID and ticket handy for verification.

• Plan last-mile travel from Mysore or Erode:

  Pre-book taxis or check bus timings to Bandipur to avoid waiting. Apps like Ola and Uber operate in Mysore for convenient rides.

• Start road travel to Bandipur early in the day:

  This helps avoid night driving restrictions in the forest and allows time for wildlife spotting during daylight.

• Confirm accommodation in Bandipur:

  Book your stay in advance, especially during weekends and holidays, as options near the park fill up quickly.

Practical Travel Tips

• Safety first:

  Avoid night travel inside Bandipur National Park due to wildlife movement and park regulations. Always follow park guidelines and instructions from forest officials.

• Food and water:

  Carry bottled water and light snacks during road travel, as options inside the park are limited. Prefer packed meals or eat at Mysore before entering Bandipur.

• Booking strategy:

  Use official portals like IRCTC and KSRTC for reliable ticket booking. Avoid last-minute purchases to prevent unavailability.

• Local commute:

  In Bandipur, jeep safaris are the best way to explore. Book safaris through the forest department’s official website or authorized agents.

• Luggage advice:

  Pack light and carry insect repellent and sunscreen. Avoid plastic bags inside the park to protect the environment.

• Seasonal warnings:

  Monsoon can cause roadblocks and slippery conditions. Winter mornings may have fog, so plan accordingly for safe travel.

Best Time & Conditions

The best time to travel from Chennai to Bandipur depends on weather and wildlife activity. Avoid monsoon months when roads may be challenging.

Winter and post-monsoon seasons offer pleasant weather and better chances of spotting animals.

• Avoid peak traffic hours leaving Chennai, especially early mornings and evenings on weekdays.

• Steer clear of major festival weekends like Diwali and Pongal to avoid crowded trains and buses.

• Travel during October to March for comfortable weather and clear roads.

• Start your road journey to Bandipur before noon to reach before park closing times and avoid night travel restrictions.

Arrival at Bandipur & What to Expect

On arrival at Bandipur, travelers experience a tranquil environment surrounded by dense forests and wildlife sounds. The main entry gates have forest department offices where permits and safari bookings are verified.

Local transport options include prepaid taxis and jeep safaris arranged through the forest department. Nearby towns like Mysore and Gundlupet offer accommodation and dining options. Staying near the park gates is recommended for early morning safaris.

Conclusion

Among all options, traveling by train to Mysore followed by a taxi or bus to Bandipur is the most balanced choice for comfort, cost, and convenience. It combines the ease of rail travel with manageable last-mile connectivity.

With proper planning and timely bookings, you can enjoy a smooth journey from Chennai to Bandipur. This guide equips you with all necessary information to embark on your wildlife adventure confidently.