BHPian vijayols, a dedicated wildlife and travel enthusiast, recently shared his thrilling experience as part of the “Friends of Bandipur” conservation initiative — a unique 3-day, 2-night program launched by the Forest Department of Bandipur.
It all began with an Instagram clip featuring cricket icon Rahul Dravid, promoting the conservation campaign. For any nature lover in Karnataka, this was an irresistible call. Bandipur, nestled within the Nilgiri biosphere and forming a seamless belt with Nagarhole, Mudumalai, Wayanad, Kabini, and Gopalswamy Betta, is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts.
Despite multiple attempts to join — each batch allowing only 23 participants — vijayols finally secured a spot in the 23rd round. “Mera number aa gaya,” he quipped, after paying the ₹9,500 course fee and preparing for what would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The Program Setup
The adventure is led by a passionate trio: Program Manager Mohan, Naturalist Dharma, and tracker Yogi — not yet permanent staff, but deeply committed to the forest and its cause. Their energy and knowledge created a truly immersive learning environment, with plans for an advanced Level 2 course expected in mid-May.
Stay and Setting
Participants are housed at Kuteera, a newly constructed guest facility within Bandipur, complete with a welcoming reception and a vibrant forest campus where langurs casually swing through the trees.
The Bandipur Experience
Established as one of India’s first nine tiger reserves, Bandipur covers 1,036 sq km, including 872 sq km of core zone. Home to around 191 tigers (the second-highest after Corbett) and over 1,100 elephants, it’s a biodiversity hotspot. Leopards, dholes, sloth bears, hyenas, gaurs, pangolins, jackals, and numerous deer species also roam these forests. The reserve is a sanctuary for a stunning array of birds, butterflies, reptiles, amphibians, and even the elusive humpbacked mahseer, known as the “tiger of the river.”
The Journey Begins
Vijayols began his trip from Bangalore at 6:30 AM on his Honda H’ness CB350 motorcycle. Taking the scenic Kanakapura–Kollegal–Gundlupet–Bandipur route (a lesser-known but smoother road compared to the Mysore highway), he enjoyed light traffic, wide roads, and minimal expenses—just ₹700 in petrol and under ₹100 for breakfast and tea.
By 11:15 AM, he reached the Bandipur Forest Reception Office, just in time for check-in and the beginning of an unforgettable wilderness journey.
