Located on the outskirts of Bangalore, and usually known as BBBP, the Bengaluru Bannerghatta Biological Park is amongst the most popular and frequently visited destinations in the city. Catering to nature and wildlife enthusiasts, it is an integral part of the magnificent Bannerghatta National Park and is spread across a massive area.
It was declared a biological reserve in 2002 and is also one of the only places in the world where one can experience wilderness in such a close proximity to the city. In addition to a zoo and jungle safari, the Bannerghatta Biological Park also has a butterfly park and a rescue centre where the animals who were in captivity are conserved and protected.
The Bannerghatta Biological Park is also the first biological park in all of India, which has a fenced forested elephant sanctuary. Covering an expanse of 122 acres, this sanctuary is sponsored by PETA India.
The biological park is also home to a large variety of butterfly species. On a safari here, you can catch a glimpse of various animals, including tigers, bears, deer, elephants as well as monkeys.
Additionally, you can also get to see many beneficial herbs and plants here, such as neem, tamarind, eucalyptus and sandalwood, amongst others. The park is also a complete retreat for people, with different safaris, along with locations for short trekking and hiking expeditions.
Many people also visit the park due to the presence of several ancient temples in its premises. Additionally, the park is also a haven for those who wish to get away from the busy city limits and spend some time rejuvenating and relaxing amidst the calm of nature.
The Bannerghatta Biological Park is also a great place for photography, with shutterbugs getting an opportunity to capture a lot of amazing sights in their camera.
Things to do:
Zoo:
Bannerghatta National Park’s Zoo is spread over 12 hectares and houses several wild animals such as King Cobra, Panthers, Crocodiles, Bears, Deer and birds.
Lion Safari:
19 Lions are housed in a 5-hectare area inside the Bannerghatta National Park and can be spotted during Lion Safari from close quarters.
Tiger Safari:
The park houses 33 tigers, including 7 white tigers. Tigers are maintained in three groups-while two groups rest in their respective enclosures, the third group is released in the reserve forest area for viewing by tourists.
Butterfly Park:
Bannerghatta National Park has a dedicated butterfly park consisting of a butterfly garden which is a dedicated 7.5 acres, a butterfly conservatory, a museum, a research laboratory, and a curio shop. 48 species of butterflies have been spotted in the butterfly park.
Bannerghatta National Park Timings:
Bannerghatta National Park is closed on Tuesday. Visitors are allowed to adopt an animal at the Park. Visit Park’s official website for details Bannerghatta Biological Park
Safari Timings and cost:
Jeep safari is 3500 INR (which is inclusive of the cost for zoo+safari+butterfly park+camera), AC bus safari costs 500 INR for adults and 300 INR for children, while Non-AC bus safari costs 280 INR and 140 INR for children (inclusive of zoo and safari).
The park is open from 9:30 am-5 pm. The safari timings are between 10 am-4:30 pm. Boating costs 60 INR per person which goes for about 30 minutes along the regular safari timings mentioned itself. The camera still costs 25 INR and the video costs 200 INR.
Also: Wonderla Amusement Park.
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