One of the most significant natural reserves in Bangalore is the Bannerghatta National Park, which is situated just outside the city. It provides a rare blend of wildlife, conservation, education, and recreation.
Bannerghatta National Park is an attraction site that should be visited by every family, student, and nature lover who wants to understand and enjoy wildlife in a natural habitat. This guide entails everything that you might want to know about Bannerghatta National Park, its location, history, attractions, safari, educational value, and why this park remains one of the best natural sites in Bangalore.
About Bannerghatta National Park
Bannerghatta National Park is a part of the Eastern Ghats ecosystem, and it is located approximately 22 kilometres south of the city of Bangalore. The park is extensive and hosts a wide range of animals and flora.
It was created in 1971 to preserve the flora and fauna of the region and to provide controlled public access for educational purposes. It has also come to be a significant wildlife conservation and environmental education centre over the years.
Why is Bannerghatta National Park Important?
Bannerghatta National Park is important to conserve biodiversity in the surroundings of an urban centre. With the city of Bangalore ever-expanding, green cover such as the national park assists in the ecological balance and offers a much-needed countercheck to the urban sprawl.
The park is also a learning centre, increasing awareness of wildlife protection and conservation. Visits to the park are conducted regularly in many schools to assist students in understanding ecosystems, animal behaviour, and sustainability.
Location and Accessibility
Bannerghatta Road allows easy access to the park, which is located in the South of Bangalore. It is an easy attraction due to the good road network and transport facilities, making it an attractive destination among families, schools, and nature enthusiasts.
The park is located near residential zones such as JP Nagar, BTM Layout, and Bannerghatta Road, which makes the park a favourite weekend outing among Bangaloreans.
Wildlife and Biodiversity
The wildlife in the Bannerghatta National Park is very diverse. It supports mammals, reptiles, birds, and various plant life found in the region. Visitors can expect to see:
- Lions
- Tigers
- Bears
- Leopards
- Elephants
- Deer species
The park is also a birding haven, and a large number of bird species call this place their home. It is a favoured destination for nature photography, with the variety of wildlife and the beautiful environment offering a lot to capture beautiful scenes.
Safari Experience at Bannerghatta National Park
One of the park’s most popular attractions is its safari experience. The safari allows visitors to observe animals in well-maintained enclosures that resemble their natural habitats. The park offers several safari options, including:
- Lion Safari
- Tiger Safari
- Bear Safari
- Herbivore Safari
These safaris are conducted in government-operated buses, ensuring the safety of both the visitors and the animals. The safari is a thrilling experience for children and adults alike, as it provides first-hand exposure to wildlife in a safe and controlled environment.
Zoo and Biological Park
Besides the safaris, a zoo and a biological park are found in Bannerghatta National Park. These sections have animals in large enclosures and provide educational exhibits on the species, their habitat, and why they need to be conserved.
Families and school groups especially like the zoo as it gives children an opportunity to get close to animals, and they get to know about good animal care.
Butterfly Park and Nature Trails
Bannerghatta National Park has a Butterfly Park, which is a must-visit. It features a host of diverse butterfly species in a well-heated condition that facilitates the life cycle of the butterfly.
Nature trails and guided walks provide the visitor with an opportunity to discover the flora of the park and learn more about forest ecosystems. These are ideal for children and adults because they awaken environmental awareness and appreciation of nature.
Educational Value for Children
The Bannerghatta National Park offers an outdoor school to the children. Field trips and visits to the park are frequent, with students getting exposed to biodiversity, food chains, conservation, and environmental responsibility.
Children have an opportunity to feel nature closely, leading to curiosity and developing empathy toward animals and respect toward the environment. These tours supplement classroom activities and add to the overall development of a child.
Best Time to Visit Bannerghatta National Park
Visiting Bannerghatta National Park is best done during the months of October to March when the weather is not so hot and the wildlife is more active. Visits to the safaris should be made in the early morning because that is when animals are at their best.
Afternoons are best avoided, especially on peak summer days, since it can be very hot and there are chances that the park will be very busy during this season.
Facilities and Visitor Guidelines
The park has standard visitor amenities, such as parking facilities, resting facilities, food stalls, and guided tours. The visitors and the animals have to be kept safe, so there are several guidelines that one should follow:
- No feeding animals
- No littering
- Follow designated paths
- Maintain silence during safaris
Role of Bannerghatta National Park in Urban Life
In the case of a city such as Bangalore, Bannerghatta National Park is a significant connection to nature. It provides residents with an opportunity to get out of the city craze and re-enter the natural environment.
It is often reported that exposure to nature regularly is associated with numerous benefits in terms of mental health, emotional health, and education, particularly among children. The park is an ideal place to relax and admire nature without travelling far and maintaining communication with the city.
Importance of Schools in Promoting Environmental Awareness
Although such places as Bannerghatta National Park provide experiential learning, schools have a crucial role in consolidating environmental values. When nature studies, field trips, and sustainability programmes are integrated into educational institutions, children acquire a long-term sense of ecological responsibility.
Why EuroSchool Supports Holistic Learning
EuroSchool believes in providing a learning experience that extends beyond the classroom. By incorporating experiential learning, outdoor exposure, and real-world connections, EuroSchool helps students develop curiosity, responsibility, and environmental awareness.
With CBSE and ICSE-aligned curricula, modern infrastructure, and a strong focus on life skills, EuroSchool prepares students to understand and respect their environment while excelling academically.
Looking for a school that nurtures curiosity, environmental awareness, and learning alongside academic excellence? Discover how EuroSchool supports holistic education for future-ready learners. Visit EuroSchool to explore their curriculum, campuses, and admissions today.
