Bandipur:
Bandipur was once the Mysore Maharaja's private hunting ground. It was brought under Project Tiger in 1973. The reserve is a playground for wildlife, with elephants taking the lead role. Bandipur National Park is located in Karnataka's Chamarajanagar district, and nestles at the foothills of the Nilgiri. It is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It spans over 874 sq km with a wide variety of flora and fauna. Bandipur National Park is among the few well protected areas in the country and is an important Project Tiger reserve. Bandipur forest is known to be home to nearly 70 tigers, though sightings can be quite rare.
Kabani:
Kabini is pure elephant country as one can see numerous herds at a time. However, the blaze of the elusive tiger always haunts you as you roam through the verdant jungle here. Once widely known for the mass elephant-trapping operations called 'Khedda', Kabini stands as the one of the brightest beacons for wildlife preservation in India today.
Now it is considered to be one of the best wildlife spotting areas in Karnataka, famous for its spectacular wildlife and bird life.
Masinagudi:
Masinagudi is situated in the foothills of the Western Ghats. This paradise is located on the Tamilnadu-Karnataka border, around 250 km from Bangalore.
Masinagudi is home to wild animals such as elephants and bison’s. The lush green and picturesque setting is enough to make one want to set up home there. Bird watching, trekking, safaris and elephant rides ensure that every visitor gets the opportunity to get personal and up-close with Mother Nature.
The journey to this place is pleasurable with the fresh clean cold air of the hills replacing the pollution of the cities. Bright green fields and yellow sunflowers dot many of the farms surrounding this town.
Nagarhole:
In Kannada, Naga meaning snake and hole referring to streams, rightfully means the place with snake. Nagarhole National Park also known as 'Rajeev Gandhi National Park,' is located 94 km from Mysore. It is spread between Kodagu and Mysore districts. Located to the northwest of Bandipur National Park, Kabini reservoir separates the two. There were exclusive hunting reserve of the former rulers of Mysore; the park has rich forest cover, small streams, valleys, and waterfalls. Its area stretched to 575 km².