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TRIP GUIDE · FROM MYSURU

Mysuru to Bandipur by self-drive car

Bandipur Tiger Reserve is the closest of the forest trips from Mysuru; its reception is on NH181, the road to Ooty, just past Gundlupet.

Distance
approx. 70–85 km
Driving time
approx. 1.5–2 hours
State
Karnataka

Route

Mysuru – Nanjangud – Gundlupet on NH766, then NH181 to Bandipur.

Road notes

  • Night traffic ban through Bandipur Tiger Reserve: no traffic from 9 pm to 6 am, every day (upheld by the Supreme Court in 2019; still in force in 2026). Plan to be through the forest before 9 pm.
  • Inside the reserve the road has speed humps, and wildlife crosses it: keep to the limit and do not stop to feed or approach animals.
  • Two-wheelers: a 2009 forest department order, as reported, bars them from the Bandipur stretch from 6 pm; we found no recent confirmation, so on a bike plan to be through by late afternoon.
  • No state border, so no permit or border tax.

From us: Ooty and Wayanad routes through Bandipur may have forest restrictions and specific timings. Please inform us of your destination before the trip.

Which of our vehicles suits it

  • SUVs: a higher seat for the forest road.
  • Sedans: the whole route is on national highway.
  • Hatchbacks: a short day trip for a small group.
Ask about a trip to Bandipur

Sources

Figures are approximate, from the public sources below, checked on 1 Oct 2026. Road rules, forest timings and entry passes change: check them before you set off.