|  Established
in 1971, the Bannerghata National Park, in Karnataka, lies twenty two kms from
Bangalore. Teeming with exotic species of wildlife, the park boasts an astonishing
variety of trees like sandal, jalari, chujjullu, neem, tamarind, zizyphus amongst
others. The park spans 104 sq. kms which includes ten reserve forests of Anekal
Range of the Bangalore Forest Division. It is surrounded by scenic hills, with
many ancient temples perched on them.
The
principal inhabitants of the national park are elephants, which migrate from Kollegal
and nearby Tamil Nadu territory, for the major part of the year. The abundant
bamboo growth provides fodder for these magnificent animals. Some of the other
inhabitants of the park include wild pigs, panthers, bears, sambar, spotted deer,
and the black buck. Huge monitor lizards as well as cobras, pythons, kraits and
Russell vipers roam the park. The avian population comprises pelicans, cormorants,
painted storks, white ibis and spoonbills among others.
The
Bannerghata National Park project comprises the National Park, the Safari Park
with a Herbivore Safari and a Lion Safari, Picnic Corner, Crocodile Farm, Serpentarium,
Pets Corner, and a Museum besides a Park of pre-historic animals.
The beautiful Suvarnamukhi stream running through the
park, originates in the Suvarnamukhi hills. These hills spread out to a huge rock,
about a kilometre long. At the foot of the rock is the famous Champaka Dhama Swamy
temple, built in the Dravidian style of architecture, belonging to the Hoysala
age. The temple enshrines an image of Vishnu with his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi.
The Suvarnamukhi hill also houses a small shrine dedicated to Narasimha, and two
kms away is the Suvarnamukhi pond the waters of which are believed to have curative
powers.
A trip to Bannerghata National
Park promises to be a memorable experience, for nature, history, botany and wildlife
buffs.
|
Winter: October to March.