Bandipur wildlife sanctuary is one of the famous and best wildlife reserves in the country. The park finds a prominent place in the list of World Wide Fund’s Project Tiger areas. An extension of the Venugopal Wildlife Park, it is also attached to the Wayanad and Mudumalai Sanctuary. During an animal tour around the park one can witness a variety of fauna and some of the most exotic species of flora. The open forest area facilitates animal-watching by the tourists. The forest area houses a large number of animals like the Hornbill, Panther, Sloth Bear, Python, Spotted Deer, Partridges, Deer, Giant Squirrel, Wild Dog, over 2000 varieties of Elephants, Four Horned Antelope, Languor and also a variety of rare species of birds.

The Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta is another must see place at Bandipur. Rising to a height of 1454 meters above sea level, it is one of the highest peaks in Chamarajnagar district. The place is covered in mist and hence its name. Located in the hilltop is the legendary Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta temple. Herds of elephants flock around the place.