Bannerghatta National Park: Grand Safari Timings, Ticket Price & 8 Tips (2026 Guide)
Just outside Bengaluru lies one of Karnataka’s most popular wildlife attractions, Bannerghatta National Park. It combines a national park, biological park, zoo, butterfly park, and one of India’s most enjoyable guided wildlife safaris. Families, wildlife enthusiasts, photographers and school groups visit throughout the year because it is easy to reach and offers several experiences in a single day.
Unlike many wildlife reserves where visitors depend entirely on chance sightings, the famous Grand Safari allows guests to safely see lions, tigers, bears, herbivores and other animals from specially designed safari vehicles. Combined with the zoo and butterfly park, it becomes a full-day outing suitable for every age group.
Bannerghatta National Park is located about 25 km from central Bengaluru. It is generally open from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, remains closed on Tuesdays, and the Grand Safari usually operates between 10:00 AM and 4:30 PM. Visitors can book tickets online or at the park entrance.
In this Blog
Why Bannerghatta National Park Is Worth Visiting
The biggest attraction of Bannerghatta National Park is that several wildlife experiences are available within one location. Visitors can enjoy a guided safari, walk through a modern zoo, visit India’s first butterfly park inside a zoo campus and learn about wildlife conservation.
The safari vehicles travel through large enclosures where lions, white tigers, Bengal tigers, sloth bears and herbivores roam in spacious habitats. Since visitors remain inside protected vehicles throughout the safari, the experience feels exciting while remaining well managed.
Bannerghatta National Park Ticket Price, Entry Fee, and Safari Timings
Anyone planning a visit should always check the latest official tariff before travelling, as prices can occasionally change.
According to the official Bengaluru Bannerghatta Biological Park tariff:
| Ticket Type | Weekdays | Weekends & Holidays |
| Only Zoo (Adult) | ₹120 | ₹120 |
| Only Zoo (Child) | ₹60 | ₹60 |
| Zoo + Butterfly Park (Adult) | ₹170 | ₹170 |
| Non-AC Bus Safari (Adult) | ₹370 | ₹420 |
| Non-AC Bus Safari (Child) | ₹210 | ₹260 |
| AC Bus Safari (Adult) | ₹690 | ₹740 |
| AC Bus Safari (Child) | ₹480 | ₹530 |
Still cameras attract a small additional charge, while mobile photography is generally permitted according to current park rules.
Bannerghatta National Park Safari Timings
The park generally follows these timings:
- Zoo: 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
- Grand Safari: 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM
- Butterfly Park: 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
- Closed every Tuesday.
Grand Safari Booking at Bannerghatta National Park
The easiest way to complete Grand Safari booking is through the official online ticketing portal before arrival. Online booking helps reduce waiting time, especially during weekends, school holidays and long weekends.
Visitors can also purchase tickets at the park if availability remains. Morning safari slots usually have shorter queues and slightly cooler weather, making them popular among families.
For larger groups or school visits, advance booking is strongly recommended.
Things to See Inside Bannerghatta National Park
The safari remains the highlight, but there is much more than wildlife drives.
The zoo houses several mammals, reptiles and birds from India and other parts of the world. Wide walking paths and shaded resting areas make it comfortable for families spending several hours inside the park.
The Butterfly Park continues to attract visitors because it combines education with photography opportunities. Hundreds of butterflies can often be seen inside the conservatory depending on the season.
Things to Do in Bannerghatta National Park
Visitors can comfortably spend an entire day enjoying different experiences.
Popular things to do in Bannerghatta National Park include:
- Join the Grand Safari
- Visit the zoo
- Walk through the Butterfly Park
- Wildlife photography
- Birdwatching
- Educational visits with children
- Visit the rescue centre exhibits
- Enjoy nature around the forest edge
Unlike many wildlife parks that focus only on safaris, Bannerghatta combines education, conservation and recreation within one visit.
8 Tips for Visiting Bannerghatta National Park
1. Arrive Early
Morning arrivals usually mean shorter queues, cooler weather, and a more relaxed start to your visit. Reaching early also gives you more time to explore the zoo and other attractions without rushing through the day.
2. Book Grand Safari Online
The Grand Safari is one of the most popular experiences at Bannerghatta National Park and can get busy, especially on weekends and holidays. Booking your tickets online in advance helps secure your spot and saves you from last-minute disappointment.
3. Wear Comfortable Walking Shoes
Exploring the zoo involves quite a bit of walking, so comfortable, supportive footwear is highly recommended. Choose breathable shoes that can handle extended walks, especially if you plan to explore multiple attractions within the park.
4. Carry Drinking Water
While refreshments and water are available at the park, carrying your own drinking water can be convenient during a long day of exploring. This is especially useful during warmer months when you’ll need to stay hydrated while walking between attractions.
5. Follow Safari Instructions Carefully
During the Grand Safari, visitors should remain seated and avoid standing up or attempting to attract the animals’ attention. The safari vehicles are specially designed for safety, and following the guide’s instructions ensures a smooth experience for everyone.
6. Keep a Camera Ready
The safari route passes through separate enclosures for herbivores, bears, lions and tigers. Wildlife sightings happen quickly, so having a fully charged camera or mobile phone ready helps capture memorable moments. Still cameras require an additional fee according to the official tariff.
7. Plan at Least Half a Day
Many visitors underestimate the size of Bannerghatta National Park. Between the zoo, the butterfly park and the safari, it usually takes four to six hours to enjoy everything comfortably. Those travelling with children often spend an entire day inside the park.
8. Visit on Weekdays if Possible
Weekdays usually see fewer visitors than weekends and public holidays. This often means shorter queues for the Grand Safari booking, better parking availability and a more relaxed visit throughout the zoo.
Places to Stay in Bangalore
Although accommodation is not available inside the safari area itself, several resorts and a villa in the Bannerghatta National Park vicinity provide comfortable overnight stays. Jungle-themed resorts, private villas and nature camps are available within a short drive of the park entrance, making them ideal for families and groups who wish to avoid early morning traffic from Bengaluru. Karnataka Tourism’s Bannerghatta Nature Camp is another popular choice for visitors wanting to stay close to the forest.
Best Time to Visit Bannerghatta National Park
The park welcomes visitors throughout the year.
October to February brings comfortable weather for walking around the zoo and butterfly park.
March to May is warmer, but mornings remain pleasant for safari rides.
The monsoon months bring greener surroundings, although visitors should carry umbrellas or rain jackets. Safari operations generally continue unless weather conditions require temporary changes. Checking the official website before travelling is always advisable.
Explore Bannerghatta National Park For the Best Experience
A visit to Bannerghatta National Park offers much more than a traditional zoo experience. Within one destination, visitors can enjoy guided wildlife safaris, observe butterflies, learn about conservation and spend time with family in natural surroundings.
The well-organised Grand Safari, reasonable ticket price, convenient entry fee structure and easy access from Bengaluru make it one of Karnataka’s most rewarding day trips. Whether someone is visiting for the first time or returning with family, planning ahead by checking the latest safari timings and completing Grand Safari booking online can make the experience even smoother.
For anyone looking to spend a day close to wildlife without travelling far from the city, Bannerghatta National Park remains one of the best options in southern India.
FAQs
The latest ticket price depends on the experience chosen. Zoo-only tickets start from ₹120 for adults, while safari packages have different prices based on AC or Non-AC buses. Visitors should always check the official tariff before travelling.
The safari timings are generally 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM, while the zoo operates from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The park remains closed every Tuesday.
Grand Safari bookings can be completed online through the official Bengaluru Bannerghatta Biological Park ticket portal or directly at the park, subject to availability.
The entry fee varies according to the attractions selected. Zoo-only, Butterfly Park and safari combination tickets are available at different price points.
Yes. The zoo, butterfly park, educational exhibits and safari make it one of Bengaluru’s most family-friendly wildlife attractions.
Most visitors spend between four and six hours comfortably enjoying the safari, zoo, and butterfly park.
Yes. Mobile photography is generally allowed, while still cameras attract a separate charge according to the official tariff.
Yes. Weekends, holidays and school vacation periods can become busy, so advance Grand Safari booking helps secure preferred time slots.
Written By: Ruben Saha
