Bandipur National Park is one of India's best-known sanctuaries and is an important Project Tiger reserve. Bandipur National Park is about 80 km from Mysore city and is a peaceful retreat in nature's lap far from the din of the city. It is home to around seventy tigers and over three thousand Asian elephants as per the 1997 census, along with leopards, doles, gaur, and sloth bears. Bandipur is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and is a popular destination for tourists interested in wildlife and nature. The park is home to a variety of animals, including elephants, tigers, leopards, and several species of deer and antelope. It also has a rich variety of bird life and is a popular destination for birdwatchers. 

A sanctuary of 90 km² was created at this site in the Bandipur Reserve Forest in 1931 by Maharaja of Mysore. As it was realised that this was too small for effective wildlife conservation, leading to the instituting of the Venugopala Wildlife Park at this site, extending over 800 km². The Bandipur National Park includes the neighboring wildlife sanctuaries of Mudumalai National Park in Tamil Nadu and Wayanad in Kerala. The Bandipur Tiger Reserve was recognized under Project Tiger in 1973, this park has boasted a constant rise in Tiger population. Also famous for Sandalwood trees and rare species of Flora.

Bandipur is a tourist paradise from April to October. During summer, the backwaters of the Kabini Reservoir provide the best opportunity for tourists to observe large mammals, especially the elephant and the gaur. The best time to spot elephant herds is in the rainy season generally from June to September.

Safaris are conducted in well-protected buses, jeeps, and also on elephants within the Park. Elephant safari is the best and most exciting option to get in close proximity to animals. The visitors can enjoy safaris twice a day, once in the morning and then during the evening. The animals that one sees commonly are deer, antelope, elephants, and peacocks and occasionally one can see elephants and tigers. The forest department also organizes group treks inside the park led by professionally trained guides.

Gopalaswamy Betta (Hill) is the highest point on the sanctuary about 16 Km. from Gundlupet. It is at a height of 4,770 ft. above sea level. It is described as Dakshina Govardhanagiri, and the hill is also called the Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta as the hill appears to be covered by clouds and mist. There is an old fort built by the Palegars of Terakanambi during the 13th century and inside the fort is the Gopalaswamy temple. The temple has gifts donated by the Mysore Royal family and there is a guest house said to have belonged to the Mysore royal family.

Gopalaswamy Betta is a hill located in the Bandipur National Park, in the state of Karnataka, India. It is a popular destination for trekking and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. The hill is also known for its temple, Sri Gopalaswamy Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is considered to be one of the oldest temples in the region. The temple is said to have been built by the Hoysala dynasty in the 14th century. Gopalaswamy Betta is also a popular spot for bird watching as it is home to many species of birds like the Malabar Trogon, Great Pied Hornbill, and the Grey-headed Bulbul.