Dhole's Den Bandipur

The name Dhole's Den is derived from the Dhole, the Asiatic wild dog (Cuon alpinus). For many years, it was hunted down as vermin but it is one of the most fascinating hunters in the Indian jungle with a complex and unique social hierarchy. The dholes live in packs and are organized perfectly under the leadership of an alpha male and alpha female. The population of the Dholes has been decimated in the various national parks in India and a notable population remains only in national parks like Kanha, Periyar and Nagerhole and of course Bandipur.

Dhole's Den endeavour is to emphasize the importance and the beauty of this animal which wrongly stands in the shadow of bigger and well-known animals like the tiger, leopard or elephant and win support for the conservation of the jungle in Bandipur with the dhole as its mascot.

Dhole's Den offers 5 spacious living units (2 rooms, 1 Suite and 2 bungalows). The guests rooms in the main house are on the first floor. The space for living and sleep intermingle with each other. Space, light, air and sight are the forefront of all the units. Large glass sliding doors offer a panoramic and unhindered view of the landscape and the Niligiri Mountains. Ever changing vistas and hues ranging from misty mornings, village scenery with cowherds passing by to golden sunsets are a treat to watch.

The Bandipur National Park lies at the foothills of the Nilgiri Mountains in the southern tip of Karnataka and borders the famous Nagarhole National Park to its north, Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu) to the south and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala) to the south west. Together the four parks cover an area of more than 5.500 square km and form a the part of Nilgiri biosphere reserve. Bandipur has the highest population of Asiatic elephants (about 750), 74 Tigers, large heards of Gaur, the largest bovine on earth. Bandipur belonged to the hunting grounds of the Maharaja of Mysore and was famous for its hunting parties. Since 1973 Bandipur is a national park. The area is hilly, changing from 780 - 1.454,5 m and covered with dry deciduous forest, teak, rose wood and bamboo are common.

How to reach Dhole's Den Bandipur:

• Take the Ooty Road from Mysore
• Cross the temple town of Nanjangud (25 km) and drive further to the town of Gundlupet (30 km)
• Enter the Bandipur National Park look for the DCF (Deputy Conservator of Forest) office after the Forest Reception area. Take a left turn here.
• Drive for about 6 km and reach Mangala village where you turn right
• Drive down the unmetalled road between 2 small hills till you see a Windmill on the left and the board Dhole’s Den

• Take the Mettupalayam road to Ooty
• Come down either the picturesque Kalhatty Gaht (36 Hair pind bends!!!) or to Gudalur and then drive further to Mudumalai
• Cross Mudumalai and enter Bandipur National Park for the DCF (Deputy Conservator of Forest) office. Just before that office turn right.
• Drive for about 6 km and reach Mangala village where you turn right
• Drive down the unmetalled road between 2 small hills till you see a Windmill on the left and the board Dhole's Den

• Take the road to Sultan Bathery
• Cross Sultan Bathery, through the forest checkpost and state border of Karnataka and drive further to the town of Gundlupet. There turn right towards Ooty. Enter the Bandipur National Park look for the DCF (Deputy Conservator of Forest) office after the Forest Reception area. Take a left turn here.
• Drive for about 6 km and reach Mangala village where you turn right
• Drive down the unmetalled road between 2 small hills till you see a Windmill on the left and the board Dhole's Den