THE BANDIPUR COTTAGE
Navigare necesse est, vivere non est necesse To set sail is necessary, to live is not
We have upgraded the cottage and you might find a few changes which we are sure you will love. We are updating our website soon!
Special Romantic Offer!
Couples can now book the entire cottage exclusively for themselves or their family (upto 6 max).
Two kids below 12 will be free.
We believe children are the future of our forests.
For note on “COVID19 READINESS” please scroll down.
Exclusive, enchanting and reminiscent of the shikar gah’s of the erstwhile Princely States of the Raj, the cottage gained folklore status when it was featured in the extremely successful book ‘Wild Tales from the Wild’. The book was a compilation of many wildlife stories about a family that moved into the wilds and their time spent in the stone cottage.
Nestled in the hills of Bandipur lie a cluster of resorts in the Mangala valley. The Cottage lies at the base of Kardi-Betta hill, known for its leopard and bear sightings. It borders the Mangala Dam where herds of elephants and the resident male tiger are seen. Even if you don’t see them the chances are you will hear them roaring the night through.
Started in 1988, this cottage is the first ever establishment in Bandipur and was the beginning of eco-tourism being utilised as a tool for conservation in Karnataka.
With an amazing diversity of birdlife and wildlife at the resident waterhole makes spending time here truly exciting. Venture into our valley and enjoy a plethora of activities that bring you closer to nature and evoke a sense of adventure, tranquility and peace that very few others can offer. It is safe to say that no one knows Bandipur better than us.
If you are game, so are we.
Location – is bang in the heart of the surreal Mangala Valley – the renowned region so aptly described in the book “Wild Tales from the Wild” by Saad bin Jung takes you into a world where invading influences have not as yet touched the tenderness of nature.
Drive on the Mysore-Ooty Highway. 18 kilometers after Gundulpet you will arrive at the Bandipur Forest Office. Hang a left on the tar road immediately after the Bandipur police station en-route to Mangala Village. After around 4 1/2 you will see a board on the right that reads ‘Saad bin Jung’s – The Bandipur Cottage”. Welcome to heaven!
COVID19 READINESS & US
Our hearts go out to everyone who has been impacted, directly and indirectly, by this pandemic. As we strive towards normality, we have established a realistic and safer new-normal for all. We need to come out of this pandemic as a stronger and wiser race, but most importantly, we must raise our standards on how we want to live on this earth. We are closely monitoring the global situation and we are taking precautionary measures, in order to help mitigate the impact of COVID-19. Our priority is not just safeguarding our guests and hotel staff, but also the local community.
It is important to note that the Bandipur Cottage is a stand alone, small eco-friendly camp, situated in the Mangala Valley near Bandipur. It was the first guest house in the region and has led the way in establishing eco-tourism as an integral tool for conservation. With only one cottage with 3 bed rooms, with just one family being accommodated at any given time, we assure you of 100% distancing from any other guest. Add to this a daily Covid cleanup and we have the perfect home away form home for your safari. There is zero over crowding.
- Everyone (guests and staff) have easy access to a Health Station at Camp with hand-wipes, sanitisation and temperature readers.
- All guests are required to undergo temperature screening at check in and check out.
- All staff members are required to undergo temperature screening and oxygen monitoring every day to ensure a healthy work and safe environment.
- A dedicated team will be specially assigned to cleaning common areas all day.
- With the immense wilderness abounding the valley, you will see enough wildlife on your walks and drives around the camp itself. There is no need for a safari. Nonetheless we will assist you with safari bookings operated by the Forest Department which runs three exclusive gypsies (must be booked online and in advance by guests).
- We advise all guests to carry their own Masks and Sanitisation. The Camp will also keep emergency stock.
- Other than the staff, only people with confirmed Booking Vouchers will be allowed inside the property.
- Ongoing training is being provided to our staff everyday.
The Bandipur Cottage has always taken pride in being small and exclusive. Our spirit evokes the freedom to explore the unexplored, and for the past thirty years that has formed the ethos of our brand.
We are currently closed till the 3rd of May 2020, as per the directives of the Government of India. We are scheduled to open soon and we can’t wait to welcome you to the Jungle, as we strive towards a better world.
Yours truly,
Multan Pasha (Camp Manager)