After witnessing an increase in tiger population over the last five years, Bandipur National Park emerged as the most visited tiger reserve in the country, according to a recent study by a travel information portal.

The report by HolidayIQ says that for two successive years, Bandipur National Park was the most visited tiger reserve even as tiger tourism in the country has grown by 230 per cent.

“Based on user interactions on our portal during the travel season of October, November and December last year and this year, the number of visitors to Bandipur National Park has shown a marked increase. The interactions also reveal that tiger tourism is fast growing in the country,” a representative for HolidayIQ told The Hindu .

A senior forest official at Bandipur attributed the popularity of the national park to “increased frequency of sightings” and “accessibility”. He said the national park, which was on the road to Ooty, is a natural choice for tiger tourism. Besides, the tiger population in Bandipur had increased, which translates into higher frequency of sightings.

The Forest Department accommodations can house 88 persons and bookings are almost always full during weekends and holidays, and show 70 per cent occupancy during weekdays. In addition, private resorts can accommodate about 250 persons. The department also organises safaris in the morning and evening.

The tiger population in Bandipur and the adjoining Nagarahole, Mudumalai and Wayanad forests was estimated at 570 in 11,000 sq km of habitat, according to a report on status of tigers in India-2014, which also showed that tiger population in the country had increased from 1,706 in 2010 to 2,226 in 2014.

Wildlife experts in the region believe that Bandipur, which is spread across around 870 sq km, hosts more than 110 tigers.

Meanwhile, the study by HolidayIQ shows that couple travellers account for almost 36 per cent of the visitors to tiger reserves, closely followed by families, who account for 32 per cent, while group travellers account for 28 per cent.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Karnataka / by Laiqh A. Khan / Mysuru – December 16th, 2015