| Karnataka's forests and wildlife are her priceless natural heritage. The State boasts of some of the largest jungle tracts south of the Vindhyas. From the majestic evergreen forests of the Western Ghats to the scrub jungles of the plains, a wide variety of habitats teem with diverse flora and fauna, some of them endemic to the region. Some of these jungles were the private preserves of former rulers. Thanks to their protection, these jungles have survived. However, some of the lesser-known ones are sanctuaries protected by the local populace |
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| Bandipur National Park |
| Tread the path of the erstwhile Maharaja of Mysore with a visit to Bandipur, about 80km south of Mysore on the Mysore-Ooty Road. The reserve is a playground for wildlife, with elephants taking the lead role. Be prepared for an unforgettable experience - you might see a tiger prowling amidst the mix of deciduous, evergreen forest and scrubland vegetation. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the enchanting Niligiri mountains with its mist-covered peaks, Bandipur was once the Mysore Maharaja's private hunting ground. It was brought under Project Tiger in 1973. This is one of the best game sanctuaries in India to observe and photograph wildlife in close proximity. A temple perched atop Himad Gopalaswamy Hill, the highest peak in the Bandipur range, is worth a visit |
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| Rajiv Gandhi National Park (Nagarhole) |
| Explore the environs of Nagarhole, Kannada for 'Snake River.' The Rajiv Gandhi National Park derives its name from the winding course of the river that flows throughthe forests. Nagarhole has an astonishing abundance of wildlife, especially the Asiatic elephant. The backdrop of the distant misty blue Brahmagiri Mountains, the natural sounds of the jungle, the gurgling of streams and rivers, and the twittering of the birds make Nagarhole a memorable experience..MORE |
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| B R Hills Sanctuary |
| A unique blend of hill resort and wildlife sanctuary. The hills take their name from the ancient Ranganatha Swamy Temple that sits at the edge of a granite precipice with a drop of more than 1000 ft. into a dense forest. Find inner peace at the foot of the great champak tree (Dodda Sampige,) believed to be more than 2000 years old and worshipped by the Soligas, the tribals of that area. Don't miss the coffee estates, the tribal hamlets and the Vivekananda Girijana Kalyana Kendra which displays preserved tribal information and the biodiversity of the region. There are many trekking trails here, including one that leads up to Honnamati, the highest point of the range |
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| Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary |
| Tucked away amidst mountains, valleys, a mighty river, jungle sounds, and lush greenery, the sanctuary is an idyllic getaway where anglers and nature enthusiasts can get a whiff of raw adventure and a view of the majestic Cauvery as it bounces over jagged rocks. Here, you can trek to the top of the hill to get a panoramic view of the Cauvery flowing through the picturesque valley below. You could also visit the ruins of the magnificent sculpted Shiva temple, a place of worship for the local Soliga tribes, raft down the rapids of the Cauvery, or even indulge in game fishing |
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| Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary |
| Just outside Srirangapatna, near Mysore, the Cauvery river meanders around a string of tiny islets, which together form a splendid nesting site for waterfowl. Experience the excitement of a boat ride that takes you within touching distance of the birds as marsh crocodiles bask in the sun. Delight in watching the winged visitors making happy forays into the water. You could also test your powers of observation by trying to spot flying foxes hanging on the highest branches of the tallest trees at dusk |
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| Kokkrebellur Pelicanry |
| Every year, hundreds of winged visitors come together to set up a unique orchestra at Kokkrebellur with their shrill cries and cacophonous calls. You can watch the performances of painted storks and pelicans resplendent in their breeding plumage, as well as the seemingly frail but gregarious fledglings perched atop the tamarind, peepul, and portia trees dotting the village. These birds have become an integral part of this tiny hamlet in the sugarcane-rich Mandya district; the villagers look after them like family members |
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| Kaggaladu Heronry |
| A nondescript village in Tumkur district wakes up each year to the raucous cries and colourful plumage of painted storks and grey herons as they nest on old tamarind trees amidst the houses. This is the only place in Karnataka where these species nest side by side. The birds live in perfect harmony and mutual tolerance with the villagers and enjoy their protection - a perfect example of peaceful co-existence between man and nature |
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| Bannerghatta National Park |
| For a walk on the wild side, look no further than the southern outskirts of Bangalore city, where you can find everything from avifauna to panthers in the Bannerghatta National Park. The 25,000 acre park is home to panthers, lions, tigers, and a large variety of birds. Indulge your sense of adventure with a lion and tiger safari for a tête-à-tête with the big cats. You could also wander through the Zoological Garden, with its canopy of shady and sturdy trees, find a quiet resting spot beside a pond, and watch waterfowl frolic. The zoo boasts of an amazing reptile collection; a snake park lets you get up, close and personal with scaly, slithery creatures. A children's corner provides an added attraction. Trekking enthusiasts will enjoy Uddigebande (3.5km,) a natural rock formation called Hajjamana Kallu (3km,) and Mirza Hill (1.5km.) |
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| Anshi National Park |
| Located in an eco-sensitive part of the Western Ghats, Anshi is rich in rare species of flora and fauna. About 197 species of birds have been spotted here. If you can brave the torrential rains and leeches, you can feast your eye on the varied flowers in bloom in August and September, while enjoying the many small brooks, springs, and cascades. Some of the tourist spots nearby are the Ulvi Channabasaveshwara Temple just outside the southeastern boundary of the Park, Kadra Valley view point (12km,) and Karwar beach (55 km.) |
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| Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary |
| Undulating streams, whispering bamboo, diverse wildlife, and innumerable trekking trails make Dandeli a dream destination. River Kali and its tributaries, Kaneri and Nagajhari, meander through the moist deciduous and semi-evergreen forests. The Dandeli forests also play host to the graceful Virnoli Rapids, the magnificent Supa Dam, the sinister Syntheri Rocks, Nagajhari Viewpoint, the Kulgi Nature Education Camp, the Kavla Caves with their Shivling-like stalagmites, and Sykes Point which offers a stunning view of the Kalinadi Valley |
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| Gudavi Bird Sanctuary |
| An obscure village in Sorab taluk of Shimoga district, comes alive in June as the energetic chirping of birds fills the air. The tree-lined banks of the Gudavi Lake become a brilliant mosaic of colours, with branches buried under bright plumage. The grey heron, night heron, little cormorant, jungle fowl, waterfowl, white-headed crane, pond heron, and the black-headed crane - you'll find them all holidaying at Gudavi. Their symphony can be heard miles away. |
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| Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary |
| The sanctuary takes its name from the eponymous river, its lifeline. Popularly known as Muthodi Wildlife Sanctuary, after the village on its periphery, it is a great place to sight the ferocious tiger, observe the Indian bison, hear the strange calls of the striped hyena, and see the rare flying lizard glide amidst the huge trees. The southern part of the sanctuary is rich in birds, butterflies and reptiles. More than 250 species of bird life, many of which are endemic to the Western Ghats, are spotted here |
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| Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary |
| You can witness the seasonal congregation of birds on a tiny island in the mid-course of the Tunga river at Mandagadde village, 30 km from Shimoga on the Shimoga-Theerthahalli road. Three species of birds regularly visit the island with the advent of the monsoons and stay on till the end of September: The median egret, the little cormorant, and the darter. During the peak season in August, the total number of birds in the sanctuary is estimated at 5000. A watchtower has been erected for viewing the winged visitors. The annual visits of these birds have put this obscure village on the wildlife map |
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| Kudremukh National Park |
| The Kudremukh, or Horse Face Range, gets its name from the unique shape of its peak. The broad hills, 95km south-west of Chikmagalur town, overlook the Arabian Sea and are chained to one another with deep valleys and steep precipices. As yet undiscovered by tourists, Kudremukh is a trekker's paradise. Let the wonderland of lush green forests interspersed with rivers, grassy slopes, captivating cascades, rare orchids, caves, ruins, and traces of old civilizations amaze you as you trek your way through it. The Lakya Dam located near the Kudremukh project area is an interesting spot in the Kudremukh range. Ganga Moola is another scenic spot in the Bhagawathi Forest; you can reach it by trekking |
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| Chamarajnagar |
| Experience the magic of the deep jungles of the Chamrajnagar range, one of the hottest bio-diversity spots in the world. Spread over 540 sq. km, the BRT Wildlife Sanctuary is a haven for over 372 species of birds and wildlife like elephants, tigers, leopards, wild dogs, four horned antelopes, black bucks and the giant flying squirrels - 21% of all known flora and fauna can be found here. Visit the most sought after tourist spot, the Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple (BRT) Wildlife Sanctuary, situated in the southern district of Chamarajnagar. And also, take time out and discover the many hideouts and escape routes of the once dreaded bandit Veerappan and his brigade. Another site worth visiting is the Dodda Sampiga mara (large Michelia Champaka tree) |
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| Dubare Elephant Camp |
| The once training camp of the famous Mysore Dasara elephants, Dubare Elephant Camp beckons wildlife enthusiasts as well as travellers. Spend hours by simply observing elephants in action. Or learn about their habits and participate in various daily activities like feeding and bathing. A trained Naturalist is at hand to explain the various aspects of Elephant history, ecology and biology. Get 'an intimate experience with elephants' at India's unique eco-tourism destination |
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