17 Best Wildlife Sanctuaries & National Parks in Karnataka

Wildlife

Bandipur National Park is one of the well preserved wildlife parks in Karnataka, and among the top places for a wildlife tour in India. Located between Mysore & Ooty, it is about 80 km from Mysore and 215 km from Bangalore.

Spread across 874 sq.km, Bandipur is a part of the famous Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve along with Nagarhole National Park, Mudumalai National Park and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. It is home to around 70 tigers and over 3000 Asian elephants, as well as other animals like leopards, dhole, gaur, sloth bears, and a variety of birdlife.

Jeep Safaris and Mini Bus Safaris are arranged by the forest department. The entry point & interpretation center of the park is located in Bandipur village on Gundlupet - Ooty Road. The best time to visit Bandipur is from June to October. Staying at Bandipur Safari Lodge is the best way to explore the park as their package includes Jeep Safari into the park with experienced guides. Bandipur can also be visited along with Ooty tour packages as it lies on Bangalore - Ooty road.

Wildlife

Nagarhole National Park is one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in India. Also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, the park is situated about 218 km from Bangalore, and is among the must include places in Karnataka Tour Packages.

Spread across Mysore and Kodagu districts of Karnataka, Nagarhole got National Park status in 1988 and declared as 37th Project Tiger Reserve in 1999. The Western Ghats Nilgiri sub-cluster of 6,000 Sq. km, including all of Nagarhole National Park, is under consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage Site status. It is one of the top attractions you must include in Coorg tour packages. It is situated to the north-west of Bandipur National Park.

The important animals in Nagarhole are tiger, leopard, wild dog, sloth bear, the hyena, spotted deer, sambar, barking deer, wild boar and elephant. Bus & Jeep Safari available in the park run by forest dept from Kutta & Dhammanakatte (kabini side). Staying at Kabini River Lodge is the best way to explore the park as their package includes Jeep Safari with experienced guides.

Wildlife

At a distance of 13 km from Dandeli Bus Stand, Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on the banks of the River Kali at Dandeli in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. This is the second-largest sanctuary for wildlife in Karnataka, and also one of the best places to visit in Dandeli.

Spread over an area of 866.41 sq. km, the sanctuary lies at an altitude ranging between 100 m to 970 m with the highest point being Hegada Temba. It is one of the must include places in Dandeli Tour Packages. The dense forests of the Sanctuary are crisscrossed by the meandering streams of River Kaneri and River Nagzari, tributaries of River Kali.

The Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary was declared as a tiger reserve in the year 2007. The sanctuary is contiguous with the Mahaveer Sanctuary in Goa and Anshi National Park in Karnataka. Karnataka state government has officially notified the Dandeli Elephant Reserve under Project Elephant on 4th June 2015.

Dandeli is a natural habitat for several wildlife animals like tigers, leopards, black panthers, elephants, gaur, deer, antelopes, crocodiles, and various kinds of snakes. This sanctuary is also a birdwatcher's paradise, housing nearly 200 species of Birds. The birds in the sanctuary include the golden-backed woodpecker, crested serpent eagle, white-breasted ...

Wildlife | Lake & Backwater

About Dubare Elephant Camp


At a distance of 15 km from Kushalnagar, and 29 km from Madikeri, Dubare Elephant Camp is an elephant training center situated on the banks of the river Cauvery in the Kodagu district of Karnataka. It is one of the most famous places to visit in Coorg, and also one of the top attractions you must include in Coorg packages.

Dubare is a natural island formed by Cauvery River. It is an important base for the Karnataka Forest Department's elephants and among the must include places in India wildlife tour packages.

History of Dubare Elephant Camp


Dubare Elephant Camp is a project undertaken by the forest department and jungle lodges & resorts. This camp has plenty of elephants which are trained under naturalists. The elephants used for Mysore Dussehra are trained at this camp. The trainers explain the various aspects of elephant history, ecology, and biology. Visitors can also participate in various activities involving elephants like feeding the elephants with ragi, jaggery, sugarcane, banana, and coconuts. Tourists can also watch elephants being given a scrub-bath in the river and also watch how oil is applied on their forehead, tusks, etc.

Things to do at Dubare Elephant Camp


Elephant interaction like Elephant bathing, ...

Wildlife

At a distance of 12 km from Mallandur village, and 39 km from Chikmagalur, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area and a tiger reserve, situated amidst the Western Ghats in Chikmagalur and Shimoga districts of Karnataka. It is one of the most popular Wildlife Sanctuaries in Karnataka, and among the must-visit places as part of Chikmagalur Tour Packages.

Spread over an area of 490 sq. km, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is also known as Muthodi Wildlife Sanctuary. It is one of the most popular places to visit in Chikmagalur. The region was declared as a natural reserve, known as the Jagara Valley Game Reserve, in 1951 by the Government of Mysore. In 1974, the reserve was named the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. The Sanctuary boasts of a substantial tiger population and it was declared as the 25th Project Tiger of India in 1998.

The sanctuary is situated in the lush tropical forests of the Western Ghats and accommodates the tributaries of the Bhadra River. The sanctuary gets its name from the Bhadra River and a dam has been built on the river near Lakkavalli. The sanctuary has an elevation ranging from 750 m to 1875 m above sea level. Kallahathigiri is the highest peak in the sanctuary with a height of 1875 m. Lakkavalli village near Bhadra ...

Wildlife

At a distance of 3 km from Mysore Railway Station, the Mysore Zoo is a zoological park situated in Mysore. Also known as Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, it is one of the oldest zoo parks in South India, and among the must include places in Mysore packages.

The Mysore Zoo was established in the year 1892 by Sri Chamarajendra Wodeyar and designed by German Landscaper and Horticulturist Mr. GH. Krumbeigal. It is one of the best Mysore tourist places, and often used to promote Mysore Tourism along with Mysore Palace.

The zoo was originally 10 acres and has expanded to over 250 acres currently. Mysore Zoo provides shelter to a large number of animal species. The Zoo is famous for breeding some very rare animals in captivity. It has a fine collection of animals like lions, tigers, hyenas, deer, elephants, rhinos, king cobras, and birds. The highlights of the zoo are Giraffes, Jaguars, African elephants, and Wallaby.

The zoo is very organized with a wonderful collection of animals and birds. The vegetation and landscape of the zoo are very well maintained. The sightseeing starts with birds followed by Tiger, Cheetah, Gorilla, Rhino, Zeebra, Bear, Deer, Elephant, Jaguar, Lion, Ghoral, Reptiles, Hippo, Ostrich and ends with Giraffe.

The best time to sight the animals is during the early hours of the morning, before 11 AM. Battery ...

Wildlife

At a distance of 3 km from Srirangapatna, and 16 km from Mysore, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is a small sanctuary situated in Srirangapatna, Karnataka. It is one of the must include places in wildlife tours in India and among the must visit Mysore tourist places.

Spread across 67 sq. km, the sanctuary comprises six islets on the banks of the Kaveri River. It was declared in 1940 as a result of many requests from Dr. Salim Ali who surveyed the birds in this area. Since then, the sanctuary has become a paradise for bird watchers. The sanctuary is a breeding ground for many migratory birds from all over the world. It is home to a wide species of birds including cormorants, darters, white ibis, spoon billed storks, open-billed storks, painted storks, white-necked storks, egrets, herons, terns, swallows, kingfishers, sandpiper, etc.

A boat ride takes you to the six islets crowded with many species of birds. The best time to visit the sanctuary is between June & October.

Timings: 9 AM to 5.30 PM

Entry Fee: Rs. 60 for Indians, Rs. 30 for Indian Children, & Rs. 200 for Foreigners

Boating Charges: Rs. 60 for Adults & Rs. 200 for Foreigners

Parking: Rs. 30 for Four wheeler & Rs. 20 for Two wheeler

Wildlife

At a distance of 16 km from Shimoga, the Sakrebyle Elephant Camp is a forest camp for captive elephants in Karnataka. Situated on Shimoga - Thirthahalli Road, it is one of the top places to visit as part of Shimoga tour packages.

Set amidst the calm and peaceful lush greens, the Sakrebyle Elephant camp is regarded as one of the best camps for training elephants in the Karnataka state. Many tourists and wildlife enthusiasts come to visit to explore the lifestyles of elephants residing in the camp and enjoy their time. Located on the banks of the Tunga River, the camp houses 25 elephants including both trained and untrained. These wild elephants are brought to the camp and tamed as well as being provided with nutrition and healthcare. The camp is maintained by the Karnataka Forest Department.

The Sakrebyle Elephant Camp is one of those ecotourism centers in Karnataka that offers general people an opportunity to look at the huge tuskers from close quarters. The main attraction of the camp is the interaction session allowed between the visitors and the elephants. The baby elephants are a fascinating watch. One can go for a ride or can bathe the elephants, feed the elephants, and also can reside in the camp stay to know much about the elephants. There is also a Children's park inside the elephant camp where children can have great fun. This place is perfect for both kids and adults.

Timings: 8. 30 AM - 11 ...

Wildlife

At a distance of 13 km from Shimoga, the Tyavarekoppa Lion & Tiger Safari is a safari park situated in Shimoga, Karnataka. Located on Shimoga - Sagara Road, it is one of the must-visit Shimoga tourist places, especially for wildlife enthusiasts.

Starting in 1998, the Tyavarekoppa Lion and Tiger Safari is the second safari park in Karnataka after Bannerghatta National Park. Spread across 200 hectares of land, Tyavarekoppa Safari park is the place to rehabilitate the lions and tigers that are rescued from circuses across India. It is an open zoo where wild animals can be seen roaming inside the reserve.

Despite the name, the lion and tiger are neither the only animals here, nor are they the only big cats here. Visitors can catch glimpses of leopards, sloth bears, deer, and many other species of animals. A relatively rare black panther was born here during 2012 and is available for public view as a caged animal.

The main attraction of the Tyavarekoppa Lion & Tiger Reserve is the jeep safari conducted by the forest department. The open jeep safari allows visitors to have a look at various wild animals from close quarters. One can watch a variety of rare migratory birds inside the reserve. The place also has a small zoo and a well-maintained children's park where the kids can have a nice time.

Timings: 10 AM - 1PM & 2. 15 PM - 5 PM, Closed on Tuesday & on Public Holidays

Entry: ...

Wildlife

At a distance of 32 km from Shimoga, Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary is a small picturesque sanctuary on an island located in the River Tunga at Mandagadde village near Shimoga. Located on Solapur - Mangalore Highway, it is one of the few bird sanctuaries in Karnataka, and among the best places to visit near Shimoga.

Spans an area of 1.14 acres, Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary is one of the 20 important bird sanctuaries in India, and among the few bird sanctuaries in the Malnad region of Karnataka. The sanctuary is visited by migrant birds as the roaring waters of the mighty Tunga River provide ideal conditions for nesting and breeding of the lovely birds. This spot is very much adjacent to the National highway between Shimoga to Thirthalli and easily reachable.

A part of Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary, Mandagadde sanctuary is important for bird nesting with over 5,000 birds here from July to September. The three most important of these species are Darters, Median Egrets, and Cormorants. The quaint little island is also graced by the presence of various other varieties, such as the Maiden Egret, Pied Kingfisher, Wooly Neck Stalk, Night Herons, Open-billed storks, etc. The birds prefer the top branches of the trees for nesting as the island is partially submerged by the swollen river Tunga during the monsoon.

The best season to visit would be between July and October, with August being the ...

Wildlife

At a distance of 21 km from Agumbe, and 47 km from Udupi, Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected wildlife sanctuary located in the Western Ghats of Karnataka. Lies in Udupi & Shivamogga districts of Karnataka, below Agumbe, it is one of the lesser-known places of wildlife in Karnataka.

Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1974 with an area of 88.40 sq. km. In 2011, the sanctuary was subsequently expanded to 314.25 sq. km by adding Balehalli Reserve Forest, Agumbe State Forest, Someshwara Reserved Forest, and Tombatlu Reserved Forest areas. The expanded sanctuary forms a contiguous stretch of protected area that includes Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary, Sharavathi Wildlife Sanctuary, and Kudremukh National Park. The sanctuary was named after the presiding deity 'Lord Someshwara' of the famed Someshwara temple located within the sanctuary. The perennial Sita River flows through the sanctuary.

The sanctuary is home to several animals including Barking Deer, Bonnet Macaque, Common Langur, Gaur, Jackal, Leopard, Lion Tailed Macaque, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Tiger, Wild Dog, and Wild Pig. There are also a few exquisite birds like Ceylon Frogmouth, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Malabar Trogon, and Malabar Whistling Thrush which can be found in the Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary. Reptiles like pythons, Monitor lizards, and King Cobras abound in the forest. The forest is also a butterfly lover's paradise.

The sanctuary ...

Wildlife

At a distance of 23 km from Bangalore City Railway Station, Bannerghatta National Park is a wildlife park spread in reserve forests of Anekal Range in Karnataka. At an altitude of 1245 - 1634 m, this one of the most famous wildlife parks in Karnataka and among the top tourist places in Bangalore. This park is part of a wildlife corridor for elephants which connects the BR Hills and the Sathyamangalam forest. Bannerghatta is one of the popular national parks in India and among the must include place in Bangalore packages.

Bannerghatta National Park was founded in 1971 and declared as a national park in 1974. Spread over an area of 25,000 acre and a portion of the park became a biological reserve called the Bannerghatta Biological Park in 2002. The park consists of the main Nature Reserve, a zoo, a children's park, an aquarium, a crocodile park, a museum, a butterfly park, a snake park and a safari park. The forest consists of deciduous trees and thorny scrubs.

This is a very prominent destination that attracts people from different parts of the country. The park is home to tigers, lions, leopards, bison, deer, bears, birds and butterflies. One of the main attractions of this park is lion and tiger safari or Grand Safari. The one-hour long ...

Wildlife | Lake & Backwater

At a distance of 61 km from Gundlupete, 66 km from Mysore, 68 km from Kutta, 128 km from Ooty, and 209 km from Bangalore, Kabini is one of the most popular haunts for those who love to explore the wildlife sanctuaries in India and enjoy getting up close with nature. Kabini can be visited along with Mysore Tour.

Kabini is a region situated around the banks of the Kabini River. It is a part of Nagarhole National Park, famous for its spectacular wildlife and birdlife. It is the starting point of wildlife safari in the south-eastern part of Nagarhole. There is a dam built on Kabini River near Sargur which spread over an area of 55 hectares covering forests, rivers, lakes, and valleys. The backwaters of the Kabini reservoir are very rich in wildlife especially in summer when the water level recedes to form rich grassy meadows. During summer, animals in large numbers gather near the lake.

There are different kinds of accommodation facilities available near Kabini which include Orange County Resort, Kabini River Lodge, The Bison, Red Earth Resort, Waterwoods Lodge and Resorts, Kabini Lake View Resort, and The Serai. Besides accommodation, the resorts also offer several facilities to its guests like Wildlife Safari, Coracle Ride, Boat ...

Wildlife

At a distance of 19 km from Bidar Railway Station, Black Buck Resort is a property of Jungle Resorts and Lodges, Govt of Karnataka. It is one of the best jungle resorts maintained by the Government of Karnataka, and among the must-include places in Bidar tour packages.

Black Buck Resort is located between the Honnikeri Reserve Forest and the Vilaspur Lake. The Lodge is spread over 4 acres of land, abundant in greenery, flora, and fauna. The Resort got its name from Black Bucks that roam freely surrounding the resort. Even Peacocks make a sudden appearance at the resort premises. The cottages, tastefully decorated, stand amidst an attractive setting. Each cottage has a private sit-out for those preferring a relaxed evening. The cottages have all the modern amenities with a touch of local architecture. There is also a cozy corner that provides an area for a campfire, restaurant, and spa.

The resort offers guided tours of Blackbuck National Park in jeeps for wildlife viewing and photography. Each jeep comes with binoculars and a field guide. Drivers cum Guide are trained and has good knowledge about wildlife sighting and birding. The park has pristine grassland where one can have glimpses of wolves, foxes, jungle cats, and hyenas. Besides, the resort arranges bird-watching tours for guests every morning. One can also go boating and coracle ride in the lake during your ...

Hill Station | Wildlife | Pilgrimage

At a distance of 85 km from Mysore, 40 km from Chamarajanagar and 170 km from Bangalore, the Biligiri Ranga Hills popularly known as the BR Hills is a lofty hill range in Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka. It is considered to be the wildlife corridor that connects Eastern Ghats to Western Ghats. This is one of the popular tourist places to visit near Mysore and is one of the top attractions you must include in Mysore packages.

BR Hills is famous for BRT Wildlife Sanctuary (Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary). The sanctuary is situated at an altitude of 5091 feet and is spread across an area of 540 km. It was declared a tiger reserve in 2010 by the Karnataka State Government. The highest peak within the sanctuary is the Kattari Betta. The wildlife sanctuary is inhabited by a number of animals including elephants, sloth bears, bison, deer, porcupines and a number of other wild animals. It is said that the sanctuary has more than 250 species of birds like the Paradise Flycatcher, Racquet Trailed Drongo and the Crested Hawk Eagle, etc.

Another attraction of the BR Hills is the 500 years old famous Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple which is situated on the highest peak of the hill range, on the white cliff (biligiri) which gives the hill its name. The local form of the deity is called Ranganath, another form of Lord Vishnu and is depicted in a unique standing position. ...

Wildlife

At a distance of 71 Kms from Mysore, 85 Kms from Bangalore City Junction, Kokkare Bellur Bird Sanctuary is located in Mandya District of Karnataka and is about 20 km from Mandya. The name of the village is derived from Kokkare meaning stork and Bellur meaning village of jaggery. This is one of the popular tourist places near Bangalore & Mysore.

The Mandya district is famous for sugarcane fields and this village is famous for having large colonies of Painted Storks and Spot-billed Pelicans nesting in trees within the village. It is home to cranes, painted storks and pelicans.

The best season to visit the migratory birds is October to March.

Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM

Wildlife

At a distance of 16 km from Banavasi, and 41 km from Sirsi, Gudavi Bird Sanctuary is a protected sanctuary situated at Gudavi village in the Shimoga district of Karnataka. It is one of the lesser-known bird sanctuaries in Karnataka, and among the popular places to visit near Sirsi.

Spread over an area of 0.74 sq. km, Gudavi Bird Sanctuary is a paradise for ornithologists. It was declared as a bird sanctuary in 1986 and is now protected. The sanctuary is located on the banks of Gudavi Lake surrounded by a thick cover of green trees. The small lake is filled with water throughout the rainy season. As per a survey, there were 217 species of flora and fauna, belonging to 48 families in the bird sanctuary.

A variety of birds migrate to Gudavi for breeding in the months of monsoon, that is, from June to December, an ideal period for a visit. The trees and the natural lake give shelter to these birds. The sanctuary inhabits various species of migratory birds like white ibis, little cormorant, Indian cormorant, little grebe, and jungle fowl along with common species like heron, ibis, egrets, darter, cormorant, parrots, mynas, and kites. A special platform is built for the bird watchers to have a closer look at the birds.

The sanctuary has 2 entrances, and tickets are given at both sides. From the entrance, one has to take a vehicle some 700m, park it and then walk along the pond. Platforms are constructed for visitors to walk on, making them visitor friendly. Department ...

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