Located in the western ghats, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the many hidden gems of Karnataka. The breathtaking views of landscapes, cultures, and traditions, the history and significance of different monuments and the various tales attached to sites, and the ambience of the place attract several tourists throughout the year. Well known as Project Tiger Reserve, it is a great place to observe different species and biodiversity. Be it kids or adults, there is so much to learn about nature and other species, making the world even more beautiful. You can enjoy the Jungle Safari and visit the Bhadra Dam the main highlight of the place. This is a perfect place for learning and connecting better with nature. So, while you plan a trip to Karnataka, we want you to have an amazing experience travelling this place
About Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in Karnataka’s Chikkamagaluru district. It is proof of its rich history blended with conservation efforts, which dates back to its establishment as a game reserve in 1951. It gained nationwide recognition as a wildlife sanctuary in 1974 under the Wildlife Protection Act. Bhadra Sanctuary involves diverse habitats, including tropical moist and dry deciduous forests, evergreen forests, and grasslands, nurturing various flora and fauna. This sanctuary actively engages in wildlife conservation through habitat management, anti-poaching patrols, and conservation programs. These initiatives aim to safeguard biodiversity and promote sustainable tourism practices.
Must Read: Hotels Near Seshadripuram
Activities To Do In The Wildlife Sanctuary
Image Credit: Sudharshan Solairaj for Wikimedia Commons
Visiting a wildlife sanctuary is not just about spotting your favourite animals. Here is a list of activities that you can do at the wildlife sanctuary:
1. Wildlife Safari – Visitors here can enjoy wildlife safari using a Jeep safari, boat safari, or bus safari, This place provides a lot of options to choose from, but it is highly recommended to go for the Jeep safari to get the best experience of the wildlife. For birdwatching and other activities near the riverside, a boat safari is highly recommended
2. Trekking – This place is a haven for trek-lovers, there is a 4 km trail Nuthodi for trek-lovers and also for people who love exploring forests and love adventure.
3. Boating – There are great facilities for visitors who love boating and exploring the Bhadra River. Visitors must wear a life jacket while travelling in the boat.
4. Photography – Visitors can capture the beauty and aesthetics of this place.
Tourist Attractions Around The Wildlife Sanctuary
Besides being a hub for environmental education, it aims to preserve wildlife. It is surrounded by sites that are of historical importance. Here is a list of places around the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary:
1. Kemmangundi
Image Credit: Amarrg for Wikimedia Commons
Located at a distance of 70km from Kemmagundi this place is a beautiful hill station that is known for its beauty, waterfalls, and greenery. Here visitors can engage in various activities like trekking, and gardens, and even there are very aesthetic viewpoints. Hebbe Falls which is one of the most attractive tourist destinations is located there, Along with that there are gardens like rock gardens and rose gardens that make this place more beautiful and alluring. Visitors here can go for activities like Trekking and Mountain biking, where they can enjoy the cool mountain air and beautiful surroundings. Near to this place, there is a Shiva Temple in the hills of Kemmangundi and it is a popular pilgrimage site where visitors from many parts of the country come and seek blessings.
Location: Chikkmagaluru, Karnataka
Distance From Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary: Approximately 56 kilometres
Suggested Read: Cafes In Mysore
2. Chikkamagaluru
Image Credit: Shreyas Malavalli for Wikimedia Commons
It is often referred to as Chikmagalur, is a beautiful town located in the foothills of the Mullayanagiri range in Karnataka, India. This place is famous for its greenery, aesthetic landscapes, and climate. This place is a haven for nature lovers and adventurous enthusiasts. This place also is home to many historical landmarks, churches, and buildings of the colonial period. For coffee lovers this place is the best to visit, they can take guided tours of various plantations and enjoy the beautiful view of this place. You can also try the delicious cuisine of this place, which the locals make. It is also known as the “Coffee Land of Karnataka”.
Location: Karnataka
Distance From Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary: Approximately 38 kilometres
3. Bababudangiri Hills
Image Credit: Likhith N.P for Wikimedia Commons
Located in the Chikmagalur District of Karnataka, India. This place got its name from a Muslim Saint Baba Budan, these hills hold significant religious importance as the site of the Baba Budan Dargah. Apart from being a spiritual place, this place also serves as a trekking area where adventurous enthusiasts can enjoy the most. Also, this place has a very beautiful scenic environment. The Baba Budan Giri Peak is the highest point in the region and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. There is a lovely waterfall that offers a refreshing retreat for visitors.
Location: Chikkmagaluru, Karnataka
Distance From Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary: Approximately 66 kilometres
Suggested Read: Maravanthe Beach
Entry Fee & Other Miscellaneous Rides
Image Credit: GuentherDillingen for Pixabay
Visitors here can access Safari rides and the timings for them start from 6:30 am to 8:30 am and 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The safaris here are conducted daily.
A single jeep can accommodate 6 people, excluding the driver and guide. The rates for the safari are INR 400 per person for adults and INR 200 for children under the age of 10 for Indian Nationals. For foreign nationals, it is INR 1200 per person. Bus services or Centre Safari services are also provided at INR 300 per person. Boat rides are also available, depending on the type of boat.
Location & Best Time To Visit The Wildlife Sanctuary
Image Credit: Hbsahoo1986 for Wikimedia Commons
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Karnataka’s Chikkamagaluru district, It is a place of natural splendor and biodiversity situated within the Western Ghats, a UNESCO world heritage site. The ecosystem here supports a rich variety of flora and fauna, making Bhadra Sanctuary a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. The best time to visit this place is during the cooler and drier months from October to February. This period offers pleasant weather conditions, This place is ideal for the sanctuary’s green landscapes and observing its diverse wildlife. Visitors can also go for tours with guides on places like jungle safaris, trekking adventures, and birdwatching.
They also provide accommodation options ranging from forest guesthouses to eco-lodges, providing comfortable stays in the sanctuary’s natural surroundings. They offer accommodation facilities that are comfortable and affordable to visitors.
Further Read: Vijaya Vittala Temple
Visit these unique resorts near Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary on your next trip to Karnataka and enjoy a lavish and comfortable stay. Karnataka is a beautiful destination be it a business trip, solo trip, trip with friends, or pilgrimage. This place has a wide range of resorts and homestay options for you to choose from. We have provided you with a list of the best resorts near Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary.
For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here.
Cover Image Credit: Dineshkannambadi for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
What is the significance of this place?
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, situated in Karnataka’s Chikkamagaluru district. It is a testament to its rich history blended with conservation efforts dating back to its establishment as a game reserve in 1951. It gained nationwide recognition as a wildlife sanctuary in 1974 under the Wildlife Protection Act.
What is the best time to visit this place?
The best time to visit this place is during the cooler and drier months from October to February. This period offers pleasant weather conditions, This place is ideal for the sanctuary’s green landscapes and observing its diverse wildlife. Visitors can also go for tours with guides on places like jungle safaris, trekking adventures, and birdwatching.
Are there any accommodation facilities available?
They also provide accommodation options ranging from forest guesthouses to eco-lodges, providing comfortable stays in the sanctuary’s natural surroundings. They offer accommodation facilities that are comfortable and affordable to visitors.
What are the entry fees for this place?
Visitors here can access Safari rides. Their timings start from 6:30 am to 8:30 am and 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The safaris here are conducted daily. There are 6 people in a single jeep excluding the driver and the guide, The rates for the safari are INR 400 per person for adults and INR 200 for children below 10 years of age for Indian Nationals. For foreign nationals, it is INR 1200 per person.
What are the rules and regulations over here?
Visitors here must obey the rules and regulations that are mentioned and should follow them. They need to adhere to rules that promote wildlife conservation and environmental protection. Visitors are required to carry valid identification proof and for foreign nationals, It is mandatory to carry valid passports. Visitors can carry a pair of binoculars which will help them spot birds and animals that are far away.
People Also Read:
Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary
We all have to begin somewhere. This is where I start and I hope that my writings encourage you to begin. To new beginnings and conquering new places!