Nestled in the heart of South India, Karnataka is a state that has an astounding array of natural wonders. Among its most precious treasures are the wildlife sanctuaries, which serve as a haven for an incredible diversity of flora and fauna. These sanctuaries not only protect the delicate balance of ecosystems but also offer a unique opportunity for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers to immerse themselves in the captivating beauty of the untamed wilderness. Karnataka Wildlife Sanctuary symbolises the state’s unwavering commitment to conservation, from the majestic elephants roaming the lush forests to the elusive tigers prowling the dense undergrowth. Each sanctuary tells a unique story, showcasing the beautiful relationships between animals, plants, and their habitats.
Top 8 Karnataka Wildlife Sanctuary To Explore
Karnataka is home to some of the best wildlife sanctuaries in India. Each sanctuary offers unique experiences and the state’s rich biodiversity. Here are the top 8 wildlife sanctuaries in Karnataka:
1. Bandipur National Park
Image Credit: Yathin S Krishnappa for Wikipedia
Bandipur National Park is one of the famous Karnataka Wildlife Sanctuary. This park is situated in the Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka and has an area of 874 sq. km. It was established in 1974 as a tiger reserve under Project Tiger to conserve the Bengal tiger, which is on the verge of extinction. Bandipur is also a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which is comprised of other parks and sanctuaries. The park is well known for its flora and avian and animal species, such as tigers, elephants, leopards and several species of deer and birds. These animals can also be seen in their natural environment through safari.
Location: Gundulpet taluk, Chamarajanagar district
Distance From Bangalore: 218.7 km
Fees: INR 50 for Indians and INR 1500 for foreigners
Best Time to Visit: October to February
Things to Do: Safari Rides, Bird Watching, Nature walks, Photography, Wildlife Spotting
Must Read: Offbeat Places In Karnataka
2. Nagarhole National Park
Image Credit: Rameshng for Wikimedia Commons
Nagarhole National Park, also called Rajiv Gandhi National Park, is a fascinating wildlife park in Karnataka. Situated in the Kodagu and Mysore districts, it has an area of approximately 643 square kilometres. This Karnataka Wildlife Sanctuary is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and is famous for its biodiversity and picturesque location. Nagarhole, literally translates to Snake River in Kannada, houses several streams and a dense forest. It is also a natural habitat for the Bengal tigers, Indian elephants, Leopards and sloth bears. Bird lovers can also enjoy watching more than 270 species of birds that are found in this region.
Location: Nagarahole Tiger Reserve, Forest Campus, Old BM Road, Hunsur – 571105.
Distance From Bangalore: 200.6 Km
Fees: INR 150 per person for Indians and INR 1500 per person for foreigners.
Best Time to Visit: October to May
Things to Do: Wildlife Safaris, Boat Rides, Bird Watching, Trekking, Photography
3. Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary
Image Credit: Prajwalkm for Wikimedia Commons
Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the largest Karnataka Wildlife Sanctuary. Located in the Uttara Kannada district it spans over 866 square kilometres. This sanctuary is part of the Anshi Dandeli Tiger Reserve and is a major habitat for a variety of wildlife. It’s famous for its population of black panthers which are rarely seen elsewhere. This Karnataka Wildlife Sanctuary is also home to elephants, tigers, leopards and many species of birds. Visitors can enjoy exciting activities like river rafting on the Kali River and bird watching. The sanctuary’s dense deciduous forests with bamboo and teak plantations make it a perfect spot for nature enthusiasts.
Location: J.N Rd opp. Shri Hari Theater, Dandeli 581325 India
Distance From Bangalore: 513.1 km
Fees: INR 400 per person for Indian adults, 200 per person for Indian children under 10 years and 1200 for foreigners.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Things to Do: River Rafting, Jungle Safaris, Bird Watching, Nature Walks
Suggested Read: Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary
4. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
Image Credit: Swamy HKM for Wikipedia
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, nestled in Karnataka’s Chikkamagalur district, is a vibrant haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. Tourists can go on a thrilling forest safari with a high chance of spotting tigers and leopards, as the sanctuary is home to over 30 tigers and 20 leopards. The Bhadra Dam offers spectacular views, especially when water gushes through its gates. Other popular activities include boating in the Bhadra Reservoir and enjoying the sunset from designated viewpoints. The sanctuary’s charm is further enhanced by the presence of more than 120 varieties of plants, offering ample opportunities for birdwatching and encountering a variety of reptiles and wild creatures.
Location: Chikmagalur, Karnataka 577101
Distance From Bangalore: 7242.0 km Km
Fees: INR 400 for adults & INR 200 for children under the age of 10
Best Time to Visit: October to May
Things to Do: Jeep Safari, Sunset Viewing, Bhadra Dam Visit, Boating In Bhadra Reservoir
5. Kudremukh National Park
Image Credit: Satya swami kiran bandi for Wikimedia Commons
Kudremukh National Park is one of the most beautiful Karnataka Wildlife Sanctuary in the Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka. Located in an area of 600 square kilometres, this other Karnataka Wildlife Sanctuary has a reputation for its beautiful green vegetation, hills, and variety of plant and animal species. The name of the park is derived from the Kannada word ‘kudre’, which means ‘horse face’, a reference to the shape of the Kudremukh peak, which is a famous trekking spot. It is also a home to tigers, leopards and wild dogs and provides a beautiful view of the western ghats and the waterfalls such as Kadambi Falls.
Location: Office of Deputy Conservator of Forest. Kudremukha Wildlife Division.
Distance From Bangalore: 111 km
Fees: INR 200 for Indians & INR 1000 for foreigners
Best Time to Visit: October to February
Things to Do: Photography, wildlife spotting, bird watching, exploring waterfalls.
Suggested Read: Kabini Wildlife Safari
6. Bannerghatta National Park
Image Credit: Muhammad Mahdi Karim for Wikimedia Commons
Bannerghatta National Park is one of the best Karnataka Wildlife Sanctuary. Established in 1974 the park spans 260.51 square kilometres. It’s home to many wildlife, including tigers, lions, elephants and leopards. The park comprises a zoo, a safari park and a butterfly park. One of the unique features of Bannerghatta is the safari where visitors can see animals up close to a bus. The park also has ancient temples making it a great spot for both nature and history lovers. The park comprises scrubland, deciduous forests, and grasslands that provide a haven for many species.
Location: Bannerghatta Rd, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560083
Distance From Bangalore: 329.8 km
Fees: INR 50 for Indian adults and INR 50 for Indian kids while INR 1500 for foreigners.
Best Time to Visit: November to June
Things to Do: Safari Rides, Visiting the Zoo, Exploring the Butterfly Park, Trekking
7. Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary
Image Credit: Join2manish for Wikimedia Commons
Nestled in the Kodagu district of Karnataka Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. This sanctuary, covering an area of 181 square kilometres, is named after the highest peak in the region, Brahmagiri Peak. The sanctuary is home to a variety of wildlife including Elephant, Tiger, Gaur, Leopard, Spotted deer, Wild Pig, Nigiri Langur, King Cobra, Giant Flying, Common Otter, Slender Loris, Civets, and Bonnet Macaque. It’s a great place for bird watchers, with birds like the Malabar trogon and emerald dove. The Karnataka Wildlife Sanctuary features a variety of forests, including evergreen and semi-evergreen, along with shola grasslands at higher elevations. Brahmagiri is ideal for trekking and provides stunning views of the Western Ghats.
Location: 5JFV+3J4, Kappimala – Paithalmala Rd, Vellad, Karnataka 670571
Distance From Bangalore: 289.3 km
Fees: INR 50 for Indian Adults & INR 25 for Indian children while INR 1000 for foreigners
Best Time to Visit: October to May
Things to Do: Trekking, Wildlife Spotting, Bird Watching
Suggested Read: Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary
8. Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary
Image Credit: Manamohana Holla K for Wikimedia Commons
Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in Kodagu district in Somwarpet taluk and covers an area of 102. This is an area of 59 square kilometres in the Western Ghats of the country. It is well endowed with biodiversity that includes the Indian Hare, spotted deer, and the Malabar Giant Squirrel. This Karnataka Wildlife Sanctuary is blessed with the Kumaradhara River, traversing the area and adding to the scenic value. It was founded in 1987 and is a significant region of conservation that protects important habitats and watersheds.
Location: MM7P+4VC, Road, Subramanya, Kumarahalli, Karnataka 571236
Distance From Bangalore: 272.2 km
Fees: INR 75
Best Time to Visit: November to March
Things to Do: Trekking, Bird Watching, Exploring Mallalli Waterfall, Photography
Further Read: Monsoon In Karnataka
The Karnataka Wildlife Sanctuary offers an amazing experience. Visiting these sanctuaries lets you see the beauty of nature firsthand and support efforts to protect these vital ecosystems for future generations. If you are ready to go on a journey of discovery and adventure, there’s no better time to book your trip to Karnataka. With its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage, Karnataka promises an experience that will leave you with lifelong memories. Start planning today and be prepared to be amazed by the wonders.
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Cover Image Credit :Vikas patil photography for wikipedia
Frequently Asked Questions About Karnataka Wildlife Sanctuary
How many total wildlife sanctuaries are there in Karnataka?
Karnataka is home to 21 wildlife sanctuaries, some of which are famous, including Bhadra, Brahmagiri, Cauvery, and Daroji Bear Sanctuary.
Which is the largest national park in Karnataka?
Bandipur National Park is the largest national park in Karnataka, sprawling over 874 square kilometres. It's part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and shares borders with Nagarhole National Park to the north, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary to the west, and Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary to the south. This park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offering a chance to spot tigers, elephants, gaur, and other animals.
Which wildlife sanctuary was added in Karnataka recently?
The latest entry to the list is the Sharavathi Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. Situated in the Western Ghats, the place is famous for its beautiful landscapes, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife such as Lion-tailed Macaque, Leopard, and many types of birds.
How many elephant reserves are there in Karnataka?
Karnataka has five elephant reserves, namely the Mysore Elephant Reserve, Dandeli Elephant Reserve, Bannerghatta Elephant Reserve, Brahmagiri-Nilgiri Elephant Reserve, and Bhadra Elephant Reserve.
Which tiger reserve is in Karnataka?
Karnataka is home to several tiger reserves, such as Bandipur, Nagarhole, Bhadra, and Anshi-Dandeli. These reserves are critical for the conservation of Bengal tigers and offer excellent opportunities for wildlife lovers.
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