Wildlife

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.

Best Season: September to May

Location and Area:

Chamarajanagar District;
539.52 sq. kms.
Flora and Fauna:
The vegetation ranges from dry scrub jungle to evergreen forests and
high-altitude shoal grassland habitat.

Mammals:

They include the elephant, tiger, leopard, wild dog, jungle cat, sloth bear, civet, mongoose, Malabar giant squirrel, porcupine, common langur, bonnet macaque, wild pig, gaur, sambar, spotted deer and the four-horned antelope.

Birds:

The Malabar whistling thrush, yellow throated bulbul, paradise flycatcher, racquet-tailed drongo and the crested hawk eagle are some of the birds found here.
There is also an amazing variety of exotic butterflies.
 

Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary

Geography

The river Cauvery forms the boundary of a major part of the sanctuary. The terrain is undulating with a number of low altitude hills, rocky knobs and outcrops along the length of the sanctuary

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.

Best Season: October to February.

Location and Area:

 Chikmagalur and Shimoga Districts; 492.46 sq. kms.

Mammals:

They include the tiger, leopard, wild dog, jackal, elephant, gaur, sloth bear, sambar, spotted dear, barking deer, mouse deer, wild boar, common langur, bonnet macaque, slender loris and the Malabar giant squirrel.

Birds:

More than 250 birds have been identified. The ruby-throated bulbul, shama, Malabar whistling thrush, four species of hornbill, racquet-tailed drongo and the paradise flycatcher are some of them.

Reptiles:

The marsh crocodile, flying lizard, monitor lizard and different kinds of snakes are some of the reptiles found here.
 

 

 

Bhimeshwari Sanctuary

The sparkling blue waters of Cauvery wind through rocks and ravines and fall off the Deccan Plateau to form the twin falls of Barachukki and Gaganachukki.

About 35 kms downstream is yet another set of falls called Mekedatu (Goat's Leap). Lying between these breathtaking cascades is Bhimeshwari. A perfect picnic spot. Where nature has created a natural habitat for the Mahseer fish and a variety of exciting animals.

Bhimeshwari in Manday district is an ideal place not only for the wildlife but also for people on a holiday spree. The lush forest sheltered by steep valleys and scattered by little streams, invites large groups of animals and birds. You can see herds of elephants amongst the thick tree. Deers springing in the air. Wild boars, monkeys, Jackals, crocodiles, otters and even leopards! And of course, there are plenty of birds too! Heron, ibis, cormorant, kingfisher … have all made their home here. Giving you a never-before opportunity of no-stop viewing.

And what's nore exciting is you have a Fishing Camp! The banks of the River Cauvery provide enthusiastic anglers a chance to try their luck a t fishing. And mind you, it's no ordinary fishing. Because the Cauvery abounds with Mahseer - the finest game fish (weighing 100 lbs) that can fight like a tiger! So don't forget to take your fishing rods. Because, it may be a catch of your life - time.

The Fishing Camp here has comfortable tents equipped with all basic facilities like cots, mosquito nets, shower, toilet and even a kitchen. Food is served in the 'Gol-Ghar', to open air dining room. As the sun gives way to the moon, and the bonfire is lit up, the evening casts mysterious shadows. Building up the excitement for the night. And unfolding another about of surprises. Waiting to be discovered.

Best time to visit : December - March

Ranganthittu Bird Sanctuary

When you take a holiday to Ranganthittu, you're treated to some glorious sights. Yes, the Sanctuary here is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. Just glance around and you'll find a host of surprises. Crocodiles basking under the sun, others running free, flocks of birds gathered on tiny islands…

Ranganthittu is indeed a visual delight. And the excitement continues. Wherever you turn, you'll find exotic birds. Birds that come all the way from Siberia, Australia and even North America. So when you're on the cane boats just be ready for a 'fluttering' surprise.  It may be the open-bill stork, the white ibis, egret, heron, patridge or even the cormorant trying to say hello!

Best time visit:

June - October
 

Bandipur Sanctuary

Far from the din of the city, lies a calm, peaceful land all by itself. Nestling some very rare animals and birds.

The Bandipur National Park is one of the most fascinating wild - life centre.

Established in 1931 by the Mysore Maharajhas, this park is nestled in the foothills of the Nilgiris. As you penetrate deep into the forests through the well laid - out roads, you can almost hear the mute conversations between the animals and the trees.

They say that the flora and fauna here exist in perfect harmony. And it is because of this that the spot here was chosen as a centre for the Project Tiger. And since then the tiger population has almost doubled!

Of course, there's a lot, lot more to discover. Peafowl, patridges, quail, hornbill, giant squirrel, dhole (wild dog) elephants, sambar, barking deer…. An endless variety of wildlife flourish here.

And the trees sheltering them are even or beautiful. Teak, rosewood, hone, mathi, bamboo and sandal.

What's more, you can teak a safari on elephant back to make your visit memorable.

Best time to visit :

June - October

Nagarhole National Park

Located in the Kodagu and Mysore districts is a fresh, green world rich in forests, little streams, undulating valleys and fascinating waterfalls.

The Nagarhole National Park. A perfect get-away for nature-lovers.

Deriving its name from Kannada, 'Naga' meaning snake and 'hole' referring to streams, Nagarhole is truly a delightful spot, bubbling with the activity of some of the most magnificent animals and trees.

Rosewood, teak, sandal, silver oak….the deep, fersh aroma of these trees mingling with the sounds of the wildlife - ah! A perfect holiday treat.

No wonder this was also an exclusive hunting preserve of the erstwhile rulers of Mysore. And if you'd like to tour Nagarhole in roya style, do it the 'Maharajah'way -on elephant - back ! And of course, there are jeeps and vans too. So come over.

Nagarhole is no ordinary place. Because enchantment never ends here, like its collection of wildlife. Four horned antelope, panther, warblers, hornbills, panther, gaur, giant flying squirrel.. And if ever you get lost amongst them, there's no need to panic.

The Jenu Kurubas (Honey - gatherers), the Betta Kurubas (Hill tribes) and the Hakki - Pikki (Bird trappers ) inhabiting this park are always ready to help you.

Best time to Visit:

June - October

Kabini Sanctuary

Nestled amidst the Karapur Forest lies a pristine piece of land that abounds with nature.

Beckoning you to explore it.

For a wild exciting holiday.

 

Kamini, a scenic delight that was once the hunting lodge of the erstwhile Mysore Maharajahs.

The steep valleys with rich forests, spectacular pools and rapids provide an ideal opportunity to revive your adventurous spirits.