5 Best Wildlife Sanctuaries in Karnataka

Have a taste for wildlife? Want to explore the wilderness in your downtime? Have a little bit of Steve Irwin’s spirit in you? Then, get ready because the 5 best wildlife sanctuaries in Karnataka are about to be revealed to you.

These sanctuaries are perfect for weekend getaways breaking the cycle of monontony that sets in with the everyday life.

1. Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttara Kannada

Ideal for spotting tigers and birds, the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is quite famous as a vacation destination in North Karnataka. Birdwatchers can spot birds like Indian hornbill, Malabar Gray Hornbill and woodpeckers. There is also a gorgeous view of the Western Ghats from a viewpoint inside the sanctuary that would be a sin to miss. Dandeli is the second largest sanctuary in Karnataka and is very easy to access by road, rail or air. The closest airport is Hubli while the closest railway station is Alnavar. You can also drive down from Bangalore, Dharwad, Belgaum or Hubli. It is recommended to pay a visit to the sanctuary sometime during March and October.

2. Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Kodagu

It’s easy to see why Pushpagiri has been proposed as a World Heritage site. Home to some rare and endangered birds and animals, this sanctuary is one of the most famous sanctuaries in Karnataka. This is also ideal for a trek as it happens to be the highest peak of the forest. 70% of the sanctuary is covered in thick, dense forests along with some scenic mountain ranges and the occasional waterfall. The best time to visit the sanctuary is between November and March. There are several resorts that offer comfortable accommodation. If you plan to get here by air, the closest airport would be Mangalore. You can also take a train to Mysore or drive from Bangalore or Mysore.

3. Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary

The best time to set foot in the sanctuary is between May and October. Located on the banks of Kabini River, this is a great place to spot to view endangered flora and fauna. Known as a birdwatcher’s paradise, Kabini is home to more than 250 species of birds. Kabini is a part of Nagarhole National Park and thus to cover both the park and sanctuary in a day is impossible. It is best to make it a two-day trip and checking into one of the many luxurious resorts in Kabini to ensure you don’t miss out on anything. Getting here by air, road or rail would require you to get to Mysore airport or train station first.

4. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Chikmagalur

A biodiversity hotspot, Bhadra is located near Chikmagalur. It is home to more than 300 fauna species and 120 species of plant. If you have a thing for majestic tigers, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary should be on your list. It has a protected area for tigers. Bhadra is also known as Muthodi Wildlife Sanctuary after the village that lies on the fringes of the sanctuary. This sanctuary also houses exotic butterflies which may be quite fascinating to people other than lepidopterists. Getting here by air would mean either landing at Bangalore or Mangalore. The closest railway station is Kadur and driving by road should lead you to Chikmagalur.

5. Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Coorg

Lots of wildlife located in lush, green forests pretty much sums up Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary. Located on the border of Wayanad, Kerala and Kodagu, Karnataka, the sanctuary is home to exotic creatures such as Jungle Cat, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Lion-tailed Macaque, and Nilgiri Langurs. Exotic birds that can be sighted here include Malabar Trogon, emerald dove, and black bulbul.The sanctuary can be reached by a trek which makes it very popular with trekkers. It is always helpful that you have a guide with you that you can hire for nominal charges. Several reptiles like cobras and pythons have also made the sanctuary their home so it is best to proceed with caution. To get here from Bangalore, you can either take a bus or hit the Mysore road. Alternatively, you can also take a bus from Kerala.

These wildlife sanctuaries are a visual treat for nature and wildlife lovers. Some specifically known for their exotic and rare species, it would be a cardinal sin to skip out on any of them. There are also several national parks close to or adjacent to these sanctuaries that are worth a tour. Perfect for a weekend trip, these wildlife sanctuaries are going to become your happy place.