Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary situated in the midst of Western Ghats in Chikmagalur and Shimoga districts of Karnataka. It is about 275 kms from Bangalore and 38 kms from Chikmagalur town and covers an area of 492.46 Kms. The Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary boasts of a substantial tiger population It was declared as the 25th Project Tiger of India in 1998.
Kallahathigiri is the higest peak in the sanctuary with a height of 1,875 Mts. Kemmannugundi and Bababuden Hills, are within the sanctuary.
The lush green vegetation and lofty hill ranges are a beautiful and spectacular. The wildlife sanctuary is called so after the Bhadra River which flows through the lush forests. The lush green vegetation of the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary consists of mostly moist and dry deciduous forests. More than 120 species of trees grow here, which include Teak, Rosewood, Mathi, Honne, Nandi, Tadasalu and Kindal.
Bhadra is popularly known as Muthodi Wildlife Sanctuary, after the village on its fringes.
Indian Tiger at Bhadra wildlife sanctuary by Dineshkannambadi
Mammala found here are Tiger, leopard, wild dog, jackal, elephant, gaur, sloth bear, sambar, and spotted dear, barking deer, mouse deer, wild boar, common langur, bonnet macaque, slender loris and the malabar giant squirrel.
More than 250 species of bird life many of which are endemic to the Western Ghats, are spotted here. Birds found here are the Peacock, Parrot, Partridge, Pigeon, Munia Bee eaters, grey junglefowl, red spurfowl, painted bush quail, emerald dove, southern green imperial pigeon, great black woodpecker, malabar parakeet and hill myna, the ruby-throated bulbul, shama, malabar whistling thrush, four species of hornbill, racquet-tailed drongo, blackwinged kite, king vulture, great horned owl, great pied hornbill, Indian tree pie, black napped flycatcher and the open billed stork.
Reptiles found here are common vine snake, king cobra, common cobra, Russell’s viper, bamboo pit viper, rat snake, olive keelback , common wolf snake, common Indian monitor, draco or gliding lizards and marsh crocodiles.
The sanctuary is also home to exotic butterflies which include blue pansy butterfly, yamfly, baronet, crimson rose, southern birdwing, tailed jay, great orange tip, bamboo treebrown.
Best Time to Visit: October to February
Main Attractions: Tigers and Elephants
How to Reach
- Air The nearest airports are Mangalore (180kms) and Bangalore ( 275kms)
- Rail: The nearest Railway station to Bhadra is Kadur, 40kms away.
- Road: The nearest town is Chikmagalur, 30kms away.
Where to stay
Adventure enthusiasts can avail the safari facilities at the River Tern Lodge, a Jungle Lodge and Resort, an undertaking of the state government.
Taj Garden Retreat, Chickmagalur
K M Road,
Jyothinagar,
Chikmagalur – 571 102
Tel: 08262-220202, 220404
Fax: 08262-220222
Email: tgrgm.chk@tajhotels.com
The Planters Court Hotel
P. B. No. 109, K M Road,
Chikmagalur – 577 101
Tel: 08262-235881
Fax: 08262-231169
Woodlands
Indira Gandhi Road,
Chikmagalur – 577 101
Tel: 08262-235897
Hotel Mount Palace
Indira Gandhi Road,
Chikmagalur – 577 101
Tel: 08262-237050
Muthodi Nature Camp
For reservations, contact:
Deputy Conservator of Forests,
Bhadra Wildlife Division,
Chikmagalur – 577 101
Tel: 08262-234904
Fax: 08262-228026
Email: dcfbhadra@blr.vsnl.net.in
Hotel President’s Palace
Near Bus Stand, Koppa,
Chikmagalur – 577 580
Tel: 08262-477269, 477268
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