Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Coorg

Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most important bird santuries of the world. It is located in the State of Karnataka. The sanctuary is in the Kogadu (Coorg) district in Somwarpet taluk. This wildlife sanctuary is one of the 21 well-known wildlife sanctuaries in the State of Karnataka, it holds importance because it is home to endangered and very rare species of birds.

The wildlife sanctuary lies at a distance of only 287 kms from Bangalore and is spread across an area of 102 kms. Established in 1987, the wildlife sanctuary has been proposed as one of the World Heritage Sites.

Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Coorg Sanctuary

Inside the forest of Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary. Image courtesy Manamohana Holla K

Quick Facts about Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary

Address: Somwarpet, Kodagu, Coorg-571251 (MAP)
Timing: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: INR 10/-
Visit Duration: 3- 4 Hours

A Sanctuary Surrounded by Forests

Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary has the Kukke Subramanya Forest range on one side and the Bisle Reserve Forest on the other. The sanctuary is covered by steep terrains and waterfalls beside many mountain streams. The Kadamakkal reserve forest is a part of the wildlife sanctuary. The sanctuary has an altitude of 160 to 1712 mts and Pushpagiri is the highest peak in it. Various swamps can be found inside the sanctuary. Almost 70% of the sanctuary is covered with dense forests.

Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary. Image courtesy Manamohana Holla K

Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary – Spot Exotic Animals

Most part of the sanctuary is covered by forest area. There are semi-evergreen vegetation and dense evergreen trees that have become the highlight of the place. The sanctuary is highly recognized as one of the most prominent areas for birds, the reason being a rich diversity of flora and fauna. One can spot varieties of animal species that include Indian Hare, Spotted Deer, Giant Flying Squirrel, Otter Species, Indian Wild Dog, Travancore Flying, Brown Palm Civet, Wild Pig, Indian Giant Squirrel, Stripe-necked mongoose, Sambar, Asian Elephant, Gaur, Indian Muntjac, and mouse deer. Primates are also easily found here, their species include common langur, lion-tailed macaque, and bonnet macaque.

Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary. Image courtesy Manamohana Holla K

Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary – Of Exotic Birds

The sanctuary has a rich diversity of birds which include threatened species like black and orange flycatcher, gray breasted laughing thrush and Nilgiri Flycatcher. In addition, one can also spot birds like a Nilgiri wood pigeon, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Grey Headed Bulbul, blue winged parakeet, small sunbird and the white-bellied blue flycatcher. Various reptiles are also seen in the sanctuary. A variety of them includes olive keelback, king cobra, Indian rock python, common cobra, rat snake, and

Various reptiles are also seen in the sanctuary. A variety of them includes olive keelback, king cobra, Indian rock python, common cobra, rat snake, and bamboo pit viper. The Pushpagiri wildlife sanctuary is a delight for bird lovers. It is a must-visit sanctuary to hear the heartwarming sounds of the birds.

Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary. Image courtesy Manamohana Holla K

The Best Time to Visit Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary

The best time to visit the sanctuary is from November to March. There are various resorts and homestay facilities available for a comfortable and pleasant stay.