Almost 20% of Karnataka is covered by lush, green forests. These forests are inhabited by tigers, elephants, leopards, deer, snakes, peacocks and many more species of animals and birds.
In fact, 25% of India’s elephant population can be found in Karnataka. The state’s rich biodiversity has made it the ideal subject for nature documentaries.
Here are the top 10 wildlife documentary in Karnataka – revolving around the state’s forests and animals. And of course the list includes Wild Karnataka.
Must Watch Wildlife Documentary In Karnataka
1. Wild Karnataka
Narrated by David Attenborough, this 52 minute documentary showcases the varied habitats of animals and birds in Karnataka. The film tells a story about elephants, tigers, hornbills, lion-tailed macaque, amphibians and reptiles and shows them nesting, preening, hunting, eating and many other aspects of their life.
It was the first film to showcase Karnataka’s wildlife from an aerial perspective.
Where to watch: www.zoosofkarnataka.com
2. The Unsung – A life at Bhadra Tiger Reserve
The Bhadra Tiger Reserve is spread across the forests of Chikmagalur and Shivamogga. This biodiversity hotspot is home to tigers as well as a great variety of flora and fauna.
The Unsung was the first documentary with this reserve as a subject. It follows the forest guard through day and night to showcase the beauty of this tiger reserve in a 37-minute documentary.
Where to watch: YouTube
3. River Terns of Bhadra
River Terns of Bhadra is another nature documentary set in the Bhadra Tiger Reserve. However, it does not focus on the majestic tigers. Instead, this documentary focuses on the life of river terns who can be seen nesting along the backwaters of the reserve. It was the first wildlife film in India to be licensed under creative commons.
Where to watch: YouTube
4. Daroji
Daroji is a documentary shot in Karnataka’s Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary. It follows a female Indian Sloth Bear, Bindu to tell the story of bears in the reserve and suggests that men and animals can live together in harmony. This 15-minute short film won second place for the best film award at the 34th annual Animal Behaviour Society Film Festival in Toronto.
Where to watch: YouTube
5. The Western Ghats of India
Stretching for miles along the western coast of India, the Western Ghats are known for their natural beauty and bio diversity. In less than an hour, this film showcases the flora and fauna seen on the slopes of these hills. It also talks of the hill forts and settlements that dot the ghats.
Where to watch: YouTube
6. Namaami Aranyaka
This documentary shows viewers the forests of Honnavar through the eyes of a forester. This region in the heart of the Western Ghats is known for its rich biodiversity which is brought out beautifully in this 20 minute short film.
Where to watch: YouTube
7. Aganashini
Named after the river that is the subject of this documentary, Aganashini follows the river through its entire length and shares unique stories about the river. Interestingly this river does not have any industries along its banks.
Where to watch: YouTube and www.zoosofkarnataka.com
8. A Day at Mysore Zoo/ Namma Mysuru Mrugalaya
This documentary was commissioned by the Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens in Mysuru to mark their 125th year celebrations. The 25-minute documentary highlights the different features of the zoo and showcases the relationship between the zookeepers and animals. It is available in both English and Kannada.
Where to watch: YouTube
9. Kaali River
Named after the Kali River, this documentary by the Karnataka Forest Department talks about the flora and fauna along the river Kali. Over the span of 20 minutes, it showcases the natural beauty of the river along with the wildlife that lives along it, its culture and the sporting activity that takes place along the river through the use of hidden cameras, drones and underwater cameras.
Where to watch: YouTube
10. Gudekote
Gudekote is a short, 16 minute documentary in Kannada with English subtitles. The film talks about the conservation efforts made in the area and the sloth bear sanctuary in Gudekote. The film also showcases the variety of fauna that inhabit the area
Where to watch: YouTube
Also See
- Bandipur National Park – a heavenly destination
- Nagarhole National Park – Where the Wild Resides
- Sakrebailu Elephant Camp – Fun with the Elephants
- Forests in Karnataka – A Complete Guide
- Tyavarekoppa Lion and Tiger Reserve, Shimoga
- Sharavathi Wildlife Sanctuary
- Sanctuaries In Karnataka
- Forests Around Bangalore
- Fauna of Karnataka