Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary-An incredible experience for wildlife lovers

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary- Overview-

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Karnataka state at a distance of 38km from Chikkamagaluru city. It boasts of its tiger population and was declared the 25^th Project Tiger of India in the year 1998. The elevation point of this sanctuary is approximately 750 m to 187 m above sea level. The green vegetation and the lofty hills that surround this entire place look stunning. The lush green vegetation mainly comprises moist as well as dry deciduous forests.

The most appealing part of this sanctuary is the Bhadra River that flows through it whistling soothingly, hence known as the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. There are two reserves spread across this place, known as the Muthodi and Lakkavali. More than 120 species of trees are grown in this area. The highest peak in the sanctuary is Kallahathigiri located at a height of 1875 m. this sanctuary is a habitat for Indian rock python, King cobra, and even reptiles. Even some of the endangered species, such as or the orgutan, and Malabar giant squirrels dwell in this place.

A very old giant teak tree which is believed to be almost 300 years old is the main attraction of the sanctuary. This is truly a must-visit spot in Chikkamagaluru where you can enjoy great activities, such as bird watching, trekking, jeep safari, rock climbing, boat safari, and various water sports at the River Bhadra.

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary- Important Points of Interest-

1. Flora-

More than 120 species of flora are spread across this place. It is interspersed with dry as well as moist deciduous trees and many semi-evergreen trees. Also, almost 47 species of flora are spread across the tropical and dry deciduous forests located here. Other very common species that are acquainted here are fig tree, crepe myrtle, kadam, teak, rosewood, white teak, toddy palm,  Ceylon oak, thaasal, simpoh, Indian laurel, kindal, indigo, jalari, axle wood. It is a natural habitat for rosewood and teak.

2. Fauna-

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its tiger reserves with a total of 33 tigers that are present here. Apart from tigers, the sanctuary is home to many other animals, such as elephant, gaur, sloth bear, barking deer, common langur, black leopard, sambar, jungle cat, spotted deer, wild dog, common palm civet, bonnet macaque, small Indian civet, mouse deer, flying squirrel, porcupine, Malabar giant squirrel, pangolins, and slender lories. All the carnivorous species that live here are ruddy mongoose, leopard cats, stripe- necked mongoose, rusty –spotted cats, and many others.

3. Avian Fauna-

More than 300 avian fauna live in the lands of Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. These include shama, red spurfowl, ruby-throated pitbull, grey junglefowl, southern green imperial gigeon, painted bush quail, and Malabar Trogon.

4. Butterflies-

Some of the most beautiful butterfly species that fly in the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary are blue pansy, yamfly, bamboo tree brown, and crimson rose butterfly.

5. Reptiles-

Many reptiles including exotic snakes can be found in the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. These species include king cobra, common cobra, common vine snake, marsh crocodiles, and rat snake, gliding lizards or Draco, common wolf snake, olive keelback, Russell ’s viper, bamboo pit viper, common Indian monitor, and many more.

6. Trekking-

Travelers and visitors at the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary are allowed to walk along the trails to stay connected to the magnificence of nature here. This place offers a 3.5 km nature trail that engages the visitors with the beauty of nature and the ecosphere that belongs to this place.

7. Water-Based Activities-

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary offers some very exciting water-based activities, like boating and island camping.

8. Boat Safari-

The travelers here are enthused by the extensive variety of flora and fauna of the entire place by a boat that is arranged within the peripherals of the sanctuary. They wander around both in water and on land enjoying the beauty of nature.

9. Jeep Safari-

Visitors are excited to relish the amazing experience of driving around the sites of various animal territories here at Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary.

10. Bird Watching-

Bird watching engages visitors at Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary and is a very venturesome activity. It is home to a large variety of beautiful birds and lures them to gaze at them for long hours.

Important Information about Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary-

Location-

It is located in Chikkamagaluru, around 242 km from Bangalore.

Mobile Connectivity-

Due to the presence of mobile connectivity in some places here is poor. However, the area that surrounds the place has many network towers due to which the connectivity across Chikkamagaluru is pretty good.

Safari Price-

At Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary the price for one person in the jeep is INR 400 and offers a total of accommodation for 6 passengers.

Medical Facility-

The medical team that is present at the Sanctuary is well-trained in physical injuries but the nearest hospital is approximately 15 km from the sanctuary.

How to reach Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary-

Different traveling options are-

Bus– For a very convenient traveling option, buses are made available that travel from the various bus stops to and from the sanctuary. Buses move around from bus stops every half an hour.

Rail– the nearest railway station is at Kadur, almost 51 km from the sanctuary. It takes approximately an hour to reach here.

Air-the nearest airport from the sanctuary is the Mangalore Domestic Airport, which is 185 km away from the sanctuary. Taxis and local trains are available to reach the sanctuary.

Important tips for visiting Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary-

• Carry mosquito repellent even during the daytime, as it’s a forest to protect you from insects and mosquitos that may leave you vexed.
• Carry cameras to capture the natural beauty in and around the place. Also to capture the animals in their natural habitat.
• Wear sunglasses or caps to avoid the glare of the sun and to help you spot the fauna well.
• Carry a pair of binoculars to watch animals and birds as most of them hide behind the bushes, and, trees and keep themselves away from the trail of a jeep, making it difficult to spot them.

Offering an exciting place to visit in Chikkamagaluru, it’s one the best sightseeing places situated here. Nestled in the Western Ghats it’s a beautiful spot to visit that will lure you with the evergreen beauty in abundance. The River Bhadra flowing here is a beautiful habitat for the diverse flora and fauna and makes this place all the more fascinating.

Resorts in Chikmagalur for Family