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Karnataka
Wild Karnataka
Karnataka's forests and wildlife are her priceless natural heritage. The State has some of the largest jungle tracts south of the Vindhyas. From the majestic evergreen forests of Western Ghats to the scrub jungles of the plains, a wide variety of habitats teem with diverse flora and fauna, some of them endemic to the region. Some of these jungles were the private preserves of former rulers. Thanks to their protection, these jungles have survived. Some of the lesser-known ones are sanctuaries protected by the local populace.
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
Created by the local ruler in 1940, the sanctuary, probably the best water-bird sanctuary in India, encompasses a cluster of small islands in the Cauvery river, just outside Srirangapatnam, near Mysore. The islets form a splendid nesting site for waterfowl, including herons, open-billed stork, white ibis, little egret, cattle egret, darter, spoonbill cormorant, pond heron, plover, river tern and many more. Experience the excitement of a boat ride that takes you within touching distance of the birds as marsh crocodiles bask in the sun. Test your powers of observation by trying to spot flying foxes hanging on the highest branches of the tallest trees at dusk. Visitors are expected to leave the park immaculately clean.
Area of sanctuary : 0.67 sq kms
Getting there
By Air
Bangalore (122 kms) is the nearest airport, from there you have to take a taxi or bus.
By Rail
Mysore (18 kms) is the nearest railhead. From there you have to take a taxi or bus.
Best Time to visit
June to February, but can be visited all through the year.
Where to stay
Hotel Mayur River View, Ph: 08239-52114
Hotels in Mysore to suit all budgets
Optional visits: Srirangapatnam.
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Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary
Tread the path of the erstwhile Maharaja of Mysore with a visit to Bandipur, about 80 km south of Mysore on the Mysore-Ooty road. Spanning an area of 865 sq km in the high ranges of Karnataka, this wildlife sanctuary was the Maharaja's private hunting ground. The reserve has open forests and facilities for viewing wildlife from elephant back. It is one of the best game sanctuaries in India to observe and photograph wildlife in close proximity.
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Nagarhole National Park
Nagerhole is kannada for 'Snake River'. The Park derives its name from the winding course of the river that flows through its' forests. Sprawling over an area of 641 sq km in the picturesque district of Coorg and Mysore, Nagerhole has an astonishing abundance of wildlife, especially the Asiatic elephant. The backdrop of the distant misty blue Brahmagiri Mountains, the natural sounds of the jungle, the gurgling of the streams and the rivers and the twittering of the birds make Nagerhole a memorable experience. Spot elephants, gaur, barking deer, wild dogs, bonnet macaques and the common langur ... maybe even a tiger or panther. Facilities in the park are spartan, but the lush forest compensates for it.
Area: 643.39 sq km
Best time to visit:
October to March
Getting There: Airport is at Bangalore (220 kms) and railhead is at Mysore (80 kms)
Nearest town: Kutta (75 kms), Mysore (80 kms)
Where to Stay
Kabini River Lodge
A world-class wildlife resort set in Karapur village on the banks of the river Kabini.
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Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary
The Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is the second largest in Karnataka, sprawling over an area of 843.16 sq km in the Western Ghats in Uttara Kannada district. The undulating streams, whispering bamboo, diverse wildlife and innumerable trekking trails make it a dream destination. River Kali and its tributaries, Kaneri and Nagajhari, meander through the moist deciduous and semi-evergreen forests. The Dandeli forests also play host to the graceful Virnoli Rapids, the magnificent Supa Dam, the sinister Syntheri Rocks, Nagajhari Viewpoint, the Kulgi Nature Education Camp, the Kavla Caves with its Shivling-like stalagmite and Sykes Point, which offers a stunning view of the Kalinadi Valley.
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
Situated in the Chikmagalur and Shimoga districts, the sanctuary takes its name from the eponymous river, its lifeline. Popularly known as Muthodi Wildlife Sanctuary, after the village on its periphery, it is a great place to sight the ferocious tiger, observe the Indian bison, or hear the strange calls of the striped hyena and see rare flying lizard glide amidst the huge trees. The southern part of the sanctuary is rich in birds, butterflies and reptiles. More than 250 species of bird life, many of which are endemic to the Western Ghats, are spotted here.
Bannerghatta National Park
For a walk on the wild side, look no further than the southern outskirts of Bangalore city, where the Bannerghatta National Park sprawls across 104 sq km of wild terrain just 21 km from the heart of town. The Park is home to panthers, lions, tigers, and a large variety of birds. Indulge your sense of adventure with a lion and tiger safari for a tête-à-tête with the big cats. Or, wander through the Zoological Garden, with its canopy of shady and sturdy trees, find a quiet resting spot beside a pond, and watch waterfowl frolic. The zoo boasts of an amazing reptile collection; a snake park lets you get up close and personal with the scaly, slithery creatures. A children's corner provides an added attraction. For those who would like to have fun-filled days in the lap of nature, there is the Nature Camp run by Jungle Lodges & Resorts.
BRT Sanctuary
This sanctuary is a wildlife lover's paradise. Over 540 km of hilly tract play host to a magnificent array of flora and fauna. Ambling around in these idyllic environs are the pachyderms, bison, spotted deer, sambars, panthers, tigers, dole, sloth bears, wild boars, porcupines and gaurs. BRT sanctuary is an ornithologist's dream come true, with more than 270 species of colourful birds, including the lovely paradise flycatcher and the racquet-tailed drongo.
Entry to wildlife sanctuaries
At all wildlife sanctuaries Forest Department's safaris are from 6:00 to 9:00 am and 4:00 to 6:00 pm. Forest Department accommodation can be reserved by contacting the Chief Wildlife Warden, Aranya Bhavan, 18th Cross, Malleshwaram, Bangalore (Phone: 080-3341993) or Field Director, Aranya Bhavan, Mysore (Phone: 0821 - 480 901)
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