Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary Resorts, Timing, Photos, Booking, Safari

If you are someone who loves nature and enjoys being around natural beauty then Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary Karnataka can be a really good option for you. It is one of the wildlife sanctuaries in India that is really rich in flora and fauna. Furthermore the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary Safari is one of the activities to enjoy here. So if you are interested in knowing everything about the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary then keep on reading this article.

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

Location: Tarikere, Lakkavalli, Chikmagalur, Karnataka

Timings: Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary Timings are from 6:30 am in the morning to 8: 30 am and 4 pm in the evening to 6 pm on all days. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary Booking should be done in advance because during peak months the place gets really crowded. Especially for wildlife safari it is recommended that you book in advance for Jeep and Bus Safari. The Safari timings are 6 am to 7:30 am in the morning and 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm in the evening on all days.

Charges for Jeep and Bus Safari

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary Jeep Safari charges are Rs. 600 per person for adults and Rs. 250 per person for children of 6 years to 12 years of age for Indian citizens. However for foreigners the charges are Rs. 900 per person.

Charges for the Bus Safari are Rs. 500 per person for adults and Rs. 250 per person for children of 6 years to 12 years of age per person for Indian Citizens. And for foreigners the charges for bus safari is Rs. 700 per person.

Charges for the Boat Safari start from Rs. 800 and go up to Rs. 2000

How to reach Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

By Air

Mangalore Domestic Airport is the closest airport which is around 185 km away from the sanctuary. From there you can take a car, cab or taxi and even local trains to reach here. Bangalore International Airport is however the closest International Airport that is connected to major states and abroad. It is 285 km away from the Sanctuary and would take around 5 hours to reach here via car.

By Train

Kadur Railway Station at 51 km distance is the nearest railway station. From there you can take a taxi or cab to reach here.

By Road

You can travel by KSRTC buses to reach Chikmagalur. There are many buses that ply over this area. Chikmagalur to Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary distance is about 79 km. You can even take a cab or drive your own vehicle to reach here.

Best time to visit Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

The ideal time to visit here is the months between October to May. Also most of the animals can be spotted during the summer months as they come to drink water by the Bhadra River during March to May. Even this season is considered the best time to spot tigers as well.

About Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

Earlier known as the Jagara Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, this sanctuary was established in 1952. Currently the sanctuary spreads across an area of 492 sq km. Furthermore, after the name of River Bhadra, this sanctuary was named as the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary in 1974. Further in 1998 this sanctuary was also declared as the 25^th Tiger Project. Along with this, it is also India’s first ever Tiger Reserve. Therefore the sanctuary is often referred to as the Bhadra Tiger Reserve. Surrounded by Western Ghats ranges, this sanctuary is like a haven for nature lovers. It is very rich with its flora and fauna and extends across two districts Chikmagalur and Shimoga in Karnataka. Two large chunks of this sanctuary are also separated by the Baba Budan Hills as well.

Biodiversity of the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

Mostly covered with green and moist deciduous forest this sanctuary is like a biodiversity hotspot. A really good variety of ecospecies are found here because of the elevations and variety of landscapes. Here some of the areas are 615 meters, while some are above 1875 metres as well.

Flora

The Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is like a home to many precious teak, rosewood and commercial timbers. You can find more than 120 species of trees here. Other species of plants found here include Kydia Calycina, Kadam, Teak, Kindal, Ceylon Oak, White teak, Fig Tree, Toddy Palm, Thorny Bamboo, Indian Kino Tree and more. Furthermore one of the most fascinating highlights of this sanctuary is the Teak Tree standing with a height of 32 meters. It is said to be almost more than 400 years old. This tree is also referred to as the Jagara Giant and is described as the Living Giant of Bhadra.

Fauna

This sanctuary, also being a renowned Tiger Reserve houses around 40 tigers and 20 leopards. During the summer months it is very easy to spot a tiger here when the vegetation is mostly sparse. However one of the main motives behind the creation of this sanctuary was also to protect the large mammals like Elephants and Gaurs. Other animals that reside here are Common Langur, Bonnet Macaque, Wild Dog, Wild Bear, Sambar, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Pangolin, Jungle Cat, Sloth Bear, Spotted Deer, Black Leopard, Mouse Deer, Bison, Flying Squirrel and more. Previously there were around 1000 Gaurs in the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary and they were referred to as the pride of Bhadra. But after the outbreak of Rinderpest disease, now the number stands at only 200.

Avian Fauna/ Birds

The Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary can certainly be a birdwatcher’s paradise. More than 300 species of birds can be found in the whole sanctuary. The collection includes Malabar Parakeets, Grey Junglefowls, Paradise Flycatchers, Bee Eaters, Malabar Trogon, Red Spurfowl, Great Black Woodpecker, Painted Bush Quail, Emerald Dove, Southern Green Imperial Pigeon, Four species of Hornbill, Ruby Throated Bulbul, Osprey, Racket Tailed Drongo, Darters, Hill Myna, and Indian Scimitar Babblers etc.

Reptiles

You can find a good variety of reptiles here that includes Draco or Gliding Lizards, Common Vine Snakes, Marsh Crocodiles, Common Wolf Snakes, Bamboo Pit Viper, Olive Keelback, King Cobra, Rat Snake, Common Indian Monitor, Russell’s Viper and Common Cobra.

Butterflies

Almost around 56 varieties of butterflies reside in the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. They include Southern Birdwing, Bamboo Tree Brown, Blue Pansy, Yamfly, Baronet, Crimson Rose Butterfly, Great Orange Tip and Tailed Jay.

Special Attractions at Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

Wildlife Safari

You can enjoy the wildlife safari in Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary by bus or jeep or even boat. However the jeep safaris can provide the best experience of a safari. For elephant sightseeing the ideal spot is the Nagarbhavi Lake that is around 8 km away from the Range Office. Other locations for amazing wildlife spotting are Melgiri, Talbidrekere and Kesarhalla. The boat safari in the Bhadra Sanctuary is arranged along the periphery of the Bhadra Reservoir. Furthermore this boat safari is best for birdwatchers.

Island Camping

Special permissions are needed for island camping, but this can be one of the wildest experiences for camping in such a location. So you can surely think of trying something like this.

Trekking

There is a specific trekking trail that goes to Muthodi up to 3.5 km. If you are interested in exploring the forest on your feet then this can be a great option for you.

Rock Climbing

The area being close to the natural mountain ranges, rock climbing on the Mullayanagiri Peak is one of the popular activities here. Furthermore, Mullayanagiri peak is also one of the highest peaks of Karnataka.

Read More : WILDLIFE SANCTUARY IN ASSAM TIMINGS, HOW TO REACH

Bird Watching

The Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is home to several bird species. So birdwatchers are surely going to enjoy this experience a lot. Do not forget to carry your binoculars and cameras though for an even better experience.

Boating

Boating or boat safaris in the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is a limited and selected facility. Some of the resorts arrange this activity for the guests to enjoy. If you are not staying in such a resort that offers this facility then this activity might not be available for you.

Places to visit near the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

Some of the popular places near the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary are,

• Mullayanagiri Peak
• Chamundeshwari temple
• Jhari Waterfall
• Bhadra River
• Coffee Plantations
• Belavadi

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary Resorts

While you are visiting the place, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary Stay options are available. You can get some really good quality hotels near Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. Some of the hotels that you can check out for a comfortable stay are

Trivik Hotels and Resorts

Location: Channagondanahalli, Varthur Hobli, Mullayanagiri, Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka

This is one of the good resorts that you can check out near Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. Furthermore they do have a swimming pool, bar, spa and a gym inside their premises. They have Oak Suites, Garden Suites, Coffee Suites, Mountain Suits and Family Suits. It is one of the best luxurious 5 star properties that you can check out. Room tariff starts from 20, 000.

The Serai

Location: Mugthihalli Post, K M Road, Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka

This is another popular luxurious property that you can check out. They have a total of 29 villas with all sorts of modern amenities and comfort. Furthermore, they have private pools, Jacuzzis, Terrace rooms  and Spas as well. The room tariff starts from Rs. 21, 5000.

Arabidacool Bungalow, Ama Stays and Trails

Location: Mylemoney Estate, Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka

This is basically a Bungalow built in 1914 which has been turned into a luxury resort. Room tariff starts from Rs. 42,000 per night.

Some other resorts that you can check out here are The Silversky Hotels and Resorts, Siri Nature Roosts, Honewdewwz Exoticaa Hotel and Resort, Mountain Valley Chikmagalur etc.  

Things to remember before visiting the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

• You must carry mosquito repellants with you. A location like the sanctuary can have many infectious insects also so it is better to use mosquito repellants.
• It is required for you to carry Government issued valid photo identification proof with you.
• For foreigners it is mandatory to carry valid passports for identification.
• Do not wear perfumes or use any sorts of essential oils.
• You should not use the flashlights of your cameras or mobile phones while clicking pictures of the wild animals.

Places like the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary Karnataka can take you so close to nature. It is almost like getting engrossed into the natural beauty that nature offers. Furthermore the rich flora and fauna of the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, the location, landscape and topography makes this an even more exciting visit. Do let me know if you have ever visited this particular place or you are planning a trip to visit there soon. Also let me know if this particular article was helpful for you to know all the information that you might need to plan a successful trip to the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary.