Name: Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
Rating: 3.7

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Chikmagalur Overview

Covering a vast area of over 490 sq.kms, the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over the districts of Shimoga and Chikmagalur, 38 km west of the Chikmagalur town in Karnataka. Surrounded by hills of the Western Ghats on all sides, the view of the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary looks like a scene right out of a movie!

Must Know Before You Visit Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

Why Visit Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary :

There is one property of jungle lodges River Tern Lodges, located on the edge of hillock of Bhadra reservoir that provides a great view of the river from all side
Over 250 species of birds can be spotted, most of them endemic to the Western Ghats
The reserve also provides an opportunity for a 3.5-km long nature trail at Muthod
Since it is a Tiger Reserve, there are 30 Tigers and 20 leopards that can be spotted in Doddahadlu and Chandanahadlu
Boating safari is offered in Bhadra reservoir
Talbidrekere is the place nearby where you can locate a watering hole where one can see plenty of wildlife. Melgiri and Kesarhalla too offer excellent sightings

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Flora and Fauna at Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

The diversity of the flora in Bhadra Wildlife sanctuary is spell bounding. The forest is mainly a dry deciduous mixed forest. With over 120 species of trees, this forest practically has a ceiling of green. Teak, Rosewood, Dry Bamboo, etc. are just a few of the many tree species that are home to the distinctively unique wildlife in the sanctuary.

Sheltered by the mighty trees is every kind of life, from the dung beetle to enchanting birds of every colour! Exotic animals like tigers, leopards, porcupines, sloth bears, panthers, wild boars, etc. have taken to this sanctuary.

Best Time To Visit Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

Since all the animals have to come to drink water at the river, there are higher chances of spotting these creatures. Hence, even though the sanctuary is heaven on earth throughout the year, summer time-particularly March through May, is the best time to spot the diverse wildlife that takes shelter in this sanctuary.

Tips For Visiting Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

1. Carry a cap and a pair of binoculars for the safari. Wear a pair of casual clothes that allow easy movement and are comfortable to wear on a bumpy safari route.
2. Do not forget to apply a generous amount of sunscreen as well as an insect repellant to protect yourself from tanning or contracting any diseases.
3. Don't forget to carry a camera, but also remind yourself to live in the moment when a shy animal graces you with its presence. These are not moments you get to relive often.

How To Reach Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

Chikmanglur itself does not have a railway station. The nearest railway station is Kadur which is approximately 51 km away from the sanctuary and is only an hour long drive. The closest airport is Mangalore Airport located at a distance of 185 km. Taxis and buses ply from popular spots in the town to the sanctuary all through the day.