20 Best Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka

Karnataka Wildlife Sanctuary

Karnataka, a land of diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is also home to some of India’s most captivating wildlife sanctuaries. Nestled within its lush forests, rolling hills, and meandering rivers are ecosystems with a remarkable variety of flora and fauna. If you’re a nature enthusiast or an avid wildlife lover, Karnataka’s wildlife sanctuaries offer a captivating journey into the heart of Mother Nature herself.

In this blog, we embark on an exciting journey to uncover Karnataka’s best wildlife sanctuaries. From the majestic Western Ghats to the verdant plains, each sanctuary tells a unique story of conservation, biodiversity, and the delicate balance of life in the wild. So, fasten your seatbelts as we traverse through Karnataka’s dense forests, grasslands, and wetlands, seeking encounters with elusive tigers, graceful elephants, vibrant birdlife, and countless other fascinating creatures that call these sanctuaries their home.

Here is a list of some of the best wildlife sanctuaries in Karnataka:

1- Bandipur National Park

Bandipur National Park is situated in the southern part of Karnataka, in the Chamarajanagar district. It is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, including Nagarhole National Park in Karnataka, Mudumalai National Park in Tamil Nadu, and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala.

The park is spread over 868.63 square kilometres and is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The park’s climate is warm and humid, with an average temperature of 25 degrees Celsius. The best time to visit the park is during the winter (November to March) when the weather is pleasant.

There are several things to do in Bandipur National Park. You can go on a safari to see the wildlife, go for a walk or hike in the forest, or visit the Himavad Gopalaswamy Temple, located on the highest peak in the park.

Here are some of the animals that you can spot in Bandipur National Park:

Tigers
Elephants
Leopards
Deer
Gaur
Sloth bears
Wild boars
Monkeys
Birds

2- Nagarhole National Park

Nagarahole National Park is a national park in Kodagu and Mysore districts in Karnataka, India. It is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The park is spread over an area of 848 square kilometres and is home to various wildlife, including tigers, elephants, leopards, deer, and many species of birds.

The park is named after the Nagarhole River, which flows through it. The river is a significant source of water for the park and its surrounding areas.

The climate of Nagarhole National Park is tropical, with wet and dry seasons. The wet season is from June to September when the park receives most of its rainfall. The dry season is from October to May.

The best time to visit Nagarhole National Park is during winter (November to March), when the weather is pleasant.

There are several things to do in Nagarhole National Park. You can take a safari to see the wildlife, walk or hike in the forest, or visit the Kabini River.

Here are some of the animals that you can spot in Nagarhole National Park:

Tigers
Elephants
Leopards
Deer
Gaur
Sloth bears
Wild boars
Monkeys
Birds

3- Bannerghatta National Park

Bannerghatta National Park is located in the southern Indian state of Karnataka. It is about 22 kilometres south of Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka. The park is spread over an area of 260.51 square kilometres and is home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, lions, leopards, elephants, deer, and many species of birds.

The park was founded in 1970 and was declared a national park in 1974.

The park is divided into the National Park and the Bannerghatta Biological Park. The national park is a protected area where the wildlife is free to roam. The Bannerghatta Biological Park is a zoological garden where the animals are kept in enclosures.

The park is home to over 1,065 species of plants, 256 species of birds, 106 species of mammals, 39 species of reptiles, and 13 species of amphibians. Some endangered species in the park include the Bengal tiger, the Indian lion, the leopard, the elephant, and the sloth bear.

The park is a popular tourist destination and offers a variety of activities, including safaris, trekking, and bird-watching. The best time to visit the park is during the winter (November to March) when the weather is pleasant.

Here are some of the things you can do in Bannerghatta National Park:

Take a safari: The park offers a variety of safaris, including jeep safaris, elephant safaris, and lion safaris
Go trekking: There are a number of trekking trails in the park, ranging from easy to challenging.
Visit the Bannerghatta Biological Park: The Bannerghatta Biological Park is home to over 2,000 animals, including tigers, lions, leopards, elephants, and many species of birds.
Visit the Butterfly Park: The Butterfly Park is home to over 1,000 species of butterflies.
Visit the Zoo: The Zoo is home to over 1,500 animals, including lions, tigers, leopards, elephants, and many species of birds.

4- Kudremukh National Park

Kudremukh National Park is located in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka, India. It is spread over 600.32 square kilometres and is part of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is home to various wildlife, including tigers, leopards, elephants, gaur, sambar, sloth bears, and many species of birds.

The park is named after Kudremukh, a mountain peak located within the park. The peak is 1,894 meters (6,212 feet) high and is a popular trekking destination.

The park is also home to several waterfalls, including the Sahayadri Falls, the tallest waterfall in Karnataka.

The best time to visit Kudremukh National Park is during the winter months (November to March), when the weather is pleasant.

Here are some of the things you can do in Kudremukh National Park:

Go trekking: There are several trekking trails in the park, ranging from easy to challenging.
Visit the Sahayadri Falls: The Sahayadri Falls is the tallest waterfall in Karnataka and is a popular tourist destination.
Go bird watching: The park is home to over 200 species of birds, including the Malabar trogon, Malabar whistling thrush, and the imperial pigeon.
Visit the Kudremukh Iron Ore Mine: The Kudremukh Iron Ore Mine is a former mining operation now a popular tourist destination.

5- Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary

Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, India. It is spread over an area of 866.41 square kilometers and is home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and many species of birds.

The sanctuary is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to over 200 species of birds, including the great hornbill, Malabar pied hornbill, and the Malabar whistling thrush. It is also India’s only known tiger reserve to report frequent sightings of the elusive black panther.

The sanctuary is also a popular destination for white-water rafting and other adventure activities. The Kali River, which flows through the sanctuary, is a popular spot for rafting.

The best time to visit Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is during the winter months (November to March), when the weather is pleasant.

Here are some of the things you can do in Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary:

Go white-water rafting: The Kali River is a popular spot for rafting and offers a variety of rafting experiences, ranging from easy to challenging.
Go on a safari: The sanctuary offers a variety of safaris, including jeep safaris, elephant safaris, and boat safaris.
Go bird watching: The sanctuary is home to over 200 species of birds, making it an excellent place for bird-watching.
Go trekking: Several trekking trails in the sanctuary range from easy to challenging.

6- Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area and tiger reserve as part of the Project Tiger, situated in Chikkamagaluru district, 23 km (14 mi) south of Bhadravathi city, 38 km (24 mi) 20 km from Tarikere town, northwest of Chikkamagaluru and 283 km (175 mi) from Bengaluru city in Karnataka state, India. Bhadra sanctuary has a wide range of flora and fauna and is a popular place for day outings. The 1,875 m (6,152 ft) above MSL Hebbe Giri is the highest peak in the sanctuary.

The sanctuary was first declared as ‘Jagara Valley Wildlife Sanctuary’ in 1951 by the then government of Mysore. In 1974, the area was extended to its present extent and renamed Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. The Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a Project Tiger Reserve in 1998.

Bhadra is the first tiger reserve in the country to complete a successful village relocation program. The original relocation plan was introduced in 1974. It was implemented completely by 2002 when the 26 villages in the sanctuary were successfully relocated to M C Halli, about 50 km (31 mi) from the Sanctuary.

The sanctuary is home to various wildlife, including tigers, leopards, elephants, sloth bears, gaur, sambar, deer, and many species of birds. It is also home to the Malabar giant squirrel, an endangered species.

The best time to visit Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is during the winter months (November to March), when the weather is pleasant.

Here are some of the things you can do in Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary:

Go on a safari: The sanctuary offers a variety of safaris, including jeep safaris, elephant safaris, and boat safaris.
Go trekking: Several trekking trails in the sanctuary range from easy to challenging.
Go bird watching: The sanctuary is home to over 200 species of birds, making it a great place for bird watching.
Visit the Jagara Giant: The Jagara Giant is the largest teak tree in the state and is a popular tourist attraction.

7- Sharavathi Valley Wildlife Sanctuary

Sharavathi Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, India. It is spread over 431.23 square kilometers and is home to various wildlife, including tigers, leopards, elephants, and deer.

The sanctuary is named after the Sharavathi River, which flows through it. The river is a major water source for the sanctuary and surrounding areas.

The sanctuary is home to over 200 species of plants, including evergreen and semi-evergreen forests. The trees in the forest provide food and shelter for the wildlife.

The sanctuary is also home to several waterfalls, including the Jog Falls, the second-highest waterfall in India.

The best time to visit Sharavathi Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is during the winter months (November to March), when the weather is pleasant.

Here are some of the things you can do in Sharavathi Valley Wildlife Sanctuary:

Go on a safari: The sanctuary offers a variety of safaris, including jeep safaris and elephant safaris.
Go trekking: There are several trekking trails in the sanctuary, ranging from easy to challenging.
Visit the Jog Falls: The Jog Falls is a popular tourist destination and is a must-see for any visitor to the sanctuary.
Go bird watching: The sanctuary is home to over 200 species of birds, making it a great place for bird watching.

8- Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary

The Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area in Karnataka, India’s Mandya, Chamarajanagar and Ramanagar districts. It is spread over an area of 1,027.53 square kilometers and is home to various wildlife, including tigers, leopards, elephants, gaur, sambar, deer, and many species of birds.

The sanctuary is named after the Cauvery River, which flows through it. The river is a significant water source for the sanctuary and surrounding areas.

The sanctuary is home to over 200 species of plants, including evergreen and semi-evergreen forests. The trees in the forest provide food and shelter for the wildlife.

The sanctuary is also home to several waterfalls, including the Hogenakal Falls and the Mekedaatu Falls.

The best time to visit Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary is during the winter months (November to March), when the weather is pleasant.

Here are some of the things you can do in Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary:

Go on a safari: The sanctuary offers a variety of safaris, including jeep safaris and elephant safaris.
Go trekking: There are several trekking trails in the sanctuary, ranging from easy to challenging.
Visit the Hogenakal Falls: The Hogenakal Falls is a popular tourist destination and is a must-see for any visitor to the sanctuary.
Go bird watching: The sanctuary is home to over 200 species of birds, making it a great place for bird watching.

9- Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary

Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is a bird sanctuary in the Mandya district of Karnataka, India. It is spread over an area of 0.67 square kilometers and is home to various bird species, including pelicans, herons, storks, cormorants, ibises, ducks, geese, and many more.

The sanctuary is located on the banks of the Kaveri River and is surrounded by a lush green forest. The sanctuary’s wetlands provide a perfect habitat for birds, especially during the winter months when birds from the northern hemisphere migrate to India.

The sanctuary is a popular tourist destination and a great place to watch birds. The best time to visit the sanctuary is during the winter (November to March), when the weather is pleasant and the birds are more active.

Here are some of the things you can do in Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary:

Go on a boat ride: The sanctuary offers a boat ride that takes you through the wetlands and gives you a close-up view of the birds.
Go on a walk: Several trails in the sanctuary allow you to explore the forest and see the birds up close.
Visit the bird museum: The bird museum has a collection of stuffed birds and other artifacts that tell the story of the sanctuary.

10- Biligiriranga Swamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary

Biligiriranga Swamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as BRT Wildlife Sanctuary, is a protected area in the Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka, India. It is spread over 539.52 square kilometers and is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.

The sanctuary is named after the Biligiriranga Swamy Temple, a Hindu temple located within the sanctuary. The temple is dedicated to Vishnu and is a popular pilgrimage destination.

The sanctuary is home to various wildlife, including tigers, leopards, elephants, gaur, sambar, deer, and many species of birds. It is also home to the endangered lion-tailed macaque.

The best time to visit the sanctuary is during the winter (November to March), when the weather is pleasant.

Here are some of the things you can do in Biligiriranga Swamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary:

Go on a safari: The sanctuary offers a variety of safaris, including jeep safaris and elephant safaris
Go trekking: Several trekking trails in the sanctuary range from easy to challenging.
Visit the Biligiriranga Swamy Temple: The temple is a popular pilgrimage destination worth visiting.
Go bird watching: The sanctuary is home to over 200 species of birds, making it an excellent place for bird watching.

11- Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary

Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area in the Udupi district of Karnataka, India. It is spread over 370.37 square kilometers and is part of the Western Ghats.

The sanctuary is named after the Mookambika Temple, a Hindu temple located within the sanctuary. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Mookambika and is a popular pilgrimage destination.

The sanctuary is home to various wildlife, including tigers, leopards, elephants, gaur, sambar, deer, and many species of birds. It is also home to the endangered lion-tailed macaque.

The best time to visit the sanctuary is during the winter (November to March), when the weather is pleasant.

Here are some of the things you can do in Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary:

Go on a safari: The sanctuary offers a variety of safaris, including jeep safaris and elephant safaris
Go trekking: There are several trekking trails in the sanctuary, ranging from easy to challenging.
Visit the Mookambika Temple: The temple is a popular pilgrimage destination worth visiting.
Go bird watching: The sanctuary is home to over 200 species of birds, making it an excellent place for bird watching.

12- Anshi National Park

Anshi National Park is located in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, India. It is spread over 340 square kilometers and is part of the Western Ghats.

The park is named after the Anshi River, which flows through it. The river is a major source of water for the park and its surrounding areas.

The park is home to various wildlife, including tigers, leopards, elephants, gaur, sambar, deer, and many species of birds. It is also home to the endangered black panther.

The best time to visit Anshi National Park is during the winter months (November to March), when the weather is pleasant.

Here are some of the things you can do in Anshi National Park:

Go on a safari: The park offers a variety of safaris, including jeep safaris and elephant safaris
Go trekking: There are several trekking trails in the park, ranging from easy to challenging.
Visit the Anshi Dam: The dam is a popular picnic spot and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills.
Go bird watching: The park is home to over 200 species of birds, making it an excellent place for bird watching

13- Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary

Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary in Somwarpet taluk of the Kodagu district of Karnataka, India. It is spread over an area of 102 square kilometers.

The sanctuary is named after Pushpagiri, the highest peak in it. The peak is 1712 meters (5,617 feet) high and is a popular trekking destination.

The sanctuary is home to various wildlife, including elephants, gaur, sambar, deer, and many species of birds. It is also home to the rare and endangered Nilgiri tahr.

The best time to visit Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is during the winter months (November to March), when the weather is pleasant.

Here are some of the things you can do in Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary:

Go on a safari: The sanctuary offers a variety of safaris, including jeep safaris and elephant safaris.
Go trekking: There are several trekking trails in the sanctuary, ranging from easy to challenging.
Visit the Pushpagiri peak: The peak is a popular trekking destination and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills.
Go bird watching: The sanctuary is home to over 200 species of birds, making it a great place for bird watching.

14- Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary

Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary located within the Western Ghats in the Kodagu district of Karnataka, India. It is spread over an area of 181 square kilometers.

The sanctuary derives its name from the Brahmagiri Peak, its highest peak. It was declared a sanctuary on June 5, 1974.

The sanctuary is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, gaur, sambar, deer, lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, slender loris, bonnet macaque, common langur, barking deer, mouse deer, Malabar giant squirrels, giant flying squirrels, Nilgiri martens, common otters, brown mongooses, civets, porcupines, and pangolins.

The sanctuary is also home to several reptiles, including pythons, cobras, king cobras, and malabar pit vipers

The best time to visit Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is during winter (November to March), when the weather is pleasant.

Here are some of the things you can do in Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary:

Go on a safari: The sanctuary offers a variety of safaris, including jeep safaris and elephant safaris.
Go trekking: There are several trekking trails in the sanctuary, ranging from easy to challenging.
Visit the Brahmagiri peak: The peak is a popular trekking destination and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills.
Go bird watching: The sanctuary is home to over 200 species of birds, making it a great place for bird watching.

15- Ranibennur Blackbuck Sanctuary

Ranibennur Blackbuck Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary in Haveri district of Karnataka, India. It was declared a sanctuary in 1974 and is spread over 119 square kilometers.

The sanctuary is home to a large population of blackbuck, a graceful antelope found in the Indian subcontinent. The sanctuary has several other animals, including wild boar, fox, jackal, langur, porcupine, and pangolin.

The best time to visit Ranibennur Blackbuck Sanctuary is during winter (November to March), when the weather is pleasant.

Here are some of the things you can do in Ranibennur Blackbuck Sanctuary:

Go on a safari: The sanctuary offers a variety of safaris, including jeep safaris and elephant safaris.
Go bird watching: The sanctuary is home to over 200 species of birds, making it a great place for bird watching.
Visit the Ranibennur Fort: The fort is located within the sanctuary and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills.

16- Attiveri Bird Sanctuary

Attiveri Bird Sanctuary is a bird sanctuary in the Mundgod taluk of Uttara Kannada district in Karnataka, India. It is spread over about 2.23 square kilometers and is home to various bird species, including pelicans, herons, storks, cormorants, ibises, ducks, geese, and many more.

The sanctuary is located on the banks of the Attiveri Reservoir and is surrounded by a lush green forest. The sanctuary’s wetlands provide a perfect habitat for birds, especially during the winter months when birds from the northern hemisphere migrate to India.

Here are some of the things you can do in Attiveri Bird Sanctuary:

Go on a boat ride: The sanctuary offers a boat ride that takes you through the wetlands and gives you a close-up view of the birds.
Go on a walk: Several walking trails in the sanctuary allow you to explore the forest and see the birds up close.
Visit the bird museum: The bird museum has a collection of stuffed birds and other artifacts that tell the story of the sanctuary.

17- Melkote Temple Wildlife Sanctuary

Melkote Temple Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area in Mandya district of Karnataka, India. It is spread over an area of 49.82 square kilometers and was created in 1974 to protect the habitat of the grey wolf.

The sanctuary is situated between two hills, Mudibetta and Narayana Durga. The sanctuary has various wildlife, including wolves, leopards, jungle cat, bonnet macaque, langur, and pangolin. It is also an ornithologist’s paradise, with around 200 species of birds indigenous to the area.

The specialty of Melkote temple is the Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is under the patronage of the Mysore Royal family, Wodeyars.

The best time to visit Melkote Temple Wildlife Sanctuary is during the winter months (November to March), when the weather is pleasant.

Here are some of the things you can do in Melkote Temple Wildlife Sanctuary:

Go on a safari: The sanctuary offers a variety of safaris, including jeep safaris and elephant safaris.
Go trekking: There are several trekking trails in the sanctuary, ranging from easy to challenging.
Visit the Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple: The temple is a popular pilgrimage destination worth visiting.
Go bird watching: The sanctuary is home to over 200 species of birds, making it a great place for bird watching.

18- Arabithittu Wildlife Sanctuary

Arabithittu Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Mysore district of Karnataka, India. It was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1985 and is spread over an area of 13.5 square kilometers.

The sanctuary is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, spotted deer, sambar, blackbuck, wild boar, mongoose, jackal, and many species of birds. It is also a major nesting site for the endangered black-headed ibis.

The sanctuary is a popular tourist destination and is a great place to go bird watching and wildlife photography. The best time to visit the sanctuary is during the winter months (November to March), when the weather is pleasant and the wildlife is more active.

Some of the things you can do in Arabithittu Wildlife Sanctuary:

Go on a jeep safari: The sanctuary offers a jeep safari that takes you through the forest and gives you a chance to see the wildlife.
Go bird watching: The sanctuary is home to over 200 species of birds, making it a great place for bird watching.
Visit the watchtower: The watchtower offers a panoramic view of the sanctuary and is a great place to spot the wildlife.
Take a boat ride: The sanctuary has a small lake where you can take a boat ride and see the wildlife from a different perspective.

19- Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary

Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area in the Udupi and Shivamogga districts of Karnataka, India. It was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1974 and is spread over 314.25 square kilometers.

The sanctuary is named after the Someshwara Temple, located within the sanctuary. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

The sanctuary is home to various wildlife, including tigers, leopards, elephants, gaur, sambar, deer, and many species of birds. It is also home to the endangered lion-tailed macaque.

The best time to visit Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary is during the winter months (November to March), when the weather is pleasant.

Some of the things you can do in Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary:

Go on a jeep safari: The sanctuary offers a jeep safari that takes you through the forest and allows you to see the wildlife.
Go trekking: There are several trekking trails in the sanctuary, ranging from easy to challenging.
Visit the Someshwara Temple: The temple is a popular pilgrimage destination worth visiting.
Go bird watching: The sanctuary is home to over 200 species of birds, making it a great place for bird watching.

20- Adichunchanagiri Wildlife Sanctuary

Adichunchanagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary in the Mandya district of Karnataka, India. It is spread over an area of 217 acres.

The sanctuary was created in 1976 and was later renamed Adichunchanagiri Peacock Sanctuary in 1981. It is home to a large population of peafowls and other animals such as wild boar, jackal, mongoose, porcupine, and pangolin.

The sanctuary is also home to several bird species, including the yellow-throated bulbul, spotted owlet, and black-winged kite.

The best time to visit Adichunchanagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is during winter (November to March), when the weather is pleasant.

Here are some of the things you can do in Adichunchanagiri Wildlife Sanctuary:

Go on a safari: The sanctuary offers a jeep safari that takes you through the forest and allows you to see the wildlife.
Go bird watching: The sanctuary is home to over 100 species of birds, making it an excellent place for bird watching.
Visit the Adichunchanagiri Math: The math is a spiritual and cultural center of the Vokkaligara community.
Take a walk around the hills: The hills offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Final Notes:

As our journey through Karnataka’s best wildlife sanctuaries ends, one thing becomes abundantly clear: the state’s natural treasures are a testament to the remarkable tapestry of life on Earth. Karnataka’s sanctuaries offer a profound connection to the natural world, from the misty heights of Bandipur National Park to the serene waters of Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary.

In these sanctuaries, every rustle of leaves, every melodious bird call, and every footprint in the mud tells a story of survival, adaptation, and coexistence. The tireless efforts of conservationists, forest departments, and local communities have preserved these ecosystems, ensuring that future generations can continue to be awe-inspired by the wonders of the wild.

As we close this chapter, remember the importance of responsible tourism and wildlife conservation. These sanctuaries are not just places of beauty and wonder but also the last refuge for many endangered species. It’s our collective responsibility to protect and cherish them.