Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary: A Tiger’s Den in the Western Ghats

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area and tiger reserve as part of the Project Tiger, situated in Chikkamagaluru district, 23 km south of Bhadravathi city, 38 km from Tarikere town, northwest of Chikkamagaluru and 283 km from Bengaluru city in Karnataka state, India.

The sanctuary is spread over an area of 892.5 km² and is home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, sloth bears, gaur, sambar, chital, and a number of bird species. The park is also home to a number of plant species, including sal, teak, tendu, mahua, bel, and bamboo.

Bhadra Wildlife 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 to Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. The Wildlife Sanctuary was declared as a Project Tiger Reserve in 1998.

Things to do in Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary:

• Jeep safari: This is the most popular way to see the animals in the park. Jeeps are driven along the park’s roads, giving you a good chance to spot tigers, leopards, and other animals.
• Elephant safari: This is a more leisurely way to see the park. You will ride on an elephant’s back as it walks through the forest. This is a great way to get up close to the animals and learn about their natural behavior.
• Trekking: There are a number of trekking trails in the park, ranging from easy to challenging. This is a great way to experience the park’s natural beauty and see some of the less-visited areas.
• Bird watching: Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a variety of bird species, so it is a great place to go bird watching.
• Visit the Bhadra Dam: The Bhadra Dam is located just outside the sanctuary and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. There are a number of hiking trails in the area, as well as a few waterfalls.

Best time to visit:

The best time to visit Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is during the spring (April-June) or fall (September-November) when the weather is mild. The park is also open during the summer, but the weather can be hot and humid.

How to get there:

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is located about 283 km from Bengaluru city. The nearest airport is at Mysore, which is about 120 km from the sanctuary. The nearest railway station is at Bhadravathi, which is about 23 km from the sanctuary.

Tips for visiting Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary:

• Wear comfortable shoes and clothing that is appropriate for the weather.
• Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat.
• Bring binoculars if you are interested in bird watching.
• Be sure to stay on the designated trails and do not feed or disturb the animals.
• Respect the local culture and traditions.