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Wildlife sanctuaries in Karnataka offer a glimpse into the rich biodiversity of the region. Karnataka wildlife sanctuaries are noted for their unique species and cultural heritage, which makes it a perfect holiday spot for people of all ages. The region is home to many national parks, and tiger reserves, creating a perfect haven for nature lovers. These sanctuaries are located within the Western Ghats and the South Vindhya Mountains. It offers trekkers the opportunity to explore amazing trails, immerse themselves in the elegance of the natural world, and encounter wildlife.
Top 10 Wildlife Sanctuaries In Karnataka
Here is a list of the top 10 wildlife sanctuaries in Karnataka, which you can explore for a glimpse of flora and fauna:
1. Bandipur National Park
Photo: CC0 Public Domain / PxHere / Image For Representation Only
Known for its rich wildlife, Bandipur National Park, located in Chamarajanagar district, is a popular destination for Karnataka jungle safaris. It is home to over 3,000 Asian elephants, around 70 tigers, along with leopards, dholes, gaurs, sloth bears, Indian rock pythons, jackals, and various bird species. The park is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and is an important part of tiger conservation. This is, thus, one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in Karnataka.
Timings: 6:30 AM – 9 AM and 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: ₹250 per adult
Nearby Attractions: Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta, Moyar River, Maravakandy Dam
2. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Dineshkannambadi / Wikimedia Commons
The Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, named after the Bhadra River, is also known as the Muthodi Wildlife Sanctuary. It is not only known as one of Karnataka’s best spots for wildlife safaris, but it is also a Project Tiger reserve. Additionally, the sanctuary offers great chances to observe various kinds of animals, reptiles, and over 250 bird species that are native to the Western Ghats.
Timings: 6 AM – 9 AM and 3 PM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: ₹400 per adult and ₹200 per child
Nearby Attractions: Bhadra River, Mullayanagiri Peak, Jhari Waterfalls
3. Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: @ Vikas patil photography / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
See amazing flora and fauna while enjoying a thrilling nature-filled vacation at Dandeli National Park. It is the second-largest wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka. The park offers a range of adventurous experiences, such as moonlight boat rides, coracle rides, and jungle safaris. In addition, many kinds of animals, including black panthers, crocodiles, elephants, Indian sloth bears, and various species of birds, can be seen, along with amphibian species.
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fee: ₹40 per adult
Nearby Attractions: Kavala Caves, Sathodi Falls, Shiroli Peak
4. Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Jagadish Katkar / Wikimedia Commons
About 200 different bird species can be found there, including the pied-crested cuckoo and gray-headed fish eagle. It is situated on the banks of the Kaveri River. Several animal species, including sambar, spotted deer, jackals, grizzled giant squirrels, leopards, and elephants, are also protected at the sanctuary. It also features the biggest freshwater sport fish, the Mahseer, being one of the amazing Karnataka wildlife sanctuaries. In order to get there by car or taxi, take the Kanakapura Road from Bangalore; it’s around 87 miles away.
Timings: 10 AM – 4:30 PM
Entry Fee: ₹150 per adult
Nearby Attractions: Kaveri River, Hogenakkal Waterfalls, Gundal Dam
5. Nagarhole National Park
Photo: Dhruvaraj S / Wikimedia Commons
Nagarhole National Park, known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, is situated between the districts of Kodagu and Mysore. It is well-known for its diverse flora and fauna and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition to several bird species, the wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka is home to tigers, elephants, Indian bison, antelope, spotted deer, wild gaurs, and wild boars. The variety of teak trees and rosewood found there enhances the richness of the wildlife sanctuary’s vegetation. This makes it one of the top wildlife sanctuaries in Karnataka.
Timings: 6 AM – 8 AM and 3 PM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: ₹50 per adult
Nearby Attractions: Iruppu Falls, Madikeri, Thirunelli Temple
6. Kudremukh National Park
Photo: Navi guy / Wikimedia Commons
You ought to visit Kudremukh National Park, one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in Karnataka, to enjoy an immersive experience. A wide range of animals can be seen there, including sloth bears, tigers, leopards, wild dogs, and the amazing Malabar giant squirrel. The national park has over 200 species of birds, which makes it perfect for people interested in bird watching.
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: ₹200 per adult
Nearby Attractions: Hanuman Gundi Falls, Lakya Dam, Kudremukh Peak
7. Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Srichakra Pranav / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Those seeking the best Karnataka wildlife sanctuaries might enjoy an enchanted experience while visiting the Mookambika wildlife sanctuary. Various animals, such as the slender loris, deer, sambar, barking deer, otter, porcupine, and leopards, find home in this region. The two endangered species that can be found in this reserve are the lion-tailed macaque and the cane turtle.
Timings: 6 AM – 9:30 AM and 3:30 PM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: ₹135 per adult
Nearby Attractions: Sri Mookambika Temple, Arishina Gundi Falls, Saraswati Mantap
8. Anshi National Park
Photo: Dinesh Valke / Wikimedia Commons
It shares borders with Goa and is a part of the Dandeli Sanctuary. Many species of animals live in the park, such as tigers, pangolins, sloth bears, deer, Indian bison, bonnet macaques, elephants, and gigantic squirrels from the Malabar region. Numerous animal species and about 200 bird species are available for observation here. Trekking routes in Anshi National Park also lead to stunning grasslands, high-altitude regions, and scenic views.
Timings: 6 AM – 8:30 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Nearby Attractions: Ulavi Channabasaveshwara Temple, Kali River, Magod Falls
9. Mudumalai National Park
Photo: Kirtishankar075 / Wikimedia Commons
In Karnataka, Mudumalai National Park is a crucial natural system. There are about 103 tigers that call it home after the area was recently declared as a Tiger Reserve. It includes roughly 260 different bird species, such as the Indian White-Rumped Vulture and the Malabar Grey Hornbill. Also, visitors may come across several endangered species, such as the Indian Leopard, Flying Lizard, and Indian Giant Squirrel.
Timings: 6 AM – 8 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Timing: ₹30 per adult
Nearby Attractions: Moyar River, Pykara Falls
10. Bannerghatta National Park
Photo: Rameshng / Wikimedia Commons
Bannerghatta National Park is one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in Karnataka and is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, panthers, white tigers, Bengal tigers, bison, spotted deer, birds, and butterflies. It takes 20 to 30 minutes by metro or city bus to reach Jayaprakash Nagara from Shivajinagar or Kempegowda bus station.
Timings: 9:30 AM – 5 PM (closed on Tuesdays)
Entry Fees: ₹100 per adult and ₹50 per child
Nearby Attractions: Nandi Hills, Chudahalli Reservoir, Lalbagh Botanical Garden
This guide on wildlife sanctuaries in Karnataka will be useful if you are planning to visit some fascinating sanctuaries and national parks in Karnataka. It is recommended to check the specific timings, means of transportation, and permissions required when planning your visit to any wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka for an enjoyable tour. The best way to do so is to book your trip to all the wonderful wildlife sanctuaries in Karnataka with TripXL for an enjoyable journey.
Cover Photo: Praveenp / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
