Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Chikmagalur - Timings, Safari Cost, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 12 km from Mallandur village, and 39 km from Chikmagalur, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area and a tiger reserve, situated amidst the Western Ghats in Chikmagalur and Shimoga districts of Karnataka. It is one of the most popular Wildlife Sanctuaries in Karnataka, and among the must-visit places as part of Chikmagalur Tour Packages.

Spread over an area of 490 sq. km, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is also known as Muthodi Wildlife Sanctuary. It is one of the most popular places to visit in Chikmagalur. The region was declared as a natural reserve, known as the Jagara Valley Game Reserve, in 1951 by the Government of Mysore. In 1974, the reserve was named the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. The Sanctuary boasts of a substantial tiger population and it was declared as the 25th Project Tiger of India in 1998.

The sanctuary is situated in the lush tropical forests of the Western Ghats and accommodates the tributaries of the Bhadra River. The sanctuary gets its name from the Bhadra River and a dam has been built on the river near Lakkavalli. The sanctuary has an elevation ranging from 750 m to 1875 m above sea level. Kallahathigiri is the highest peak in the sanctuary with a height of 1875 m. Lakkavalli village near Bhadra Dam and Muthodi village are two base stations for the sanctuary.

The lush green vegetation of the sanctuary consists of mostly moist and dry deciduous forests. More than 120 species of trees grow here, which include Teak, Rosewood, Mathi, Honne, Nandi, Tadasalu, and Kindal. The sanctuary is rich in wildlife with a diverse range of flora & fauna. The wildlife here includes bison, elephants, tiger, panther, sambar, spotted deer, wild bear, and birds like peacocks, parrots, partridge, pigeons, etc. Besides, the sanctuary is home to reptiles such as Indian rock pythons and king cobras.

Adventure enthusiasts can indulge in forest safaris at the sanctuary. The wildlife safari is conducted by River Tern Lodge in their jeeps. The lodge is about 4 km from Bhadra Tiger Reserve close to the dam near Lakkavalli village and is maintained by Karnataka Government. Private vehicles are not allowed inside the sanctuary. Bus safari is arranged near Muthodi camp.

Water-based adventures, trekking, island camping, bird watching, and rock climbing are the other activities at this sanctuary. The reserve offers a 3.5-km long nature trail at Muthodi village (southern side of the sanctuary). Talbidrekere is the place where the water tanks are located and one can spot plenty of wildlife here. Melgiri and Kesarhalla too offer excellent animal sightings opportunities.

October - February is the best time to visit this sanctuary. Accommodation is available at Jungle Greens Home Stay (Muthodi village) & River Tern Jungle Lodge (near Lakkavalli, Bhadra Dam). Bus safari is organized by forest dept near Muthodi village.

Safari Timings : 6 AM -9 AM & 3 PM - 6 PM

Safari fee: Rs. 400 per Person