Top 12 Top Wildlife Sanctuaries in Karnataka

(1 out of 12 places to visit in Shimoga)

Agumbe is a scenic small village located near Thirthahalli in Shimoga district of Karnataka, India. This hill station is part of the amazing Western Ghats mountain range and it is know for the heavy rainfall, sunset point and trekking. It is also know as "The Cherrapunji of the South" after Cherrapunji, in Northeast India as the Agumbe ghat is covered with mist almost all the time. Agumbe is near the Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary and the Kudremukh National Park. Agumbe lies in a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Agumbe ghat road gives a breathtaking experience and is know for it's number of hair pin curves. The reserve forests around Kundapur, Shankaranarayana, Hosanagara, Sringeri and Thirthahalli are collectively referred to as the Agumbe Rainforest. During rains, Agumbe and the surrounding region come alive with several waterfalls namely Kunchikal Falls, Barkana Falls, Onake Abbi Falls, Jogigundi Falls and Koodlu Theertha Falls are some of the popular ones. Agumbe is located at approx 32km from Thirthahalli, 93km from Shivamogga, 61km from Udupi, 98km from Mangalore, 112km from Chikmagalur, 208km from Coorg, 348km from Bengaluru, 324km from Goa.

(2 out of 12 places to visit in Uttara Kannada)

Anshi National Park also known as Kali Tiger Reserve is a protected area and tiger reserve located near Dandeli in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, India. The park is a habitat of Bengal tigers, black panthers and Indian elephants, amongst other distinctive fauna. The Kali River flows through the tiger reserve and is the lifeline of the ecosystem and hence the name. The Tiger reserve is spread over an area of 1300 square kilometers. Park is best known for Birdwatching, Trekking, and Jungle Safari. Located at 52km from Dandeli, 54km from Karwar, 125km from Hubli, 492km from Pune. 503km from Bengaluru, 319km from Mangalore.

(3 out of 12 places to visit in Chamarajanagar)

Bandipur National Park is beautiful forest area and a tiger reserve located near Gundlupet in Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka, India. Bandipur National Park along with Mudumalai National Park, Wayanad National Park and Nagarhole National Park forms the Nilgiri biosphere reserve. The park covers 874 square km. This reserve is the largest protected area in South India and the region with highest number of wild elephants in South Asia. The park is located on the Mysore – Ooty highways. Apart from being home to the Asiatic elephant, Bandipur also has a sizable number of tigers. Bandipur national park is recommended for the recognition as a heritage site. As the place is near to Mysore, Bengalore and Ooty it one of the major tourist attraction in the region and one of the must visit place in Karnataka, India. Bandipur National Park is located at approx 20km from Gundlupet, 73km from Mysore, 219km from Bengaluru, 41km from Ooty, 380km from Kochi, 557km from Chennai, 125km from Coimbatore, 319km from Mangalore, 194km from Madikeri.

(4 out of 12 places to visit in Bengaluru)

Bannerghatta National Park is a weekend gateway for bengalureans, located at 22km from Bangalore, the capital city of Karnataka, India. This park is an haven for Nature lovers and photographers. The park consists of butterfly park, an aquarium, Children's park, a zoo, a Crocodile farm, Snake Park, a museum and a Prehistoric Animals' Park. The park offers safari excursions managed and supported by the Karnataka State Tourist Development Corporation (KSTDC). One can spot leopards, jackal, fox, wild boar, sloth bear, India gazelle, spotted deer, porcupine, Asiatic Lion, Royal Bengal Tiger, monitor lizard and cobras during the safari. One of the best place to visit in Bangalore is Bannergatta national Park and zoo. Even horror house was good out side the park. The park is part of a wildlife corridor for elephants which connects the BR Hills and the Sathyamangalam forest. Bannerghatta National Park is located at approx 22km from Bangalore, 136km from Mysore, 344km from Chennai, 315km from Ooty, 372km from Mangalore.

(5 out of 12 places to visit in Hassan)

Bettada Byraveshwara temple an ancient temple located on pandavara gudda hill near Mekanagadde in Sakleshpura taluk of Hassan district, Karnataka. Temple is nestled in beautiful western ghats and offers panoramic view of calm landscape makes this place one of the scenic places to visit in Hassan.

This ancient remote temple is dedicated to lord Shiva and the place is near to Munjrabad fort and Hanbal falls. After the temple one can go on the same road for 1km and trek/climb a small hill to reach the view point which offers beutiful panoramic view of the western ghats which makes it one of the best trekking places to visit in Hassan, Sakleshpur.

Best time to visit is October to January, one can visit in rainy season also to witness the evergreen hills covered with mist all around.

Bettada Byraveshwara temple is located at 29km from Sakleshpur, 70km from Hassan, 58km from Chikmagalur, 251km from Bengaluru.

(6 out of 12 places to visit in Chikmagalur)

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area and a tiger reserve located in Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka state, India. Bhadra is popularly known as Muthodi Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is surrounded by the scenic hills and steep slopes of the Mullayanagiri, Hebbegiri, Gangegiri and Bababudangiri hills. The wildlife sanctuary is called so after the Bhadra River which flows through the lush forests. The reserve consists of two main areas, Muthodi and Lakkavalli. Sanctuary is best for jeep safari, water sports in River Bhadra, trekking, island camping, rock climbing and bird watching. Bhadra reservoir is also in the edge of the Sanctuary. Muthodi is located at approx 32km from Chikmagalur, 276km from Bengaluru.

(7 out of 12 places to visit in Uttara Kannada)

Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is located near the town of Dandeli in Uttara Kannada District of Karnataka, India. This Sanctuary is adjacent to Anshi National Park and also part of the Anshi Dandeli Tiger Reserve. Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary housing nearly 200 species of birds, so known as is a birdwatchers paradise. Sightings of the black panther, the Indian pangolin, the giant Malabar squirrel, Indian sloth bear, Indian elephant and the Indian peafowl are pretty common. The king cobra and the mugger crocodile are the prime reptilians in Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary. For adventure activities, Dandeli provides a perfect holiday destination or a weekend getaway. From white-water rafting in Kali river, mountain biking in the hilly terrains, trekking to spot tigers as well as rare species of birds, Small hidden waterfalls, Nature view points, Dandeli has it all to appease you in the lap of nature. Dandeli is located at approx 106km from Karwar, 72km from Hubli, 456km from Bangalore, 96km from Goa, 437km from Pune.

(8 out of 12 places to visit in Coorg)

Kaveri Nisargadhama is an island formed by river Kaveri near Kushalnagar in Kodagu district of Karnataka, India. Its a well-known tourist destination and well-known for its natural charms and lush green surroundings. The 64 acre island is covered with thick bamboo groves, sandalwood and teak trees. You can spot a variety of animals like deer,peacocks, rabbits etc. Kaveri Nisargadhama also has a forest department run guest house and treetop bamboo cottages. Kaveri Nisargadhama is an ideal place to spend vacations on the sandy beds of the river bank in Kodagu district. Kaveri Nisargadhama is located at approx 3km from Kushalnagar, 28km from Madikeri, 92km from Mysore, 241km from Bengaluru.

(9 out of 12 places to visit in Mysore)

Nagarahole National Park, a perfect gateway for nature lovers is located between Mysore and Coorg districts of Karnataka, India. Nagarhole National Park, also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, is one of the largest wildlife reserve in Karnataka.In Kannada words ‘Nagara’ signifying ‘Cobra’ and ‘Hole’ signifying ‘River’. The Kabini River winds through jungle landscapes, home to tigers, Asian elephants and a variety of birds. The park is filled with waterfalls, hills, valleys, streams and forests. The park is famous for its rich population of animals and birds. Nagarhole national park provides many different types of safari experience. October to May is the best season to visit Nagarhole National Park. The park usually remains closed during June to September, which is the rainy season here. Nagarhole National Park is located at approx 88km from Madikeri, 128km from Mysore, 259km from Bengaluru, 227km from Mangalore, 164km from Ooty, 314km from Kochi, 558km from Chennai.

(10 out of 12 places to visit in Shimoga)

Sharavathi Wildlife Sanctuary is located on the Sharavathi river basin of the Western Ghats in Sagar of Shimoga District the state of Karnataka. It is spread over an area of 431 Kms.Sharavathi Wildlife Sanctuary is home to many exotic species of animals including the lion-tail Macaque and big cats of various families. The Sanctuary is cloaked in evergreen, semi-green and moist deciduous forests. The backwaters of the Sharavati Wildlife Sanctuary offer excellent opportunities for water sports. Some of the water sports possible here are canoeing, kayaking and wind surfing.

(11 out of 12 places to visit in Shimoga)

Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the famous wildlife sanctuaries situated in Shimogga. It was declared as a wildlife sanctuary on Nov, 23 1974. This wildlife sanctuary is home to a variety of flora and fauna. The sanctuary covers an area of 395.6 sq. km. The sanctuary is divided into three zones, namely- core zone(100.6 sq. km), buffer zone(237.4 sq. km) and tourism zone(57.6 sq. km). Unlike other sanctuaries, there are human settlements inside this sanctuary. This makes it quite unique. The Shettihalli sanctuary is 30 km away from Teerthahalli. Mandagadde Natural Bird Santuary is part of Shettihalli Wildlife Santuary. The Tunga Anicut Dam is situated within the sanctuary and provides shelter for otters and water birds. Best season to visit Shettihalli Wildlife sanctuary is between November and January.

(12 out of 12 places to visit in Uttara Kannada)

Tattihallia Dam also know as Tattihalla Dam is a small reservior located near Dandeli in Uttar Kannada district of Karnataka, India. Nice dam , beautiful located in-between the forest and mountains. It is 3km from Bhagawati (haliyal taluk). It is a source of livelihood for the surrounding rural people. By fishing. One can reach the dam by car, four wheeler, or by bike. Has a tar road till dam but need to be improve more. Great Fishing spot. Great spot to stay cook enjoy with friends and family too.