Are you looking for a place where you can enjoy the beauty and diversity of nature, as well as the thrill and excitement of adventure? If yes, then you should definitely visit Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary in Chikmaglur, Karnataka, India. This sanctuary is one of the most scenic and serene wildlife destinations in the country, and offers a range of activities and attractions for all kinds of travellers. Whether you want to go on a safari, trek through the forest, boat on the river, or just relax in the lap of nature, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary has something for everyone.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about this amazing place, such as how to reach, when to visit, what to do, where to stay, and more. Read on to find out why Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is a hidden gem for nature and adventure lovers.
Safari in Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
One of the main highlights of visiting Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is the safari experience. The sanctuary offers both jeep and bus safaris, which take you through the dense and diverse forest, where you can spot a variety of wildlife, such as elephants, tigers, leopards, sloth bears, gaurs, deer, monkeys, and more. The safari also gives you a chance to admire the stunning landscape of the sanctuary, which includes hills, valleys, rivers, waterfalls, and grasslands. The safari timings and costs are as follows:
Category Timings Cost
Adults 6:30 am to 8:30 am and 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm Rs. 400
Children 6:30 am to 8:30 am and 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm Rs. 200
Foreigners 6:30 am to 8:30 am and 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm Rs. 1200
The safari can be booked online or at the sanctuary office, but it is advisable to book in advance, as the seats are limited and the demand is high. The safari duration is about 2 hours, and the maximum number of people allowed per jeep is 6. The safari is conducted by trained and experienced guides, who will provide you with interesting and informative facts about the wildlife and the sanctuary.
Some tips and precautions for the safari are:
Carry a valid ID proof, such as Aadhar card, passport, or driving license.
Wear comfortable and appropriate clothing, such as cotton shirts, trousers, hats, and shoes. Avoid bright colors, as they may attract or scare the animals.
Carry essentials, such as water, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, binoculars, and camera. However, do not litter or feed the animals, as it may harm them or the environment.
Follow the rules and instructions of the guides and the staff, such as staying inside the vehicle, maintaining silence, and not using flash or loud noises.
Respect the wildlife and their habitat, and do not disturb or harm them in any way.
Activities and Attractions in and around Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
Apart from the safari, there are many other activities and attractions that you can enjoy in and around Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. Some of them are:
Boating:
You can go for a relaxing and scenic boating ride on the Bhadra River, which flows through the sanctuary. The boating facility is available at the River Tern Lodge, which is a popular accommodation option in the sanctuary. The boating cost is Rs. 300 per person, and the timings are 9:00 am to 11:00 am and 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The boating duration is about 45 minutes, and the maximum number of people allowed per boat is 10. The boating is a great way to enjoy the beauty of the river, the forest, and the birds, such as river terns, kingfishers, egrets, and more.
Trekking:
If you are an adventure enthusiast, you can go for a thrilling and challenging trekking expedition in the sanctuary. The trekking trails are of different levels of difficulty and distance, and offer a chance to explore the forest, the wildlife, and the views. The trekking can be done with the permission and guidance of the forest department, and the cost is Rs. 100 per person. The trekking timings are 6:00 am to 10:00 am and 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The trekking duration is about 3 to 4 hours, and the maximum number of people allowed per group is 10. The trekking is a great way to test your stamina, endurance, and skills, as well as to experience the wilderness and adventure of the sanctuary.
Birdwatching:
If you are a nature lover, you can go for a delightful and rewarding birdwatching session in the sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to more than 250 species of birds, some of which are endemic, rare, and endangered. Some of the birds that you can spot in the sanctuary are peacocks, hornbills, woodpeckers, barbets, flycatchers, parakeets, and more. The birdwatching can be done with the help of binoculars, guide books, and guides, and the cost is Rs. 50 per person. The birdwatching timings are 6:00 am to 10:00 am and 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The birdwatching duration is about 2 hours, and the maximum number of people allowed per group is 10. The birdwatching is a great way to appreciate and learn about the diversity and beauty of the avian life in the sanctuary.
Hebbe Falls:
If you are looking for a refreshing and picturesque spot near the sanctuary, you can visit the Hebbe Falls, which is a stunning waterfall located about 25 km from the sanctuary. The waterfall is formed by the Bhadra River, and cascades from a height of about 550 feet, creating a misty and mesmerizing sight. The waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery, and has a pool at the bottom, where you can take a dip or swim. The waterfall can be reached by a jeep or a trek, and the cost is Rs. 750 per jeep or Rs. 100 per person. The waterfall timings are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The waterfall is a great place to enjoy the nature, the water, and the views.
Mullayanagiri Peak:
If you are looking for a panoramic and breathtaking view near the sanctuary, you can visit the Mullayanagiri Peak, which is the highest peak in Karnataka, located about 30 km from the sanctuary. The peak is situated at an altitude of about 6330 feet, and offers a spectacular view of the surrounding hills, valleys, forests, and plantations. The peak can be reached by a road or a trek, and the cost is Rs. 1000 per vehicle or Rs. 50 per person. The peak timings are 6:00 am to 6:00 pm. The peak is a great place to enjoy the sunrise, the sunset, and the scenery.
Best Time to Visit Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
The best time to visit Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and cool, and the wildlife is more active and visible. This is also the best time for birdwatching, as many migratory birds visit the sanctuary during this period. However, you can also visit the sanctuary during the other months, as each season has its own charm and advantages. Here are the pros and cons of each season:
Summer (April to June):
The summer season is hot and dry, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C. The forest becomes dry and brown, and the water sources become scarce. The wildlife tends to hide in the shade or near the water, and the sightings are less frequent. However, the summer season is also good for spotting some animals, such as elephants, gaurs, and bears, who come out to drink water or cool off. The summer season is also good for trekking, as the trails are clear and easy. The summer season is also less crowded, and the rates are lower.
Monsoon (July to September):
The monsoon season is wet and humid, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. The forest becomes green and lush, and the water sources become abundant. The wildlife becomes more active and visible, and the sightings are more frequent. However, the monsoon season is also risky and inconvenient, as the rain may cause landslides, floods, or roadblocks. The safari may also be cancelled or delayed due to the rain. The monsoon season is also not good for trekking, as the trails are slippery and muddy. The monsoon season is also more crowded, and the rates are higher.
Winter (October to March):
The winter season is pleasant and cool, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. The forest becomes colorful and vibrant, and the water sources are moderate. The wildlife is more active and visible, and the sightings are more frequent. The winter season is also the best time for birdwatching, as many migratory birds visit the sanctuary during this period. The winter season is also good for boating, as the river is calm and clear. The winter season is also less crowded, and the rates are lower.
Accommodation in Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
If you want to stay in the sanctuary and enjoy its beauty and tranquility, you have a few options to choose from. Some of them are:
River Tern Lodge:
This is the most popular and luxurious accommodation option in the sanctuary, run by the Jungle Lodges and Resorts. The lodge is located on the banks of the Bhadra River, and offers a splendid view of the river and the forest. The lodge has 12 cottages and 2 log huts, which are spacious, comfortable, and well-equipped. The lodge also has a restaurant, a bar, a conference hall, and a swimming pool. The lodge also provides various activities and facilities, such as safari, boating, trekking, birdwatching, campfire, and more. The lodge charges Rs. 6000 per person per night, which includes all meals, safari, and taxes.
Forest Guest House:
This is a budget-friendly and basic accommodation option in the sanctuary, run by the Forest Department. The guest house is located near the sanctuary office, and offers a simple and cozy stay. The guest house has 4 rooms, which are clean, modest, and have attached bathrooms. The guest house also has a dining hall, where you can get vegetarian food. The guest house also provides safari and trekking, but you have to book them separately. The guest house charges Rs. 1000 per person per night, which includes only breakfast.
Forest Rest House:
This is another budget-friendly and basic accommodation option in the sanctuary, run by the Forest Department. The rest house is located near the sanctuary entrance, and offers a rustic and natural stay. The rest house has 2 rooms, which are simple, spacious, and have common bathrooms. The rest house also has a kitchen, where you can cook your own food. The rest house also provides safari and trekking, but you have to book them separately. The rest house charges Rs. 500 per person per night, which does not include any meals.
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is a hidden gem for nature and adventure lovers, as it offers a unique and unforgettable experience of the wildlife, the forest, and the river. The sanctuary is a must-visit for anyone who wants to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, and enjoy the peace and beauty of nature. The sanctuary is also a great place to learn and appreciate the biodiversity and conservation of the region.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary today, and get ready for an amazing adventure. You can also check out the various packages offered by Tripoto, which include the best deals and services for your visit. Happy travelling!
