Main Info
The Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is situated 38 km west of the town of Chikmagalur. It is surrounded by the hills of the Western Ghats on all sides. The charm of the place is one to savour. The mountains kiss the sky with their snow-covered peaks. The diversity of both flora and fauna is rich. The Bhadra River passes through the sanctuary. This is where it got its name from. It is the primary source of water in the sanctuary. The singing birds sing to their tunes and create an aura of peace and serenity. To witness wild animals in their own natural habitat is a sight to behold.
A Bit More on the Sanctuary
The timings of the Jungle Safari have been synchronized with the activity of the animals.
They generally come out at twilight looking for food to pass the night. The timings range from 6 to 8 in the morning and 4 to 6 in the evening. Canters and other suitable buses barge in the sanctuary in those stipulated time periods.
The jeeps can provide seating for 6 people without counting the driver and the guide. The cost per person is around 400 bucks. And the buses can provide seating to over a couple of dozen passengers and costs around 300 bucks per head.
Things to do in the sanctuary
If you are already not awestruck by the beauty and grandeur of the place, then you will be glad to know that there are several other activities you can choose from. Island camping, rock climbing, bird watching, adventure sports in water etc. are some you can choose from. You are given the option to go on a 3.5km long trail as well in Muthod, Doddahadlu and Chandanahadlu are places where tiger sightings are quite frequent.
Best time to go there
The chances of animal sightings are the best in the hot summer months. The animals have to come out of their sheds in search of water. You may find a lot of animals in the river-bed and in other small reservoirs. Typically, the months from March to May are generally the best time to visit there.
Flora and Fauna at Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
The key features of the sanctuary for which it got its popularity is its diversity. An innumerable amount of plants and animals inhabit the area. Among the varied species of trees-Teak, Bamboo, Rosewood etc. are names which are present in large numbers.
The long and majestic trees provide shelter and a cosy environment for the animals to live in. Tigers, sloth bears, panthers, wild boars etc. are some animals who inhabit the place. There is a great sense of harmony and unity among the animals. The langurs, for example, toss fruits for the deer to have and sends out a warning signal when they notice an approaching predator. The carefree songbirds sing in their merry way all day long. The activities of certain animals, their majestic and royal nature blended with a beautiful mix of innocence is one sight to behold. The beauty of the forest has a charm of its own, which can never ever be imagined from a distance.
Certain Tips for visiting the wildlife sanctuary
– Although your eyes are the best camera ever, do not forget the artificial one you bought just in case you need to capture certain moments which are worth reliving later.
-Direct exposure to the sun for long periods of time can cause irritation and dryness in the skin. So, it would be wise to carry your sunscreen with you as well as your insect repellent, just in case
– A cap and a set of binoculars are useful tools you can carry. Also, it is wise to wear stretchy comfortable clothing.
How to reach the sanctuary
A one-hour drive is all it is from the nearest railway station in Kadura, and the nearest airport is in Mangalore, which is about 200 km away. You will never be devoid of transportation facilities as buses and cabs habitat the place all day.
