Main Info
Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary
Are you bored with your monotonous city life? Travel to the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary in Nagarhole and experience a relaxing and simultaneously an adventurous time in your life. The sanctuary covers an area of 181 square km and is named after Brahmagiri Peak, which is the highest peak in the Brahmagiri range with an altitude of 1608 m. The sanctuary was established in the year 1974 and is surrounded by plantations of coffee and cardamom. The region is also known for its natural beauty and various evergreen and semi-evergreen trees, shoal trees, and grasslands are spread across the hills.
Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is also inhabited several exotic species of animals such as gaurs, leopard, macaques, cats, tigers, wild pigs, Nilgiri langurs, elephants, and sloth bears. The place is also a popular site for bird gazing. Few exotic and beautiful birds such as emerald dove, black bulbul, and Malabar trogon can be spotted. It is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in South India and is visited mainly for trekking purposes. The view of the nearby hills is breathtaking and as per the folklores, it was the place chosen by the seven sages for meditation.
Things to do and places to visit
Trekking through the Brahmagiri range provides you with an opportunity to explore beautiful places situated in the close proximity of the hills.
One such place is Thirunnelai Temple. It is said to be built by Lord Brahma and later it was dedicated to the Lord Vishnu. The architecture of the temple will fascinate you as it has a traditional touch and is supported by 30 huge granite pillars.
Situated at an altitude of 1740 m, Pakshipathalam cave is also an interesting place to visit. It is believed that this cave was used by Gurus and Saints for meditation and other ritual purposes in historical times.
You must visit Iruppu Falls which originates from the Lakshmana Tirtha River. There is an interesting story behind the origin of this waterfall. It is said that while Lord Rama and Lakshmana were searching for Sita, they got thirsty. In order to quench the thirst, Lord Lakshmana shot an arrow at the Brahmagiri Hill and from this particular spot the Lakshmana Tirtha River oozed out.
How to Reach Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary
The wildlife sanctuary is located at a distance of 250 km to the South-West of Bengaluru. One can easily reach the sanctuary via cab.
The best time to visit Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is between September and March after the monsoon season gets over.
