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Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

wildlife park · Karnataka

State
Karnataka
Type
Wildlife Park

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve, set around the Bhadra reservoir near Chikmagalur in Karnataka's Western Ghats, is a lush tiger reserve known worldwide for a successful, voluntary relocation of villages that helped its wildlife rebound. Its forests shelter tigers, leopards, elephants, gaur and rich birdlife.

When to go

October to May is best; the drier months bring the best sightings while the Ghats are very wet in the monsoon.

Why visit

Take jeep and boat safaris across a scenic reservoir-and-forest landscape, look for tigers and elephants, and combine the visit with the coffee hills of Chikmagalur.

Cultural notes

Bhadra's celebrated village relocation is often cited as a model that allowed its tiger and wildlife numbers to recover.

How to reach

By Road: Bhadra is about 40 km from Chikmagalur, with the Lakkavalli entry the usual base. By Air and Train: Mangaluru and Bengaluru are the nearer airports; Kadur and Birur are among the railheads.

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary guide & itineraries

Shopping

Chikmagalur nearby is famous for coffee, along with spices and honey.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Bhadra a conservation success?
A voluntary relocation of villages from the core helped its tiger and wildlife populations recover, making it a widely cited model.
Can I do a boat safari at Bhadra?
Yes, boat safaris on the Bhadra reservoir run alongside jeep safaris, offering a scenic way to spot wildlife.

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