Karnataka: Five wildlife sanctuaries you should visit

Karnataka is noted as one of India’s richest states when it comes to wildlife. The state is dotted with some amazing wildlife sanctuaries, which are home to a wide variety of animals, birds and plants. There are elephants, tigers, jackals and so much more to see here. Karnataka is also blessed with the presence of the Western Ghats, which is the world’s biggest biodiversity region.

A look at Karnataka’s top five wildlife sanctuaries:

The beautiful sanctuary is named after the deity of the Mookambika temple in Kollur district. This protected sanctuary was established in 1974 and brims with thick deciduous forests of the Western Ghats. The sanctuary is spread across 247 sq km, and is home to some endangered and rare animals including cane turtle, slender loris and black panther.

The sanctuary was established in 1987 and is a perfect spot for nature lovers and adventure seekers. One can spot some rare and exotic animals inside the jungles, including four-horned antelope, wild boar and barking deer among others.

This sanctuary comes under a protected region in the Western Ghats, and is noted for being the only breeding area of Wroughton’s free-tailed bat, a species on the verge of extinction. The sanctuary is also noted for being home to the Barapede Caves and geo-morphological limestone formations.

Sitting in the Western Ghats, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is flanked by the Bhadra River, which flows through the picturesque terrains. The sanctuary is spread across 492.46 sq/km and is a major part of Project Tiger. One can easily spot wild boars, sloth bears, black leopards, porcupines and elephants here.

Located in Mysuru district of Karnataka, the sanctuary is spread over 13.5 sq km and includes the Arabithittu State Forest. The sanctuary doesn’t permit tourism, so special permission is needed to get inside. The forest here is noted for its plantations of sandalwood and eucalyptus.