The rich topography of India ensures that we are blessed with the best of everything that nature has to offer. From sunny beaches to the Rocky Mountains to lush forests, you name it and we have it all. Amongst all of this, there are some wildlife sanctuaries that house some of our favorite animals, birds, and trees that the Government has taken special initiative to preserve. The southern part of India is filled with some beautiful wildlife sanctuaries that are perfect for a weekend or more getaway with family or friends. The Karnataka government along with the Karnataka Tourism has taken special initiatives to preserve these wildlife sanctuaries as they prove to be a great source of revenue to the state in the form of attracting a large number of tourists, both from within the state and outside.
A major reason why a lot of people do not visit these places is because they do not know about it. However, we have compiled this list of some of the best wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka for you to explore on your next vacation.
- Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary – located in the Belgaum district of Karnataka, amongst the lush vegetation of the Western Ghats, this unexplored piece of heaven is famous for the Barapede caves. These caves are the only breeding space for Wroughton’s free-tailed bat and hence it is important to preserve it. This is a habitat of tropical forests and subtropical moist broadleaf. The woodlands and grasslands found here are perfect to spot wild dogs, spotted deer, gaur, leopard, sloth bear, and fox.
- Masinagudi National Park – located at the foothills of Ooty, tucked away amid the Nilgiri Hills, this national park boasts of lovely wildlife, quietude and thick forests. There are a few resorts in the area where tourists can put up. Part of the Mudumalai forest reserve, the forest department here offers tourists the opportunity to go on night safaris and jeep safaris to spot all the various animals that can be found here. The various wildlife that you are sure to spot here is red giant squirrels, tigers, elephants, sambar deer, grey langurs, cobra, wild boar, and pythons. Located just about 85km from Mysore and about 125 km from Coimbatore, the best time to visit this place is from October to May.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
- Bandipur National Park – this place though unexplored, has been recently growing in popularity because of the frequent spotting of the majestic beast, the tiger. This place is perfect for all wildlife lovers, especially tiger loves and ornithologists as the park is known to have more than 300 species of birds residing here including some rare ones like the Blue Winged Parakeet and the Malabar Grey Hornbill. Some other animals that can be found here are chitals, elephants, Indian python, sloth bear, flying squirrels, and cobra. The best time to visit the place is between November to June.
- Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary – situated on the banks of the Kabini River, this wildlife sanctuary is located among the rich flora and fauna of the Nagarhole Forest belt and is a part of the Rajiv Gandhi National Park. Accessible from both Bangalore or Mysore, the best time to visit is from October to May. There is a river that flows through the park which has freshwater creatures like the Mahseer. Some of the wonderful wildlife that can be spotted here are leopards, four-horned antelopes, Bengal tiger, spotted deer, Asiatic elephants, phytons, crocodiles and cobra. There are some beautiful resorts located in the area, most prominent being the Discovery Village which is perfect for a getaway with family and friends. They have fun activities like cycling, trekking, bonfire, and camping which all the guests can enjoy. It is a perfect mix of modern-day services among the wilderness.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
- Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary – part of the Wayanad Wildlife Reserve, this beautiful national park is particularly known for the large population of elephants that can be found here. There are also various birds that can be found at this park which is located close to Kozhikode. Some other animals that can be spotted here are bison, barking deer, panther, hornbill, bee-eaters, and woodpeckers.
- Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary – possibly one of the most beautiful national parks in the Southern part of India, this place is a repository of gushing rivers, green valleys and lovely hills. It is dotted with some breath-taking topography like the Syntheri Rocks and Kavala Caves. Animals that can be found here include black panther, flying squirrels, tigers, sloth bear, great hornbill, deer, and crocodiles. The closest airport is Hubli and the best time to visit this place is between October to May.
The next time you have an extended weekend coming up or need a break from your nine-to-five job, then make sure to pack your bags and explore the unexplored!
