Best Locations In Karnataka Where You Can Spot Wildlife
The south Indian state of Karnataka is one of the most popular destinations in the country for both domestic and foreign tourists.
In the first seven months of 2023, Karnataka recorded a footfall of 28 crore domestic tourists and over 3 lakh visitors from abroad.
From adventure to history and religion, Karnataka has much to offer tourists. But the 'wild side' of Karnataka is often overlooked.
Karnataka has more than 20 wildlife sanctuaries teeming with wildlife, including tigers, leopards, black panthers, elephants, and many more.?
Here is a list of Karnataka's best wildlife sanctuaries and national parks.
Bandipur National Park
While Madhya Pradesh has held the title of 'Tiger State, ' few people know how large the big cat population in Karnataka is.
According to the NTCA, as of 2022, Karnataka is home to 563 tigers, making it the state with the second-largest population of India's national animal.
In Karnataka, the best place to see tigers in their wildest elements is Bandipur National Park. Located in Chamarajnagar district of Karnataka, Bandipur National Park was established as a tiger reserve under Project Tiger in 1973. Bandipur, which is spread across 874.2 sq km of area, is a part of India's biggest biosphere reserve called the 'Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve' encompassing Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala, and Nagarhole National Park in Karnataka.
The area is home to around 400 tigers. Apart from tigers, Bandipur is also home to elephants, leopards, dhole, sambar, sloth bear, chital, and many more species of birds.
The nearest airports to Bandipur are Mysuru in Karnataka and Calicut in Kerala, which are less than 100 km away. The nearest major railway station is in Mysore.
Nagarhole National Park
Located in Kodagu and Mysore districts of Karnataka, the Nagarhole National Park is one of the best places where you can see animals like tigers, leopards and elephants in their natural habitat.
The 640 sq. km. sanctuary is also home to bison, wild boar, sambar deer, antelope, spotted deer and many species of birds. The nearest airport and railway station to Nagarhole is in Mysore.
Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary
Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary is part of the Nagarhole National Park and is a hotspot for wildlife. The 55-acre reserve derives its name from River Kabini and shot into fame for its black panther, Saya.?
Kabini is also home to tigers, leopards, sloth bears, striped hyenas, bison, elephants, chital, sambal deer, barking deer and more.
Kali Tiger Reserve
Kali Tiger Reserve, earlier known as Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve, is located in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. The reserve is home to tigers, black panthers and elephants. It is also a key birding destination in Karnataka and is home to over 197 species of birds.?
The nearest railway station to Kali Tiger Reserve is the Alnavar Junction. There are two major airports near KTR ¨C Belagavi and Hubbali.
Kudremukh National Park
The Kudremukh National Park is located a distance of 96 km from the district of Chikmagalur and spreads over 600 sq. km. The wildlife in Kudremukh includes tigers, leopards, wild dogs, Malabar squirrels, common langurs, sloth bears, porcupines, jackals and more.
The nearest airport and railway station from Kudremukh is in Mangalore.
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary in Mandya District is a dream destination for bird watchers. Ranganathittu, which is Karnataka's largest bird sanctuary, is home to over 170 species.?
The most commonly seen birds at Ranganathittu are painted storks, kingfishers, cormorants, darter, herons, river tern, egrets, Indian roller, black-headed ibis, spoonbill, great stone plover, and spot-billed pelicans.?
Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary
Located in Udupi district, the Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary is named after Goddess Mookambika, the presiding deity of the Mookambika Temple.
The Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary, which is spread over 370.37 sq. km, is home to tigers, sloth bears, wild dogs, jackals, wild boars and birds like myna, drongo, brahminy kites, lapwings, hornbill, bulbul, egrets, kingfishers, golden oriole, magpie robin, purple sunbirds and more. It is also home to reptiles like the King Cobra.
The nearest railway station is the Mookambika Railway Station, and the closest airport is in Mangalore.
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