Wildlife may not be the first (or even the tenth) thing that comes to mind when you think about Bangalore, but it will surely move up the order once you’re done reading this post. This is because they aren’t even too far away from Bangalore.
You could do a two-day trip and head back into the city having seen the Bengal tiger, the barking deer, a four-horned antelope and much else. Are you read? Here are six wildlife sanctuaries near Bangalore that will leave you awestruck.
Best Wildlife Sanctuaries Near Bangalore
1. Bandipur National Park
A former hunting ground for the Maharaja of the Kingdom of Mysore, the Bandipur National Park is a popular wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka. If you really want to explore the wildlife park, embark on a safari tour that is organized by the Karnataka Forest Department.
Here you will get to see lions, tigers, sambar, chital, mouse deer and gaur. The best time to visit the park is during the months of October to April when the climate is pleasant. To get to the park you can board a private or a government-run bus that departs from Bangalore. The park is located about 220 kilometres from Bangalore.
- Location: Bandipur, Gundlupet Taluk
- Entry Fee: Rs. 300 for Indian Nationals, Rs. 1500 for Foreigners
- Safari Timings: 6.30 am to 8.30 am; 3.30 pm to 5.30 pm
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2. Nagarahole National Park
The Nagarhole National Park is a famous wildlife sanctuary in the Kodagu district. The park has the distinction of being one of the few reserves selected for tiger conservation. This wildlife park is home to the Bengal Tiger, one of the flagships species of India, the gaur, and the Indian elephant.
Plant lovers can find several species of eugenia genus, swamp forests, and trees like rosewood, teak, and sandalwood. There are a few rare species of birds too that can be seen in this wildlife sanctuary. After you’re done with the Safari tour of the park, head to the nearby Iruppu Falls for a dip in the water.
- Location: Inside the Kodagu district, 236 km away from Bangalore.
- Entry Fee: Rs. 250 approx.
- Visiting Hours: 6.45 am to 8.45 am and 4 pm to 6 pm
- Safari Timings: 6 am to 8 am and 3 pm to 5 pm
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3. Arabithittu Wildlife Sanctuary
Inside this wildlife sanctuary is the Arabithittu State Forest that is spread over 13.5 square kilometres. Tourism isn’t permitted just yet, but regular camps are organised for colleges and school children. At the Arabithittu Forest, you will get to see foxes, leopards, and deer.
The sanctuary also boasts more than 250 species of birds. Trees and plants like eucalyptus and sandalwood can also be found here. Don’t forget to take pictures while you’re at the Arabithittu Wildlife Sanctuary. It is located about 170 kilometres away from Bangalore and just 30 kilometres from Mysore.
- Location: Mysore-Mangalore Highway
- Entry Fee: Does not apply
4. Adichunchanagiri Peacock Sanctuary
The Adichunchanagiri Peacock Sanctuary can be found in the Mandya district of Karnataka. Declared a sanctuary in 1981, it is spread across an area of 0.88 square kilometres. It was created mainly to preserve India’s national bird, the peacock. In this sanctuary, you will also find species like the Jungle Cat, the Bonnet Macaque, and the Fruit Bat. Besides these, you will also get to see some unique butterflies and birds.
While you are at the sanctuary, don’t forget to spot the yellow-throated bulbul, which is rarely found in India. Visitors to the peacock sanctuary will have to book the safari bus (they don’t allow you to take your own vehicle inside the sanctuary for obvious reasons).
It is recommended that you book a private guide for a true experience. Guides are available for around Rs. 100 per person. Adventure enthusiast can also undertake trekking at the peacock sanctuary. The best time to visit the place is between the months of December to February.
- Location: Mysore District.
- Entry Fee: Rs. 15 for Indians; Rs. 50 for foreigners
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5. Banerghatta National Park
Explore the wildlife at the Bannerghatta Biological Park by going on a safari. You will be driven around the wildlife park in a secured vehicle to see a wide range of animals in their natural habitat. Here you will get to see lions, tigers and bears. The park is located about 22 kilometres from Bangalore, so getting here is not that difficult.
You can reach the sanctuary by hailing a private taxi from Bangalore. One of the most popular places to see here is the Ragihalli Reserve Forest. Even though it is located about 4 kilometres from the zoo, the safari van takes you there. At the forest reserve, you will not only get to see the animals, but also picturesque views of the hillocks and valleys.
- Location: Bannerghatta Road
- Entry Fee: Rs. 80 for adults, Rs. 40 for kids, Rs. 400 for foreign nationals.
- Safari Timings: 10 am to 4.30 pm
6. Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary
The Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary is the perfect getaway for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Located on the outskirts of Bangalore, this wildlife sanctuary is blessed with rich flora and fauna. Some rare and exotic species like the four-horned antelope and the barking deer are found here. If you love to click pictures of the birds or just gaze at them, you won’t be disappointed; the sanctuary is home to some splendid species of birds.
The White Browed Bulbul, the Green Billed Malkoha, and other unique birds can all be spotted at the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary. The Mahseer Fish is also popularly found in the waters of the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary. For a truly epic experience, go here during the months of May to November.
- Location: Near Malemadeshwara Hills
- Safari Timings: 10 am to 4.30 pm
These are the six best wildlife sanctuaries near Bangalore. In our opinion, Bangalore is the only Indian metro with excellent access to several well-maintained wildlife sanctuaries. Are there wildlife sanctuaries in and around where you live? Do let us know in the comments section below.
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