Karnataka: A haven for wildlife and nature lovers

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With 5 National parks, 5 beautiful bird sanctuaries and 21 wildlife sanctuaries, Karnataka and its dense green topography is a haven for wildlife aficionados and nature lovers and an ideal wildlife destination. It’s the best place to visit in India. A massive expanse of lush greenery and diverse wildlife, the national parks, and wildlife sanctuaries have a lot to offer. Here is a list of some known parks and sanctuaries you must visit.

How many wildlife sanctuaries are there in Karnataka?

1. Bandipur National Park

Covering an area of about 880 sq ft. Bandipur National Park is one of the best places to spot tigers in South India and is a safe habitat for over 100 species of animals. The main attraction of the national park is its sizeable number of elephants, tigers, and butterflies. If bird watching intrigues you then this wildlife reserve is the perfect place to be at; there are about 350 species of birds that one can spot here.

2. Nagarhole National Park

Nagarhole National Park is one of the most famous national parks in Karnataka owing to the constant increase in the tiger ratio. Besides Tigers, you can spot wild dogs, Sloth bears, Leopard, Hyena, Sambhar, Deer, Gaur, Four-horned Antelope, Wild boar, Elephants, Indian bison, Marsh crocodile, and the Rocky Python, etc. You can also spot many of the 250 species of birds, especially near the Kabini River banks.

3. Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary

Perched uniquely in the Nagarhole forest is the Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary which is popular for being the home to one of the single largest congregation of Asiatic Elephants and is a paradise for nature lovers. This has been declared as a tiger reserve and is part of the Rajiv Gandhi National Park.

You can spot animals like leopard, panther, sambhar, spotted deer, chital, bison’s and many endangered and rare species too. This sanctuary is home to 250 species of flowers and trees.

If you are visiting Kabini, stay the weekend in one of the Kabini resorts, so you would have two days to do justice to this forest and its many attractions and offerings. You could try the Discovery Village Resort here, which just blends in with its environment. Beautiful ambiance, fresh food, and friendly staff enhance the experience. Finally, these are just a few of the many beautiful reserves South India has to offer.

4. Bhadra Tiger Reserve

Encompassed by the lofty mountains of Mullaianagiri, Hebbegiri, Gangegiri & Babaudangiri, Bhadra Tiger Reserve near Chikmaglur, is home to many animal species like tiger, leopard, elephant, Indian bison (Gaur), sambar, barking deer, spotted deer, wild dog, wild boar, Porcupine, Muntjac and sloth bear.

The reserve also houses about 120 species of flora including many medicinal plants. The park offers you a great jeep safari experience but you have to make sure to book in advance to avoid inconvenience.

5. Bannerghatta National Park

The Bannerghatta National Park sprawls over 104.27 sq. km, and includes the country’s first butterfly park, a Crocodile Farm and Snake Park. You can spot elephants, leopards, jackals, fox, wild boar, sloth bear, Indian gazelle, spotted deer, porcupine, cobras, Asiatic Lion, and the Royal Bengal Tiger while doing the safari.

There are several weekend resorts in Bangalore, but if you are staying at the amazing Discovery Village, be assured that they will organize your local tours, bird watching, nature trails, and jungle safaris.

6. Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary

The Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary treats you to serene surroundings and rich flora and fauna. The sanctuary is home to the barking, spotted and mouse deer, sloth bear, panther, tiger, gaur, elephant, wild dog, civet cat, bison, jackal, langur and giant flying squirrel along with several species of birds.

Besides the safari, you can indulge in nature walks, bird watching, crocodile sighting trips, fishing, coracle boat rides and trekking here.

7. Kudremukh National Park:

Kudremukh National Park, located near Chikamagalur, is home to more than 194 species of animals including gaurs, chitals, barking deer, sambhar, Malabar giant squirrels, flying squirrels, Langurs, macaques, porcupines, wild boars, and mongoose. Kudremukh is also one of the most popular reserves for the lion-tailed macaques.

8. Bird Sanctuaries of Karnataka

The bird sanctuaries of Karnataka are home to migratory birds from Siberia and Latin America during the winter season, around 300 species of birds live here. You can easily spot the Common Spoonbill, Black-headed Ibis, Painted Stork, and Asian Openbill Stork at Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, whilst the other four include Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary, Gudavi Bird Sanctuary with 217 different species of birds, Magadi Bird Sanctuary and Bonal Bird Sanctuary.

Conclusion:

Visit Karnataka and explore some of these wildlife reserves, national parks and bird sanctuaries beautiful trails, nature’s splendor, wildlife spotting, and exhilarating vacation.