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Bhadra Tiger Reserve: A Hidden Gem for Nature and Wildlife Lovers

Namdapha Tiger Reserve

Namdapha Tiger Reserve

Bhadra Tiger Reserve is located in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, India. It is known for its rich biodiversity and scenic landscapes, making it a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. Here are some key details about the reserve:

Location:

  • District: Chikmagalur
  • State: Karnataka
  • Area: 492.3 square kilometers
  • Coordinates: 13°33′N 75°47′E

History and Background:

  • Establishment: Bhadra Tiger Reserve was established in 1998, primarily to conserve tigers and their natural habitats. It is part of the Western Ghats, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its ecological significance.
  • Wildlife Sanctuary: It was initially designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1974 and later upgraded to a tiger reserve in 1998 under Project Tiger, a national initiative aimed at conserving tigers and their habitats.

Flora and Fauna:

Bhadra Tiger Reserve is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, making it a biodiversity hotspot.

  • Flora: The forest is a mix of tropical dry deciduous, semi-evergreen, and moist deciduous forests. Some common tree species include rosewood, sandalwood, teak, and various types of bamboo and shrubs.
  • Fauna: The reserve is known for its significant tiger population, as well as many other animals such as:
    • Tigers: The primary species being protected here.
    • Leopards
    • Sloth Bears
    • Indian Bison (Gaur)
    • Wild Boar
    • Civet Cats
    • Jungle Fowl
    • Elephants: Though elephants are not as common as tigers, they are found occasionally.
    • Bird Species: Over 200 species of birds, including Malabar Trogon, Painted Storks, and several species of eagles and vultures.
    • Reptiles: The reserve is also home to various reptiles, such as cobras, pythons, and monitor lizards.

Climate:

  • Temperature: The temperature in the reserve can range from 15°C to 35°C throughout the year.
  • Monsoon: The area experiences heavy rainfall during the monsoon season (June to September), which makes it an ideal time for the forests to thrive, though it might not be the best time for safaris.

Tourism and Activities:

Bhadra Tiger Reserve offers various activities for wildlife enthusiasts, including:

  • Safari Rides: Both jeep and boat safaris are popular ways to explore the reserve. A jeep safari through the forest is the best way to spot tigers and other wildlife. A boat safari on the Bhadra River allows tourists to enjoy the view of the forest from a different perspective.
  • Trekking: The reserve offers trekking opportunities, where visitors can explore the dense forests and observe nature up close.
  • Bird Watching: With over 200 species of birds, the reserve is an excellent location for bird watchers.
  • Fishing: The Bhadra River offers opportunities for fishing, particularly for anglers looking to catch local species.

Accessibility:

  • By Road: The reserve is easily accessible by road from Chikmagalur, which is about 38 km away. Chikmagalur itself is well connected to major cities like Bangalore and Mangalore.
  • By Rail: The nearest railway station is in Kadur (40 km away).
  • By Air: The nearest airport is in Mangalore (approximately 150 km away), and the major airport in Bangalore is about 250 km away.

Best Time to Visit:

The best time to visit Bhadra Tiger Reserve is during the dry season, from October to May. During this period, wildlife sightings are more frequent, and the weather is more comfortable for outdoor activities.

Conservation Efforts:

The Bhadra Tiger Reserve plays a crucial role in the conservation of tigers and their natural habitats. It is part of the Project Tiger initiative and has seen considerable efforts in wildlife protection, habitat restoration, and anti-poaching activities.

Nearby Attractions:

  • Hebbe Falls: A stunning waterfall located near the reserve.
  • Mullayanagiri: The highest peak in Karnataka, offering a beautiful view of the surrounding landscape.
  • Kemmanagundi: A hill station known for its beautiful gardens and viewpoints.

Challenges and Threats:

Despite its status as a protected area, the reserve faces challenges such as:

  • Poaching: Although the reserve has made significant strides in controlling poaching, it remains a threat to the wildlife population.
  • Human-Wildlife Conflict: As the reserve is situated close to local villages, human-wildlife conflict, especially with elephants and tigers, is a concern.
  • Deforestation: Illegal logging and encroachment can impact the health of the forest.

Entry Fee and Timings

Safari Timings are 6:30 am to 8:30 am in the morning and 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm in the evening. 

In Jeep Safari, Maximum 6 people excluding driver and guide. And the cost for jeep safari is INR 400 per person for adults and INR 200 for children below 10 years. For Foreigners the cost is INR 1200 per person.

The cost  for Bus Safari is INR 300 per person. In the bus safari maximum 25 people are accommodated at a time

Address: 

Tarikere, Lakkavalli, Chikmagalur,

 Karnataka, 577115, India

Contact : 

08262 220202
08262 234904

Website : https://chikmagalurtourism.org.in/bhadra-wildlife-sanctuary-muthodi-wildlife-sanctuary-chikmagalur

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