Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

Bhadra wildlife sanctuary is one more wildlife place in Shivamogga district apart from the Shettyhalli wildlife sanctuary. Infact, Bhadra wildlife sanctuary is distributed among Shivamogga and Chickmagaluru districts. The majority portion is in Chickmagaluru district. There are several tourist locations in Bhadra wildlife sanctuary like Mullayyanagiri peak, Kemmangundi hills, Bababudangiri hills, Hebbe water fall, Kalatgiri water fall and many more. The Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary boasts of rich wild life. It is a paradise for bird watchers and wildlife photographers. The commonly spotted birds here are Grey jungle fowl, Red spur fowl, Painted bush quail, Emerald dove, Southern green imperial pigeon, Great black woodpecker, Malabar parakeet and Hill Myna. More than 200 species of birds exist here. Among the reptiles, the Marsh crocodiles are usually found in the upstream stretches of the Bhadra River, the Monitor lizards are also a common sight. The Common otter and the Smooth Indian otter can usually be sighted at the Bhadra Reservoir. Gaur certainly are the pride of Bhadra which is a common sight. Leopards are also fairly common, particularly in the Lakkavalli area. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary has been recently adopted under ‘Project Tiger’.

This is an ideal tiger habitat although it is rare to see one! Wild dog tracks are also found all over the area. Elephants can be seen at all parts of the sanctuary and seem to migrate locally between Muthodi and Lakkavalli. Other mammals found in the area are common Palm civet, Stripe necked mongoose, Sloth bear, Large brown flying squirrel, Sambar, Spotted deer and the Wild boar. The climate is generally pleasant all through the year. During rains between June and September the entire sanctuary is lush and green. Summer months of March, April and May would be slightly warm.

With the soft ripples of the river's backwaters providing a subtle background score, rest and tranquility are what this experience is about.

River Tern Resort

Cottages at River tern resort

Water sports

                                             Backwaters 

The River Tern Lodge is a pleasurable experience from the word go! The Bhadra Tiger Reserve is about 4 km from the Lodge. A jeep safari in the evenings offer the opportunity to sight leopards, gaurs, elephants, crocodiles, deer, wild boars, monitor lizards, etc.

Bhadra Wildlife sanctuary has been declared as heritage point and government has taken strict rules to make it plastic free zone. There are many mountain peaks, waterfalls and historical places located in Bhadra wildlife sanctuary. It is also home for rare flora and fauna.

Bhadra wildlife can be reached by several ways. Start from Bhadravathi towards Koppa road to reach Umblebail from where Bhadra Wild life starts which is 22 km from Bhadravathi. 

From Shimoga the distance is around 30 km. On the way Kuvempu university campus and BRP dam can be seen. Take a right turn near the Forest office and drive for 3 km to reach the wildlife sanctuary. 

Prior permission should be obtained at the forest office to visit the sanctuary.

There are several ways to reach wildlife out of which the route from Chikmagaluru is the most opted one. There are several buses available till the nearby village from where one has to catch auto rickshaws to reach various other locations. Private vehicles are the preferred way to travel.

There are several coffee estates which are a treat to watch while driving in Bhadra wildlife sanctuary.

Wild life in Bhadra is unique and there are many rare species of medicinal plants.