Adventure in the wild: wildlife tourism in Karnataka

“One state, many worlds”; this is definitely an appropriate tagline by Karnataka tourism as it accurately sums up the essence of Karnataka which is truly a multifaceted state.  Whether it is beaches or hill stations, heritage architecture, temples or forts, Karnataka has it all.  And when it comes to wildlife, Karnataka scores a high in this aspect as well.  With a rich variety of flora and fauna, Karnataka records close to 40,000 sq km of forest area which is close to 20% of the whole state. The biodiversity supported by the forests of the state is a national treasure and it is no surprise that the state accounts for about 25% and 20% of the country’s elephant and tiger population respectively.  With 5 National parks and as many as 21 wildlife sanctuaries in the state, wildlife enthusiasts are surely spoilt for choice when it comes to wildlife tourism in the state.  Here is a quick look at some of the renowned wildlife destinations you should not miss on your visit to the state. Bandipur National Park Bandipur-Pic Credit-Tourism of India Also known as the Bandipur National Tiger Reserve, this one is a perfect weekend getaway from Bangalore, Mysore and Ooty.  It is an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and was one of the first tiger reserves under the famous "Project tiger" of the country.  About 230 km from Bangalore, Bandipur is located in the Gundlupet taluk of Chamrajnagar district and is just about 80 km from Mysore.  The 870 sq km park houses a large range of flora ranging from deciduous trees to fruit-bearing trees, bushes and open grasslands and therefore, supports a wide variety of fauna.  While in the park, one can spot several endangered and vulnerable species like the Bengal tiger, Indian elephant, sloth bear, jackal and dhole (wild dog) in addition to over 200 species of avifauna.  It is common to spot deer and elephants as you drive across the public access road.   In fact, a drive through the park is one of the most exciting and eventful journeys you can take on from Bangalore. Nagarhole National Park Nagarhole Also known as the Rajiv Gandhi National Park, Nagarhole is also a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.  This 643 sq km park is spread across the picturesque Coorg (Kodagu) as well as Mysore districts.  Interspersed with hills, valleys, lakes and beautiful waterfalls, the park has vegetation that comprises of deciduous and swamp forests.  With rosewood, sal and teak trees in abundance, the park forms the perfect habitat for species like the Indian leopard, sloth bear, chital, sambhar, Indian elephant and the Bengal tiger.  Look out for several exotic birds (the park has close to 270 species), insects as well as reptiles on your visit. Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary Kabini Pic Credit: Yatra Essentially a part of the Nagarhole national park, Kabini wildlife sanctuary is a nature lover’s paradise.  Dense forests, streams and lakes form for a picture-perfect scene with plenty of avifauna and wild animals to spot.  Nestled along the river Kabini, this region was historically the hunting ground of the Mysore maharajahs.  When visiting do not miss the early morning boat safari on the river which is the ideal time to spot birds like cormorants, herons, egrets and the kingfisher.  If you are lucky, you may be able to spot otters as well.  At about 200 km from Bangalore, Kabini is also known for being the home of the black panther, python and Indian bison (Gaur) apart from the Bengal tiger, Indian elephant and leopard. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary Bhadra wildlife Nestled amidst the Western Ghats in the Chikmagalur and Shimoga districts of the state, Bhadra wildlife sanctuary is about 275 km from Bangalore.  Watered by the Bhadra river, this again is a perfect weekend getaway from Bangalore.  The lush green forests of the sanctuary are home to mostly dry and deciduous forests and include species like teak, rosewood, etc.  The sanctuary shelters not only species like the Bengal tiger and leopard but also sloth bear, spotted deer, barking deer and several birds.  The latter include the great black woodpecker, the Malabar whistling thrush and species of the hornbill.  It is home to the migratory river terns that arrive in large numbers and breed here between November and April each year.  A boat ride to view these species is a must if you are visiting during this season.   Apart from all of this, the sanctuary is famous for its exotic butterflies including the blue pansy, crimson rose, and great orange tip. To know more such Indian destinations, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Download our magazine Spunky Indian for exclusive stories.