Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is near Chikmagalur town in Karnataka state. The sanctuary is surrounded by Mullaianagiri, Hebbegiri, Gangegiri and Babaudangiri hills and has the tributaries of the Bhadra river flowing through it. The western border of the sanctuary abuts the back waters of the Bhadra Reservoir which has a catchment area of 1,968 km², surrounded by scenic hills and steep slopes.

Location details of Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary:

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is about 275 kms north of Bangalore and is 38 km. northwest of Chikmagalur town in Karnataka state. It is nestled in the lush tropical forests of the Western Ghats in Chikmagalur district. The sanctuary gets its name from the Bhadra river, which flows perennially through this region. Two famed hill resorts, Kemmannugundi and Bababuden Hills, are within the sanctuary.

Activities & Attractions in Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary:

Nature enthusiasts can avail safari facilities at "River Tern Lodge", a Jungle Lodge and Resort undertaking of the state government. Not to be missed apart from the jungle safaris is a boat ride to the several small islands that dot the reservoir. These islands are breeding grounds of the River Tern, a sleek white bird with a yellow beak. Literally thousands of these birds nest on the islands during monsoon season (June - August). Eventually their eggs hatch and the nestlings fly away just before the rising waters of the reservoir inundates the islands. Common trees of the forest are Teak, Rosewood, Mathi, Honne, Nandi, Kindal etc.

Flora and Fauna

Moist and dry deciduous forests with patches of shoal-grassland habitat are found at the higher altitudes.

Mammals

They include the tiger, leopard, wild dog, jackal, elephant, gaur, sloth bear, sambar, and spotted dear, barking deer, mouse deer, wild boar, common langur, bonnet macaque, slender loris and the Malabar giant squirrel.

Birds

More than 250 birds have been identified. The ruby-throated bulbul, shama, malabar whistling thrush, four species of hornbill, racquet-tailed drongo and the paradise flycatcher are some of them.

Reptiles

The marsh crocodile, flying lizard, monitor lizard and different kinds of snakes are some of the reptiles found here.