Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary in Chikmagalur (celebrated across India as Muthodi Wildlife Sanctuary and the premier Project Tiger Reserve of the Central Western Ghats, spanning 492 square kilometers of dense moist deciduous teak forests, bamboo valleys, and the glistening waters of the Bhadra Reservoir where healthy populations of Royal Bengal Tigers, Indian leopards, and wild Asian elephants thrive), located in Chikmagalur in Karnataka, stands as Karnataka's most untouched ecotourism jungle.

Encircled by the scenic ridges of Mullayanagiri, Hebbe Giri, Gangegiri, and the Baba Budan Giri range, this protected river basin was first declared the Jagara Valley Game Sanctuary in 1951, later expanded and renamed Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary in 1974, and declared India's 25th Project Tiger Reserve in 1998 following a model village relocation initiative.

It's the home of the world's finest teak and rosewood forest tracts where over 30 Royal Bengal Tigers and 20 Indian leopards roam stealthily across moist bamboo valleys, the massive herds of Asiatic elephants migrating along the perennial Bhadra river basin, the rare Indian gaur (bison), sambar, barking deer, and Malabar giant squirrels leaping between tree crowns, the exhilarating 4x4 open top jungle jeep safaris traversing through dense Muthodi and Lakkavalli ranges, the scenic boat safari across Bhadra Reservoir offering birdwatching opportunities for over 250 avian species (including the great Indian hornbill, emerald dove, and osprey), the unique Jagara Giant Teak tree measuring over 5.1 meters in girth, and an intensely thrilling, unspoiled forest atmosphere where the calls of wild barking deer echo across misty green mountains.

It represents a rich 70 year-old Project Tiger conservation model, Western Ghats riverine biodiversity, and responsible jungle safari ecotourism where Royal Bengal Tigers, wild elephant corridors, Bhadra reservoir cruises, and teak forests unite in Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary Chikmagalur.

Located 35 km northwest of Chikmagalur town (Muthodi safari range) and 30 km south of Tarikere / Bhadravathi (Lakkavalli river safari gate), it sits 180 km from Mangaluru, 210 km from Mysuru, and 270 km from Bengaluru, easily accessible by road with forest department safari reception offices at Muthodi and River Tern Lodge.

492 Sq-Km Teak Biosphere & 1998 Tiger Reserve

Surrounded by high mountain peaks that trap monsoon clouds, Bhadra Sanctuary receives heavy rainfall that sustains dense semi evergreen and moist deciduous flora.

The sanctuary is celebrated across conservation science as a global success story for the peaceful and voluntary relocation of 26 forest villages outside the reserve boundary.

Truth is, gliding along the silent backwaters of Bhadra Reservoir on a morning boat safari while watching elephants drink along the green shoreline is pure tranquility.

Muthodi Jeep Safari & Lakkavalli Boat Safaris

Muthodi Forest Jeep Safari: 4x4 open top jeeps take wildlife enthusiasts on guided 2 hour forest tracking trails through deep teak valleys.

Lakkavalli River & Boat Safari: Motorized river safaris operated by Jungle Lodges explore the reservoir islands where crocodiles, river terns, and herds of deer congregate.

Kadur & Chikmagalur Ecotourism Loop

Muthodi Mullayanagiri Circuit: Muthodi connects effortlessly with Mullayanagiri Peak (38 km), Baba Budan Giri (45 km), and Kemmanagundi (50 km).

Chikmagalur Day Tour: Pairs smoothly with Belur Chennakeshava Temple (55 km), Hebbe Falls (55 km), and coffee plantation estate trails.

After completing your exciting tiger and elephant safari at Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, ascend Karnataka's highest peak at Mullayanagiri or tour historic coffee estates.