Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is 38 km. northwest of 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.


Conservation history

The area was first declared as Jagara Vally Wildlife sanctuary in 1951 by the then government of Mysore covering an area of 77.45 km². After a systematic survey of the flora and the fauna of the area and its surroundings, the area was extended to its present extent in 1974.

Flora and Fauna

Tree: Teak, Rosewood, Mathi, Honne, Nandi, Kindal etc.

Mammals: The elephant, gaur, tiger, panther, sambar, spotted deer, mouse deer, barking deer, sloth bear, wild boar, wild dog, mongoose, porcupine, jackal, and the common langur are some of the mammals found here.

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.

Archeology

Ancient temples like, Mhakta Markandya temple of Khandya, and Bhavani Shankar temple of Hebbe are an attraction. These temples were built during Hoisala regime.

Activities

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.

CENSUS FIGURES FOR BHADRA

Chikmagalur – 30km
Bangalore – 265km
Kadur – 40km
Mangalore – 180km
Bangalore – 265km