Bangaluru.org - "Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary " Wildlife in Karnataka

Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary , Kanakapura Cauvery wildlife sanctuary is situated about 100 kms south of Bangalore. The river Cauvery which traverses along the eastern boundary of the sanctuary gives the name to this sanctuary. There are a number of low hills, rocky knobs and out crops all along the length of the Cauvery. The Cauvery leaves several waterfalls in its path towards the sea in this stretch. These waterfalls form the backdrop for famous Bangalorean weekend getaways - Mekedatu, Hogenakal falls, Sangama and Muthathi.

Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary

Notable are Sangama where two tributaries of the mighty Cauvery join the main river. Muthathi is a place mentioned in the Ramayana and thus is an important pilgrim place. This sanctuary has the famous cauvery fishing camp and is one of the best places to have a great time on the banks of a river.

The river cauvery passing through the sanctuary has otters, crocodiles and many varieties of fish. The famous "Masheer fish" is found here. The jungle contains very valuable trees like rose wood, teak and several hard wood. Evergreen sholas have joined forces with the hills and valleys to give us mortals a manifestation of divine beauty. Also, this is a bird watchers paradise. About 100 species of birds are identified and listed here. If this is not enough, add elephants, spotted deers, sambars, wild dogs, barking deers, jungle fowl, huge monitor lizard, giant squirrels, peacock, and monkeys to get the whole picture. Think of nature being perfect and it is in the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary.

History

The Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary (526.96 sq. km) was declared a sanctuary on 14th January 1987. For a major part, the river Cauvery forms the northern and eastern boundary of the sanctuary. To the east and northeast, the sanctuary is flanked by Tamil Nadu State. Deciduous and riverine forests cover much of the area, especially the eastern parts.

Flora

The sanctuary has riverine and dry deciduous forests and some patches of scrub forest. Along the river, trees such as Terminalina arjuna and Syzygium cumini dominate the vegetation. Tamarind (Tamarindus indica), Hardwickia binata, Acacia amara, Feronia sp., Ficus sp. and other species of acacia represent the vegetation in the rest of the sanctuary.

Fauna

The tiger is sighted very occasionally in the sanctuary. Other mammals include leopard, elephant, wild pig, sambar, spotted deer, barking deer, four-horned antelope, Malabar giant squirrel, grizzled giant squirrel, common otter, and hare. This sanctuary is possibly one of the last refuges of the highly endangered grizzled giant squirrel in Karnataka.

Reptiles include marsh crocodile, turtles (Leith's Soft Shelled Turtle, an endemic species is found in these waters), chameleon, python, cobra, russell's viper and banded krait. The sanctuary is also known for its Masheer fish ( Tor sp. ) in the waters of River Cauvery

Birds

Birds found in the sanctuary are typical of drier areas. They include the Sirkeer, Cuckoo, Greenbilled Malkoha, Whitebrowed Bulbul and Pigmy Woodpecker, Orsprey, Grey headed Fish Eagle, Green Imperial Pigeon, River Tern, Brahminy Kite, Black Eagle, Indian shag, Darter, Purple heron, Little green heron, Median egret, Black ibis, Spoonbill, Lesser whistling teal, Pintail,

Reptiles

The marsh crocodiles, turtles, python, cobra, Russell's viper and the banded krait are found here.

Around Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary :-

Doddamakkali and Galibore

Doddamakkali is 7 km upstream from Bheemeshwari and Galibore is 16 km downstream

Distance:-	100 km South of Bangalore
By Road:-	3 Hours
Route:-	Bheemeshwari is located at a distance of 100 km from the tech city, Bangalore, down the Kanakpura - Kollegal Highway. You have to turn off at Halagur, and go down the Halagur - Muttatti road. On the way you will come across JLR's Bheemeshwari Camp. This place is a retreat for those who want to enjoy the calm environs with a dash of adventure.
When to go:-	November to March.
Tourist offices:-	Jungle Lodges Booking Office. Tel: 080-5597021/24-25 KSTDC(bookings and info) Badami House, NR Square, Bangalore Tel: 080-2275869, Fax: 2352626 Email: kstdc@vsnl.in
Where to stay :-	Accomodation available at Cauvery Fishing Camp Meandering through the woody landscape amidst the forests of Karnataka is the Cauvery – the most majestic and sacred river of South India. The river offers both adventure and opportunity for nature lovers. Nestled along this mighty river is the Bheemeshwari Fishing Camp, world-renowned as home to the great ‘Mahseer' - the finest & the largest tropical sporting fish known to man. Tucked away from the milling crowds, yet close enough for you to reach, this camp offers a slice of nature that is entirely unique, one in which you can totally feel free! BHEEMESHWARI / CAUVERY FISHING CAMP PACKAGE / ACCOMODATION TARIFF DAY VISIT INR 850 NATURE PACKAGE - TENTED COTTAGES INR 1900 NATURE PACKAGE - LOGHUTS INR 2500 Package includes Stay, Lunch, Dinner & Breakfast, Coracle Ride, Joy Fishing, Guided Trekking, Forest Entry Fees, Camera Fees and Taxes. * Angling at extra cost of - Rs. 1000/- River Rafting at extra cost. Galibore Fishing Camp Tariff: Rs 1,900 per person, per night. Located in the forest. Doddamakkali Fishing Camp Tariff: Rs 1,900 per person, per night. Located in the forest.