Shimoga District in Karnataka is the home of various species of exotic flora and fauna. Some of these regions have been protected and classified as wildlife sanctuaries.

The popular wildlife spots and sanctuaries here are:

Badra Wildlife Sanctuary

Tigers at the Bhadra Wildlife SanctuaryBadra (Bhadra) Wildlife sanctuary Earlier this was known as Jagara Valley Game Sanctuary.   It has two component areas Muthodi and Lakkavalli.

Some of the wild animals found in this sanctuary are tiger, leopard, wild dog, jackal, elephant, gaur, sloth bear, Sambar deer, spotted deer, and monitor lizard, barking deer, wild boar, common Langur, bonnet macaque, slender Loris and the Malabar giant squirrel.

Some of the bird species found here are shama, Malabar whistling thrush, various species of bulbuls, woodpeckers, hornbills and pigeons, drongos and Asian paradise flycatcher.

The sanctuary has been recently adopted under a tiger-conservation project called 'Project Tiger' of the Indian Government.

Best season to visit is from October to February. Read more about the Badra wildlife Sanctuary here

(photo copyright: yathin)

Sharavathi Valley Wildlife Sanctuary

This is located in Sagar Taluk. It has evergreen and semi-evergreen forests with its east boundary adjoining the Linganamakki Reservoir.

Sharavathi River ValleyThe main animals here are gaurs and groups of lion-tailed macaque. Other mammals include tiger, leopard (black panther), wild dog, jackal, sloth bear, spotted deer, Sambar deer, barking deer, mouse deer, wild pig, common Langur, bonnet macaque, Malabar giant squirrel, giant flying squirrel, porcupine, otters and pangolins. Reptiles include king cobra, python, rat snake, crocodile and monitor lizard.

Avian species found here are three species of hornbill, Asian Paradise-flycatcher, Racket-tailed Drongo, Blue-throated Barbet and Lories. 

The backwaters of the Sharavathi Wildlife Sanctuary offer excellent opportunities for water sports.

(Photo Credit: deepsan)

Gudavi Bird Sanctuary

This is located in Sorab Taluk and located in a dense forest area.

Water birds in the sanctuary include the White Ibis, Darter, Little cormorant, Indian Stag, Cattle Egret, Little egret, Large Egret, Spoonbill, Herons, Pheasant-tailed Jacana, Purple Swamphen, Common Sandpiper, Plover, and so on.  An average of about 8000 white ibis is known to visit this sanctuary every year.

Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary

The Sanctuary lies adjacent to Shimoga town and has forests ranging from dry deciduous to semi-evergreen.

Mammals in the sanctuary include tiger, leopard, wild dog, jackal, gaur, elephant, sloth bear, Sambar deer, spotted deer, wild pig, common Langur, bonnet macaque, common mongoose, striped-necked mongoose, porcupine, Malabar giant squirrel, giant flying squirrel and pangolin.

 Python, cobra, king cobra, rat snake and marsh crocodile are among the reptiles found in the sanctuary. Birds include hornbills, kingfishers, bulbuls, parakeets, doves, pigeons, kingfishers, babblers, flycatchers, mynas, swallows, woodpeckers, peafowl, jungle fowl and partridges. 

A tiger and lion safari is at a place called Tavarekoppa.

Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary

The Bird Sanctuary is located on the NH-13 at a distance of 30 km. from Shivamogga town on the way to Thirthahalli.

This is a small island surrounded by Tunga River and the birds found here are median egret, cormorant, darter and snakebird.

Tavarekoppa Lion Safari

The Safari lies about 10 km. from Shivamogga town on the way to Sagar. Lions, tigers and deer are housed here in an enclosed area and a safari is organised.

Sakrebailu Elephant Camp

Sakrebailu Elephant Camp is 14 km. from Shivamogga town on the way to Thirthahalli. This is a training camp where elephants undergo training and get domesticated.

Also see:

Shimoga Waterfalls

Hills and adventure destinations in Shimoga

Dams and reservoirs in Shimoga

Temples of Shimoga

or Return to tourist attractions in Shimoga

Other Wild life sanctuaries in Karnataka:

Bandipur National Park

Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuary