15 Famous Tiger Reserves to Visit in Karnataka

Wildlife is becoming more and more inaccessible in the current urban lifestyle. The best way to explore is through safaris in national parks. One of the major tourist attractions in Karnataka is the National Parks and wildlife sanctuaries. The state houses around 20% of India’s total tiger population and 25% of elephants.

Are you a fan of wildlife? A trip to Karnataka is what you need. The article is a rundown of the different destinations famous for tiger safaris in Karnataka you must check out on your trip.

Listed below are some of the top Karnataka tiger safaris that are considered a paradise for wildlife and nature lovers:

1. Bandipur National Park

source: tripadvisor

Bandipur National Park is a famous Karnataka tiger safari. It is nestled amidst the Western Ghats and falls on the Mysore-Ooty highway. This park protects many threatened species and is considered ideal for nature and bird lovers.

Besides tigers, you can spot Indian elephants, gaurs, antelopes, spotted deer and more. In the ancient days, the Maharaja of Mysore used this site as a private hunting spot. 

• Area Covered: 872.24 square km
• Best Time to Visit: Between October to March
• Average Time to Spend: two days
• Operational Hours:
  • Bus safari timing: 6:30 am to 9:00 am and 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm
  • Jeep safari timing: 6:00 am to 9:00 am and 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm (Private vehicles are not allowed)
  • Elephant safari timing: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
• Distance from Airport: 63.9 km away from Mysore airport
• Entry Fee:
  • Jeep safari: ₹3000 per person
  • Entry + safari costs for foreigners: ₹1100 per person
• How to reach: Fly to Mysore airport or take a train to Nanjangud station. Here, you will find ample KSRTC buses to this park.

2. Kabini Nagarhole National Park

source: toiimg

One of the oldest tiger reserves in Karnataka, Kabini Nagarhole National Park attracts tourists throughout the year. This site, regarded as animal heaven, encompasses streams, valleys, dense forests and waterfalls.

Major attractions of the park include Indian leopards and Bengal tigers. You can also find Indian leopards, striped hyenas, sloths, deers etc. The sanctuary resembles a natural jungle, allowing you to explore animals hunting and roaming.

• Area Covered: 642.39 square km
• Best Time to Visit: Between November to February. It can also be visited in April and May
• Average Time to Spend: 4 days and 3 nights
• Operational Hours: 
  • Regular park timing: 6:45 am to 6:00 pm
  • Jeep safari timing: 5:30 am to 10:00 am and 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm
  • Boat safari timing: 9:00 am to 11:00 am and 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm
  • Bus safari timing: 6:00 am to 9:00 am and 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm
  • Coracle safari timing: 9:00 am to 11:00 am and 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm
• Distance from Airport: 61.8 km away from the Mysore Airport
• Entry Fee: 
  • Indians: ₹250 per adult and ₹125 per child
  • Foreigners: ₹1500 per person
  • For carrying a still camera: ₹200 per person
• How to reach: From Kempegowda International Airport, reach Mysore via NICE road. Here, you will find buses and cabs to this park. 

3. BRT Wildlife Sanctuary

source: adda247

Biligiri Ranganatha Swamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary or (BRT) wildlife sanctuary is nestled at the border of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. In 2011, this BRT wildlife sanctuary was turned into a tiger reserve by the Karnataka Government.

As the sanctuary is located at the confluence of Eastern and Western Ghats, you can see diverse floral and faunal species here. The sanctuary harbours different species like barking deer, chital, sambhar etc.

• Area Covered: 539.52 square km
• Best Time to Visit: Between April to June
• Average Time to Spend: 1 to 2 days
• Operational Hours: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm (Safari timing starts from 6:30 am to 8:00 am and 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm)
• Distance from Airport: Mysore domestic airport (90 km away from the sanctuary)
• Entry Fee: ₹250 per person
  • Vehicle fee: ₹100
  • Bus safari: ₹350
• How to reach: To reach this sanctuary, you can take buses from the Mysore domestic airport.

4. Kali Tiger Reserve

Plan a Tiger safari tour in Karnataka in the Kali Tiger Reserve. Formerly named the Anshi National Park, Kali tiger reserve is among the popular wildlife-protected reserve. This is the only site in Asia where you can spot a black panther roaming freely in its natural habitat.

You can also witness different species like Malabar hornbills, king cobra, python, Indian bison etc. In addition, you can engage in different adventure activities.

• Area Covered: 1346 square km
• Best Time to Visit: Between October to April
• Average Time to Spend: 2 to 3 days
• Operational Hours: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm (Morning Safari timing: 6:00 am to 8:00 am and evening safari timing: 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm)
• Distance from Airport: 71.3 km away from Goa airport
• Entry Fee:
  • Indian visitors: ₹40
  • Foreign visitors: ₹80 per foreigner
  • Safari costs: Between ₹2500 and ₹3000
• How to reach: State Highway 46 connects with this park. You can reach this road from Hubli domestic airport and then take a bus or cab.

5. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

source: karnatakatourism

Another famous tiger sanctuary in Karnataka is the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. It is located amidst the Western Ghats. The serenity of the place is enhanced by the presence of a lofty hill range and vegetation.

This site is heaven for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. You will be gathering an unforgettable safari experience here. One of the prime attractions of the site is the massive teak tree named Jagera.

• Area Covered: 892 square km
• Best Time to Visit: Between October to May
• Average Time to Spend: around 2 days
• Operational Hours:
  • Morning safari timing: starts from 6:30 am to 8:30 am
  • Evening safari timing: 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
• Distance from Airport: 185 km away from Mangalore Domestic Airport.
• Entry Fee:
  • Jeep safari rates: ₹400 per adult, ₹200 per child under 10 years and ₹1200 for foreign nationals.
  • Canter or bus safari cost: ₹300 per person
  • Boat safari rates range between: ₹800 to ₹2000
• How to reach: Fly to Mangalore Domestic Airport or take a train to Kadur Junction. Then, take buses or hire cabs to this park.

6. Dandeli National Park

source: insideindianjungles

Dandeli National Park is an amazing wildlife safari destination in Karnataka. It houses numerous species and boasts picturesque landscapes. In addition, the site is dear to animals like elephants, crocodiles, etc.

You can also catch sights of many birds like golden-backed woodpeckers, Malabar pied hornbills etc. Furthermore, Dandeli wildlife sanctuary and Anshi National Park were granted the status of tiger reserve.

• Area Covered: 834 square km
• Best Time to Visit: Between October to May or January to March
• Average Time to Spend: 1 to 2 days
• Operational Hours: Open all day long (Morning jungle Safari timing starts from 6:00 am to 8:30 am and evening jungle safari is from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm)
• Distance from Airport: 56 km away from Hubli Airport
• Entry Fee: 
  • Indians: ₹40
  • Foreigners: ₹80
  • Jungle safari costs: ₹400 per person
• How to reach: The best way to reach this park is by travelling to Belgaum Airport and then taking a bus or cab to this park.

7. Mudumalai National Park

source: wikimedia

Mudumalai National Park stands out for housing a large population of tigers and elephants. Besides this, you can also spot 266 different species of birds and 498 plant species. Even the park houses endangered species like white-rumped vultures, long-billed vultures etc.

You can also spot different reptiles in the park which includes Asian pit vipers, spectacled cobra, python, monitor lizard, flying lizard etc. This park was declared a tiger reserve, protecting the Bengal tiger from getting extinct.

• Area Covered: 321 square km
• Best Time to Visit: Between October to May
• Average Time to Spend: 1 day
• Operational Hours: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm (Forest safari timing: 6:30 am to 9:00 pm and 3:30 pm to 6:00 pm)
• Distance from Airport: 127 km away from Coimbatore Airport.
• Entry Fee:
  • For Indians: ₹30 per person
  • For bus safari and jeep safari: ₹340 and ₹4200 respectively
  • For elephant safari: ₹1120
• How to reach: After arriving at Mysore airport, you can find buses or cabs that will bring you to this park.

8. Kudremukh National Park

source: karnatakatourism

Kudremukh National Park is located amidst the Western Ghats in the Kudremukh mountain range. You can enjoy the scenic beauty of lush green forests and submerge into the tranquillity of Kadambi and Hanumangundi waterfalls.

Besides witnessing a thriving animal population, you can also see nature at its best. This place has many hiking and trekking paths, proving ideal for adventure enthusiasts.

• Area Covered: 600 square km
• Best Time to Visit: Between October to February
• Average Time to Spend: You can stay there for 2 to 3 days
• Operational Hours: Opened throughout the year
• Distance from Airport: 130 km away from Mangalore airport.
• Entry Fee:
  • Indians - ₹200
  • Foreigners - ₹ 1000
• How to reach: First, arrive at Mangalore airport, and then take a bus or cab to this park.

9. Bannerghatta National Park

source: bangaloretourism

You can go on a tiger safari in Karnataka in Bannerghatta National Park. This national park is one of the alluring sites which is nestled at the foothills of the Anekal range. The park houses a wide variety of fauna like white tiger, spotted deer, Bengal tiger, zebra and more.

Also, the butterfly park is worth visiting. Here, you will be able to see the butterfly conservatory, audio-visual room and museum.

• Area Covered: 260 square km
• Best Time to Visit: Between October and June
• Average Time to Spend: 1 day
• Operational Hours: 9:30 am to 5:00 pm (Grand safari timing: 10:00 am to 4:30 pm (this includes tiger, bear, and lion safari)
• Distance from Airport: About 47 km from Bengaluru International Airport
• Entry Fee:
  • Indian adults: ₹80
  • Indian children: ₹40
  • Senior citizens: ₹50
  • Foreigner adults: ₹400
  • Foreigner children: ₹300
• How to reach: The best way to reach this park is by arriving at Bengaluru International Airport or Jayaprakash Nagara station and then looking for buses to this park.

10. Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary

source: whatshot

Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary is another protected sanctuary in Southern Karnataka. You can also see dry grasslands and moist mixed deciduous forests. The diverse fauna which you can spot here are sloth bears, tigers, leopards, Indian porcupines, bonnet macaques, giant flying squirrels etc.

The serene beauty of nature is enhanced by the presence of perennial Souparnika and Chakra Rivers that flow amidst this sanctuary.

• Area Covered: 370 square km
• Best Time to Visit: Between November to March
• Average Time to Spend: 1 day
• Operational Hours: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
• Distance from Airport: 140 km away from Mangalore (Bajpe) Airport
• Entry Fee: No entry fee (Jeep safari: ₹250-₹300)
• How to reach: You can fly to Mangalore Airport. Then, you can find buses and cabs that will take you to this park.

11. Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary

source: nithinbiliya

Another place where you can enjoy a tiger safari in Karnataka is the Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary. It falls among the protected region in the Western Ghats. This site is surrounded by grasslands and woodlands which house a large population of tigers, sambar, leopards, spotted deer, foxes and other threatened species.

The dense forest in this site is part of a significant tiger corridor.

• Area Covered: 190.42 square km
• Best Time to Visit: Between November to February
• Average Time to Spend: 3 to 4 hours
• Operational Hours: Throughout the day
• Distance from Airport: 57 km away from Belgaum Domestic Airport
• Entry Fee:
  • Indian adults: ₹800
  • Indian children: ₹500
  • Foreigners: ₹ 1000
• How to reach: Reach Khanapur Station or Belgaum Domestic Airport. Then, you can get buses or cabs.

12. Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary

source: holidify

Brahmagiri wildlife sanctuary got its name from Brahmagiri Peak. The beauty of the place is enhanced by the presence of steep valleys, cardamom and coffee plantations. Even this site houses two reserve forest areas: Urty and Brahmagiri.

Some of the mammals that you can spot here are tigers, Indian elephants, Malabar Mongooses, wild pigs, lion-tailed macaques, leopard cats, Malabar giant squirrels, porcupines, etc.

• Area Covered: 181 square km
• Best Time to Visit: Between October to February
• Average Time to Spend: 2-3 hours
• Operational Hours: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
• Distance from Airport: 120 km away from Mysore airport
• Entry Fee:
  • Adults: ₹50
  • Children: ₹25
• How to reach: From Mysore airport, you will find ample buses and cabs that will help you reach this park.

13. Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary

source: assettype

The Cauvery wildlife sanctuary is one of the significant national parks in Karnataka. This sanctuary has gained the name the River Cauvery that flows amidst the park. This sanctuary became an essential part of the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve.

Some common sights of animals are tigers, wild boars, barking deer, elephants etc. Besides being an idyllic wildlife safari destination, it is an amazing trekking site as well.

• Area Covered:  1027.53 square km
• Best Time to Visit: Between November to March
• Average Time to Spend: Around 2 days
• Operational Hours: Safari timing starts from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm
• Distance from Airport: 231 km away from Bangalore airport.
• Entry Fee: ₹ 150 per person
• How to reach: From Bangalore airport, you can drive to Mysore. From there, you will find buses and other public transport to this park.

14. Arabithittu Wildlife Sanctuary

source: bangalore247

Arabithittu Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Mysore, Karnataka houses different species of flora and fauna. The eucalyptus and sandalwood plantation adorns the site. You will also be able to see the scrub forest.

The site is a habitat for tigers, common mongooses, leopards, porcupines, spotted deer, foxes, wild pigs etc. You will also be able to see 230 different species of birds.

• Area Covered:  13.5 square km
• Best Time to Visit: Between December to February
• Average Time to Spend: 1 to 2 hours
• Operational Hours: Safari timing starts from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
• Distance from Airport: 170 km away from Bangalore airport
• Entry Fee:
  • Indians: ₹50
  • Foreigners: ₹300
  • Jeep safari: ₹400 (for adults) and ₹ 200 (for children)
• How to reach: You can reach this sanctuary by flying to Bangalore airport and then taking a bus or other public transport.

15. Sharavathi Valley Wildlife Sanctuary

source: googleusercontent

Sharavathi Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is another prominent wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka. The site got its name from the Sharavathi River amidst it. You will find different exotic species of animals over here which includes tigers, leopards, Malabar giant squirrels etc. This place is home to different species of birds and butterflies as well.

• Area Covered:  930 square km
• Best Time to Visit: Between September to April
• Average Time to Spend: 1 to 2 days
• Operational Hours: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm
• Distance from Airport: 216 km away from Mangalore airport
• Entry Fee: NA
• How to reach: From Mangalore airport, take buses or cabs to reach this sanctuary.