The exotic colorful birds, splendid flora varieties and numerous species of fauna constitute the Karnataka's greens and wildlife sanctuaries that accommodate thousands of mammals, birds, reptiles and insects including those that belong to several endangered species. Endowed with resplendent blessings of Nature, the sublime, solemn and spellbinding yet dangerous beauty of Karnataka challenges one to venture further and deeper into the woods.
The large forest tracts south of the Vindhyas and the vast forests of South Karnataka are just the tight place to experience Nature in its true form. Some of the most notable wildlife sanctuaries and national parks of Karnataka include B.R. Hills Wildlife Sanctuary situated in the hilly tracts, 5091 feet above sea level and Gaurs and Chitals as its main attractions, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary stretching over Chikmaglur and Shimoga districts of Karnataka and Great Indian Gaurs and Barking Deers as its chief highlights, Dandeli Kali Wildlife Sanctuary known mainly because of its crocodiles and is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka stretching across 5729.07 sq km, Ranganthittu Bird Sanctuary and enjoy angling and fishing camps at Bheemeshwari wildlife sanctuary featuring dangerous Masheer fish. Nagarahole and Bandipur National Park together were once a part of Wynad and stretch across an area of more than 1,500 sq km. The convenient base to reach them is through Mysore.
Bandipur Wildlife Sacntuary
The Gaur. Part of the lushly-forested Deccan Plateau, Bandipur, in Karnataka, offers a rich and varied wildlife habitat. It is a part of a larger national park, which also includes the neighbouring wildlife sanctuaries, of Mudumalaiin Tamil Nadu and Wynad in Kerala. This sanctuary is one of the 15 sanctuaries selected across India for Project Tiger, a scheme launched in 1973, by the World Wildlife Fund for Nature, to save the tiger and its habitat.Bannerghatta Wildlife Sanctuary
Established in 1971, the Bannerghatta National Park lies 22 kms. from Bangalore. Teeming with exotic species of wildlife, the park boasts of an astonishing variety of trees like sandal, jalari, chujjullu, neem, tamarind, zizyphus amongst others. The 104 sq km-park includes ten reserve forests of Anekal Range of the Bangalore Forest Division. It is surrounded by scenic hills, with many ancient temples perched on them.Nagarahole Wildlife Sanctuary
Nagarahole is derived from the combination of two Kannada words-'nagar' meaning snake and 'hole' meaning streams and true to its name a number of streams snake through its rich tropical forests.Nagarahole is situated in the picturesque districts of Kodagu and Mysore in southern Karnataka. The Nagarahole National Park was first set up in 1955. In 1975 its area was increased to include a greater expanse of forest reserve.
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
When you take a holiday to Ranganthittu, you're treated to some glorious sights. Yes, the Sanctuary here is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. Just glance around and you'll find a host of surprises.Crocodiles basking under the sun, otters running free, flocks of birds gathered on tiny islands, all these make Ranganthittu a visual delight. And the excitement continues. Wherever you turn, you'll find exotic birds.