Famous Tiger Reserves to Visit in Karnataka
Are you a wildlife fanatic? Then head to Karnataka. Why? There are over 10 tiger reserves in Karnataka, and each one of them gives you a unique experience and memories for life. Heading to these wildlife sanctuaries is a great way to step away from the chaos of the city and spend some time in nature. From the famous Nagarhole Tiger Reserve to the beautiful Bandipur National Park, you can visit so many sanctuaries here and not feel monotonous.
In Karnataka’s wildlife sanctuaries and parks, you will find 25% of the tiger population and 20% of the elephant population. Yet, you will also see various bird species, not known to common people, and reptiles too. So, if you are a wildlife lover, head to Karnataka today and spend some time spotting the wildlife through jeep or bus, or boat safaris or even trekking.
15 Famous Tiger Reserves to Visit in Karnataka
1. Nagarhole Tiger Reserve
- Safari Cost: INR 10,000 (Indians), INR 14,000 (Foreign nationals)- Jeep safari; Bus safari- INR 700 (Indians), 1200 (Foreign nationals)
- Wildlife: Tigers, elephants, bird species and more.
- Safari Duration: 1-3 hours
- Area Covered: 643 sq km
- Best Time to visit: October to May
- Distance from Airport: Mysore airport, 98 km away.
- How to reach: Reach Mysore and take a taxi or local bus to reach the tiger reserve.
Nagarhole Tiger Reserve is one of the largest tiger reserves in Karnataka in terms of size. Due to the location in the Western Ghats and many streams like the Kabini River flowing through it, the reserve has a rich biodiversity. The main attraction is obviously the Bengal Tigers. But there are other species here too, like Indian elephants and numerous bird species. Tourists will love going on the Jeep or bus safari. Or you can also take a coracle or boat safari to enjoy the wildlife from the river. It is a must-visit for all wildlife lovers.
2. Bandipur Tiger Reserve
- Safari Cost: INR 3000/person (Jeep Safari)
- Wildlife: Antelopes, gaurs, spotted deer and more.
- Safari Duration: 1-3 hours
- Area Covered: 872.24 square km
- Best Time to visit: October to March
- Distance from Airport: 63.9 km from Mysore airport
- How to reach: Reach the airport in Mysore and take a cab or bus to the national park.
Bandipur National Park is the largest national park in Karnataka and is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It was a hunting ground previously but is now a tiger reserve to safeguard their dwindling population. The national park is home to many species, like wild boars, deer species, leopards, antelope, gaurs, and more. The landscape includes grasslands, hills, and dry deciduous forests. The diverse habitat is the reason the wildlife here is so divergent. Go for jeep safaris or bus safaris, or take an elephant safari here, enjoying and exploring the wildlife.
3. Kabini National Park
- Safari Cost: INR 2,500 per person
- Wildlife: Tigers, Black Panther, Leopards, birds and more.
- Safari Duration: 1-3 hours
- Area Covered: 642.39 square km
- Best Time to visit: November to February
- Distance from Airport: 61.8 km from Mysore airport
- How to reach: Reach Mysore airport from your destination and head to Kabini via a bus or private taxi.
Kabini National Park situated on the banks of Kabini River is a beautiful wildlife destination with rich biodiversity. It was also a hunting ground previously but now it is a refuge for not just tigers but Indian elephants too. You will also find many bird species here. You can enjoy a boat safari on the Kabini river to see marsh crocodiles or sea birds and more. Jeep safari and bus safari are massively famous here.
4. BRT Wildlife Sanctuary
- Safari Cost: INR 350 per person
- Wildlife: Tigers, elephants, bird species, and more.
- Safari Duration: 40-45 minutes
- Area Covered: 539.52 square km
- Best Time to visit: April to June
- Distance from Airport: 90 km from Mysore domestic airport.
- How to reach: Fly to Mysore and take a bus or cab to BRT wildlife sanctuary.
Biligiri Rangana Hills (BRT) Wildlife Sanctuary is a mix of diverse ecosystems and cultural heritage. It spans over 500 sq km and is situated at the site of the Eastern and Western Ghats meeting. The grassland and forests are ideal for many species of animals, like birds, elephants, and tigers. Also, you will find a few indigenous tribes here. Wildlife safaris and trekking are one of the best ways to explore the wildlife here.
5. Kali Tiger Reserve
- Safari Cost: INR 2,500- 3,000
- Wildlife: King Cobra, Python, Black Panther and more.
- Safari Duration: 2 hours
- Area Covered: 1346 square km
- Best Time to visit: October to April
- Distance from Airport:71.3 km from Goa
- How to reach: Reach either Goa or Hubli and take a cab from there to the park.
Kali Tiger Reserve in Uttara Kannada district is rich in flora and fauna. The diverse habitat here, including the grasslands and forests, is ideal for the animals here, like tigers, elephants, gaurs, and reptiles. The Kali River here adds to the charm and is ideal for nature walks and boat rides. It is one of the best tiger reserves in Karnataka for wildlife photography. It is also known to be one of the reserves to have a black Panther roaming freely in the entire Asian subcontinent. King Cobra and Python are also found here, so reptile lovers will surely find the reserve appealing.
6. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
- Safari Cost: INR 400 (adults), INR 200 (Child), INR 1200 (Foreign Nationals)- Jeep Safari; Bus Safari- INR 300 per person; Boat safari- INR 800-2000
- Wildlife: Tigers, Indian Civet, barking and sambar deer and more.
- Safari Duration: 2 hours
- Area Covered: 892 square km
- Best Time to visit: October to May
- Distance from Airport: 185 from Mangalore Domestic Airport.
- How to reach: Reach the Mangalore airport or take a train to Kadur Junction. From these two places, take a cab to the park.
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is a hidden gem in Karnataka and is part of Bhadra River Valley. The picturesque landscapes make it ideal for a diverse array of wildlife, including leopards, elephants, and bird species. The coffee plantation and rolling hills are also an appeal. You can go trekking or take a Jeep safari to explore the wildlife sanctuary here. Many researchers come here to study the different animals and flora species.
7. Dandeli National Park
- Safari Cost: INR 400 per person
- Wildlife: Crocodiles, Black Panther, and various bird species.
- Safari Duration: 1-2 hours
- Area Covered: 834 square km
- Best Time to visit: October to May and January to March
- Distance from Airport: 56 km from Hubli airport.
- How to reach: Travel to Belgaum Airport and take a bus or cab from there to the park.
Dandeli National Park is known for its diverse wildlife and is home to elephants, tigers, black Panther, crocodiles, and many bird species like golden-backed woodpeckers and more. The Kali river here makes for an ideal place for white-water rafting. It is also a great place for birdwatchers. Apart from wildlife safaris, you can go camping and trekking here. It is one of the best places in Karnataka to experience its natural beauty.
8. Mudumalai National Park
- Safari Cost: INR 340 (bus safari); INR 4200 (Jeep safari); INR 1120 (Elephant safari)
- Wildlife: flying lizards, Bengal tigers, Asian pit vipers, and more.
- Safari Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Area Covered: 321 square km
- Best Time to visit: October to May
- Distance from Airport: 127 km from Coimbatore airport.
- How to reach: Reach Mysore or Coimbatore airport and take a bus or cab from here to the national park.
Mudumalai National Park borders Tamil Nadu and Karnataka and is a hotspot in Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The open grasslands and dense forested areas are home to many animals like tigers, Indian elephants, gaurs, and more. From jeep safaris to elephant safaris to birdwatching or nature walks, you can explore the wildlife here in many ways. There are also 498 species of plants here, along with flying lizards, Bengal tigers, Asian pit vipers, and more.
9. Kudremukh National Park
- Safari Cost: INR 600 (adults); INR 200 (Kids)- Jeep safari; INR 250 (adults), INR 100 (children)- Bus safari
- Wildlife: Malabar gray hornbill, lion-tailed macaque and more.
- Safari Duration: 1-2 hours
- Area Covered: 600 square km
- Best Time to visit: October to February
- Distance from Airport: 130 km from Mangalore airport.
- How to reach: Arrive at Mangalore airport and head to the national park via bus or cab.
Kudremukh National Park, named after the Kudremukh Peak, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its dramatic landscapes. There are deep valleys, rolling hills, and diverse ecosystems appealing to all wildlife lovers. It is home to many endangered species like Malabar Gray Hornbill and more. The scenic views also include Hanumangundi and Kadambi waterfalls. The breathtaking views, along with the option to trek to Kudremukh Peak or explore the wildlife on safari, are simply the best experience here.
10. Bannerghatta National Park
- Safari Cost: INR 3,500 (Jeep safari); INR 400 (Tiger & Lion safari)
- Wildlife: Butterflies, birds and tigers.
- Safari Duration: 40-50 minutes
- Area Covered: 260 square km
- Best Time to visit: October and June
- Distance from Airport: 47 km from Bangalore airport
- How to reach: Reach Kempegowda International Airport and take a cab to the national park.
It is the smallest tiger reserve in Karnataka and is known for wildlife and urban proximity. The park has a sanctuary, biological park and a butterfly park. The many species here include lions, tigers and elephants. There are safari rides, educational programs, nature trails and more making it an ideal destination for families. The diverse habitat here makes it perfect for flora and fauna. The Butterfly park is quite famous amidst kids and there is a museum here too.
11. Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary
- Safari Cost: INR 250-300 per person
- Wildlife: Giant flying squirrels, leopards, Indian porcupine and more.
- Safari Duration: 1 hour
- Area Covered: 370 square km
- Best Time to visit: November to March
- Distance from Airport: 140 km from Mangalore airport
- How to reach: Reach Mangalore airport and take a bus or cab from here to reach the wildlife sanctuary.
Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary in Western Ghats is named after the famous Mookambika Temple. The wildlife sanctuary has dense forests, diverse ecosystems, and rolling hills. The many species here include elephants, bird species, and deer. It is known for being a haven for bird-watchers. The sanctuary is also known for its unique flora and medicinal plants. Apart from Jeep Safari, you can go trekking here and even go on nature trails. This is a good sanctuary for conserving the animals.
12. Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary
- Wildlife: Foxes, tigers, spotted deer and more.
- Area Covered: 190.42 square km
- Best Time to visit: November to February
- Distance from Airport: 57 km from Belgaum domestic airport.
- How to reach: Head either to Belgaum domestic airport or Khanapur station and take buses from there to reach the sanctuary.
Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its rich biodiversity and rugged terrain. One of the best tiger reserves in Karnataka, it is home to Indian Bison, Black Panther, and more. The diverse ecosystems, from dense forests to open grasslands, support the growth of much flora and fauna here. It is also important for protecting the watershed of the Mahadayi River. It is preserved in its natural form because of low tourist activity due to low infrastructure.
13. Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary
- Safari Cost: INR 50 (adults); INR 25 (Children)
- Wildlife: Barking deer, Giant Squirrel, Jungle Cat, Sloth Bear, Spotted Deer, Elephant, Python, Cobra, Black Bulbul, Malabar Trogon and more.
- Safari Duration: 2-3 hours
- Area Covered: 181 square km
- Best Time to visit: October to February
- Distance from Airport: 120 km from Mysore airport
- How to reach: Reach Mysore airport and take a cab or bus to the park.
One of the best tiger reserves in Karnataka is Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, situated in Coorg amidst beautiful landscapes and rich biodiversity. Covering a good space, the rolling hills, diverse ecosystems, and lush forests will enthrall you. Apart from tigers, you will spot many other wildlife species here, like elephants, birds, and reptile species like cobras and Pythons. It is seriously one of the best spaces for wildlife lovers. Apart from an open-jeep safari, you can go trekking here or simply connect with nature and take beautiful photographs.
14. Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary
- Safari Cost: INR 400 per person
- Wildlife: Barking deer, Boars, elephants, Tigers and more.
- Safari Duration: 1-2 hours
- Area Covered: 1027.53 square km
- Best Time to visit: November to March
- Distance from Airport: 231 km from Bangalore Airport
- How to reach: Reach the Bangalore airport and take a cab or bus to reach the wildlife sanctuary.
Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, situated on the banks of the majestic Cauvery River, spans over 1000 square kilometers. The rich biodiversity here appeals to nature and wildlife lovers. The sanctuary is known for its wildlife, which of course includes tigers. Apart from this, there are elephants and many species of deer waiting to be spotted. The landscape here is different, including scrublands, wetlands, and forests. Thus, it is a rich habitat for both flora and fauna to flourish. From jeep safari to trekking, you can explore the wildlife in two distinct ways and get an adrenaline rush watching the animals in their natural habitat.
15. Arabithittu Wildlife Sanctuary
- Safari Cost: INR 400 (adults); INR 200 (Children)
- Wildlife: 230 species of birds, elephants, and leopards.
- Safari Duration: 1-2 hours
- Area Covered: 13.5 sq km.
- Best Time to visit: Late October to April
- Distance from Airport: 170 km from Bangalore International Airport
- How to reach: Reach the Bangalore International Airport and head to the sanctuary via a cab or public transport.
Arabithittu Wildlife Sanctuary is a hidden gem in Karnataka spans 13 square kilometers and is part of Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary. It is situated amidst lush forests and is home to many species of wildlife like leopards, elephants, and over 230 bird species. The riverine and deciduous ecosystems make it a perfect spot for birdwatchers and lovers. Apart from going on a jeep safari to explore the wildlife, you can also head on nature trails to explore the rich biodiversity of one of the best tiger reserves in Karnataka.
16. Sharavathi Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
- Wildlife: tigers, spotted deer, bison, Panthers, species of butterflies, and more.
- Area Covered: 431.23 sq. km.
- Best Time to Visit: September to April
- Distance from the Airport: 185 km from Mangalore International Airport
- How to reach: You can either reach here by reaching the Mangalore International Airport or Talaguppa Railway station and drive to the sanctuary. From Bangalore, you can drive covering 417 km.
Sharavathi Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in the Western Ghats is known for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes. Spread over a massive area of 430 sq km, it is home to many endangered species like the Malabar Grey Hornbill and Lion-tailed Macaque. The dense forests, rich flora, and steep hills make it one of the best places for trekkers and nature enthusiasts. The trekking route is full of many birds, so birdwatching is quite popular here. Also, the Sharavathi River is ideal for indulging in kayaking or enjoying a coracle ride.
Piyush Nirban
Piyush is a dedicated writer for nagarhole.org, specializing in Nagarhole National Park and its diverse wildlife. With deep expertise in India’s national parks and safaris, he offers valuable insights into the country’s natural wonders. His passion for nature and years of exploring India’s wilderness enrich his articles, engaging fellow wildlife enthusiasts.