Karnataka had an estimated 563 tigers in the 2022 assessment, second only to Madhya Pradesh, and it is home to the largest number of wild Asian elephants in India. Its five tiger reserves are Bandipur, Nagarhole, Bhadra, Biligiri Ranganatha Temple (BRT) and Kali.
Bandipur and Nagarhole lie in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, joining Mudumalai in Tamil Nadu and Wayanad in Kerala to form one of Asia's largest protected forest blocks. Both are within about four to five hours of Bengaluru.
Quick answer
Karnataka's main wildlife destinations are Kabini, on the edge of Nagarhole National Park, known for elephants, tigers and leopards; Bandipur National Park on the Mysuru to Ooty road; Bhadra Tiger Reserve near Chikmagalur; BR Hills; and Dandeli in Kali Tiger Reserve for hornbills. Most parks run safaris all year, though some close or reduce drives in the monsoon; October to May is the main season.
Key takeaways
- Karnataka had an estimated 563 tigers in 2022, second in India.
- It has the largest wild Asian elephant population of any state.
- Kabini is best from March to June, when elephants gather on the backwaters.
- Safaris are run by the forest department and Jungle Lodges and Resorts.
- Ranganathittu near Mysuru is a nesting colony for storks and pelicans.
Wildlife places in Karnataka
| Place | Status | Known for | Gateway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nagarhole and Kabini | National park and tiger reserve | Elephants, tigers, leopards | Mysuru |
| Bandipur | National park and tiger reserve | Tigers, elephants, gaur | Mysuru, Gundlupet |
| Bhadra | Tiger reserve | Forest, river, birds | Chikmagalur |
| BR Hills | Tiger reserve | Hills, temples, elephants | Chamarajanagar |
| Dandeli (Kali Tiger Reserve) | Tiger reserve | Hornbills, river trips | Hubballi |
| Daroji | Sloth bear sanctuary | Sloth bears | Hampi |
| Ranganathittu | Bird sanctuary | Nesting waterbirds | Mysuru, Srirangapatna |
Highlights
Kabini
The backwaters of the Kabini reservoir, on the edge of Nagarhole, draw elephant herds in the dry months. Jeep and boat safaris run from the Kabini side.
Bandipur
Dry deciduous forest on the road from Mysuru to Ooty, with bus and jeep safaris from the forest department reception.
Bhadra
A quieter tiger reserve with a reservoir, in coffee country near Chikmagalur.
Dandeli
Evergreen forest along the Kali river, known for great hornbills and river activities.
Daroji
A sloth bear sanctuary near Hampi, with a watchtower above rocky hills; bears are usually seen in the late afternoon.
How safaris are booked
- Forest department safaris (jeep and bus) are booked online or at the reception centres, depending on the park.
- Jungle Lodges and Resorts, the state's eco-tourism company, runs lodges at Kabini, Bhadra, Dandeli and elsewhere, with safaris included.
- Private lodges book safaris through the permitted channels.
- Night traffic on the Bandipur highway is restricted to protect wildlife; plan road journeys by day.
Tips
- Book Jungle Lodges and Kabini lodges early for March to June, the busiest season.
- Try both a jeep and a boat safari at Kabini; the boat brings you close to elephants on the shore.
- Avoid driving through Bandipur after dark; night traffic is restricted.
- Pack for sudden showers even outside the monsoon.
When to go
| Months | What to expect |
|---|---|
| October to February | Green and pleasant; good birding |
| March to June | Dry; elephants on the Kabini backwaters; best sightings |
| July to September | Monsoon; some parks run fewer drives; lush forest |
Where to stay and how long
Kabini has the widest choice of lodges, from Jungle Lodges' river lodge to luxury camps. Bandipur has forest department cottages and resorts along the highway. Two nights in one park allows four drives; a week can cover Kabini, Bandipur and Mudumalai, or Kabini and Coorg.
A sample route from Bengaluru
| Days | Plan |
|---|---|
| 1 | Drive to Kabini (about five hours) |
| 2 to 3 | Jeep and boat safaris at Kabini |
| 4 to 5 | Bandipur, with drives in the forest |
| 6 | Mysuru and Ranganathittu, then back to Bengaluru |
Safety
- Sightings are never guaranteed; plan several drives and enjoy the forest itself.
- Stay in the vehicle on safaris and follow your guide.
- Book permits only through official forest department portals or trusted operators.
- Never feed animals or leave litter in a park.
- Elephants have right of way on forest roads; keep your distance and never honk.
What to pack
- Neutral clothes
- Binoculars
- Light rain jacket
- Insect repellent
Ready to plan your wildlife escape?
FAQs
Which is the best wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka?
Kabini (Nagarhole) and Bandipur are the most popular; Bhadra and Dandeli are quieter.
When is the best time for Kabini?
March to June, when elephants gather on the backwaters, though parks are open most of the year.
How many tigers does Karnataka have?
An estimated 563 in 2022, second in India after Madhya Pradesh.
Can I see a black leopard in Kabini?
A melanistic leopard lives in the Kabini area, but sightings are never assured.
Where can I see sloth bears in Karnataka?
At Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary near Hampi.
