Situated
at a height of 5,091 feet above sea level, this sanctuary spreads over an
area of 540 sq. kms. and is situated between the Cauvery and Tungabhadra
rivers in Karnataka. About 80 kms from Mysore, the picturesque hill range
has rich variety of flora and fauna with heaving hills and valleys covered
in deciduous forests and Sholas. The hills derive their name from the
ancient Ranganatha Swamy Temple which is believed to be more than 2000 years
old and worshipped by the Soligas, the tribals of that area.
Best time to visit :
The BR Hills Wildlife sanctuary is open throughout the year. Best time to
visit this sanctuary is June to October when the animals come out for water.
But winters too are really pleasant.
How to get there ?
» By Air - Banglore (160 kms) is the nearest
airport.
» By Rail - Mysore (80 kms) and Banglore (160 kms)
are the nearest rail junctions.
» By Road - BR Hills is easily accessible by road.
Bangalore (160 kms), Mysore (80 kms) and Ooty (245 kms). There is couple of
buses leaving from Mysore everyday.
Travelling within the park :
For trips within the park one can either trek up on foot or opt for jeep
safaris or elephant rides.
Major Attractions of BR Hills Wildlife Sanctuary :
» Flora - The flora in BR Hills Wildlife Sanctuary
ranges from deciduous, evergreen and grassland vegetation, which home a wide
variety of wildlife.
» Fauna - The B R Hills Wildlife sanctuary homes
many species of wild animals. It has a large population of Gaurs, chitals,
sambhars, bears, elephants, panthers and tigers. The mammal population in
this sanctuary include the elephant, tiger, leopard, wild dog, jungle cat,
sloth bear, civet, mongoose, Malabar giant squirrel, porcupine, common
langur, bonnet macaque, wild pig, gaur, sambar, spotted deer and the
four-horned antelope. Moreover, the sanctuary has about 270 species of
birds. The Malabar whistling thrush, yellow throated bulbul, paradise
flycatcher, racquet-tailed drongo and the crested hawk eagle are some of the
birds found here. Also there are a variety of exotic butterflies.
Accommodation Facilities :
Well furnished twin bed tents, ethnic huts on stilts with attached toilet
facilities, lit by hurricane lamps are an excellent option for
accommodation. A luxury accommodation is available at the Maharaja's
Bungalow.
Nearby Cities :
» Mysore (80 kms)
» Bangalore (160 kms)
» Ooty (245 kms)
» The nearest town is Chamrajnagar (40 km).
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