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Br Hills Wildlife Sanctuary
 Location
: Kemmannagundi, Karnataka
Coverage Area
:
540 sq. kms
Main Attraction
:
Gaur, Chital
Best Time To Visit
: September to
May
Accommodation
:
Accomodation and
facilities available in the area
Altitude
: 5091 Feet Above Sea Level
A unique blend of hill resort and wildlife sanctuary. The hills take
their name from the ancient Ranganatha Swamy Temple that sits at the
edge of a granite precipice with a drop of more than 1000 ft. into a
dense forest. Find inner peace at the foot of the great champak tree (Dodda
Sampige,) believed to be more than 2000 years old and worshipped by the
Soligas, the tribals of that area. Don't miss the coffee estates, the
tribal hamlets and the Vivekananda Girijana Kalyana Kendra which
displays preserved tribal information and the biodiversity of the
region. There are many trekking trails here, including one that leads up
to Honnamati, the highest point of the range. Mammals: They 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. 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. There is also an amazing variety of
exotic butterflies.
The Topography
The BR Hills Wildlife Sanctuary is an important link between the Eastern
and the Western Ghats. The river Cauvery flows South East and at
Kollegal takes an abrupt turn towards the North and again returns to its
initial course. This reflects the geographic significance as well as the
wonderful blend of the Biligiri Rangaswamy and Male Mahadeshwar ranges,
bridging the gap between the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats
The Wild Population
The sanctuary is teeming with varied flora and fauna. Gaurs, chitals,
sambhars, bears, elephants, panthers and tigers inhabit the place in
large numbers.
Adventure Activities
 Professional
angling, amateur fishing, coracle boat rides, bird watching, river
rafting, trekking, outdoor camping will keep you busy. Every April you
can witness the wonderful Ratha festival at the BR Temple too.
Other Attractions
Biligiriangaswamy Temple
: If you
are looking for a place that is calm and peaceful, the Biligiriangaswamy
Temple (from which the hill derives its name) is the right place. The
serene surrounding, the soft reverberation of the bells and the songs of
the bird in the background at the complex are sure to rejuvenate your
souls. You may also find the Soligas, native tribes of this range,
singing a sprightly folk song or dancing to a brisk tune. Rath Festival:
While on your visit, Make sure you do not miss the Ratha festival held
during 'Vaishaka' in the month of April.
How To Get There
Air : The nearest airport is at
Bangalore
Rail :
Bangalore is the nearest rail junction
Road : Bangalore ( 254 kms ), Mysore (
85 kms ), Ooty ( 255 kms ).
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