Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is surrounded by mountains and the highest summit is the Kallahathgiri (1875 meters). Situated in the Western Ghats the sanctuary derives its name from the Bhadra River, which flows in this region all the year round. It is often referred to as Muthodi Wildlife Sanctuary following the name of the adjacent village. With lofty peaks and vast expanse of greenery Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is a safe haven for the animal world. Earlier it was declared as a Game Reserve but later in 1974 it was converted to Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary.
It is an abode of several species. As a traveler one can come across bisons and hyenas. As soon as one arrives at the wildlife park sounds of different animals could be heard even from a distance. But the best part about Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is the tiger. It came under the 25th Project tiger of India. This is one of the many ways in which tigers are protected and prevented from becoming extinct. The flora and fauna of this place is instrumental in supporting the existence of the animals. Bamboo trees are in abundance, which is the fodder for elephants. Besides these mammoth beings there are different kinds of trees here like teak, Honne, Tadasalu, Rosewood, Nandi, Mathi and Kindal. Medicinal plants are also to be found here.
Another attraction of the park is an old teak tree that is 300 years old. Other than this there are around 120 kinds of trees. Covering an area of 77.45 square miles, this park in considered one of the biggest wildlife sanctuaries in India. Here the travelers can come across animals such as leopard, sloth bear, giant squirrel, gaur, sambar, elephant and slender loris are the other mammals to be found here. Among birds, those to be spotted are the blackwinged kite, king vulture, great horned owl, great pied hornbill, Indian tree pie, black napped flycatcher and the open billed stork.
The entire setting of Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is dotted with open jungles, sufficient shades and ample space. yamfly, baronet, crimson rose, southern birdwing, tailed jay, great orange tip, bamboo tree brown, blue pansy also dwell here. Reptiles such as flying snake, rock python, bronze backed tree snake, common garden lizard, monitor lizard, atlas moth, wild dog and the Indian pond turtle are part of the animal family at the park.
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka is located in the Chikmagalur district. By road it is accessible from the district and Bangalore. The nearest railway station is in Kadur.
