Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary is situated near Kollur in Udupi district of the south Indian state Karnataka. The forest has breathtaking beauty with a rich assortment of flora and fauna. It was established in the year 1974. Spanning over an area of about 247 square kilometres, the sanctuary is covered with evergreen, semi-evergreen and deciduous forests of the Western Ghats. It is located adjacent to Sharavathi Valley Wildlife Sanctuary with which it shares its north-western boundary. In fact it forms an extended part of the latter. The sanctuary serves as a cherished tourist spot and is enlisted under the medicinal plants conservation areas. Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary comprises a buffer zone (90 square kilometres), a core zone (114 square kilometres) and a tourism zone (43 square kilometres). Near the sanctuary is situated a temple of Goddess Mookambika which is another tourist attraction. Arashinagundi falls, located deep inside the forest, is also worth a visit.

Geography of Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary
Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary is located at an altitude of 9-1315 metres above sea level and receives an annual rainfall of 4593 mm. Kollur River and Chakra Nadi situated nearby are the major water sources along with a number of perennial streams, seasonal natural lakes, large and smaller seasonal streams and springs.

Flora and Fauna of Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary
Common fauna which can be spotted here include Jackal, Slender Loris, Gaur, Leopard, Tiger, Porcupine, Otter, Barking Deer, Sambar, Wild Pig, Sloth Bear, Chital, Lion-Tailed Macaque and many others. Cane Turtle, an endangered species, is also the resident of the sanctuary. A plethora of birds also dwell in Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary such as Malabar Grey Hornbill, Yellow Bulbul and Scarlet Minivet. Prominent flora found here includes Hopea parviflora, Calophyllum tomentosum and Dipterocarpus indicus and many more. Coscinium fenestratum is a rare species of climber which is also found in the sanctuary. Small patches of teak plantations are also there. The diverse and rich flora of the sanctuary shelters a plethora of vivid butterflies.

Visiting Information
Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary is best visited between the period of November and March. Trekking and camping activities can also be greatly cherished here. Nearest airport is situated in Mangalore which is located at a distance of about 125 kilometres from the sanctuary. Kundapur is the nearest railway station. The sanctuary also has good roadways connectivity.