Bhadra Tiger Reserve
Understand
Bhadra Tiger Reserve is a protected forest area notified as Tiger project by the government. The forest and hills are part of Western ghats of India. The Bhadra Tiger Reserve mostly covers the catchment area of river Bhadra and back waters of Bhadra dam at Lakavalli ( BR Project ) near Bhadravathi town. River Bhadra is tributary of Tungabhadra river which in turn is tributary of river Krishna. Bhadra Tiger Reserve ( BTR ) encompass certain area of two revenue districts of Shivamogga and Chicmagalore in Karnataka.
History
Jagara valley forest was once game reserve of Maharaja's of Mysore which is now part of Bhadra Tiger Reserve along with other forest ranges.
Get in
Bhadra tiger reserve has multiple entry points. Lakavalli ( Bhadra dam ) is the entry point near the town of Bhadravathi. There is Jungle lodge resort on the bank of river near Lakavalli dam. Kadur and Birur are towns on eastern side of BTR. Muthodi is an entry point from Chicmagalore town . Mutthodi has nature camp and safari service run by Karnataka forest department. Sirivase village is also entry point. Kesave forest guest house is not open to general public. Kemmanugundi is popular hill station on the edge of the park . Baba budangiri or Datta peetha is also on side of park.
Fees and permits
Permission is required by Karnataka forest department for entry to Bhadra Tiger Reserve also it is restricted to buffer zone.
Get around
Hire a vehicle or drive your own vehicle to reach BTR.
See
Many waterfalls within or near to BTR. However access to some water falls are banned due to mishaps.
- Hebbe waterfalls
- Kalhatti falls
- Kallathigiri falls
- Shanti falls
Do
Trek to Bababudangiri or Datta peetha.
Buy
Coffee powder, Spices grown locally in nearby estates or plantations.
Eat
Local food provided at home stays and resorts.
Drink
Hot piping Coffee to refresh.
Sleep
There are numerous home stays and resorts near to Bhadra Tiger Reserve especially on Chickmagalur side. Jungle lodge resort run by Karnataka government near Lakavalli is preferred for its fantastic view of Bhadra river and sanctuary.
Lodging
Home stays and resorts in and around BTR . The towns of Bhadravathi and Chikmagalur have lodges to stay.
Camping
Camping is not allowed in the core area of BTR.
Stay safe
Do not enter forest without permission. While camping or trekking carry Torch, Dry battery cells, Whistle, Water, Eatables, Rain coat with you. Maintain silence within the BTR. Do not drive rashly on the roads. Avoid traveling in the night as movement of wild animals is more. Medical facility are poor in this region.