Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary Lakkavalli Range
Explore the lush Western Ghats at Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its scenic reservoir and diverse flora and fauna.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best for wildlife sightings
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary Lakkavalli Range
Best Time
Best for wildlife sightings
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the lush Western Ghats at Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its scenic reservoir and diverse flora and fauna.
"Beautiful forest and reservoir views, though wildlife sightings can be rare."
🎯 Arrive Early for Tickets
No online booking! Be at the forest office 30 mins before 6:30 AM or 3:30 PM slots for tickets. :admission_tickets:
🦌 Low Tiger Sighting Chance
Focus on enjoying the scenery and spotting deer, elephants, and birds; tigers are rare. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bhadra Reservoir Views
Along the safari route
Scenic vistas of the expansive Bhadra Dam reservoir, offering a tranquil backdrop to your wildlife adventure.
Flora and Fauna Exploration
Throughout the sanctuary
Discover a rich variety of plant life and spot deer, elephants, wild boars, monkeys, and numerous bird species.
Lush Green Grasslands
Within the sanctuary
Experience the beauty of rolling green grasslands interspersed with dense shola forests, a hallmark of the Western Ghats.
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Planning Your Visit
Safari Slots & Booking
Wildlife Sightings & Scenery
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Tickets
No online booking! Be at the forest office 30 mins before 6:30 AM or 3:30 PM slots for tickets. :admission_tickets:
🦌 Low Tiger Sighting Chance
Focus on enjoying the scenery and spotting deer, elephants, and birds; tigers are rare. :camerawithflash:
🎒 Pack Snacks & Water
No food or water available inside the sanctuary. Carry your own for the 2-hour safari. :forkandknifewithplate:
🚗 Rough Roads Ahead
Be prepared for bumpy rides on forest roads. Comfortable seating in safari vehicles is key. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Tickets
No online booking! Be at the forest office 30 mins before 6:30 AM or 3:30 PM slots for tickets. :admission_tickets:
🦌 Low Tiger Sighting Chance
Focus on enjoying the scenery and spotting deer, elephants, and birds; tigers are rare. :camerawithflash:
🎒 Pack Snacks & Water
No food or water available inside the sanctuary. Carry your own for the 2-hour safari. :forkandknifewithplate:
🚗 Rough Roads Ahead
Be prepared for bumpy rides on forest roads. Comfortable seating in safari vehicles is key. :athletic_shoe:
🌿 Enjoy Nature's Calm
Ideal for city dwellers seeking fresh air, forest sounds, and a break from urban life. :leafflutteringin_wind:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally find Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary to be a beautiful place for nature lovers, offering scenic views of the reservoir and a chance to see diverse flora and fauna. While wildlife sightings, especially tigers, can be infrequent due to dense forests, the overall experience of a safari through the lush Western Ghats is considered enjoyable. The lack of online booking and facilities are minor drawbacks for some.
"Safari point from Lakkavalli.
Jeep safari cost is 3500 per jeep or 600~700 per person. Even canter is available at a lower cost
2.5hours is the safari duration with low chances of wildlife sightings due to dense forest.
But has good views of the backwater and forest"
abhishek bharadwaj
"This is the starting point of the Bhadra forest Safari. You can park your vehicle here. Tickets can be purchased here only. No online booking is available as of September 2023. Jeep safari per head cost is 600rs and Bus safari is 500rs. A jeep is basically a converted Bolero/Sumo, with a custom roof and seating capacity of 10 + driver. They will decide if Jeep should be taken or bus depending on the number of people. The safari is of 2hrs. There are two slots. 6.30am ( Ticket will start at 6am) and 3.30pm ( Ticket will start at 3pm). It is a first come first serve basis. The safari continues into the Bhadra wildlife sanctuary, where if you are very very lucky, you can spot a tiger. They will take you along the banks of Bhadra dam reservoir. You can definitely spot some deer , elephants and some unknown birds. Any other animal that you spot is purely based on luck. They will also take you to a small house in the middle of the forest, in Google maps this place is marked as British Rest House. There is no coverage once you go into the forest. Overall, if you are from a city and would want to enjoy the fresh air, the sound of the forest and enjoy the flaura and fauna, this place is for you. For someone who is not from a city, this might seem boring. The roads are also slightly rough. Better to carry some snacks and water. You won't get anything on the way."
Abhijith P
"An average place for spotting animals. But the forest is so beautiful and highly recommend if you want to enjoy the nature via safari.
Spotting was very hard as we couldn’t spot anything other than deers and peacocks. Best time for safari is morning or evening at 5pm. Do not go around 3 to 5pm. There will be no spotting.
Overall a good experience with the safari. We had taken a jeep for safari and the driver was friendly and knowledgeable. They charge 600rs per person for Indians and 900rs per person for foreigners for jeep safari.
Overall a good ride inside the forest"
Vishnu R RAJ
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The sanctuary is located in the Chikmagalur and Shimoga districts of Karnataka, accessible by road. Lakkavalli is a key entry point for safaris. The nearest major cities are Shimoga and Chikmagalur, from where you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Lakkavalli. 
The safari point is in Lakkavalli. You can drive your own vehicle to the parking area there. Taxis and local transport are available from nearby towns to reach Lakkavalli.
Yes, the River Tern Jungle Resort is located near the edge of the Bhadra Reservoir, offering a stay close to the sanctuary.
Travel times can vary, but from Bangalore, it's approximately a 6-7 hour drive. From Shimoga or Chikmagalur, it's much shorter, around 1-2 hours.
Yes, a day trip is feasible, especially if you plan to take one of the safari slots. Ensure you check the safari timings and arrive early for tickets.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
As of September 2023, the jeep safari cost is around ₹600-₹700 per person for Indians and ₹900 for foreigners. The canter or bus safari is approximately ₹500 per person. Prices may vary.
No, online booking is not available. Tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis at the forest office near the sanctuary.
There are two main safari slots: one starting at 6:30 AM and another at 3:30 PM. Ticket counters typically open 30 minutes before these times.
The safari typically lasts for about 2 hours, taking you through parts of the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary and along the reservoir banks.
Jeep safaris, often using converted Boleros or Sumos, can accommodate up to 10 passengers plus the driver. Bus safaris offer larger group seating.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
While tigers are rarely spotted, you have a good chance of seeing deer, elephants, wild boars, monkeys, and various bird species like peacocks.
Yes, the sanctuary features dense shola forests and lush green grasslands, characteristic of the Western Ghats. This density can make wildlife sightings challenging.
The roads within the sanctuary can be rough and bumpy, so be prepared for an adventurous ride.
No, there are no facilities like restrooms or food stalls inside the sanctuary. It's advisable to carry your own snacks and water.
Early morning and late evening slots are generally considered best for wildlife sightings, as animals are more active during these cooler hours. Avoid the mid-afternoon slot (3-5 PM).
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, the sanctuary offers beautiful scenic landscapes, including the Bhadra Reservoir and lush forests, making it great for nature photography.
Landscape photography of the reservoir and forests, as well as wildlife photography (though sightings can be challenging), are popular. Bird photography is also rewarding.
Generally, standard entry and safari tickets cover photography for personal use. For commercial photography, it's best to inquire with the forest department.
Morning safaris offer soft, golden hour light, ideal for photography. Evening safaris also provide good lighting before dusk. Midday can be harsh.
Tripods might be cumbersome on shared safari vehicles. It's advisable to check with the safari operator beforehand, but hand-held photography is generally fine.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🌿 Nature Enthusiasts & Birdwatchers
📸 Photographers
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Bhadra Safari Experience
The safari vehicles, typically jeeps or buses, traverse rough forest roads for approximately two hours. The first-come, first-served ticketing system means arriving early is crucial, especially for the popular morning and late evening slots. The lack of online booking and facilities within the sanctuary underscores the need for preparedness, such as carrying snacks and water. The overall experience is geared towards appreciating the flora and fauna and enjoying the tranquility of the forest environment.
The Ecology of Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
The sanctuary is home to a variety of fauna, including tigers, leopards, elephants, wild dogs, sloth bears, sambar deer, spotted deer, and various primates. The avian population is also impressive, with numerous resident and migratory bird species. Conservation efforts focus on protecting these species and their habitats, particularly in the face of human-wildlife conflict and habitat fragmentation. The Bhadra Tiger Reserve designation highlights its importance in tiger conservation initiatives.
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