Location	Karnataka, India
Nearest city	Chikmagalur
Area	492.46 square kilometres (190.14 sq mi)
Established	1951
Governing body	Government of India, MOEF, Project Tiger, Karnataka Forest Department
Summer Temperature	32 °C (90 °F)
Winter Temperature	10 °C (50 °F)
Weather	Moderate

In the midst of the beautiful looking Western Ghats in the Chikmagalur and Shigmoga district of Karnataka is the small magical place of Bhadra. Surrounded by the hills of Mullaianagiri, Hebbergiri, Gangegiri and Babaudangiri on most sides is this town. The enchanting town has the river Bhadra flowing through it. The river has many tributaries namely the Somavahini, the Thadabehalla and the Odirayanahalla. In order to control the water a dam has also been built over the river which has two reserves called the Muthodi and the Lakkavalli.
Apart from the famous wildlife the town has other options for sightseeing as well. There are many beautiful temples in the towns. Pilgrims from all over the world visit the temples of Khandya, Bhavani Shankar temple of Hebbe,Mhakta Markandya, Kemmanagundi, Bababudana , the Bhadra Reservior, Sri Dattatraya Peeth and Millayangari.
Situated about 38 km (24 mi) Northwest of Chikmagalur , in the amazing southern state of Karnataka lies the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. It is a Project tiger, tiger reserve and a protected park for wildlife. The wildlife park apart from animals has a wide and a vast range of flora and fauna as well. One would be mesmerized by the amount of beauty this sanctuary has in it. The park is famous amongst the tourists. People visit it for an outing with friends and family. MSL Hebbe Giri which is around 1,875 above sea level is one of the highest peaks in the sanctuary.
History
In the year 1951 the Mysore government declared it to be the ‘Jagara Valley Wildlife Sanctuary’. It covers a huge area of almost 77.45km which comes around to 29.90 sq mi. a survey was conducted here on the beautiful flora and fauna that is found here and it was after this that the sanctuary was renamed the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary in the year 1974.This sanctuary is the only wildlife sanctuary which has been successful in the village relocation programme. The sanctuary comes under the Project Tiger Reserve. It has undergone several projects to save the royal Bengal tiger from extinction. So far the wildlife park has one of the highest rates of success as compared to other sanctuaries that also come under Project Tiger. The project was started in the year 1998.  Under this project 26 villages were relocated successfully to MC Halli. The village lies about 50 km away from the sanctuary.
Weather And Best Time To Visit
The temperature here is not very warm neither too cold. It varies from 10˚ to 35°C. Rainfall wise also it is pretty moderate. The mean annual rainfall varies from 1200 mm to 2600 mm. the weather is very pleasant all year round.
Best Time To Visit
The summer months of March to July are the best time to visit the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. It is during this time when one is most likely to spot animals in large numbers and herds. While they are out  looking for water to drink to quench their thirst. During the months of September and October the weather becomes a little chilly and again it is a great time to visit the sanctuary.
How To Reach
By Air
The closest airport to this sanctuary is the Mangalore airport. It is at a distance of 190 km away from the town of Bhadra. The Bangalore international airport which is one of the most well connected airport to all the major parts of India is around a 285 km away from the Bhadra Tiger Reserve. So reaching here is not a difficult task at all.
By Rail
Hassan is the closest railway station to Bhadra. The services of buses and taxis are easily available.
By Road
If you decide to drive down to the Sanctuary then the most convenient way to reach Bhadra is via NH 48 which runs from Bangalore to Hassan. The route of NH 4 is also another alternative. There are many buses plying from nearby by cities to the reserve.
Flora And Fauna
Flora
The entire sanctuary is known throughout India for the diverse flora that is found here. It has more than 120 species of plants. Combretaceae is found in abundance here. Indigo berry is one of the dominating species that is found in large numbers here in the forest. Common flora species that are found here are Kadam, Simpoh  huge trees of teak and rosewood. The beautiful teak and rosewood trees are also found, the forest is a natural habitat for these trees. Commercial timber is also found here. Medicinal plants and bamboo also make it to the list of the diverse flora of the sanctuary.
Fauna
The sanctuary of Bhadra has a large range of fauna. It has some of the rarest species of fauna that one could find in the southern parts of India. It is rich in butterflies and reptiles. Tigers, the great Indian Gaur, Wild Boar different types of squirrels Flying fox, Mongoose, Elephants and bears have made this sanctuary their home. There are about 200 different species of birds that can be found here as well. Some of them are the Black winged kite, Malabar whistling thrush, Great horned owl, Great pied hornbill, Indian tree pie, Quaker babbler, Yellow bulbul, King vulture, Black-naped blue flycatcher and the open billed stork. There are different varieties of butterflies like the Yam fly, Baronet, Crimson rose, Southern bird wing, Tailed jay, Great orange tip, Bamboo tree brown and Blue pansy have all made their home here. The reptiles found here include the Rock python, Marsh Crocodiles, Bronze backed tree snake, Common garden lizard and Monitor lizard, Atlas moth and the Indian pond turtle as well.
Wildlife
Mammals
Bhadra sanctuary has around 33 tigers. Other animals that are found here are elephants, bears, leopards, different species of deer as well like the barking deer, mouse deer. Monkeys like the common langur, bonnet macaque, slender loris, small Indian Civet, common Palm Civet, pangolin, porcupine, flying Squirrel and the malabar giant squirrel.
Reptiles
Some of the reptiles commonly seen in this park are the king cobra, the Russell’s viper, bamboo pit  these snakes are poisonous in some cases while others are harmless, the famous Draco or gliding lizards  are found here as well. The sanctuary is home to marsh crocodiles as well.
Birds
Bhadra sanctuary has a wide variety of species of birds, Some of the species found in Bhadra are  emerald dove, species of quail, pigeons and woodpeckers. Some birds are migratory birds and come in during the winter months from far off places.
Butterflies
One can find some of the rarest butterflies in southern India like the yam fly, tailed jay, crimson butterfly and the blue pansy.
Timing
Park timings are 6:30 to 10:30 AM & 2:30 to 5:30 PM.
Where To Stay
There are many places to stay here in the sanctuary like the forest rest house, PWD guest houses and a few lodges as well. They ensure that you have a comfortable stay.
General Information

• Madla village is the starting point for all safaris.
• Check on the timings and reach half an hour early before park gates open to complete the required formalities.
• Follow the rules of the park and do not venture into restricted areas without any permission.
• Be dressed in soft colours so that you do not attract any attention of the animals.
• Do not litter around in the park premises.

Park Charges

• Entry Fee: Rs. 40 (Indians) & Rs. 500 (foreigners, including morning and afternoon safaris)
• Jeep rental: Rs. 1500/half day
• Camera: Rs. 40 (still) & Rs. 200 (video)
• Guide: Rs. 100/vehicle
• Private vehicle Entry: Rs. 150
• Boat Ride: Rs. 150 (Indians, 1-5 persons) & Rs. 150/person (foreigners)
• Elephant safari: Rs. 100 (Indians) & Rs. 600 (foreigners)
• Night Safari: Rs. 1800/jeep (including entry fees)
• Park timings:  6:30 to 10:30 AM & 2:30 to 5:30 PM.

Location Map

Phote Gallery