EcoTourism in Karnataka

EcoTourism in Karnataka - Bandipur National Park and Nagarhole National Park, from Karnataka and Mudumalai Wildlife sanctuary across the border in Tamil Nadu, together form the vast Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Both parks are easily accessed from Mysore. The reserve at Bandipur covers 880 square kilometres and was created from the local maharaja's hunting grounds in the 1930s. Langur (a type of primate), spotted deer and herds of wild elephant and gaur (Indian Bison) are common though sighings are more frequent in the wet season from June to September when water and food is plentiful. The foliage in this reserve is the open dry, grassy woodland and serves as an ideal setting for a tiger reserve.

Nagarhole National Park extends 640 square kilometres north of the Kabini River, which has been dammed to create an artificial lake. This provides an ideal watering hole and attracts large numbers of animals including gaur, elephant, wild dog, deer, boar, tiger and leopard.

The Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary located in the northern part of the state is an extensive, unspoiled forest on the edge of the Deccan Plateau. Spread over 834 square kilometers, the Kanari River passes through the reserve, and the riverbanks provide excellent points to spot animals. The reserve is famous for black panthers, sambar deer, spotted deer, wild boar, gaur, sloth bear, elephants and a few tigers.

In a complete change of scenery, the hilly region of Kodagu formerly known as Coorg is rugged mountain terrain dotted with cardamom and coffee plantations and paddy fields. This idyllic mountain region offers some exciting trekking trails snaking through forests and across mountain ridges while passing waterfalls and hill temples. These start at the Nagarhole National Park passing the Irpu Falls, finally arriving at Talakaveri. The best season to trek is from October to March.