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 accessible 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, herds of wild elephant, and gaur (Indian
Bison) are common though sightings 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 kilometers 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.
