The 874.20 sq. kms. Bandipur National Park, situated in the Mysore district which is also a Tiger Reserve with its open grassy woodland, lies to the south of the Kabini River while Nagarhole, 643.39 sq. km. in area, to the north of the river, has taller and denser forests. Bandipur, lying in the shadow of the Western Ghats, is one of the finest habitats of the Asian elephant. Drained by the Moyar River, its open forest makes it easy for visitors to see the elephant and gaur in natural surroundings.

When to visit : March to August.

Where to stay : Hotel Mayura Prakruti, (KSTDC), M.C.Resorts, Bush Betta, Tusker Trails. Also, the Forest Department of Govt. of Karnataka provides accommodation in the sanctuary.

How to get there :
Air : The nearest airport is Bangalore (220 kms.)
Rail : The nearest railhead is Mysore (80 kms.).
Road : It is 220 kms. from Bangalore and 80 kms. from Mysore.
 

›› Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

The Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary in the Chikmagalur and Shimoga districts, is one of the most fascinating sanctuaries. The jungles shelter some exquisite flora and fauna. The great Indian gaur, barking deer, flying fox, mongoose, elephant, panther, babbler, barbet all have their home in the forests of the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary.

When to visit : November to March.

Where to stay : Forest Department of Govt. of Karnataka provides guest houses at the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary.

How to get there :
Air : Mangalore is the nearest airport.150 kms.
Rail :The nearest railheads are Kadur, 50 kms,. and Mangalore, 150 kms.
Road : The road distance of the major cities: Bangalore-257 kms., Chikmagalur – 60 kms., and Hassan – 120 kms.

›› Bheemeshwari Wildlife Sanctuary

It is a perfect picnic spot, where nature has created a natural habitat for the Mahseer fish and variety of exciting animals. The lush forest sheltered by steep valley and scattered by little streams, invite large groups of animals and birds including elephants, deer, wild boars, monkeys, Jackals, crocodiles, otter and leopards.
There are plenty of birds too. Heron, ibis, cormorant, kingfishers have all made their home here.
Angling is an exciting option here as there is a fishing camp nearby. The river Cauvery abounds with Mahseer-the finest game fish (weighing 100 lbs.).

When to visit : December to March.

Where to stay : Jungle Lodges & Resorts provides tented accommodation and Log Huts near the Cauvery river, with the fishing facility.

How to get there :
Air : Bangalore is the nearest airport. 120 kms.
Rail : The nearest railhead is Mandya, 60 kms.
Road : The road-distance of the nearby cities:
Bangalore (100 kms.), Kanakapura (56 kms.).

›› Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary

In the Uttara Kannada district lies the largest wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka. Nestling some very rare animals and birds, it is an unspoilt, untouched and unexplored treasure of wildlife spread over 475 sq. kms. Amongst the animals found are sloth bear, bush grail, deer, elephant, sambar, tiger, gaur, panther and partridge. The sanctuary offers wildlife safaris in jeeps nature walks, bird watching, crocodile sighting trips, fishing, boat rides and trekking in the jungles of Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary.

When to visit : October to May.

Where to stay : Jungle Lodges & Resorts, a Govt. of Karnataka undertaking provides tent accommodation and deluxe rooms on the banks of the river Kali in Dandeli on Jungle Plan which includes accommodation, all meals and wildlife rides etc.

How to get there:
Air : The nearest airport is Goa. 130 kms.
Rail : The nearest railhead is Dharwad, 60 kms.
Road : Dandeli to Bangalore is 540 kms.. Dharwad is 60 kms.

›› Nagarhole National Park

Once an exclusive hunting preserve of the erstwhile rulers of Mysore, the terrain of this Park is gently undulating with lush green vegetation, swamps and numerous water resources, rendering it an ideal habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. The forest is home to animals like the four-horned antelope, sloth bear, jungle cat, civet, spotted deer, elephant, wild dog, flying fox, tiger, panther, gaur (Indian bison), sambar, wild boar, black-naped hare, bonnet macaque and pangolin. Cobras, crocodiles, kraits, pythons, vipers, and several species of lizards are also found here. Among the 250 bird species found here, the prominent ones are the common babbler, bee - eater, bulbul, dove, crested serpent, hornbill, Malabar pied, alexandrine, peacock, woodpecker, warbler, great Indian reed, eagle, crested hawk, golden-back parakeet and the Southern tree pie.

Where to stay : Kabini. River Lodge. Nagarhole.

How to get there :
Air : Bangalore (220 kms.) is the nearest airport. Rail : Mysore. 80 kms. away is the nearest railhead.
Road : It is 220 kms. from Bangalore and 80 kms. from Mysore.

›› Ranganthittu Bird Sanctuary

The sanctuary situated in the Mysore district abounds in various species of avi fauna. The flying fox, otter, python, tortoise, crocodile, cormorant, darter, egrets, heron, ibis, kingfisher, plover, parakeet, spoonbill, whistling teal and peregrine are some of the main species of birds that inhabit the sanctuary.

When to visit : June to October.

Where to stay : There are river-view, cottages run by Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation at Srirangapatna which is 10 kms., away from the Bird Sanctuary.

How to get there :
Air : Bangalore is the nearest airport. 125 kms.
Rail : Mysore is nearest railhead. 18 kms.
Road : Bangalore is 125 kms. Mysore is 18 kms.