The BR Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Biligiriranga Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, is a protected area in Karnataka, India. It is situated at the confluence of the Eastern and Western Ghats, offering a unique biodiversity hotspot. The sanctuary is spread over an area of 540 square kilometers and is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna.
The BR Hills Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka, approximately 80 kilometers from Mysore and 180 kilometers from Bangalore. The sanctuary is nestled amidst the Biligirirangan Hills, which are part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
The sanctuary is open to visitors from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day.
The entry fee for the BR Hills Wildlife Sanctuary is Rs. 100 for Indian nationals and Rs. 500 for foreign nationals.
The sanctuary is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Some of the species found here include elephants, tigers, leopards, deer, wild boars, and various species of birds and reptiles. The sanctuary is also known for its rich vegetation, including various types of bamboo, teak, sandalwood, and rosewood trees.
Visitors to the BR Hills Wildlife Sanctuary can engage in activities such as jungle safaris, trekking, bird watching, and nature walks. The sanctuary also offers opportunities for wildlife photography and camping.
The charges for a jeep safari in the sanctuary vary depending on the duration and route chosen. Typically, the cost ranges from Rs. 1500 to Rs. 3000 per person.
Children below the age of 5 are allowed free entry to the sanctuary. The entry fee for males and females above the age of 5 is the same as the standard fee mentioned earlier.
Senior citizens above the age of 60 are eligible for a 50% discount on the entry fee to the BR Hills Wildlife Sanctuary.
The best time to visit the sanctuary is during the winter months of October to March when the weather is pleasant, and wildlife sightings are more common.
Some of the nearby attractions to visit while in the vicinity of the BR Hills Wildlife Sanctuary include the Ranganathaswamy Temple, Kallahathigiri Betta, and the BRT Wildlife Sanctuary.
Visitors to the sanctuary can avail of the parking facilities provided by the authorities at designated locations near the entry points.
While visiting the BR Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, visitors are required to adhere to certain rules and regulations such as not littering, not feeding the animals, and following the instructions of the guides and forest officials.
The BR Hills Wildlife Sanctuary can be reached by road from Mysore or Bangalore. There are regular bus services available to the sanctuary from both cities. The nearest railway station is in Mysore, and the nearest airport is in Bangalore. It is advisable to book accommodation in advance if planning to stay overnight near the sanctuary.