Attiveri Bird Sanctuary

About Attiveri Bird Sanctuary

Spread over an area of about 2.23 sq km, the sanctuary is located in and around the Attiveri reservoir. The part of the sanctuary surrounding the reservoir has riverine and deciduous forests.

Birds that inhabit this area include Indian shag, cattle egret, little cormorant, spoonbill, pied kingfisher, white ibis, white-breasted kingfisher, common grey hornbill and common swallow. The agricultural fields surrounding the sanctuary attract a variety of aquatic creatures.

Attiveri(2.23 sq Kms) was declared as a Bird Sanctuary on 17th Aug 2000 around the Attiveri reservoir, located in Uttara Kannada district approximately 400km from Bangalore via Shimoga and 43km from Hubli.The Attiveri Reservoir was formed as a result of the construction of a dam across Tayawanahalla in the village of Attiveri. This reservoir plentiful in aquatic life attracted many birds, especially aquatic species, and was therefore developed as a bird sanctuary. The Reservoir itself covers an area of 1.01 sq Kms and the remaining area of the sanctuary is covered by riverine and dry deciduous forest which is rich in flora. The agricultural fields around the sanctuary are full of variety of aquatic creatures, which are a major source of food for the birds of the sanctuary which has a bird life of about 79 species, including migratory birds from 22 countries, best seen between November and March.

Attiveri Bird Sanctuary, located near Mundgod in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka is home to 79 species of birds including migratory birds from 22 countries.

The area of Attiveri Bird Sanctuary is 2.23 sq. km. The Attiveri Reservoir was formed as a result of the construction of a dam across Tayawwanahalla in the village of Attiveri. This reservoir attracted many birds, especially aquatic species and was therefore developed as a bird sanctuary. The agricultural fields nearby the sanctuary are host to a variety of aquatic creatures which are a main source of food for the birds of the sanctuary.

The part of the Attiveri Bird sanctuary surrounding the reservoir has riverine and deciduous forests with species such as A. leucophlea, Artocarpus integrifolius, Albizzia lebbeck, Acacia arabica, Dalbergia latifolia, Bombax malabarica, Tectona grandis, Borassus flabellifer and Bambusa arundianacea.

Attiveri Bird sanctuary houses birds like little cormorant, , spoonbill, Indian shag, cattle egretpied kingfisher, white-breasted kingfisher, white ibis, common grey hornbill and common swallow.

The Attiveri Wildlife Sanctuary occupies an area of 2.22 sq km while the bird sanctuary covers a total area of 92.23 sq km. The sanctuary is located in Attiveri village of Uttara Kannada district and was established in October 1994. The bird sanctuary lies between latitudes 15°14’ to 15°15’N and longitude 75°02’ to 75°03’E and receives an annual rainfall of 1,500 mm.

Most of this sanctuary is covered by dry deciduous forest, except the area around the Attiveri reservoir where the vegetation type is mainly riverine. Tree species in the forests include Albizia lebbeck, Acacia arabica, A. leucophlea, Artocarpus integrifolius, Dalbergia latifolia, Tectona grandis, Bombax malabarica, Borassus flabellifer, Bambusa arundianacea and species of Syzygium and Callophyllum.

The Attiveri reservoir covers an area of 1.01 sq km and is a popular spot for sighting many of the sanctuary’s birds and mammals. The Attiveri reservoir is especially important for water birds because of the abundance of aquatic insects. The farmlands around the reservoir too have a rich diversity of insects. Many globally rare species of water birds from several countries visit Attiveri to nest and breed during the winter months. Nearly 79 species of birds nest in this sanctuary and the best time for sighting migratory species is between November and March. Common species of Indian birds seen throughout the year in and around the Attiveri reservoir are Indian cormorant (Phalacrocorax fuscicollis), cattle egrets (Bubulcus ibis), little cormorants (Phalcrocorax niger), Eurasian spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia), pied kingfishers (Ceryle rudis), black-headed ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus), white-throated kingfishers (Halcyon smyrnesis), Indian grey hornbills (Ocyceros birostris) and barn swallows (Hirundo rustica).

Nearest Visiting places

PLACES OF INTEREST IN UTTARA KANNADA (NORTH CANARA) DISTRICT

Baithkola Beach
Baithkola Beach is located on the northern outskirts of Karwar town; this is one of the most beautiful natural beaches on this coast. Baithkola beach has a spectacular sea view.

River Kali or Kalinadi
The river Kali or kalinadi has its origin in the Western Ghats and flows westwards to join the Arabian Sea near the town of Karwar. Motor launches are available for boating up the river Kali.

Sadashivgad Hill Fort
Sadashivgad is 5 km away from Karwar towards North. Durga Bhavani temple at the top of the hill worshipped by Shivaji and the fort build by Sadashiv are famous. River Kali joins with the Sea near Sadashivgad is quite pleasant to enjoy natural scenery.

Ankola
A small town is surrounded by many temples. Ankola town is known for the Lakshminarayana Mahamaya temple and the important role it played during India’s freedom movement.

Attiveri Bird Sanctuary
19 Km from Mundgod one has to take a diversion on Mundgod - Hubli road to reach Attiveri. Attiveri bird sanctuary is home for 79 species of birds. The migratory birds here are from 22 countries including Central Asia, Northern Africa and European countries. The best time to visit Attiveri bird sanctuary is from November to March.

Banvasi
Banavasi is one of the ancient towns in the Karnataka state located 22 km away from Sirsi with beautiful surroundings. The river Varada flows on 3 sides. Banvasi was the capital of the Kadambas, the first kingdom of ancient Karnataka. Pampa, the first poet of Kannada, wrote his epic poems in Banasavi. The main attraction in Banavasi is Madhukeshwara Temple. The Madhukeshwara Temple and Madhumathi (Parvati) Temple are best example of Kadamba art. The annual cultural festival, Kadambotsava held in December.

Dandeli
Dandeli is the famous industrial centre of the district. The West Coast Paper Mills, Dandeli Ferro Alloys Ltd and Indian Plywood manufacturing Company are the main industries. Dandeli is located on the banks of River Kali and surrounded by an abundance of forest and mineral wealth. The forests of Dandeli and Anshi are home to over 200 species of birds. The Dandeli Game Sanctuary is a fine spot where animals like Wild Beer, Elephant, Panthers, Sloth Beer, bison, Spotted Deer are found. The other tourist spots near Dandeli are Kavala caves, Synthery Rocks and Sykes Point. The best season to visit this spot is between September and February.

Dev Bagh Beach Resort
Devbagh is accessible from Karwar known as a land of converging landscapes. Devbagh is distinct among several small islands in Karwar. It is 3 km away and is approachable by boat.

Gokarna
Gokarna is an important pilgrim centre located 60 km from Karwar. It is famous for the ‘Atmalinga’ in the ancient Mahabaleshwara Temple. Thousands of people visit this place every year occasion of Maha Shivaratri festival.

Honnavar
Honnavara is a coastal town in Uttara Kannada district. Apsara konda falls is just 6 Km away from Honnavar. Idagunji, is a sacred place of Hindu worship is about 14 km southeast of Honnavar. The famous temple at Idagunji dedicated to Lord Ganapathi is the main attraction. Honnavara is an important railhead on the Konkan coastal railway.

Kavala Caves
Kavala caves situated at a distance of 25 km from the base camp at Dandeli, these caves have a 5 ft. high natural Shiva lingam inside. An amazing sight, one needs to move slowly to get into the caves.

Kudle Beach
Kudle beach is one of the five beaches in Gokarna. Kudle beach is around 6 km from Gokarna town along a muddy hill. It is accessible by rickshaw or foot. Kudle beach can be reached by a 20-minute walk from Gokarna.

Kumta
Kumta is a coastal town in Uttara Kannada district. Kumta is about 60 km south of Karwar. Kumta is famous for the Kumbheshwara temple. There are other tourist places nearby Kumta. Gokarna, famous for the temple and beach is just 20 km. Dhareshwar beach is located just 5 km away from kumta. Kumta has a railway station on Konkan Railway.

Lalguli Falls
Lalguli falls is 13 km from Yellpaur and has a series of picturesque water falls of the River Kali falling in different heights from 61 meters to 91 meters. A temple dedicated to Hanuman is near by on the hill.

Lushington Falls
Lushington Falls is also known as Unchalli Falls. Lushington Falls or Unchalli Falls is located in Siddapur taluk, on the Shimoga border. Lushington Falls is 25 km away from Sirsi. This falls is named after a district collector for the British Government, who discovered the falls in 1845. The falls is also called as Keppa Joga because of the loud sound it make. It flows deep down in to the rugged valley at Unchalli from a height of 116 mts and then flows westwards.

Magod Falls
Magod falls is about 80 km from Karwar and 17 km from Yellapur. The river Bedthi, cascades from a height of 650 ft, into a rocky ravine.

Manjuguni
The temple dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara with huge complex built in Vijayanagara Style is main attraction of Manjuguni. During winter, this place is covered by thick fog and hence it is called by the name Manjuguni and it is just 25 km from Sirsi.

Murudeshwar
Murudeshwar is a picturesque place situated between Honnavara and Bhatkal on National highway. Murudeshwar is bounded by the rolling hills of Western Ghats and Arabian Sea, the place is a favorite picnic spot. Probably the finest beach, temple, restaurants, guest houses, resorts & beautiful garden in coastal karnataka and the most popular. The main attraction of Murudeshwar is Shiva temple, this sacred place presents some beautiful carvings and statues, which has a history that dates back to a few centuries. A recent attraction of Murudeshwara is the world’s tallest Shiva idol erected beside the temple. The idol of Lord Shiva is 123 feet high and viewable from a very long distance from the Arabian sea.

Om Beach
Om beach is one of the five beaches in Gokarna. Om beach is around 6 km from Gokarna town along a muddy hill. It is accessible by rickshaw or foot. Om beach is named because it resembles like the auspicious \ symbol. Om beach is the only naturally \ shaped beach.

Sahasra Linga
Sahasra Linga means “Thousands of Linga”, a place just 17 km from Sirsi. It is a beautiful valley where the river Shalmala flows. The hundreds of the rocks with Shiva Linga carved on them found here. Each rock is designed with a linga and Nandi facing it. Thousands of people visit this place every year occasion of Mahashivaratri festival.

Sathodi Falls
Sathodi Falls situated in the midst of dense forests. Sathodi falls is about 32 km from Yellapur and it is located in the Ganeshgudi range forest of Yellapur. Sathodi falls of the most picturesque spots in this region.

Sirsi
The Sirsi fort is now in ruins where temples of Shankara and Ganapati could be seen. Sirsi is famous Jain basadis and ancient Hindu temples. The popular Marikamaba temple is said to have built in 1689. The statue of Goddess Marikamba is believed to have been found in a tank. Sri Marikamba fair takes place once in 2 years. Majority of the people in Sirsi speak Konkani and Kannada. River Aghanashini takes birth from a place near Sirsi called “Donihalla” and flows towards the Arabian Sea in the West.

Supa Dam
It is near about 25 Km from Dandeli City. This dam used to produce Electrical power.

Sykes Point
Sykes Point, named after British Collector Sykes. This famous scenic spot offers a fabulous view of the beautiful Kali river valley inside the Dandeli Reserved Forest. This place is around 25 km from Dandeli.

Syntheri Rock
This place is around 32 km from Dandeli. This 300 ft. tall monolithic granite located rock is flanked by natural caves and a waterfall, at whose base the Kaneri River flows. The scenic spot at the foot of the falls is a fine picnic spot.

Ulavi Chennabasaveshwara Temple
Ulavi is about 36 km from Joida and 75 km from Karwar. Ulavi is a major pilgrim centre for Veershaivas. It is famous for its Chennabasavanna Temple. An annual car festival is held here in February - March.

Yana
Yana is about 25 km from Kumta and 40 km from Sirsi. Yana is situated in the lush evergreen forests of the Sahyadri Range of Mountains. Yana, also known as Bhairava kshetra, is an important pilgrim centre. Yana is an ideal destination for pilgrims, trekkers, and nature-lovers. The awesome 2 peaks are Bhairaveshwara and Mohini shikharas. The tallest peak, Bhariraveswara Shikhara is 120 meters high, and the Mohini Shikhara is 90 meters high from its base. A cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is located below these shikharas. Water drips from the projecting rocks over the linga, and devotees call it Gangodbhava. A fair takes place every year on the occasion of Mahashivaratri festival.

Location info

• Address:Mundgod

• District: Uttara Kannada

• Nearest City:

• Best time to visit: Best time to visit the sanctuary is between November and March.

Helpline & emergency contacts

• Police Station:

• Nearest Hospital:

• Society/Community Phone Number

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Karnataka. 4G is reliable in Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, Hubli, and along highways. Coverage may be weaker in deep forest areas of Bandipur, Nagarhole, and certain Western Ghats sections. Most hotels, resorts, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Karnataka cuisine ranges from coastal seafood to Udupi vegetarian to Coorg’s pandi curry. Dosa, idli, bisi bele bath, and filter coffee are iconic.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

Accommodation is available in the nearest town or city. Options range from budget lodges to luxury resorts. Booking ahead during Dasara (Mysore) and peak winter season is recommended.

Climate & weather

Karnataka has a varied climate from the humid coast to the dry Deccan plateau and cool Western Ghats. The best time to visit is October to March, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C depending on region. April–May is hot across most of the state (up to 38°C). The southwest monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rain to the coast and ghats but transforms the landscape — this is the best time for Jog Falls and Coorg’s lush greenery. Hill stations (Coorg, Chikmagalur) remain pleasant year-round. Bangalore has a moderate climate throughout.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are available in the nearest town or on the approach road — check locally for the closest option.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not currently available for this site. Contact the venue directly or check with your accommodation for the latest accessibility details.

Rules & restrictions

Standard visitor rules apply. Check locally for any specific restrictions at this site.

Best photography spots

The best photography spots are typically during the golden hours (early morning and late afternoon). Scout the location first to identify the best angles, and consider the direction of light at different times of day.

Best time to visit Attiveri Bird Sanctuary

November to March is the peak season when migratory birds arrive. Early morning (6:00-9:00 AM) and late afternoon (3:00-5:30 PM) are the best times of day for bird watching. The sanctuary is open year-round but is most active during winter.

Timings & opening hours

Safari timings: Morning safari 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM, Evening safari 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM (timings vary by season). The sanctuary is typically closed during the monsoon season (July to September) for breeding and forest regeneration.

Entry fee & tickets

Entry fee: ₹20-₹50 for Indian nationals, ₹100-₹200 for foreign nationals. Camera fee: ₹25 for still, ₹100 for video. Binoculars available for rent at some sanctuaries (₹50-₹100).

Duration needed

A typical safari lasts 2-3 hours. One safari is sufficient for a basic experience, but staying overnight and taking both morning and evening safaris increases wildlife sighting opportunities significantly.

Safety tips

Stay inside the safari vehicle at all times. Do not get out of the vehicle inside the sanctuary. Do not feed or tease animals. Maintain silence for better wildlife viewing. Wear earth-toned clothing. No smoking or littering inside the forest. Follow the guide’s instructions at all times.

Things to carry

Binoculars for wildlife viewing, camera with zoom lens, water bottles, hat/cap, sunscreen, insect repellent, light snacks, and identification documents for safari booking. Wear earth-toned clothing — avoid bright colours.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest railway station varies by sanctuary location — typically Mysore, Shimoga, or Hubli. Nearest airport: Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), Mysore Airport (MYQ), or Hubli Airport (HBX). KSRTC buses connect nearby cities to the sanctuary approach road.

History of Attiveri Bird Sanctuary

Attiveri Bird Sanctuary is a designated bird sanctuary in Karnataka, protecting important avian habitats. The sanctuary is home to resident and migratory birds, with many species visiting during the winter months (November to February). The area’s wetlands, lakes, and forests provide ideal conditions for bird nesting and feeding.

Things to do at Attiveri Bird Sanctuary

Bird watching is the primary activity — bring binoculars and a field guide. Nature walks along designated trails. Photography of birds and landscapes. Visit during early morning or late afternoon when birds are most active. Hire a local guide for the best bird-spotting experience.

Things to visit & highlights

The main wildlife viewing areas where tigers, leopards, elephants, deer, and other mammals are commonly sighted. Watchtowers and waterholes offer concentrated wildlife viewing. The sanctuary entrance has interpretation centres. Nearby reservoirs attract birds and animals.

Frequently asked questions

What birds can I see? Bird sanctuaries in Karnataka host a variety of resident and migratory birds including herons, egrets, storks, kingfishers, and many species of waterfowl. Winter months (November-February) see the highest diversity.

What is the best time of day for bird watching? Early morning (6:00-9:00 AM) and late afternoon (3:00-5:30 PM) are the most active periods for bird activity.

Can I bring binoculars? Yes, binoculars are essential for bird watching. Some sanctuaries offer binoculars for rent at the entrance.

Quick facts

• Type: Tourist Attraction
• State: Karnataka
• Category: Birds Sanctuaries

Visitor information

Please check locally for current visitor information.

Photo gallery of Attiveri Bird Sanctuary

Photos coming soon. In the meantime, you can find images of Attiveri Bird Sanctuary on popular travel photography sites and social media.