Gudavi

About Gudavi

A bird watcher’s paradise, Gudavi Bird Sanctuary can be an exciting experience for you. If you choose to spend your weekend or your vacation in the most fruitful manner you can take a ride to the Gudavi Bird Sanctuary. Away from the din of the city life, Gudavi Bird Sanctuary offers you an exquisite number of avian species.

Clad in your casuals and good walking shoes you will enjoy the trek along the tree lined banks of Gudavi Lake. It is the month of June that gives an extra boost of life to this spectacular bird sanctuary. The trees become hubs of bright plumage. With powerful binoculars you can enjoy the grey heron and the night heron. You can spot the little cormorant and the white-headed crane too.

The jungle fowl and the waterfowl, the pond heron and the black headed crane are seen thronging together that adds to the beauty of the Gudavi Lake. As you walk around the Gudavi Bird Sanctuary exploring the tree tops and river banks you will be greeted with a cacophony of sounds

Location info

• **Address:**From Bangalore - 377km

• **District:**Shimoga

• **Nearest City:**Bangalore

• Best time to visit: June to October.

How to reach Gudavi

• **Nearest Railway Station:**Shimoga Railway Station well connected to Bangalore, Mysore ,Hubli.

• **Nearest Airport:**Nearest airport is Mangalore or Bangalore International Airport

• **Road Transport:**Well connected road network,leading to all parts of Karnataka

Hotels & accommodation nearby

Accommodation is not available at Gudavi Bird Sanctuary. You will need to stay at Shimoga.

Nearest visiting places

• Agumbe Hillstation

Agumbe, a small village located in Karnataka for all those who wish to find peace with nature in the western ghats. It is known to be the wettest region in Karnataka receiving highest rainfall. The tiny village is much known for its beautiful sunset and the trek opportunities it offer

• Sharavathi Valley Wildlife Sanctuary

Located in Shimoga District, Sharavathi Valley Wildlife Sanctuary spans over 431 sq km. Apart from the area occupied by the Liganamakki Reservoir or Honnemaradu, the sanctuary is divided into core zone, buffer zone and tourism zone

• Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary

Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Shimoga District of Karnataka. It spreads over 395 sq km of tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests. The sanctuary is inhabited by tiger, leopard, wild dog, jackal, gaur, elephant, sloth bear, sambar deer, spotted deer, wild pig,

• Ikkeri Archeology

Ikkeri is situated in Shimoga district of Karnataka state at about 3 km to the south of Sagar. The word Ikkeri in Kannada means “Two Streets”. This place was the capital of Keladi Nayakas for some years

• Keladi

Keladi is 10 km away from Ikkeri and was the Nayaka capital. You enter the precincts with its several small shrines through a long-roofed wooden entrance

• Barkana Falls

Barkana Falls  are among the ten highest waterfalls in India. They are located near Agumbe in Shimoga district of state of Karnataka. Barkana falls are formed by Sita river. Currently Barkana falls are the prime source of one of the hydro electric projects in Karnataka

• Honnemaradu Falls

Honnemaradu, the village, having been engulfed in the mid-1960s by the Liganamakki dam, has been literally resurrected today. This haven for water sport enthusiasts, tucked away in the lush greenery of the Western Ghats, is in the Shimoga District in north-west Karnataka, about 25 km from Sagar town on the way to Jog Falls

• Jog WaterFalls

The tallest and no doubt the most impressive waterfall in India, the Jog Falls(also known as the Gerusoppa waterfalls) is located about 400 kms from Bangalore in Karnataka. It is created by the Sharavathi River which comes down in cascades from a height of 292 meters at Gerusoppa in four distinct falls, called the Raja, Rani, Rover and Rocket

• Kunchikal Falls

Kunchikal Falls are the highest waterfalls in India and second highest waterfalls in Asia. They are located near Agumbe in Shimoga district of state of Karnataka. Kumchikal falls are formed by Varahi river. Currently Kunchikal falls are the prime source of one of the hydro electric projects in Karnataka

• Dandavathi River

Dandavathi is a river that flows in Sorab, India. It originates near Kuppe (Sorab taluk) and ends in the Varada river near Sagar. Sorab’s Sri Ranganatha temple is built on the bay of the Dandavathi river

• Sharavathi River

Sharavathi is a river which originates and flows entirely within the state of Karnataka in India. It is one of the few westward flowing rivers of India and a major part of the river basin lies in the Western Ghats. The famous Jog Falls are formed by this river

• Varada river

Varada River, the only source of water for the Sagar town, is the major river of Shimoga District. Sagar is an industrial town in the heart of the Western Ghats, Sagar is located in Shimoga District of Karnataka. It is 75 km north-west of Shimoga

• Varahi River

Varahi River is a river flowing through Western Ghats to Basrur, Kundapur and Gungulli in western India. Varahi is a west flowing river which takes its birth in the Western Ghats at Hebbagilu, near Agumbe in Shimoga District

• Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary

The Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary is situated in the Malenaadu region under the Shimoga district, towards Theerthahalli in Karnataka. The Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary has a spectacular collection of migratory birds

• Gajanur Dam

Gajanur is a village 12 km from Shivamogga in the Shivamogga District of Karnataka, India. The Tunga River flows through the village. Gajanur is well known for the dam built across the river

Tips & suggestions

Gudavi Bird Sanctuary is open to from 6 am to 6 pm between the months of June to November. You can have a spectacular view of this living creature in the sanctuary with a powerful binocular. When you you walk around the Gudavi Bird Sanctuary of Karnataka you will be delighted to hear the greeting of these birds and the cacophony of sounds echoing in the air giving it a serene atmosphere

Helpline & emergency contacts

• **Police Station:**100

• **Nearest Hospital:**Hospital:Shimoga Institute of Medical Sciences

• 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.

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 Gudavi

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 Gudavi

Gudavi 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 Gudavi

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 Gudavi

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