Mandagadde

About Mandagadde

The Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary of Karnataka is the natural habitat of varied species of local as well as migratory birds. The Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary is covered by a dense forest with river Tunga flowing through it. There is a beautiful island where three types of migratory birds namely median egret, darter and the cormorant nests. These avian species club around the branches of the trees which gives a spectacular sight from far.

The migratory birds come to the Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary in Karnataka mainly in the month of August. If you stroll around the place or trek you will be amazed by the chirping or cacophony of sounds by more than 5000 birds in the Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary.

With the first ray of sunlight in the dawn, the echoing sound of the birds of the Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary in Karnataka fills the air.

You can spot the different species of birds by standing on the watch tower of the Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary at Karnataka. But it is advisable to seek local help or get the guidance from the forest department to identify the bird species and explore the sanctuary. There is a dam close to the Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary at Karnataka at Gajanur where you can pay your visit during your trip to the sanctuary.

Interesting things to do

Enjoy water sports in the backwaters of the Sharavati Wildlife Sanctuary. Hiking and trekking are also popular activities here.
A popular destination is the Tiger and Lion Safari at Tavarekopoa, just 10 km. from Shimoga on NH 206.
In the city of Shimoga is the Shivappanaika Palace Museum, which is a must see. The beautiful palace made entirely of rosewood is an architectural marvel and has an amazing collection of antiquities of the Keladi period.

Within the city limits is the Sacred Heart Church, which is the 2nd largest Church in India, with a capacity for 5000 people.

Location info

• **Address:**315 kms from Bangalore

• **District:**Shimoga

• **Nearest City:**Bangalore

• Best time to visit: July-October

Climate & weather

Summers 22�- 40�C. Winters 10�- 32�C

How to reach Mandagadde

• **Nearest Railway Station:**Shimoga is connected by rail to Bangalore, Mysore and Hubli.

• **Nearest Airport:**The nearest airport is the Mangalore Airport (200 km).or Bangalore International Airport.

**Road Transport:**Mandagadde is on the way to Theerthahalli from Shimoga. Plenty of State transport corporation buses and private buses run between these places.

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

• Gudavi Bird Sanctuary

Sorab taluk of Shimoga district, comes alive in June as the energetic chirping of birds fills the air. The tree-lined banks of the Gudavi Lake become a brilliant mosaic of colours, with branches buried under bright plumage

• 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

Helpline & emergency contacts

• **Police Station:**100

• **Nearest Hospital:**Mandagadde.

• 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.

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 Mandagadde

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 Mandagadde

Mandagadde 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 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 Mandagadde

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