B R Hills Sanctuary

About B R Hills Sanctuary

The Sanctuary is a wonderful intermix of resort and wildlife sanctuary. The hill sanctuary spread on an area of 540 kms with green valley to its credit is a must stop for the travellers. THE sanctuary is a good link between the western and the eastern ghats. The River Cauvery takes its course through the middle of the hills reflecting the geographical significance of the hilly place. The hills had their name from the Ranganatha Swami temple that rests on the edge of a granite block more that 1000 ft above.

A trip to B R Hills Sanctuary will provide one with a lifetime opportunity to witness a variety of wild animals. One of the primary attractions of the sanctuary is the Dodda Sampige or the champak tree. This particular tree is believed to be 2000 years old. The tribal community of this area, Soligas, worships this tree.
While touring this sanctuary one can come across cheetals, elephants, gaurs, panthers, bears, sambhars and tigers. Besides the animals one can also check out the 200 bird species that flock to this place. Crested eagle and racket-trailed drongo are the popular kinds of birds that can be witnessed here.

Wildlife Attractions:-

» Flora : The vegetation at the B.RHills sanctuary ranges from the high altitude grass lands to the evergreen forests and the scrub jungles. The great chapaka trees found inside are worshiped by the Soliga tribes of that area.

The entire hills are covered with the dry broad leaf forests forming a part of the South Deccan Plateau. It is the only forest in the central southern peninsula to harbour the pachyderms in large numbers.

» Fauna :The BRHills is generally famous for the large asian bovid,the gaurs. There are about 26 varieties of mammal found in the sanctuary. The prominent ones are sambhar, chital, barking deer, four footed antelope. The Carnivorous inhabitants of the hills are the tigers,leopards,wild dogs,lesser cats and sloth bear, Three species of squirrels including the flying squirrel is seen inside the sanctuary. According to the recent surveys, there are possibly 17 tigers roaming inside the forest preying upon the weaker animals.

» Avian Species : The B.R Hill Sanctuary preserves more than 254 varieties of birds and a lot of migratory ones are welcomed during the winter seasons. A very uncommon species discovered there is the microhyla sholigari. The racket tailed drongo and the crested eagle are among the favourites. Other important varieties are Malabar whistling thrush, paradise flycatcher and the yellow throated bulbul. Besides a larger variety of pleasant butterflies are also found in the hilly ranges.

Location info

• **Address:**Chamarajanagar District, Karnataka .

• **District:**Chamarajanagar District

• **Nearest City:**C’nagar-18.0; Mysore-40.0

• Best time to visit: September to May

Things to do at B R Hills Sanctuary

Adventure sports like river rafting, outdoor camping, bird watching, amateur fishing, trekking and angling can be arranged for the interested travelers. For touring the forest you can either avail elephant rides or jeep safaris.A number of adventure activities are conducted here like professional angling, trekking, coracle boat rides,outdoor camping, river rafting, amateur fishing and bird watching. Every April you can witness the wonderful Ratha festival at the BR Temple too.

Things to visit & highlights

A trip to B R Hills Sanctuary will provide one with a lifetime opportunity to witness a variety of wild animals. One of the primary attractions of the sanctuary is the Dodda Sampige or the champak tree. This particular tree is believed to be 2000 years old. The tribal community of this area, Soligas, worships this tree.
At the camp, the deciduous, evergreen and grassland forests engulf you and put you right in the middle with the wild animals and birds that the jungle is home to. The forest is at its best greenery during June to November and wildlife is sighted round the year. A unique feature of the camp is that there is no electricity in the tents and the log-huts. Electricity, however, is provided in the hunting lodge between 7pm to 10.30 pm. As the night falls and the stars shine, the resort lights up with hurricane lamps, a magical a magical transformation.

How to reach B R Hills Sanctuary

• **Nearest Railway Station:**Bangalore is the nearest rail way station from the BR Hills.

• **Nearest Airport:**The nearest airport is situated in Bangalore at a distance of 254 km from the hills.

**Road Transport:**The sanctuary is easily accessible by road being 100 km from Bangalore, 85 km from Mysore via Malavalli and 245 km from Ooty. There are couple of buses running from Mysore everyday.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

Comfortable stay is provided to the tourists in the living quaters available there. There are well furnished Tents and huts with attached bath and toilets which are lit by the hurricane lamps. There is also a large Maharaja Bunglow that can accommodate about 15 tourists at a time. The bunglow was once the property of the Maharaja of Mysore.

Nearest visiting places

• Biligiri Hills

Biligiri Hills is a must for any person who wants to release his drudgery and stimulate his spirit by basking in the joy of natural glory. Located almost 120km from Mysore and 247kms from Bangalore, the picturesque Biligiri Hills are situated between the rivers Cauvery and Kapila. Biligiri signifies `white capped`, though the hills are hued in shimmering blue colours

• Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta

Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta is a small hill, in the core zone can be accessed by a small road through the village of Hangala north of the national park. Gopalaswamy Betta (betta is hill in Kannada) located inside the forest is a popular trekking spot. Atop the hill is a temple of Lord Venugopala Swamy built seven centuries ago and a travellers’ bungalow which remains locked now and belonged to the Ruler of Mysore

• M.M.Hills Temples

Malai Mahadeshwara hills (MM hills also called Mahadeshwara betta in local language, Kannada) belongs to Chamarajnagar district in Karnataka state. It is a very popular & holy ancient temple, surrounded by 77 hills in the Eastern Ghats. The Lord Sri Mahadeshwara is believed to be the incarnation of Lord Shiva. It is a very famous Shaiva piligrim centre. The Lord Sri Mahadeshwara’s miracles are beautifully sung by the village folk in Janapada Style

• B R Hills Sanctuary

Located 90 k m from Mysore and 230 kms from Bangalore, the Biligiri hill are exquisitely situated between the Kapila and the Cauvery rivers. Placed at a height of 5091 feet above sea level, the B.R Hill Sanctuary lengthen to about 16 kms from North to South. Completely engulfed by the deciduous trees, the wild species are found roaming freely amidst the long grasses

• Bandipur National Park

Bandipur National Park is one of India’s best known sanctuaries, and is an important Project Tiger reserve. It is located in the Chamarajanagar district of southern Karnataka in south India, and is contiguous with the Mudumalai National Park in the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu, the Wynad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala, and the Nagarhole National Park to the northwest

• Nugu Reservoir

Tips & suggestions

It is just 86 km from Mysore (via Nanjangud and Chamrajnagar) and 225 km from Bangalore (via Mysore and Chamrajnagar). K.Gudi Camp is also close to Coimbatore in Tamilnadu, just 175 km away (via Sathyamangalam and Chamarajnagar).

Helpline & emergency contacts

• **Police Station:**C’nagar

• **Nearest Hospital:**C’nagar

Society/Community Phone NumberContact us for Prior Booking at our 24 Hours desk on the following mobile Nos: +91-99428 99555 , 98424 30308 , 99425 87000 Fax: 0422-2331605. Email Id : info@pearlsindiatour.com

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 B R Hills Sanctuary

October to May is the best time for wildlife viewing. During the dry months (February to May), animals congregate around water sources, making sightings more frequent. The sanctuary is closed during the monsoon (July to September). December to February offers pleasant weather for safaris.

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: ₹50-₹100 for Indian nationals, ₹400-₹600 for foreign nationals. Safari vehicle charges: ₹600-₹2000 for a shared gypsy or bus safari. Guide fee may be additional. Camera fee: ₹50 for still, ₹200 for video. All fees are subject to change.

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 B R Hills Sanctuary

B R Hills Sanctuary is a protected area in Karnataka, part of India’s network of wildlife sanctuaries and reserves. The sanctuary was established to protect the region’s rich biodiversity, including flagship species such as tigers, elephants, and leopards. The area is part of the Western Ghats or the Deccan Plateau ecosystem, supporting a wide variety of flora and fauna.

Frequently asked questions

What animals can I see? Karnataka sanctuaries are home to tigers, leopards, elephants, gaur, deer, wild boar, and numerous bird species. Sightings depend on season, time of day, and luck.

How do I book a safari? Safaris can be booked online through the Karnataka Forest Department website or at the sanctuary entrance. Advance booking is recommended during peak season.

Is the sanctuary open year-round? Most sanctuaries close during the monsoon (July-September) for breeding season. The best wildlife viewing is from October to May.

Quick facts

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

Visitor information

Please check locally for current visitor information.

Photo gallery of B R Hills Sanctuary

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