Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary

About Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary

The rock-strewn hillocks that stretch between Daroji of Sandur taluk and Ramasagar of Hospet Taluk in Bellary district have been the abode of Indian Sloth Bears since ages. In October 1994, the Government of Karnataka declared 5,587.30 hectares of Bilikallu reserve forest as Daroji Bear Sanctuary.

Geographically, it is located between 15o 14’ to 15o 17’ N latitude and 76o 31’ to 76o 40’ E longitude. However, at the time of declaration, the forest had nothing but barren stony hillocks and thorny trees. Owing to the arduous efforts of the staff and support of the surrounding villagers, the sanctuary has transformed into a lush green area boasting of a verdant forest with exuberant local species of flora and fauna.

It is estimated that about 120 Sloth Bears are living in this sanctuary, apart from Leopards, Hyena, Jackals, Wild Boars, Porcupine, Pangolins, Star Tortoise, Monitor Lizard, Mongoose, Pea Fowls, Partridges, Painted Spur Hen, Quails etc. About 90 species of birds, and 27 species of butterflies have also been identified in this sanctuary in a preliminary survey.

How do the Bears stay confined within the range of the sanctuary?
According to Range Forest Officer Sangamesh N Matt, the sanctuary has innumerable wild fruit-bearing trees and bushes like kavale (carissa carandas), jane (grewia teliafolia), ulupi (Grewia salvitidia), nerale (Eugenea jambolana), bore (zyziphus jujuba), etc in its premises. These trees and bushes yield fruits one after the other. Also, the authorities have started raising orchards of custard apple (seetaphal), Singapore cherry, mango, banana, maize, etc within the ranges of the sanctuary. Bears are fond of termites and honey, which are also available in plenty here. There are waterholes too, for quenching the thirst of the wildlife.

Daroji Bear Sanctuary is one safe haven for various species like hyenas and leopards and particularly the sloth bears. Many tour operators in Hampi organize trips for tourists to this wilderness wonderland. Daroji can be at its best during August to April every year.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

Private:
☀ Mallige Tourist Home, Bellary road, Hospet-583 201. Ph: +91-8394-228101 to 16. E-mail: malligihome@hotmail.com
☀ Priyadarshini Lodge, station road, Hospet. Ph: +91-8394-228838, 228096, 227313, Fax : +91-0894-224709 E-mail: priyainhampi@india.com

Location info

• **Address:**Hampi near Hospet, in Bellary district is a renowned world heritage centre. Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary is situated only 15 kilometers from Hampi.

• **District:**Bellary district

• **Nearest City:**Hampi

• Best time to visit: The best time to visit the sanctuary is between August and April.

Things to do at Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary

For the travel enthusiasts, who nurture plans to visit this sanctuary, it is advisable to wear natural dark colored clothes. Avoid white and light colored garments. Arm yourself with binoculars and cameras.

How to reach Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary

• **Nearest Railway Station:**Nearest railway station is Hospet where trains from Bangalore and Hubli are accessible.

• **Nearest Airport:**Bangalore

**Road Transport:**Bangalore to Chitradurga (199 kms) on NH-4, then to Hospet (135 Kms) on NH-13. And then to Kamalapura (12 Kms)-which is 10 Kms from the Sanctuary.

Nearest visiting places

• Narihalla Dam

Narihalla reservoir, on the way to sandur town, 25 kms from bellary, a little known little explored place, provides a lot of opportunities for photography and explorations. The redness of the soil and the lake water shows the presence of iron ore beneth

• Kuruvatti Archeology

Tips & suggestions

Visiting hours of the sanctuary is between 6.00 A M and 6.00 P M on all days. To watch the Bears one must be in the watch-tower on a hillock and sit quietly to look at the Bears descending from the opposite Karadikallu Gudda. This hillock has hundreds of caves where the Bears take shelter.

Helpline & emergency contacts

• **Police Station:**Hampi

• **Nearest Hospital:**Hampi

Society/Community Phone NumberFor more details contact: The Range Forest Officer, Daroji Bear Sanctuary, Vidyaranya.583 2 76 (Kamalapura), Hospet taluk, Bellary district. Karnataka, INDIA Phone +91-8394-242869.
The Assistant Conservator of Forests, Wildlife sub-division, Ranebennur-581 115 Haveri dist Karnataka. INDIA. Ph: +91-8373-860394.
The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Aranya Bhavan, Bangalore-580 003. Ph: +91-80-23345846.
K S Abdul Samad., Honorary wildlife warden of Bellary district., No.392, “ASHA” Basaveswara Badavane, HOSPET-583 201, Bellary dist, Karnataka , India.

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 Daroji Sloth Bear 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 Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary

Daroji Sloth Bear 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.

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 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 Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary

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