Melukote Wildlife Sanctuary

About Melukote Wildlife Sanctuary

Melkote is also the location of the Melkote Temple Wildlife Sanctuary. This Sanctuary was created on 17 June 1974 mainly to protect the wolf. Other mammals found in this sanctuary are jungle cat, leopard, bonnet macaque, langur and pangolin. It is also an ornithologist’s paradise, with numerous species of birds indigenous to the area.and also if walk in the early morning you will see peacock.

Interesting things to Visit

Kalyani. This is a large tank at the base of the temple and is surrounded by small temples. The shelter around it is adorned with series of pillars which makes it look interesting. The place has been used for shooting many Kannada movies.

Cheluvarayaswami Temple. This is the other major temple in the town which has a history of almost 1000 years, and the deity was worshipped by Ramanujacharya. Wikipedia says - “According to a legend, this metallic image[of the deity] was lost and was recovered by Sri Ramanujacharya…The temple is richly endowed having been under the special patronage of the Mysore Rajas, and has a most valuable collection of jewels..”

Raya Gopura. Past Cheluvarayaswami temple is an incomplete tower with four rising pillars called Raya Gopura. The pillars are thick and impressive and have carvings all around it. It is said to be built overnight, and with the huge pillars and stones used for construction, seems hard to believe.

Akka Thangi Kola. Just besides the Raya Gopura are ancient twin ponds called Akka Thangi Kola, built by two sisters. Next to these is an old Hanuman temple, which is now abandoned.

Thondanur Kere. 15km from Melukote is the large lake at Thondanur which is so huge that you will not be able to see its other end. The lake is one of the biggest in the region and is usually full with water, makes an excellent sight even in summers.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

There is no accommodation available in Melukote. A few basic restaurants in the town serve simple vegetarian food. People of Melukote proudly proclaim of their specialty foods - Poliogre and Sakkare Pongal - both are a must try.

Location info

• **Address:**Melkote Temple Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Mandya District of Karnataka and is about 5 km from Melkote.

• **District:**Mandya district

• **Nearest City:**Melukote

• Best time to visit: The best time to visit is between October and April.

History of Melukote Wildlife Sanctuary

Early in twelfth century, the great Srivaishnava saint Sri Ramanujacharya took up his residence and lived here for about 14 years (said so). It thus became a prominent centre of the Srivaishnava sect of Brahmins, who obtained from the Hoysala king Vishnuvardhana, who had become a follower of the Acharya, an assignment of the fertile tracts of land in the neighbourhood, especially of the Ashta Gramas, on either bank of the Cauvery.[citation needed]

Nearest visiting places

• Sivasamudram Island

About 65kms, East of Mysore, you will find the tiny island town of Shivasamudram in Mandya district. Here the River Cauvery meanders to fall into cascading Shivasamudram Falls. This sparking waterfalls flows through the abundant sylvan forest of Karnataka in Deccan Plateau, plunges 320 feet into gorge into a spate, breaking into a cloud of misty foam. The falls are 893 metres wide

• Srirangpatnam Island

Situated on the Cauvery River, the island-fortress of Srirangapattana is famous as the former capital of the great kings, Hyder Ali, and his son, Tipu Sultan, the ‘Tiger of Mysore’. The ruins of the magnificent fortress that stands here is the main tourism attraction

• Adi Chunchanagiri Temples

• Karighatta Temples

Karighatta is a hill situated a few kilometres outside the ‘island’ town of Srirangapatna. It is situated off the Bangalore-Mysore road just before Srirangapatna. The name translates to “Black Hill” in Kannada. The hill has a Hindu temple devoted to a form of Hindu god Vishnu, called “Karigirivasa”

• Melukote Temples

Melkote located near Mysore in Karnataka houses an ancient shrine to Vishnu, worshipped as TiruNarayana. This shrine is known for its long standing association with the spiritual leader Ramanujacharya. Melkote is also known as Yadavagiri, yatistalam, Vedadri and Narayanadri.

• Srirangapatna Temples

Srirangapatna also spelt as Srirangapattana, is city of historic, religious, and cultural hub situated in Mandhya district of Karnataka, just about 13kms from Mysore. A must see place on Bangalore- Mysore Highway. Here you will come across the entire town as an island enclosed by River Kaveri

• Srirangapatna Archeology

The river Kaveri surrounds Srirangapatnam , which is 16 km north of Mysore.it was the capital of Muslim Mysore kingdom, which was at loggerhead with the English and the Mysore king

• Bhimeshwari Sanctuary

The sparkling blue waters of Cauvery wind through rocks and ravines and fall off the Deccan Plateau to form the twin falls of Barachukki and Gaganachukki.About 35 kms downstream is yet another set of falls called Mekedatu (Goat’s Leap)

• Srirangapatna Historical

Srirangapatna also spelt as Srirangapattana, is city of historic, religious, and cultural hub situated in Mandhya district of Karnataka, just about 13kms from Mysore. A must see place on Bangalore- Mysore Highway. Here you will come across the entire town as an island enclosed by River Kaveri

• Hemagiri Falls

This place is located 8 Kms from KR pet enroute to Kikere town or Govindhalli. It is better to take the route back, in view of bad roads on the same stretch to reach Kikere town. The river is in full flow during monsoon and it is a treat to watch

• Shivasamudram Waterfalls

The Shivasamudram falls is a segmented waterfall since the river Cauvery branches into two separate falls - the western falls known as Gaganachukki and the eastern falls, Bharachukki. Shivasamudram falls is the second biggest waterfall in India and the sixteenth largest in the world

• Bheemeswari River

Listen to the sweet hum of the rippling river… Feel the chill of the water… and get to face her majestic beauty by riding down the river in a raft…The Cauvery is one of the most majestic and sacred rivers in the country. Flowing through the thick forests of Karnataka, this river is home to India’s only protected fish species - The ‘Mahaseer’

• Mahadevapura River

Mahadevapura is located in Mandya district of Karnataka in India. A great picnic spot which is quite far away from modern world. A famous spot for film makers shooting nature scapes -for this hamlet by the Cauvery, offers some of the prettiest frames for any cinematographer

• Mekedatu River

Mekedatu, in Kannada means Goat’s leap, which is situated 98kms south of Bangalore. river Cauvery flows into a deep and narrow gorge, so narrow, that a goat could leap over it and that is how it got its name

• Adichunchanagiri Peacock Sanctuary

Located in Mandya District, Adichunchanagiri peacock sanctuary is covered with scrub forest and plantations. The altitude here varies from 770 - 1000 m. The sanctuary was established with the specific purpose of protecting the peacock

• Kokkare Belluru/Bellur Pelicanry

Tips & suggestions

Distance from Melkote Temple Wildlife Sanctuary:
Bangalore: 140 km
Mysore: 55 km
Mandya: 35 km

Helpline & emergency contacts

• Police Station: Melkote

• **Nearest Hospital:**Melkote

• 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 Melukote Wildlife 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.

Things to do at Melukote Wildlife Sanctuary

Take guided jungle safaris to spot wildlife in their natural habitat. Elephant safaris are available at some sanctuaries. Bird watching — Karnataka’s sanctuaries are home to hundreds of bird species. Nature walks with forest guides (in permitted areas). Visit interpretation centres to learn about local ecology.

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 Melukote Wildlife Sanctuary

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