Muthodi Wildlife Sanctuary

Climate/Weather

Seasons:
Winter - November to January
Summer - February to May
Monsoon - May to October

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

Tex Woods Resorts is one of the cheapest budget hotel/hostel in Chikmagalur, India. Located in the locality of Sheegekhan Estate, Next to Muthodi Wildlife Sanctuary, Via Malandar, Tex Woods Resorts offers the budget traveler and his/her family a friendly accommodation at the lowest room rate. Tex Woods Resorts is within the easy reach of the center of Chikmagalur, India, the nearest airport and its major attractions. The Tex Woods Resorts is known for its affordable accommodation options, well kept rooms and common areas, friendly reservation counter staff, nearby restaurants and bars, and of course, service and staff that try to make your stay at Tex Woods Resorts worthwhile. This hotel is well-suited for students, tourists, backpackers, hostel travelers, youth travelers, young professionals and foreigners.

Location info

• **Address:**The Muthodi Wildlife Sanctuary in the Chickmagalur and Shimoga Districts

• District: Chickmagalur and Shimoga Districts

• **Nearest City:**Chikmagalur

• Best time to visit: November — March.

History of Muthodi Wildlife Sanctuary

The area was declared as “Jagara Valley Wildlife Sanctuary” by the Government of Mysore in 1951, vide Government Notification No. A & F. 6175/90/10 FT-112-40-2, dated 21.2.51 covering an area of 77.45 sq. miles. After a systematic survey and census of the entire area including animals, birds and plants, it was thought to bring some more area under the Jagara Valley Forests. The adjacent area, which were rich in wildlife was surveyed and the Sanctuary was reconstituted in the year 1974, as Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary“, vide Notification No. AFD-25-FWL-74, dated 6.9.74, covering an area of 492.46 sq. km. as per section 18 of Wildlife Protection Act 1972 (Intention), and confirmed under section 26 of Wildlife Protection Act 1972, vide notification Fee-58-FW-96, dated 9.3.98.

Things to do at Muthodi Wildlife Sanctuary

In good weather you can camp inside the forest with tents, and do a lot of trekking as well.

How to reach Muthodi Wildlife Sanctuary

• **Nearest Railway Station:**The railhead closest to Bhadra is Kadur, 40km.

• **Nearest Airport:**The nearest airports are Mangalore – 180km and Bangalore – 265km.

• Road Transport: The nearest town is Chikmagalur, 30km away. Bangalore is 265km away.

Nearest visiting places

• Belavadi

It is a big Hoysala temple, 12 km from Halebid. There are few visitors. King BIddiga converted to Hinduism under the influence of a philosopher and called himself Vishu Vardhana. At first he built this temple and defined Vishnu in it

• Sringeri

Sringeri is a monastic temple town started by Shankara, who promoted the Advaitha philosophy in the 9h century. The temple was built in the 14th century with the support of Vijayanagara

• Hebbe Falls

Hebbe Falls are situated about 10 km away from the famous hill station Kemmangundi in Karnataka, India. This waterfalls are inside a coffee estate and can be reached either by walk or four-wheeler

• Kalhatti Falls

Kalhatti Falls start at the top of the Chandra Drona Hill, from a height of 45m to flow before the Veerabhadreshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated 10km from Kemmangundi, Kalahatti is about 250 km form Bangalore

• Manikyadhara Waterfall

Manikyadhara Falls is situated near Kemmangundi of Chikmagalur district. It is located on the Baba Budan Giri HIlls, which is a sacred place for both Muslims and Hindus. It is one of the main attractions of Baba Budan Giri or Dattapeeta

• Sirmane / Sirmane falls

Sirimane falls, a tributory of Tunga river which decends from the Western Ghats ranges near Sringeri in Chikmagalur District of Karnataka. Sirimane falls is one of the pretty waterfalls, located about five kilometres from Kigga, and is around 22 km away from Sringeri

• Bababudangiri Hills

Bababudangiri shrine (also known as Dattatreya Peeta or Dattatreya Peetha) is a shrine located on Bababudangiri hill in the Chikmagalur District of the state of Karnataka in India.This peak is one of the highest in Karnataka

• Gangamoola Hills

Located in the Samse Taluk of Chikmagalur district, the Gangamoola hill is surrounded by thick forests. It is the origin of three mighty rivers, the Tunga, Bhadra and Nethravathi.The highlights of the region are a Goddess Bhagavathi shrine and a Varaha image, 1.8 metres high, within a cave, which become inaccessible during the monsoons

• Horanadu Hills

Horanadu the holy city of Chickmagalur district of Karnataka, is famous for the Annapoorneshwari Temple. Dedicated to Goddess Annapurneshwari, Goddess of Food and Grains.It is believed that one who visits the temple and takes the blessing of the Deity one shall never go hungry in their life

• Kemmannugundi Hills

55 kms north from Chickmagalur town on the Baba Budan range is the scenic hill station of Kemmannugundi called K.R hills, after the Wodeyar king Krishnaraja Wodeyar - IV who made it his favorite summer camp. Situated at a height of 1434 meters and surrounded by thick green forests. K.R Hills makes and ideal health resort

• Kudremukh Hills

The unspoilt Kundadri hill station in Karnataka situated in Teerthahalli taluk of Shimoga, still remains one of the favorite spots for tourists keen in mountain trekking. The mountains are unexplored and one can feel the excitement in discovering new pathways to the peak

• Horanadu Temples

Horanadu the holy city of Chickmagalur district of Karnataka, is famous for the Annapoorneshwari Temple. Dedicated to Goddess Annapurneshwari, (Goddess of Food and Grains) this temple was built in 1973.It is believed that one who visits the temple and takes the blessing of the Deity one shall never go hungry in their life.

• Shringeri Temples

Situated in southwest region of Karnataka, Chikmagalur is around 200 km from the capital city Bangalore.90 km west of Chikmagalur town is Sringeri situated on the banks of river Tungabhadra. Sringeri was discovered by Sri Sankaracharya as a place where even natural animosities did not exist, as he saw a frog in labour protected from the scorching rays of the sun by a raised hood of a cobra

• Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

38 kms from Chikmagalur, this sanctuary is must for wildlife enthusiasts. Gaur, chital, sambar, elephants and tigers are some of the wildlife found here. This place is truely mysterious, magical and mind-blowing. The secrets of the jungle unwind as you go deep into the seemingly silent forest

• Kudremukh National Park

Kudremukh National Park, Karnataka is one of the most popular national parks in India. Located in Mangalore, it is surrounded by Kudremukh or the Horse Face range overlooking the Arabian Sea. The topography of Kudremukh National Park, Karnataka is marked by deep ravines and steep cliffs

Things to carry

Make sure you carry a torch/ some candles/ mosquito coil etc if you have to stay in the jungle.

Helpline & emergency contacts

• **Police Station:**Chikmagalur

• Nearest Hospital: Chikmagalur

Society/Community Phone Number
The Deputy Conservator of Forests Bhadra Tiger Reserve
Chikmagalur - 577101.
Tel: 08262-34904. Fax: 08262-28026
Email: dcfbadra@blr.vsnl.net.in

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.

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 Muthodi 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.

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 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 Muthodi Wildlife Sanctuary

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