Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary

About Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary

Shettihalli Wildlife sanctuary houses mammals like Tiger, Leopard, Wild Dog, Jackal, Gaur, Elephant, Sloth Bear Sambar, Spotted Deer, Wild Pig, Common Langur, Bonnet Macaque, Common Mongoose, Striped-necked Mongoose, Porcupine, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Giant Flying Squirrel and Pangolin.
Python, cobra King Cobra rat snake and Marsh Ccrocodile are among the reptiles found in the sanctuary.
Birds include Hornbills, Kingfishers, Bulbuls, Parakeets, Doves, Pigeons, Babblers, Flycatchers, Munias, Swallows, Woodpeckers, Peafowl, Jungle fowl and Partridges.

This sanctuary has been recognized as an Important Bird Area mainly because of good forest found in patches despite tremendous biotic pressures. While no work has been done on the avifauna, this site is believed to have a number of restricted range, globally threatened and biome-restricted species. Apart from the ‘Critically endangered’ Oriental white-backed vulture (Gyps bengalensis) other Biome-11 (Indo-Malayan Tropical Dry Zone) species recorded here include the common Indian nightjar (Caprimulgus asiaticus), Indian grey hornbill (Ocyceros birostris), Brahminy starling (Sturnus pogodarium) and the white-bellied drongo (Dicrurus caerulescens) (Ahmed 2004). Other birds sighted here are Malabar pied hornbill (Anthracoceros coronatus), common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis), scarlet minivet (Pericrocotus flammeus), purple swamphen (Porphyrio porphyrio), red-wattled lapwing (Vanellus indicus) and greater racket-tailed drongo (Dicrurus paradiseus) Other birds like great hornbill (Buceros bicornis), Eurasian golden oriole (Oriolous oriolus), and purple sunbird (Nectarinia asiatica) are also seen here (Lal et al. 1994, Ahmed 2004). The area around the Tunga anicut dam as well as the Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary, which is a small island in the middle of the Tunga river inside the sanctuary, are popular bird nesting sites.

Interesting things to Visit

The Gajanur Dam and the elephant training camp at Sakrebyle are near-by places of interest. Early morning visits to Sakrebyle are the best. Mandagadde is 32 km from Shimoga en route Thirthahalli.

Help Line/Phone Number

Range Forest Office
Wildlife Range
Hanegere

Location info

• **Address:**Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Shimoga District of Karnataka.

• **District:**Shimoga district

• **Nearest City:**Sagar

Best time to visit: Best season to visit Shettihalli Wildlife sanctuary is between November and January.
The sanctuary is open everyday except Tuesday, from 09:00 to 17:00 hrs. Tours operate between 09.30 to 13:00 hrs and 14.15 to 16:30 hrs. It is usually closed from January to May.

How to reach Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary

• **Nearest Railway Station:**Shimoga Town Railway Station serves as the nearest railhead.

• **Nearest Airport:**Mangalore

• **Road Transport:**The sanctuary is near to Shimoga town and can be accessed by buses plying between Shimoga and Sagar.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

Forest bungalows in the sanctuary are available for accommodation.
As there are no big hotels present in the Mandagadde tentage should be carried if one is planning a overnight stay. Huge sand covered river side which is at a little distance away from the sanctuary may be used. In any case guidance from the local people/forest department is a must. Mandagadde has quite a number of small hotels, and no lodges.

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

• 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

• Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary

The Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary is situated in the Malenaadu region under the Shimoga district, towards Theerthahalli in Karnataka. The Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary has a spectacular collection of migratory birds

• 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

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 Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary

October to May is the best time for wildlife sightings. October-February offers pleasant weather and good animal activity near water sources. March-May is dry season — excellent sightings as animals gather at remaining waterholes. June-September (monsoon) most sanctuaries remain closed or have limited access.

Timings & opening hours

Safari timings: Morning 6:00-9:00 AM, Evening 3:30-5:30 PM (timings vary by season). Sanctuary office open 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Night stays require prior booking.

Entry fee & tickets

Entry fee: INR 50-200 per person for Indian nationals, INR 300-600 for foreign nationals. Vehicle entry: INR 200-500. Jeep safari charges: INR 1,000-2,500 per person. Guide fee included in safari packages. Camera fee: INR 50-200 (professional cameras extra).

Duration needed

Half day for a single safari (3-4 hours). Full day recommended for 2 safaris (morning + evening). Overnight stay required for the complete wildlife experience.

Safety tips

Stay inside the vehicle during safaris — do not get out unless instructed by your guide. Do not feed or provoke wild animals. Maintain silence for better wildlife sightings. Follow all forest department instructions. No smoking or open flames in forest areas.

Things to carry

Carry drinking water, snacks, comfortable walking shoes, hat/cap, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, power bank, and personal medications. A light jacket or umbrella is recommended during monsoon season (June-September). Binoculars (essential for wildlife viewing), wildlife guidebook, neutral-coloured clothing (avoid bright colours that disturb animals), trekking shoes if any walking is planned, insect repellent, and a wildlife identification app.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest railway station serves the district. Nearest airport: typically Hubli Airport, Mangalore International, or Kempegowda International Airport Bangalore. KSRTC buses to the nearest town, then local transport to sanctuary gate.

History of Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary

Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected wildlife area in Karnataka, part of the state’s extensive network of 30+ wildlife sanctuaries and 5 national parks. Karnataka leads India in elephant and tiger conservation under Project Elephant and Project Tiger. These sanctuaries are vital corridors connecting the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats ecosystems, supporting incredible biodiversity including over 500 bird species.

Things to do at Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary

Jeep safaris, birdwatching, nature walks (with guide), wildlife photography, visiting interpretation centres, and learning about conservation efforts. Some sanctuaries offer night safaris and trekking.

Frequently asked questions

Q: What animals can I see at Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary? A: The sanctuary is home to a variety of wildlife including deer species, primates, birds, and possibly elephants, leopards, and gaur. Sightings depend on season and time of day. Q: Do I need to book a safari in advance? A: Advance booking is recommended, especially during peak season. Q: What is the best time for safaris? A: Early morning (6-9 AM) offers the best wildlife viewing opportunities.

Quick facts

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

Visitor information

Please check locally for current visitor information.

Photo gallery of Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary

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