10 Wildlife National Parks To Explore in Karnataka

Karnataka is one of India’s most popular tourist destinations, renowned for its magnificent palaces, ancient temples, scenic landscapes, and diverse wildlife. With its rich variety of flora and fauna, the state provides a natural habitat for several rare and endangered species. To protect this biodiversity, Karnataka is home to several national parks, tiger reserves, and wildlife sanctuaries.

These protected areas attract not only wildlife enthusiasts but also nature lovers, photographers, birdwatchers, and adventure seekers. From thrilling safaris and trekking trails to beautiful forests, rivers, and waterfalls, Karnataka’s wildlife destinations offer an unforgettable experience for visitors.

# Bannerghatta National Park

Located about 25 km from Bengaluru, Bannerghatta National Park is a popular destination for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. The park offers visitors an opportunity to observe a variety of animals, including tigers, leopards, elephants, bears, deer, gaur, and several species of birds.

The Bannerghatta Biological Park, established as part of the larger national park complex, is one of the major attractions here. Visitors can enjoy wildlife safaris, explore the zoo, and visit the animal rescue and rehabilitation centre.

Another major attraction is the Butterfly Park, which showcases numerous species of colourful butterflies. The park also features a variety of vegetation, including sandalwood, tamarind, and other native species.

Things to Do:

Enjoy a jeep safari to observe wildlife.
Explore the Butterfly Park.
Visit the zoo and animal rescue centre.
Take nature walks and enjoy the surrounding greenery.

Temperature: Mild to warm, generally 18–34°C.

Popular Attractions: Safari Park, Butterfly Park, Zoo and Rescue Centre.

How to Reach: Approximately 25 km from Bengaluru; easily accessible by road.

Activities: Wildlife safari, nature walks, photography, and zoo visits.

# Bandipur National Park

Bandipur National Park, located in Chamarajanagar district, is one of Karnataka’s most celebrated wildlife destinations. Established as a tiger reserve in 1973, the park forms an important part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.

The park is covered with beautiful forests containing teak, sandalwood, rosewood, bamboo, and several other varieties of vegetation. It is home to tigers, elephants, leopards, gaurs, sambar, chital, wild dogs, sloth bears, and numerous species of birds.

One of the most exciting ways to explore Bandipur is through a guided safari. Visitors may encounter herds of elephants and other wild animals while travelling through the forest.

Things to Do:

Enjoy a jeep safari.
Go birdwatching.
Explore the forest through guided nature walks.
Visit nearby attractions such as Gopalaswamy Betta.

Temperature: Moderate to warm, generally 20–35°C.

Popular Attractions: Wildlife safaris and Gopalaswamy Betta.

How to Reach: Approximately 220 km from Bengaluru; accessible by road.

Activities: Jeep safari, birdwatching, nature walks, and wildlife photography.

# Nagarhole National Park

Nagarhole National Park, also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, is one of Karnataka’s most important wildlife destinations. Located in the Kodagu and Mysuru regions, the park is particularly famous for its large elephant population and rich biodiversity.

The name “Nagarhole” comes from two Kannada words—“Naga,” meaning snake, and “Hole,” meaning stream. The park was initially established as a game sanctuary in 1955 and was later expanded and declared a national park in 1988.

Nagarhole is blessed with rivers, streams, lakes, and dense forests, creating an ideal habitat for elephants, tigers, leopards, wild dogs, deer, and numerous bird species. The Kabini River and its backwaters are among the region’s major attractions.

Visitors can explore the area through jeep safaris and boat safaris, depending on the location and season.

Things to Do:

Enjoy a jeep safari.
Take a boat safari around the Kabini backwaters.
Go birdwatching.
Capture scenic landscapes and wildlife through photography.

Temperature: Pleasant, generally 19–30°C.

Popular Attractions: Kabini backwaters and wildlife safaris.

How to Reach: Approximately 90 km from Mysuru; accessible by road.

Activities: Jeep safaris, boat safaris, birdwatching, and nature exploration.

# Kudremukh National Park

Kudremukh National Park, situated in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, is famous for its spectacular mountains, lush green landscapes, dense forests, and rich biodiversity. Located mainly in the Chikkamagaluru district, the park covers an extensive area and was declared a national park in 1987.

The name Kudremukh means “horse face” in Kannada, referring to the distinctive shape of the mountain. Kudremukh Peak rises to around 1,894 metres and is a popular destination for trekking enthusiasts.

The park provides a habitat for several species, including leopards, sambar, wild boar, gaur, and the endangered lion-tailed macaque. Its forests, streams, waterfalls, and rolling hills make it a paradise for nature lovers.

Things to Do:

Trek towards Kudremukh Peak.
Explore scenic rivers and waterfalls.
Spot wildlife and birds.
Enjoy nature photography.

Temperature: Cool to warm, generally 15–30°C, with cooler conditions at higher elevations.

Popular Attractions: Kudremukh Peak, waterfalls, and Western Ghats landscapes.

How to Reach: Approximately 330 km from Bengaluru; accessible by road.

Activities: Trekking, birdwatching, wildlife spotting, and exploring waterfalls.

# Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary

Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Nilgiri region near the Karnataka–Tamil Nadu border and lies close to Bandipur National Park. The Moyar River forms an important natural boundary between the two protected areas.

The sanctuary is known for its rich wildlife, including elephants, tigers, leopards, gaurs, langurs, and flying squirrels. It is also an excellent destination for birdwatchers, with species such as Malabar grey hornbills, crested hawk-eagles, and other forest birds.

One of the major attractions is the Theppakadu Elephant Camp, where visitors can learn more about elephant care and conservation.

Things to Do:

Enjoy jeep and van safaris.
Visit the Theppakadu Elephant Camp.
Go birdwatching.
Explore the surrounding forest landscapes.

Temperature: Pleasant, generally 15–30°C.

Popular Attractions: Theppakadu Elephant Camp and wildlife safaris.

How to Reach: Approximately 220 km from Bengaluru; accessible by road.

Activities: Jeep safaris, birdwatching, wildlife photography, and elephant-related experiences.

# Anshi National Park

Anshi National Park, now part of the Kali Tiger Reserve, is located in Karnataka’s Uttara Kannada district. The region is known for its dense forests, dramatic landscapes, rivers, waterfalls, and remarkable biodiversity.

The reserve provides a natural habitat for several species, including tigers, leopards, black panthers, elephants, gaurs, sambar, barking deer, wild boar, and the Malabar giant squirrel. The area is also home to numerous species of birds and reptiles.

Its forests and the nearby Kali River make the region particularly attractive to adventure enthusiasts.

Things to Do:

Enjoy wildlife safaris.
Explore forest trails through guided treks.
Go birdwatching.
Experience adventure activities around the Kali River.

Temperature: Moderate to warm, generally 20–30°C.

Popular Attractions: Kali Tiger Reserve, dense forests, rivers, and waterfalls.

How to Reach: Approximately 515 km from Bengaluru; accessible by road.

Activities: Jeep safaris, trekking, birdwatching, and river-based adventure activities.

# Biligiri Ranganatha Temple Tiger Reserve

Popularly known as BRT, Biligiri Ranganatha Temple Tiger Reserve is situated in Chamarajanagar district. The reserve is named after the Biligiri Ranganatha Temple located on the hills within the protected area.

Spread across a large forested landscape, the reserve supports a variety of wildlife, including elephants, tigers, leopards, sloth bears, gaurs, sambar, chital, and numerous bird species.

The combination of forests, hills, wildlife, and the historic temple makes BRT an interesting destination for both nature and cultural tourism.

Things to Do:

Enjoy a wildlife safari.
Visit the Biligiriranganatha Temple.
Trek through the surrounding hills.
Go birdwatching and wildlife photography.

Temperature: Pleasant to warm, generally 15–30°C.

Popular Attractions: Biligirirangan Hills, temple, and wildlife safaris.

How to Reach: Approximately 180 km from Bengaluru; accessible by road.

Activities: Jeep safaris, trekking, birdwatching, and photography.

# Kali Tiger Reserve

Kali Tiger Reserve, located in Uttara Kannada district, is one of Karnataka’s most spectacular protected areas. It is known for its dense forests, waterfalls, rivers, valleys, and rich wildlife.

The reserve provides habitat for tigers, leopards, black panthers, elephants, gaurs, wild dogs, jackals, and several species of birds. The Kali River adds to the beauty of the region and provides opportunities for adventure activities.

The combination of wildlife and adventure makes Kali Tiger Reserve an excellent destination for travellers looking for an exciting experience in nature.

Things to Do:

Enjoy a wildlife safari.
Experience adventure activities on the Kali River.
Go birdwatching.
Explore forest trails and scenic landscapes.

Temperature: Moderate to warm, generally 20–32°C.

Popular Attractions: Kali River, Dandeli region, wildlife safaris, and scenic landscapes.

How to Reach: Approximately 485 km from Bengaluru; accessible by road.

Activities: Jeep safaris, birdwatching, trekking, and river-based adventure activities.

# Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary

Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Somwarpet taluk of Kodagu district. Surrounded by lush green forests and beautiful mountain landscapes, the sanctuary is known for its diverse flora and fauna.

The sanctuary provides habitat for several mammals, birds, and reptiles, including the Malabar giant squirrel, Nilgiri langur, elephants, leopards, barking deer, and sambar.

The region is particularly attractive to trekking enthusiasts and birdwatchers. Kumara Parvatha is one of the most popular trekking destinations in the area.

Things to Do:

Trek towards Kumara Parvatha.
Explore forest trails.
Go birdwatching.
Capture the lush landscapes through photography.

Temperature: Cool to warm, generally 15–30°C, with cooler temperatures at higher elevations.

Popular Attractions: Kumara Parvatha and Shola forests.

How to Reach: Approximately 250 km from Bengaluru; accessible by road.

Activities: Trekking, birdwatching, nature walks, and photography.

# Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Chikkamagaluru and Shivamogga regions, is a beautiful protected area known for its forests, mountains, rivers, and diverse wildlife. The sanctuary covers a large area and forms an important habitat for several species.

Visitors may spot tigers, leopards, elephants, gaurs, sambar, deer, and a variety of birds. The Bhadra Reservoir adds to the scenic charm of the sanctuary and provides opportunities for boat-based wildlife viewing.

The surrounding Western Ghats landscape also makes Bhadra an excellent destination for trekking, camping, birdwatching, and nature photography.

Things to Do:

Enjoy a boat safari on the Bhadra Reservoir.
Go on a jeep safari.
Explore the sanctuary through guided nature activities.
Go birdwatching and wildlife photography.

Temperature: Moderate, generally 15–28°C.

Popular Attractions: Bhadra River, Bhadra Reservoir, and nearby mountain landscapes.

How to Reach: Approximately 285 km from Bengaluru; accessible by road.

Activities: Jeep safaris, boat safaris, birdwatching, trekking, and photography.