Tiger sightings happen but are not guaranteed — Bhadra has a low-density, healthy tiger population. Multiple safaris improve odds.
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary • Chikmagalur Travel Guide
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary — Tiger Reserve Travel Guide
Last updated: 2026-04-26
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is a 492 sq km Project Tiger reserve in Chikmagalur district, home to tigers, leopards, elephants, gaur, sambar and over 250 bird species. The Muthodi range is the main entry point and offers organised jeep safaris through dense Western Ghats forest. This guide covers Bhadra safari timings, booking process, the best time for wildlife sightings, and how to reach the sanctuary from Chikmagalur and Bangalore.
Distance
38 km (1 hour)
Best Time
October to May
Duration
Half day or overnight
Entry
₹500 per person + safari fee
Why visit Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
- Project Tiger reserve since 1998
- Jeep safaris through 492 sq km of forest
- Sightings of tiger, leopard, elephant, gaur
- Over 250 species of resident & migratory birds
- River Bhadra crocodile sightings
How to reach Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary's Muthodi entry is 38 km from Chikmagalur via the Muthodi forest road, around 1 hour drive. Safari bookings must be made at the Muthodi range office or online. From Bangalore, it's ~280 km via NH75.
Things to do at Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
- Morning and afternoon jeep safaris
- Stay at Bhadra River Tern Lodge (Jungle Lodges)
- Birdwatching at the river bank
- Coracle rides on the Bhadra reservoir
- Trek to Lakkavalli viewpoint
Travel tips for Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
- Book safaris 30+ days ahead during weekends and holidays
- Wear earth-tone clothing for safaris
- Use silent mode on cameras and phones
- Carry binoculars — sightings are often distant
- Avoid plastic — banned inside the sanctuary
- Early morning safari has the best chance of big cat sightings
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary — frequently asked questions
Nearby places to visit
Plan a guided trip to Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
Speak to our local Chikmagalur travel team for transport, permits and combined-day itineraries.
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