Lush forests cover approximately 22 percent of karnataka’s land area. From the evergreen forests of the Western Ghats to the scrub jungles of the plains, this wide variety of habitats teems with diverse flora and fauna. The highest density of tigers in the country is found here, as are a quarter of the world’s population of Asiatic elephants.

Bandipur National Park
Once the private hunting ground of royalty, the Bandipur national Park is among the best-known wildlife reserves in the country today. The forest is pre-dominantly deciduous and is home to a plethora of wild life-including elephants, tigers, striped hyena, mouse deer and over 230 avian species.

Rajiv Gandhi National Park (Nagarahole)
Part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, along with Bandipur Natoinal Park, Nagarahole (Kannada for Snake River) has an astonishing abundance of wildlife-especially the Asiatic elephant, tiger, leopard and Indian bison.

Anshi National Park
Located in an eco-sensitive part of the Western Ghats, Anshi is rich in rare species of flora and fauna. About 197 species of birds have been spotted here. Around the park one also finds the Ulvi Channbasaveshwara Temple, Kadra Valley Viewpoint and Karwar Beach.

Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary
The bamboo groves and semi-green forests of Dandeli is home to a number of species of flora and fauna. The area also has innumerable trekking trails. Other places of interest here are the Virnoli Rapids, the magnificient Supa Dam, the Syntheri Rocks, Nagajhari Viewpoint, the Kulgi Nature Educaton Camp, the Kavla Caves with their ‘Shiva Linga’-like stalagmites, and Sykes Point that offers a stunning view of the Kalinadi Valley.

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as the Muthodi Widlife Sanctuary, is a great place to sight tigers, Indian bison, striped hyena and the rare flying lizard. This sanctuary is home to more than 250 species of birds, many of which are endemic to the region.

Kuduremukh National Park
The Kuduremuck (or Horse Face) Range with its broad hills, near Chickmagalur town overlooks the Arabian Sea and is characterized by deep valleys and steep precipices. This is a great destination for wildlife lovers’ ands is a trekker’s paradise with high green forests interspersed with rivers, grassy slopes and more. Ganga Moola, another scenic spot in the Bhagawathi Forest can be reached by a short trek.