A trip to Karnataka is definitely incomplete without visiting its wildlife sanctuaries. The state has some famous sanctuaries that provide full protection and safety to all the rare kinds of animals and birds. These are places where bio-diversity is visible in full bloom. With its proximity to the Western Ghats, Karnataka has the required soil and climate quality to protect and preserve animals that are rare or almost endangered. The sanctuaries are great picnic spots where people of all age groups can have a good time. There are nature walks, forest trails, trekking, safaris and other adventure activities too for people who are interested. These sanctuaries are considered to be national treasures purely because of the diverse species of flora and fauna that they hold within them.

Karnataka is right on top in the list of must-see places for every wildlife lover in the country, because the state houses some great reserves like Bandipur Tiger Reserve, Bhadra Tiger Reserve, Anshi National Park, Bannerghatta National Park, Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, Kudremukh National  Park, Mookambika National Park, Nagarhole National Park or Rajiv Gandhi Natonal, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, Nisargadhama, Dubare Elephant Park and Kabini National Park & Wildlife Sanctuary. While of these are beautiful places, let us see a couple of famous wildlife sanctuaries in the state.

Bandipur Tiger Reserve and National Park

If you are looking for a good collection of tigers in South India, Bandipur Tiger Reserve is the place to be. The place is set up across 880sq. Km  and contains about 100 animal species and 350 bird species. People in Karnataka come to this sanctuary on weekends as it is located quite close to the main cities of Bangalore and Mysore. Apart from tigers, you can spot many varieties of elephants and butterflies here.

Nagarhole National Park

Located at just about 80km from the city of Mysore, this national park is definitely the pride of Karnataka. You can spot a variety of animals like all kinds of spotted deer, antelope with four horns, wild boar, mongoose, hyena, elephant, tiger, leopard, wild dog, otter, civet, Indian bison and many more when you take a troll around the sanctuary. Jackals, snakes, porcupines and bears are found here in plenty. During summer vacations (between the months of April and May), this park is crowded with kids, who come here to get entertained. The period that comes just after the monsoon, that is, between November and February, is also great for coming here, as the climate is too pleasant during this time.