Bankapura peacock sanctuary in Karnataka is unique because it is one of the two sanctuaries in the country which is engaged in peacock conservation. The other one is in the hill state of Uttarakhand. The sight of peacocks in their natural habitat is a pleasing experience at a place that is home to over 1,000 peacocks.

Situated in a vast expanse of Bankapura Fort, the sanctuary is a perfect breeding ground for the avian population abounding in this region.

Location

Bankapura Peacock Sanctuary is located in Haveri district of Karnataka. The sanctuary lies 22 km from Haveri town on the way to Hubli. The sanctuary is spread across an area of 139 acres and is a natural habitat for the peacock population in the area.

Flora and Fauna

Flora

The floral wealth of Bankapura makes this sanctuary area a perfect retreat for avian population. Eucalyptus plantation is widespread here and a scrub forest is also found in this sanctuary area. Such vegetation was one of the primary reasons why wildlife authorities in Karnataka chose Bankapura region for establishment of the peacock sanctuary. Other plant species found in the area include Carissa auriculata, Prosopis juliflora and Acacia catechu.

In addition, crops like maize, jowar and horse gram are grown here. All these crops are a favourite of the avian population, particularly peacocks.

Fauna

Peacock is the main avian found in this sanctuary area. According to a wildlife census report, the peacock population in this sanctuary is well over 1,000. This makes the sanctuary a perfect place for researchers and visitors alike who come here in large numbers.

The area with high mounds and deep trenches in this sanctuary are considered a suitable retreat for the increasing peacock population here. Besides peacock, which is found in majority in the sanctuary area, this region also has a significant presence of other faunal species including wood pecker, babbler, magpie, robin and green bee eater.

Spotted maina, Indian robin, parakeets, grey hornbill and tailor bird is also found in significant numbers.

Best Time to Visit

Bankapura Peacock Sanctuary can be visited at any time of the year. Still the months spanning from April to October are the ideal time to plan a visit.

Accommodation

Bankapura Peacock Sanctuary does not have any accommodation and it is ideal to plan an early morning visit to the sanctuary area. Haveri Town, which has numerous hotels and is close to the sanctuary, can be considered for a comfortable stay. The Hitaishi Palace Hotel located near Corporation Bank in Haveri is quite popular.

Visitor Information

• The sanctuary is visited during early hours by several researchers and if you are lucky, you will come across one of them.
• Wildlife department is making special efforts towards guiding visitors in the sanctuary. Trained guide can be hired for understanding the avian life development in detail.
• Plan a visit during the early morning hours as it is the best time to watch peacocks at close quarters.

How to Reach

Air

Bellary Airport situated at a distance of 119 km from Haveri is the nearest air link to Bankapura Peacock Sanctuary.

Rail

Haveri is a major rail head and is connected with major Indian cities including Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai.

Road

Bankapura Peacock Sanctuary lies 22 km from Haveri on the way to Hubli. The sanctuary is located ideally on NH-4.