Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary is an integral part of Mysore Elephant Reserve under the aegis of Project Elephant. It is an example of a wonderful ecological balance where wide varieties of Asian elephants and other animals exist peacefully. This is an extensive and a colossal wildlife habitat that is spread over a large area of nearly 1027 km2. This sanctuary was declared a wildlife haven on 14th January 1987. This zone is flanked by Tamil Nadu in the eastern and north-eastern direction. A major part of this area is covered by riverine and deciduous forests.

Location and Climate

The arid areas of Karnataka forests make up Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, which is spread across Chamarajanagar, Mandya and Ramanagar districts. The climate of this area is semi-arid with average temperatures of 25°C and rainfall is the range of 60–100 cm.

Flora and Fauna

Flora

Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary houses some specific species of tree such as Jambul, Terminalia Arjuna, Mangifera indica, Tamarindus indica, Acacia amata, Hardwickia binata, and varieties of acacia, ficus and feronia.

Fauna

Apart from Asian elephants, other animals found in this sanctuary are tiger, wild dog, leopard, Indian mud turtles, striped hyena, common langur, gaur, barking dear, sloth bear, dhole, sambar, four-horned antelope, cheetal and various species of snakes. The exotic species of marshy crocodiles and otter are also found in river flowing within the sanctuary. The endangered grizzly giant squirrel can be spotted here along with four-horned antelope, thus making this destination even more worth visiting.

Some typical birds found in this sanctuary include the Cuckoo, Sirkeer, Greenbilled Malkoha, Bulbul, Woodpecker, Fish Eagle, Orsprey, Green Imperial Pigeon, Black Eagle, Darter, Little green heron, Purple heron,  Black ibis and Pintail.

Best Time to Visit

The most suitable time to visit Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary is from November to March.

Accommodation

Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary is surrounded by many tourist spots. Thus, it is laced with many options for boarding and lodging.

Bheemeshwari is a famous religious and tourist spot close to Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary and thus comes with many interesting and reasonable accommodation options around it. Most places here are comfortable to stay in and well designed. Another place close by is Muthathi, where the forest department has made some arrangement for reasonable accommodation.

Visitors’ Information

• Bangalore is mere 100 km away from Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary and can be easily reached by road.
• Tourists can enjoy the bountiful nature, exotic flora with fauna along with some exhilarating and adventurous activities like coracle ride, historic tour, guided trekking, safari, swimming, boating and bird watching. They can even indulge in wildlife photography.
• The nearest tourist destinations are Chunchi waterfalls and Anjaneya temple.

How to Reach

By Road

Bheemeshwari can be reached by a comfortable road route because it is 100 km from Bangalore via Kanakpura-Kollegal Highway. Take a turn from Halagur towards Muttatti road. Reaching Bheemeshwari Camp would indicate the start of the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary zone.

By Air

Bangalore is the closest airport, which is 100 km away.

By Rail

Bangalore is also the closest railway station.