Shettihalli Wild Life Sanctuary is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the south Indian and is situated in the state of Karnataka. The sanctuary is neatly divided into three areas which include a core zone a buffer zone and a tourism zone. The place is famous for its dense forests, abundant natural settings and of course, various types of wild life.

Location

Shettihalli Wild Life Sanctuary is situated in the Shimoga district of the state and is very near to the main town of Shimoga. It was declared a wild life sanctuary in 1974 and is a popular place for those who love to watch wild life in their natural surroundings. The sanctuary encompasses approximately 395 square kilometers of which around 57 km is earmarked as a tourism zone. The eastern and central parts of the sanctuary have deciduous forest in both dry and moist forms. The western part of the region is blessed with an abundant of greenery primarily because this part receives good rainfall.

Flora and Fauna

The sanctuary is a natural home to wild animals such as tiger, bonnet macaque, common and stripe-necked mongoose, wild dogs, gaur, Malabar giant squirrel, flying squirrel, spotted dear, sambar, elephants, sloth bear, pangolin, leopard and many others. On your lucky day, you can also spot reptiles of the slithering variety such as King cobra, python, rat snake and even marsh crocodiles. The birds inhabiting the trees and bushes of these dense forests are hornbills, partridges, kingfishers, peafowl, bulbuls, woodpeckers, parakeets, swallows, flycatchers, and pigeons among others.

Best Time to Visit

Although Shettihalli wildlife sanctuary attracts tourists all the time for 12 months of the year, the best time to visit the sanctuary is from November through February. The climate during these months is cool and pleasant. The landscape of the area also becomes lush green and the rain-washed forests are a heavenly sight for the eyes.

Accommodation

There are budget hotels as well star lodging facilities at Shimoga. KSTDC also offers excellent lodging facilities at affordable prices.

Visitor Information

Shettihalli wildlife sanctuary is open from 6 AM to 6 PM on all days except Tuesdays. Safari timings are 10 AM to 1 PM and again from 2 PM to 5 PM. An elephant camp is held at Sakrebyle which starts from 9.30 AM to 11.30 AM. This is the feeding time of elephants and they come in large groups which is again an amazing visual treat.

How to Reach

By Road

The sanctuary can be reached easily from Shimoga main town. You can take state transport or private buses and taxis from the town to reach Shettihalli wild life sanctuary.

By Rail

Shimoga railway station is the nearest point if you intend to use the railway.

By Air

The nearest airport to reach the sanctuary is Mangalore International Airport.