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Melukote Wildlife Sanctuary

Melukote Wildlife Sanctuary

About:

Melukote Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Karnataka, India, is a serene and biodiverse area primarily established to protect the Indian grey wolf and other endangered species. Spanning around 50 square kilometers, this sanctuary is rich in flora and fauna, making it a sanctuary for various wildlife species. Apart from wolves, Melukote is home to leopards, jackals, blackbucks, and various species of birds and reptiles. The sanctuary also houses dense scrub forests and rocky terrain, providing a unique landscape that supports diverse ecosystems.

Location info:
Melukote Wildlife Sanctuary is located near Melukote town in the Mandya district of Karnataka. It is approximately 50 kilometers from Mysore and around 140 kilometers from Bangalore, making it easily accessible for day trips or weekend excursions.

Climate/Weather:
The climate at Melukote Wildlife Sanctuary is generally mild and tropical. Summers can be warm, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C, while winters are pleasant, with temperatures between 15°C and 25°C. The monsoon season, from June to September, brings moderate to heavy rainfall, refreshing the sanctuary and making it lush and green.

History:
Melukote Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1974 with a primary objective of conserving the Indian grey wolf, an endangered species that had been facing habitat loss and declining numbers. The sanctuary’s formation was part of Karnataka’s broader initiative to protect vulnerable species and preserve biodiversity within the state. The terrain, with its mixture of dry deciduous forests and rocky hillocks, is particularly suited to support wolf populations and other arid-zone fauna, creating a natural refuge for these animals. Over the years, the sanctuary has become a valuable site for ecological research, education, and wildlife conservation. The sanctuary has also played an essential role in supporting local biodiversity, including many plant species unique to this region, making it a vital ecological zone. Conservation efforts continue to protect these ecosystems, with increased awareness and support for maintaining the natural balance in the area.

Interesting things to do:
Wildlife Safari: Guided safaris offer a chance to spot Indian grey wolves, blackbucks, and leopards in their natural habitat. Bird Watching: The sanctuary is home to various bird species, ideal for birdwatching enthusiasts. Nature Trails and Trekking: Several trails provide scenic walks through the rocky terrain and scrub forests.

Interesting things to Visit:
Melukote Temple: The Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple in Melukote is a famous pilgrimage site and adds cultural significance to the sanctuary area. Kalyani (Sacred Pond): Known for its historical and religious value, this large pond is located near Melukote Temple..

Kalyani. This is a large tank at the base of the temple and is surrounded by small temples. The shelter around it is adorned with series of pillars which makes it look interesting. The place has been used for shooting many Kannada movies.

Cheluvarayaswami Temple. This is the other major temple in the town which has a history of almost 1000 years, and the deity was worshipped by Ramanujacharya. Wikipedia says - "According to a legend, this metallic image[of the deity] was lost and was recovered by Sri Ramanujacharya...The temple is richly endowed having been under the special patronage of the Mysore Rajas, and has a most valuable collection of jewels.."

Mobile range info:
Mobile connectivity is available near the main roads and entrance but may be weak or nonexistent deeper into the sanctuary. Major network providers typically have some coverage in the area.

How to reach?
Nearest Railway Station:Pandavapura, Mandya. Alternatively, one can take any of the numerous trains that go from Bangalore to Mandya and then take a bus/taxi from Mandya to Melkote.
Nearest Airport:Bangalore
Road Transport:Easily accessible by road from Mysore and Bangalore; local buses and taxis are available from nearby towns.

From Bangalore : One can reach Melkote from Bangalore by car/taxi/bus by travelling on the Bangalore Mysore state highway and reaching the Mandya town. Just after Mandya, there is a right turn which goes to Melkote. There are some buses which go directly from Bangalore to Melkote.
From Mysore There are buses that go from Mysore to Melkote. Alternatively, one can catch a bus that goes from Mysore to Tumkur (and onwards) and get down at a place called Jakkanahalli Cross. Melkote is around 6 km from there. Bus start from Platform No.2 of Mysore Bus Stand. Charges Rs.32/per adult. From Jakkanahalli Cross lots of share auto's pay charge Rs.6/per person. Self Hire autos charge Rs.50 until Chelvanarayanan temple.
Route: Mysore -> Srirangapata (Take a left after crossing second Kaveri bridge) -> Pandavapura -> Jakkanahalli Cross -> Melkote

Nearest Visiting places:
Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple: An ancient temple in Melukote, known for its religious significance and architecture. Thonnur Lake: A scenic lake nearby, ideal for picnics and a relaxing retreat.

Nearest Petrol Pump:
The closest petrol pump is located in Melukote town, about 5 kilometers from the sanctuary entrance.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

There are limited accommodation options near the sanctuary, but Melukote town offers a few basic lodges and guesthouses. Mysore, which is about 50 kilometers away, provides a range of hotels, from budget to luxury.

Things to carry:
Water Bottles: Stay hydrated, especially if trekking or exploring the sanctuary on foot. Binoculars: Useful for birdwatching and spotting distant wildlife. Sunscreen and Hat: Protects against sun exposure, especially during warm weather. Insect Repellent: Helpful for avoiding insect bites, particularly in forested areas. Comfortable Footwear: Essential for walking on uneven and rocky paths within the sanctuary.

Tips & Suggestions:
Best Time to Visit: Post-monsoon and winter months (October to February) offer the best experience, with pleasant weather and vibrant greenery. Stay on Designated Trails: For safety and conservation purposes, stay on marked trails and avoid disturbing wildlife. Quiet Exploration: Wildlife can be elusive, so maintain silence to increase your chances of sightings. Respect Local Customs: If visiting nearby temples, dress modestly and adhere to local customs.

Help Line/Phone Number:
Mandya District Forest Office:+91-8232-223900.
Nearest Hospital:Melkote

Melukote Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Attraction
Sivasamudram Island
About 65kms, East of Mysore, you will find the tiny island town of Shivasamudram in Mandya district. Here the River Cauvery meanders to fall into cascading Shivasamudram Falls. This sparking waterfalls flows through the abundant sylvan forest of Karnataka in Deccan Plateau, plunges 320 feet into gorge into a spate, breaking into a cloud of misty foam. The falls are 893 metres wide.....more
Srirangpatnam Island
Situated on the Cauvery River, the island-fortress of Srirangapattana is famous as the former capital of the great kings, Hyder Ali, and his son, Tipu Sultan, the 'Tiger of Mysore'. The ruins of the magnificent fortress that stands here is the main tourism attraction.....more
Adi Chunchanagiri Temples
....more
Karighatta Temples
Karighatta is a hill situated a few kilometres outside the 'island' town of Srirangapatna. It is situated off the Bangalore-Mysore road just before Srirangapatna. The name translates to "Black Hill" in Kannada. The hill has a Hindu temple devoted to a form of Hindu god Vishnu, called "Karigirivasa".....more
Melukote Temples
Melkote located near Mysore in Karnataka houses an ancient shrine to Vishnu, worshipped as TiruNarayana. This shrine is known for its long standing association with the spiritual leader Ramanujacharya. Melkote is also known as Yadavagiri, yatistalam, Vedadri and Narayanadri. ....more
Srirangapatna Temples
Srirangapatna also spelt as Srirangapattana, is city of historic, religious, and cultural hub situated in Mandhya district of Karnataka, just about 13kms from Mysore. A must see place on Bangalore- Mysore Highway. Here you will come across the entire town as an island enclosed by River Kaveri.....more
Srirangapatna Archeology
The river Kaveri surrounds Srirangapatnam , which is 16 km north of Mysore.it was the capital of Muslim Mysore kingdom, which was at loggerhead with the English and the Mysore king.....more
Bhimeshwari Sanctuary
The sparkling blue waters of Cauvery wind through rocks and ravines and fall off the Deccan Plateau to form the twin falls of Barachukki and Gaganachukki.About 35 kms downstream is yet another set of falls called Mekedatu (Goat's Leap).....more
Srirangapatna Historical
Srirangapatna also spelt as Srirangapattana, is city of historic, religious, and cultural hub situated in Mandhya district of Karnataka, just about 13kms from Mysore. A must see place on Bangalore- Mysore Highway. Here you will come across the entire town as an island enclosed by River Kaveri.....more
Hemagiri Falls
This place is located 8 Kms from KR pet enroute to Kikere town or Govindhalli. It is better to take the route back, in view of bad roads on the same stretch to reach Kikere town. The river is in full flow during monsoon and it is a treat to watch.....more
Shivasamudram Waterfalls
The Shivasamudram falls is a segmented waterfall since the river Cauvery branches into two separate falls - the western falls known as Gaganachukki and the eastern falls, Bharachukki. Shivasamudram falls is the second biggest waterfall in India and the sixteenth largest in the world.....more
Bheemeswari River
Listen to the sweet hum of the rippling river... Feel the chill of the water... and get to face her majestic beauty by riding down the river in a raft...The Cauvery is one of the most majestic and sacred rivers in the country. Flowing through the thick forests of Karnataka, this river is home to India's only protected fish species - The 'Mahaseer'.....more
Mahadevapura River
Mahadevapura is located in Mandya district of Karnataka in India. A great picnic spot which is quite far away from modern world. A famous spot for film makers shooting nature scapes -for this hamlet by the Cauvery, offers some of the prettiest frames for any cinematographer.....more
Mekedatu River
Mekedatu, in Kannada means Goat's leap, which is situated 98kms south of Bangalore. river Cauvery flows into a deep and narrow gorge, so narrow, that a goat could leap over it and that is how it got its name.....more
Adichunchanagiri Peacock Sanctuary
Located in Mandya District, Adichunchanagiri peacock sanctuary is covered with scrub forest and plantations. The altitude here varies from 770 - 1000 m. The sanctuary was established with the specific purpose of protecting the peacock.....more
Kokkare Belluru/Bellur Pelicanry
Kokkare Bellur (Village of Storks), a small village off the main highway between Bangalore and Mysore, is one of the few nesting sites in India of the spotbilled pelican. In addition, it is also home to hundreds of painted storks.....more
Krishna Raja Sagara Dam
Krishna Raja Sagara also popularly known as KRS is the name of both a lake and the dam that causes it.In 1924[1]. Mokshagundam Visvesvarayya served as the chief engineer. The dam is named for the then ruler of the Mysore Kingdom, Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV.For information about the settlement near the dam and reservoir, see Krishnarajasagara.....more