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Muthodi WildLife Sanctuary

Muthodi Wildlife Sanctuary

About:

Muthodi Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, is a renowned wildlife reserve located in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka. It is part of the larger Bhadra Tiger Reserve and spans over 490 square kilometers, offering a safe habitat for tigers, leopards, elephants, and a wide variety of flora and fauna. Known for its scenic landscapes and rich biodiversity, Muthodi is a prime destination for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and trekkers.

Location info:
Muthodi Wildlife Sanctuary is located about 38 km from Chikmagalur in Karnataka. Nestled in the Western Ghats, the sanctuary is characterized by dense forests, scenic hills, and rivers, making it one of the most picturesque wildlife reserves in Karnataka.

Climate/Weather:
Summer: (March to May) – Warm with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 35°C, though the forest cover provides a relatively cooler environment. Monsoon: (June to September) – Receives heavy rainfall, turning the sanctuary lush green. However, certain areas may be closed due to slippery trails and flooding. Winter: (November to February) – Cool and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C, making it the best time to visit.

History:
Originally declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1951, Muthodi later became a part of the Bhadra Tiger Reserve in 1998, aiming to protect the region's endangered tigers. The sanctuary is one of India’s Project Tiger reserves, highlighting the commitment to preserving tigers and their habitats. Over the years, Muthodi has become known for its conservation efforts and rich biodiversity.

Interesting things to do:
Wildlife Safari: Muthodi offers jeep safaris to explore the forest and witness wildlife, including tigers, leopards, elephants, deer, and numerous bird species. Bird Watching: The sanctuary is home to over 250 bird species, including the Malabar parakeet, serpent eagle, and jungle owlet. Trekking and Nature Walks: Several trails in and around the sanctuary provide opportunities for trekking and observing the unique flora and fauna.

Interesting things to Visit:
Hebbe Falls: A scenic waterfall located nearby, known for its lush surroundings and relaxing environment. Bhadra Reservoir: A popular spot for boating, offering picturesque views of the surrounding mountains and forest. Coffee Plantations: Chikmagalur is famous for its coffee plantations, and visiting one offers insights into the coffee production process along with beautiful views.

Mobile range info:
Mobile connectivity may be weak within the sanctuary due to dense forest cover, but you may get better reception in nearby towns like Chikmagalur. It’s advisable to inform others of your travel plan in case of signal loss.

How to reach?
Nearest Railway Station:The railhead closest to Bhadra is Kadur, 40km.
Nearest Airport:The nearest airports are Mangalore -- 180km and Bangalore -- 265km.
Road Transport: Muthodi is well-connected by road. Regular buses and taxis are available from Chikmagalur, which is the nearest town.

Nearest Visiting places:
Chikmagalur: Known for its serene landscapes, coffee estates, and viewpoints. Kemmanagundi: A hill station famous for trekking, waterfalls, and scenic views. Baba Budangiri: A popular trekking spot and pilgrimage site with unique rock formations.

Nearest Petrol Pump:
Petrol pumps are available in Chikmagalur, approximately 38 km from Muthodi Wildlife Sanctuary.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:
Forest Guesthouses: Muthodi has forest department guesthouses that require advance booking. Chikmagalur: Offers a range of accommodations, including budget lodges, mid-range hotels, and luxury resorts. Homestays: Several coffee estate homestays near Muthodi provide a unique experience of staying amidst nature.

Things to carry:
Comfortable and sturdy footwear for trekking. Insect repellent and sunscreen. Binoculars and a camera for birdwatching and wildlife photography. Water bottles and snacks. Light raincoat if visiting during the monsoon.

Tips & Suggestions:
Check with the forest department for safari timings and any specific entry rules. Maintain silence and avoid disturbing wildlife. Follow the instructions of the guides and forest officials at all times. Do not litter or feed the animals; respect the natural environment. The best time to visit is during winter for a pleasant experience.

Help Line/Phone Number:
Karnataka Forest Department: +91-80-2222-7788
Chikmagalur District Emergency Services: 108
Society/Community Phone Number
The Deputy Conservator of Forests Bhadra Tiger Reserve
Chikmagalur - 577101.
Tel: 08262-34904. Fax: 08262-28026

Muthodi Wildlife Nearest Attraction
Belavadi
It is a big Hoysala temple, 12 km from Halebid. There are few visitors. King BIddiga converted to Hinduism under the influence of a philosopher and called himself Vishu Vardhana. At first he built this temple and defined Vishnu in it.....more
Sringeri
Sringeri is a monastic temple town started by Shankara, who promoted the Advaitha philosophy in the 9h century. The temple was built in the 14th century with the support of Vijayanagara .....more
Hebbe Falls
Hebbe Falls are situated about 10 km away from the famous hill station Kemmangundi in Karnataka, India. This waterfalls are inside a coffee estate and can be reached either by walk or four-wheeler.....more
Kalhatti Falls
Kalhatti Falls start at the top of the Chandra Drona Hill, from a height of 45m to flow before the Veerabhadreshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated 10km from Kemmangundi, Kalahatti is about 250 km form Bangalore.....more
Manikyadhara Waterfall
Manikyadhara Falls is situated near Kemmangundi of Chikmagalur district. It is located on the Baba Budan Giri HIlls, which is a sacred place for both Muslims and Hindus. It is one of the main attractions of Baba Budan Giri or Dattapeeta.....more
Sirmane / Sirmane falls
Sirimane falls, a tributory of Tunga river which decends from the Western Ghats ranges near Sringeri in Chikmagalur District of Karnataka. Sirimane falls is one of the pretty waterfalls, located about five kilometres from Kigga, and is around 22 km away from Sringeri.....more
Bababudangiri Hills
Bababudangiri shrine (also known as Dattatreya Peeta or Dattatreya Peetha) is a shrine located on Bababudangiri hill in the Chikmagalur District of the state of Karnataka in India.This peak is one of the highest in Karnataka.....more
Gangamoola Hills
Located in the Samse Taluk of Chikmagalur district, the Gangamoola hill is surrounded by thick forests. It is the origin of three mighty rivers, the Tunga, Bhadra and Nethravathi.The highlights of the region are a Goddess Bhagavathi shrine and a Varaha image, 1.8 metres high, within a cave, which become inaccessible during the monsoons....more
Horanadu Hills
Horanadu the holy city of Chickmagalur district of Karnataka, is famous for the Annapoorneshwari Temple. Dedicated to Goddess Annapurneshwari, Goddess of Food and Grains.It is believed that one who visits the temple and takes the blessing of the Deity one shall never go hungry in their life.....more
Kemmannugundi Hills
55 kms north from Chickmagalur town on the Baba Budan range is the scenic hill station of Kemmannugundi called K.R hills, after the Wodeyar king Krishnaraja Wodeyar - IV who made it his favorite summer camp. Situated at a height of 1434 meters and surrounded by thick green forests. K.R Hills makes and ideal health resort.....more
Kudremukh Hills
The unspoilt Kundadri hill station in Karnataka situated in Teerthahalli taluk of Shimoga, still remains one of the favorite spots for tourists keen in mountain trekking. The mountains are unexplored and one can feel the excitement in discovering new pathways to the peak.....more
Horanadu Temples
Horanadu the holy city of Chickmagalur district of Karnataka, is famous for the Annapoorneshwari Temple. Dedicated to Goddess Annapurneshwari, (Goddess of Food and Grains) this temple was built in 1973.It is believed that one who visits the temple and takes the blessing of the Deity one shall never go hungry in their life. ....more
Shringeri Temples
Situated in southwest region of Karnataka, Chikmagalur is around 200 km from the capital city Bangalore.90 km west of Chikmagalur town is Sringeri situated on the banks of river Tungabhadra. Sringeri was discovered by Sri Sankaracharya as a place where even natural animosities did not exist, as he saw a frog in labour protected from the scorching rays of the sun by a raised hood of a cobra.....more
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
38 kms from Chikmagalur, this sanctuary is must for wildlife enthusiasts. Gaur, chital, sambar, elephants and tigers are some of the wildlife found here. This place is truely mysterious, magical and mind-blowing. The secrets of the jungle unwind as you go deep into the seemingly silent forest.....more
Kudremukh National Park
Kudremukh National Park, Karnataka is one of the most popular national parks in India. Located in Mangalore, it is surrounded by Kudremukh or the Horse Face range overlooking the Arabian Sea. The topography of Kudremukh National Park, Karnataka is marked by deep ravines and steep cliffs.....more
Bhadra River
The Bhadra River is a river in Karnataka state in southern India.The Bhadra originates in the Western Ghats range, and flows east across the Deccan Plateau, joined by its tributaries the Somavahini, Thadabehalla, and Odirayanahalla.....more
Tunga River
The Tunga River is a river in Karnataka state, southern India. The river is born in the Western Ghats on a hill known as Varaha Parvata at a place called Gangamoola. From here, the river flows through two districts in Karnataka - Chikmagalur District and Shimoga District.....more
Lakkavalli Dam
Lakkavalli is a small town in Chikmagalur district, Karnataka state, southern India. Lakkavalli is the site of a dam across the Bhadra River; the dam is used for irrigation and power production.Lakkavalli is a small village situated at a distance of 22 km from Tarikere and 45 km from Shimoga.....more
Muthodi National Park
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Sootanabbi / Hanuman Gundi Falls
....more