Home » Wildlife Sanctuaries In Karnataka  »  Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary

Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary

Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary

About:

Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary is a lush and biodiverse reserve located in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, known for its dense forests, rich wildlife, and pristine river streams. Named after the revered Someshwara Temple within the sanctuary, it is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, and spiritual seekers. The sanctuary offers stunning landscapes and is home to a variety of species, including elephants, leopards, tigers, and rare birds. The sanctuary’s dense evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, combined with rivers like the Seetha River, provide a serene environment for visitors looking to experience Karnataka’s natural beauty.

Reptiles are represented by King Cobra, Python and Monitor lizard.

Someshwara Wildlife sanctuary also houses some interesting birds like Malabar trogon, Ceylon frogmouth, Malabar pied hornbill and Malabar whistling thrush.

The sanctuary is secluded and does not attract many tourists. It is surrounded by paddy fields, areca and coconut plantations. Some people depend on employment provided by the neighboring cashewnut factories and rice mills and there are 13 villages inside the sanctuary. Commercial plantations of Ailanthus malabarica, Tectonia grandis and eucalyptus in the foothills and the plains of this sanctuary have caused clearing of large areas of forest land. Other important threats include poaching, cattle grazing in the absence of Forest Department prohibitions and risk from forest fires caused by both natural and man-made causes (Lal et al. 1994, Shivanand and IBA 2004).

Location info:
Address: Located in the Western Ghats, Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary in Udupi District of Karnataka.
District:Udupi district
Nearest City:Agumbe
Best time to visit: Entry is open to visitors between 06:00 and 18:00 hrs. The best time to visit is between November and April.

Climate/Weather:
Winter (October to February): Cool and pleasant, ideal for visiting, temperatures between 15°C - 25°C Summer (March to May): Warm with temperatures rising to around 35°C Monsoon (June to September): Heavy rainfall; the sanctuary becomes lush, though some trails may be closed due to safety concerns

History:
The sanctuary, established in 1974, was created to protect the rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats and preserve the natural habitats of endangered species. Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary is part of the Kudremukh Biosphere Reserve and is named after the Someshwara Temple, a historical site dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated within the sanctuary’s boundaries. The sanctuary has cultural and historical significance, as it blends religious heritage with conservation efforts. Over the years, Someshwara has become one of the vital ecological zones, recognized for its unique flora and fauna, contributing to the environmental and cultural heritage of Karnataka.

Interesting things to do:
Wildlife Safari: Embark on guided safaris to spot elephants, tigers, and other wildlife in their natural habitats. Nature Walks and Trekking: Explore scenic trails and enjoy the beautiful landscapes, dense forest trails, and views of the Western Ghats. Visit Someshwara Temple: Pay homage at the ancient Someshwara Temple for a spiritual experience. Bird Watching: Spot various bird species, some endemic to the Western Ghats. Photography: Capture the beauty of the diverse flora and fauna, as well as the stunning vistas.

Interesting things to Visit:
Someshwara Temple: A revered temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, adding a spiritual aspect to the sanctuary. Agumbe Rainforest Research Station: Located nearby, it is known for research on King Cobras and the rich biodiversity of the rainforest. Kudlu Falls: A beautiful waterfall near the sanctuary, ideal for a refreshing dip and photography. Seetha River: The river runs through the sanctuary, offering scenic views and a chance to relax by the water.

Mobile range info:
Mobile connectivity within the sanctuary is limited. Major service providers may have minimal coverage, but signal strength is usually weak, especially within the forested areas. Travelers should not rely on mobile connectivity for navigation within the sanctuary.

How to reach?
Nearest Railway Station:Udupi, Shimoga
Nearest Airport:Mangalore
Road Transport: Someshwara Wildlife sanctuary is well connected by road network. One can reach this sanctuary from Shimoga, drive via Thirthahalli and Agumbe to the sanctuary (95 km). From Mangalore, Moodabidri (38 km) via Karkala (15 km) to Hebri (70 km).

Nearest Visiting places:
Udupi is one of the few pilgrim centers that preserves the hoary Vedic culture and Vedantic philosophy of India. Famous Pajaka Kshetra and Parashurama Kshetra are located in Udupi. The reminiscence of the rich past and glory of this magical land are Yakshagana, Talamaddale, Gombeatta, Bhoota worship, Naaga worship, temples and cockfight. Barakuru, Hastashilpa, Karavali, Krishna Mutt, Malpe, and St Mary's Island are the main tourist spots.

Nearest Petrol Pump:
The nearest petrol pumps are in Agumbe and Udupi. It is advisable to refuel before entering the sanctuary area due to limited facilities.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:
Agumbe Homestays: Offers budget accommodations and a chance to experience the local culture. Udupi Hotels: Multiple options ranging from budget to mid-range hotels in Udupi. Forest Guesthouses: Some guesthouses may be available within or near the sanctuary for those seeking a closer experience with nature. Check with the Karnataka Forest Department for reservations.

Things to carry:
Water bottles and snacks, as facilities may be limited Insect repellent, sunscreen, and a hat to protect from the sun Comfortable trekking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing Binoculars and cameras for wildlife watching and photography Basic first aid kit

Tips & Suggestions:
Wear comfortable, muted-colored clothing to blend with the environment. Avoid littering and respect the natural habitat to preserve the sanctuary’s beauty. Be mindful of wildlife and keep a safe distance; avoid feeding or disturbing animals. Plan visits during winter for ideal weather and greater wildlife visibility. Check weather conditions before visiting during monsoon, as heavy rains may affect accessibility.

Help Line/Phone Number:
Police Station:Agumbe
Nearest Hospital:Agumbe

Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Attraction
St. Mary's Island
Located 58 km north of Mangalore, the St. Mary's Island beach is special for the unique formation of basalt rocks which have crystallized into columns and split into vertical hexagonal blocks. This group of islands is accessible by ferry from Malpe which is a major fishing harbor.....more
Kollur Temples
Kollur Mookambika Temple, an important seat of Shakti worship is located in very picturesque surroundings at the foot of the Western Ghats in Kundapur taluk of Udupi district. This sacred place is situated on the banks of river sauparnika and surrounded by thickly wooded hills and has a natural formation resembling the Sri Chakra. Kollur is one of the seven mukti places which were created by Parashurama.....more
Udupi Temples
Udupi, the Kokani city is the headquarters of the Udupi District, Karnataka State, India. When one hears the name "Udupi" either "Udupi Krishna" or "Udupi Masala Dosa" comes to the mind. Of course the famous, Krishna temple is located in this city. The temple is famous for a unique statue of Lord Krishna.....more
Kollur Forest
Kollur is a tiny hamlet situated 40km Kundapur Town, about 140 km away from Mangalore City in Karnataka state in Southern part of India. This village lies at the foot of the Western Ghats, and is famous for the Mookambika temple, a Hindu pilgrim center.....more
Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary
Located in Udupi District, Karnataka, Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary spans over 247 sq km and is thick with evergreen, semi-evergreen and moist deciduous forests of the Western Ghats, and small patches of teak plantations. It is contiguous with the Sharavathi Valley Wildlife Sanctuary.....more
Karkala
Karkala is a town and also the headquarters of Karkala Taluk in Udupi district of Karnataka, India, and is located about 300 km from Bangalore. It lies near the Western Ghats. The first name of this town was Pandya Nagari during the Jain regime but afterwards it was changed to Karikallu because of black stones.....more
Koosalli Falls
The fabulous picnic spot, Koosalli waterfalls is located near Koosalli village in Kundapura. A series of six falls, one above the other, in splendid surroundings makes it one of the best waterfalls in the state. The combined height of all six falls is about 380 ft....more
Gurupura or Phalguni River
Gurupura river flows through Gurupura, Mangalore, Tannirubhavi. It joins the Arabian sea near Tannir bhavi. is the chief port city of the Indian state of Karnataka. Bounded by the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghat mountain ranges, Mangalore is the administrative headquarters of the Dakshina Kannada (formerly South Canara) district in southwestern Karnataka.....more
Kedaka River
The Kedaka River is a river flowing through Kundapur and Gungulli in western India. It joins with the Souparnika River, Varahi River, Chakra River, and Kubja River and merges into the Arabian Sea.....more
Pangala River
Pangala is a village situated in Udupi taluk of Udupi district, Karnataka. India's National Highway number 17 (NH-17) road connecting Mangalore (Kudla or Mangaluru) to Mumbai (Bombay) passes through this village.The village is on the north banks of Pangala river.....more
Souparnika River
Souparnika River is a river flowing through Kundapur and Gangolli in western India. It joins with the Varahi River, Kedaka River, Chakra River, and Kubja River and merges into the Arabian Sea.Sauparnika is a sacred river which emerges from a verdant mountain near Maravanthe in Udupi District of Karnataka.....more
Udyavara River
Udyavara is a village on the outskirts of the town of Udupi, Karnataka, India. It is located to south of Udupi, and to the north of the Udyavara river. Udyavara was formerly called Udayapura. It was the capital of the Alupas.....more
Kaup Beach
Kaup Beach is located 12 km south of Udupi. It is situated on the coastal belt. The Kaup beach is one of the most beautiful beaches. Its placement is perfect. The beach with the 100 ft high lighthouse on the rocks is a photographer's paradise.....more
Malpe Beach
About 6 kms from Udupi, in South Canara is Malpe, an ideal picnic spot with its virgin beach. The endless stretch of golden sand, graciously swaying palm trees, the clear blue sky and the gurgle of the sea all set a perfect mood for an unforgettable holiday here....more
Trasi Beach

Trasi is a beautiful place on the west coast of India, 100 km from Mangalore, 900 km from Mumbai and 12 km north from Kundapur.Here you can see a unique scene where a National highway separates the Arabian sea from the Sauparnika river.....more

Panna Island
....more
Kudumari Falls
....more
Seeta/ Seetha falls / Koodlu Theertha falls / Sita falls
....more