Kandukuru Nagarjun (CC BY 2.0), via Wikimedia CommonsBhadra Wildlife Sanctuary (part of Bhadra Tiger Reserve) sits about 39 km from Chikmagalur town, with safaris run out of the Muthodi range. It's one of the more reliable wildlife destinations in the state for spotting tiger, elephant and sloth bear, alongside strong birdlife around the Bhadra reservoir — and boating on the reservoir itself, at the Lakkavalli and Muthodi gates, is a genuine addition most visitors don't expect.
Safaris run in two windows a day, roughly dawn and late afternoon — book ahead, especially on weekends, since jeep numbers per slot are limited.
Distance from Chikmagalur
~39 km
Safari range
Muthodi
Jeep safari
~₹600–₹800 per person
Bus safari
~₹400–₹500 per person
Rates vary between sources and change periodically.
Available at the Lakkavalli and Muthodi gates.
Forest permit required
Two daily safari windows — roughly 6:00–9:00 AM and 3:00–6:00 PM — confirm exact slot times when booking, as sources vary slightly.
Required documents
Jeep and bus safari bookings, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
Contact number not confirmed yet — verify locally before travelling.
Tiger, elephant and sloth bear are the headline sightings, alongside strong birdlife around the reservoir — sightings are never guaranteed, as with any wildlife safari.
Jeep safaris run roughly ₹600–800 per person and bus safaris ₹400–500 per person — rates are set by the Forest Department and revised periodically.
Yes, reservoir boating is available at the Lakkavalli and Muthodi gates, booked offline directly at the gate rather than online.
It's strongly recommended, especially on weekends — jeep numbers per safari slot are limited by the Forest Department.
Forest edge, Chikmagalur, Chikmagalur
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