Bhadra, India.
Enroute to Bhadra
Bhadra situated in the midst of Western Ghat in Chikmagalur and Shimoga districts of Karnataka is surrounded by lofty hill ranges of Mullaianagiri, Hebbegiri, Gangegiri & Babaudangiri. and also the picturesque Bhadra river and its tributaries. Somavahini, Thadabehalla and Odirayanahalla. A dam has been constructed across Bhadra river near Lakkavalli. The reserve consists of two main areas, Muthodi and Lakkavalli.
The area was declared as "Jagara Valley Wildlife Sanctuary" by the Government of Mysore in 1951, vide Government Notification No. A & F. 6175/90/10 FT-112-40-2, dated 21.2.51 covering an area of 77.45 sq. miles. After a systematic survey and census of the entire area including animals, birds and plants, it was thought to bring some more area under the Jagara Valley Forests.
Elephants
Bhadra Reception
The adjacent area, which were rich in wildlife was surveyed and the Sanctuary was reconstituted in the year 1974, as Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary", vide Notification No. AFD-25-FWL-74, dated 6.9.74, covering an area of 492.46 sq. km. as per section 18 of Wildlife Protection Act 1972 (Intention), and confirmed under section 26 of Wildlife Protection Act 1972, vide notification Fee-58-FW-96, dated 9.3.98.
Tiger, Leopard, Elephant, Gaur, Spotted deer, Sambhar, wild boar, Muntjac
Archeology
Ancient temples like, Mhakta Markandya temple of Khandya, and Bhavani Shankar temple of Hebbe are an attraction. These temples were built during Hoisala regime.
Forest Types
Southern tropical dry deciduous dry teak ,Northern tropical dry deciduous mixed forest ,Dry deciduous scrub forest ,Boswellia forest ,Dry bamboo brakes , Anogeissus pendula forest.
Major Flora
Teak, Rosewood, Mathi, Honne, Nandi, Kindal etc
Bamboo Forest
Night Out in Bhadra
Eco-development
Some sort of gainful employment has to be provided to the villagers living adjoining to the Sanctuary area in addition to providing fuelwood, fodder and small timber for agriculture implements, so as to relieve the pressure on the forestsTiger, Leopard, Elephant, Gaur, Spotted deer, Sambhar, wild boar, Muntjac
Education and Awareness
Nature Education Camps for students of schools and colleges, institutions, volunteers and wildlife enthusiasts, teachers of educational institutions for 3 days, are conducted to create awareness on Wildlife.
Accomodation at Bhadra