Wildlife
BRT Wildlife Sanctuary
A biologically unique tiger reserve where the Western and Eastern Ghats meet, sustaining a rare mix of moist and dry forest wildlife alongside the indigenous Soliga community. The Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Tiger Reserve occupies a transitional hill range where evergreen shola forest, moist deciduous woodland, and dry scrub meet within a single protected area, making it one of the few places in India where Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats flora and fauna overlap. The reserve holds a healthy population of elephants and tigers along with gaur, sloth bears, and leopards, and is notable for its Soliga tribal settlements, whose residents were granted community forest rights in 2011, an early precedent for indigenous rights inside a tiger reserve.
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Overview
The Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Tiger Reserve occupies a transitional hill range where evergreen shola forest, moist deciduous woodland, and dry scrub meet within a single protected area, making it one of the few places in India where Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats flora and fauna overlap. The reserve holds a healthy population of elephants and tigers along with gaur, sloth bears, and leopards, and is notable for its Soliga tribal settlements, whose residents were granted community forest rights in 2011, an early precedent for indigenous rights inside a tiger reserve. BRT Wildlife Sanctuary sits at an elevation of 1246 m and is typically explored in about half day. The most favourable months to visit are February, November, December, and January, when conditions are best suited for sightseeing. Nearby points of interest include K. Gudi Elephant Camp, BRT Hill Range Trek, and K. Gudi. Other notable highlights include soliga-guided medicinal plant walk at K. Gudi camp, morning safari for gaurs by the Moyar River, and sunset view from Honnametti peak over dry forests. It falls within BR Hills, Chamarajanagar district, and Karnataka.
Highlights
- Soliga-guided medicinal plant walk at K. Gudi camp
- Morning safari for gaurs by the Moyar River
- Sunset view from Honnametti peak over dry forests
- Spotting black panthers near Byramangala waterhole
- Tribal museum visit at Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple
- Birdwatching for yellow-throated bulbuls in shola patches
Places That Define BRT Wildlife Sanctuary
Discover the iconic attractions that make this destination unforgettable
K. Gudi (K. Gudi Camp / Jungle Lodges)
A well-known eco-tourism camp and safari base within the sanctuary, offering jeep safaris to spot elephants, gaurs, and tigers. It is the main gateway for wildlife viewing, with guided nature walks and birdwatching opportunities.
Honnametti Viewpoint
A scenic vantage point on the eastern edge of the sanctuary, offering sweeping views of the surrounding hills, valleys, and dense deciduous forests. It is a prime spot for sunrise photography and spotting elephants on the slopes below.
Getting There
Things To Do
Visit the BRT Hill Top Viewpoint (Biligiriranga Hill)
Trek or drive up to the rocky summit near the Biligiriranga Swamy Temple, where the panoramic view sweeps over the dense forest canopy and, on clear days, the distant Eastern Ghats. The temple itself is a simple, historic site dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, adding a cultural layer to the climb.
2 hours
Morning Safari on the Forest Road to K Gudi
Drive along the main forest road from the sanctuary entrance towards K Gudi camp, scanning for elephants, gaur, and sambar in the early light. This is the most reliable stretch for spotting large mammals without a dedicated safari vehicle.
3 hours
Guided Walk along the Dodda Sampige Tree Trail
Take a short, naturalist-led walk to see the ancient Dodda Sampige (giant champak) tree, a massive, centuries-old specimen that is a local landmark. The trail passes through dry deciduous forest, offering chances to spot hornbills, langurs, and butterflies.
1.5 hours
Visit the Soliga Tribal Community Interpretation Centre at K Gudi
Explore the small but insightful centre that showcases the culture and sustainable forest practices of the indigenous Soliga tribe, who co-manage parts of the sanctuary. It offers a rare, respectful glimpse into their honey collection, herbal medicine, and seasonal migration patterns.
1 hour
Birdwatching at the Byramangala Lake Fringe (within the sanctuary)
Walk along the quiet, marshy edges of this seasonal lake, a magnet for waterbirds like painted storks, egrets, and occasionally the elusive grey-headed fish eagle. This is a low-energy activity best done at dawn or dusk, when the forest is most vocal.
2 hours
Evening Jeep Safari to the Riverine Zone near the Arkavathi River
Join a forest department jeep safari that follows the seasonal riverine strips, where waterholes attract wildlife during drier months. This route is particularly good for spotting wild dogs (dholes), sloth bears, and a variety of birds like the Malabar trogon.
2.5 hours
Top Attractions
K. Gudi (K. Gudi Camp / Jungle Lodges)
A well-known eco-tourism camp and safari base within the sanctuary, offering jeep safaris to spot elephants, gaurs, and tigers. It is the main gateway for wildlife viewing, with guided nature walks and birdwatching opportunities.
Honnametti Viewpoint
A scenic vantage point on the eastern edge of the sanctuary, offering sweeping views of the surrounding hills, valleys, and dense deciduous forests. It is a prime spot for sunrise photography and spotting elephants on the slopes below.
Travel Tips
Dress in layers and wear sturdy, non-slip footwear
Mornings are cool, afternoons are hot, and the terrain is uneven. Wear comfortable full-sleeve clothes in earthy colours, a hat, and closed-toe walking shoes with good grip to move safely around the lodge and viewing points.
Stick to the group and follow the naturalist’s instructions strictly
For group travellers, it’s easy to get separated during photo stops or restroom breaks. Always stay within sight of your group, avoid loud noises, and never step out of the jeep or walk alone — BRT is a tiger reserve, and safety rules are non-negotiable.
Choose the right safari timings for comfort
Opt for the early morning (6-7 AM) or late afternoon (3-4 PM) safaris to avoid the harshest heat and see more wildlife. For senior travellers, the morning slot is cooler and less tiring, but carry a light jacket as it can be chilly.
Carry motion-sickness medication and light snacks
The safari roads inside BRT are bumpy, dusty, and winding, which can cause nausea. Keep a small pack of dry snacks, water, and your usual motion-sickness pills handy, and take them 30 minutes before the ride.
Pre-book safari and accommodation well in advance
BRT allows limited jeep safaris and forest lodges, and slots fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Book your safari and stay at least 2-3 weeks ahead through the official Karnataka forest department website or a trusted travel agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you must obtain an entry permit and book a safari vehicle in advance, either through the official Karnataka Forest Department website or at the entry gates in Kyathadevara Gudi or Yelandur. Private vehicles are not allowed inside the core zone, so you will need to hire a gypsy or take a shared safari from the forest checkposts. Carry a valid photo ID for every visitor.
The ideal period is from October to March, when the post-monsoon forest is lush and animals are more active. Avoid the heavy monsoon months (June to September), as many internal roads become slippery and some trails close. Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best chances to spot elephants, gaurs, and tigers.
Options include the Karnataka Forest Department's Jungle Lodges (like BRT Safari Lodge) and private homestays in Kyathadevara Gudi, which offer comfortable rooms with attached baths and hot water. For a group, booking a whole cottage or a few adjacent rooms is recommended, as these lodges have common dining areas and can arrange group meals. Avoid camping or basic dormitory stays, as they lack easy access to medical help and have uneven walking paths.
The sanctuary is fairly accessible, as safaris are done in open jeeps with seating that is not too high, but the rough, bumpy forest tracks can be jarring. You can request a slower driver and avoid the longer night safaris if you have back or knee issues. The forest lodges and restrooms near the entry points have basic facilities, but there are no wheelchair ramps, so plan accordingly.
Carry your regular medications, a first-aid kit, and anti-diarrheal tablets, as the nearest decent hospital is in Chamarajanagar or Mysuru, about 60–90 minutes away. Wear full-sleeved clothing and apply insect repellent to avoid ticks and leeches, especially during the wetter months. Always follow the forest guide's instructions, stay inside the vehicle, and avoid loud noises, as wild elephants are common and can be unpredictable.
Suggested Itineraries
2 Days in BRT Wildlife Sanctuary
Day 1
Arrive at BRT Wildlife Sanctuary in the morning, check into your forest lodge, and spend the afternoon getting oriented with the sanctuary’s unique landscape. The day focuses on a gentle introduction to the forested ridge that connects the Western and Eastern Ghats, with a short nature walk and a visit to the interpretation centre to understand the ecological significance. End the day with a quiet evening at a viewpoint, watching the sunset over the canopy.
- Visit the BRT Interpretation Centre to learn about the sanctuary’s flora, fauna, and the ridge’s role as an ecological corridor.
- Take a guided 2-hour nature walk on the forest trail near the main gate, spotting birds like the Malabar trogon and giant squirrels.
- Drive to the Gopinatham viewpoint for a panoramic view of the ridge and the surrounding valleys, ideal for photography.
Day 2
Begin early with a jeep safari through the core forest areas, as this is the best time to spot elephants, gaurs, and possibly leopards. After a mid-morning break, explore the Soliga tribal settlement near the sanctuary boundary to learn about their traditional coexistence with the forest. In the afternoon, take a relaxed drive along the scenic pass that crosses the ridge, with stopovers at small streams and viewpoints.
- Early morning jeep safari (6:00 AM to 9:00 AM) on the main safari route, covering dry deciduous and moist forest patches, looking for wildlife at waterholes.
- Visit the Soliga tribal hamlet (with prior permission) to see traditional honey collection methods and medicinal plant gardens.
- Drive along the Yelandur–Kollegal road that cuts through the ridge, stopping at the Dodda Sampige Mara (old champak tree) and the seasonal waterfall near the forest checkpost.
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