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BRT Wildlife Sanctuary

Overview

•BRT Wildlife Sanctuary is a 540 sq km protected area in the Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka, India.
•It forms a vital corridor between the Western and Eastern Ghats, creating a unique ecological zone that supports a diverse range of flora and fauna.
•The sanctuary is named after the Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple, a significant pilgrimage site located atop a hill, and is also home to the Soliga tribe, who have lived in harmony with the forest for centuries.

Highlights

The ancient Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple atop the hill, a revered pilgrimage site.
Scenic drive through diverse landscapes, from moist deciduous forests to dry scrub.
Spotting tigers, elephants, gaurs, and leopards during safari or from watchtowers.
Interaction with the Soliga tribe and learning about their traditional honey collection and forest conservation.
Panoramic viewpoints like Honnametti offering stunning sunrise and sunset vistas over the hills.

Religious Significance

BRT Wildlife Sanctuary holds immense ecological significance as a crucial tiger corridor linking the Western and Eastern Ghats. It is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and supports a high biodiversity, including several endangered species. The sanctuary is also culturally significant due to the presence of the Soliga tribe, whose traditional knowledge of medicinal plants and sustainable forest use has been recognized by conservationists. The temple on the hill adds to its spiritual importance, making it a unique confluence of nature, wildlife, and faith.

Dress Code

Modest, respectful clothing is expected at this site.

Facilities

The sanctuary provides basic facilities for visitors, including a nature interpretation center at the entrance, restrooms, and a small canteen. The forest department offers guided safaris, trekking trails, and watchtowers for wildlife viewing. Accommodation options include eco-tourism cottages at K. Gudi, Byluru, and other locations within the sanctuary. There are also designated picnic spots and parking areas. However, it is advisable to carry personal essentials as facilities are limited in the remote areas.

Festivals

•The most significant festival is Makara Sankranti, celebrated in January, when a large fair is held at the Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple, attracting thousands of pilgrims.
•During this time, the temple is adorned with flowers and lights, and special rituals are performed.
•The Soliga community also celebrates their own festivals, such as the Kuti festival, which involves offerings to the forest deities.

History

•The area around BRT has been historically significant due to the Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple, which has attracted pilgrims for centuries.
•The region was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1974 and later became a tiger reserve under Project Tiger in 2011.
•The Soliga tribe, an indigenous community, have inhabited these forests for generations, and their traditional practices have contributed to the ecological balance.
•The sanctuary was also a hunting ground for the Maharajas of Mysore, but now it is a protected area focused on conservation.

Architecture

•The main architectural attraction is the Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple, a Dravidian-style structure dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
•The temple is built on a flat hilltop and features a gopuram (tower) and a sanctum sanctorum with an idol of Lord Rangaswamy.
•The temple's whitewashed walls and serene surroundings make it a spiritual landmark.
•Additionally, the forest department's eco-tourism facilities, such as the K.
•Gudi camp, feature rustic architecture using natural materials that blend with the environment.

Travel Tips

Carry binoculars and a camera with a telephoto lens for wildlife photography.
Wear earthy-colored clothing to blend with the environment and avoid disturbing wildlife.
Maintain silence and follow the instructions of the naturalist during safaris.
Carry sufficient water and light snacks, but avoid littering; use eco-friendly disposal.
Respect the Soliga community's privacy and seek permission before photographing them.

Things to Do

Wildlife Safari

2-3 hours

Take a guided jeep safari through the sanctuary's core and buffer zones to spot tigers, elephants, and other wildlife.

WildlifeModerate

Trek to Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple

3-4 hours

Embark on a scenic trek up the hill to the temple, passing through shola forests and rocky outcrops, with panoramic views.

TrekkingModerate

Birdwatching

2-3 hours

Explore the sanctuary's diverse habitats to spot endemic and migratory birds like the Malabar trogon and heart-spotted woodpecker.

NatureEasy

Soliga Tribe Cultural Visit

2 hours

Visit the Soliga settlements to understand their sustainable lifestyle, traditional medicine, and co-existence with wildlife.

CulturalEasy

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time is from November to April, when the weather is pleasant and wildlife sightings are more frequent as animals gather near water sources.

Yes, visitors need to obtain entry permits from the forest department. It is advisable to book safaris and accommodation in advance through the official Karnataka forest department website.

Yes, the Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple is open to pilgrims, but access is regulated. On special festival days like Makara Sankranti, thousands of devotees visit, requiring special arrangements.

Photography is allowed for personal use, but professional photography and videography require prior permission from the forest department.

The forest department offers eco-tourism cottages and dormitories at places like K. Gudi and Byluru. Private resorts and homestays are available in nearby villages, but staying inside the sanctuary requires prior booking.