Tiger Reserves In India

Karnataka Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary

Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary is located amid the Western and Eastern Ghats of southeastern Karnataka. It lies in the Chamarajanagar district which is 90 kms away from Mysore and nearly 225 kms from the state Bangalore. This sanctuary extends on an area of 540 sq kms and is endemic to assorted animals and birds. The Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary is a core zone, tourist zone and buffer zone while is maintained by forest Department for efficient management of this sanctuary.

This sanctuary is home to different kinds of flora and fauna. Besides witnessing these, an individual can engage in different activities like trekking, outdoor camping, river rafting, bird watching, coracle boat rides, professional angling, fishing, etc. If you are looking for a place which is peaceful and calm, then this sanctuary is the best and must visit.

History

Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary is named after Biligiri Ranganathaswamy temple, which is a traditional center at the top of BR hills. This sanctuary was given the status of wildlife sanctuary in 1974, which covered 322 sq mts. Thereafter it extended to 540 sq mts in year 1987. In the year 2010, this sanctuary was declared as a tiger reserve. This Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary is protected under the Wildlife Protection Act 1973.

The sanctuary derives its name Biligiri from a white rock face which constitutes main hill crowned together with the temple of Lord Rangaswamy. It also derives its name from the white mist and silver clouds which cover these hills for most part of the year.

Weather and Best Time to Visit

The Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary is spread on an area of 540 sq kms with a mean temperature of 9 degree Celsius to 16 degree Celsius with yearly rainfall of 600mm at base while 3000mm at hill top.

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to visit Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary is between October and May.

Places to Visit

Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary is a perfect place for individuals who are looking for peace and tranquility. Individuals who are visiting this sanctuary can visit Mysore which is 90 kms away and Yelandur which is 28 kms away from this sanctuary. One can also visit the hills of Biligiri and an ancient temple which is 500 years old.

How to Reach

Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary is a well known sanctuary in India. If you want to reach this sanctuary you can reach either by rail or by road. Take rail or road route from Bangalore to Kanakapura which is 63 kms and then malavalli which is 50 kms on to Kollegala which is 35 kms to Chamarajanagar which is 40kms. Then you can take road to BR hills which is 50 kms away. Take route via Nagavalli.

By Air

The nearest airports to this sanctuary are Thiruvananthapuram and Madurai. From Thiruvananthapuram, you can reach this sanctuary via Nagarcoil or Shencottai. From here, you can board Papanasam bus and then from there you can directly take the bus to Kalakad Reserve.

By Rail

Cheranmahadevi is the nearby railway station which connects this city to different major cities of India.

By Road

Tirunelveli is the nearest town from where regular buses run to Mundanthurai.

Flora and Fauna

Flora

The vegetation found in Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary includes high altitude grasslands, evergreen shoals, moist and dry deciduous and scrubs. Some other floras which are commonly found are tropical dry broadleaf forest. You can also find different species of medicinal plants here.

Fauna

Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary forms a significant wildlife corridor amid the western and Eastern Ghats associating the largest populace of Asia’s tigers and elephants. Some common mammals found in this sanctuary are three species of squirrel, sloth bears, lesser cats, wild dogs, leopards, tigers, panthers, four horned antelope, barking deer, chital and sambhar.

Wildlife

As per a recent survey, there are nearly 17 tigers, 254 species of birds that exist here. There are nearly 250 species of birds; twenty two species of reptiles while 116 species of butterflies.

Timings

The Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary is open from 6am to 6pm.

Where to Stay

If the individuals want to put their stay at Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary, they can stay at the jungle Lodge which has 11 tented cottages. Besides this, there are eight twin bedded cottages at the Maharaja Hunting lodge. All these are well furnished which can accommodate 35 to 40 guests at one time.

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