SPOTLIGHT KARNATAKAFESTIVALS ON THE WILD SIDE The flora and fauna of Karnataka is diverse and with forests covering around 20 per cent of the state’s geographic area, there are many secrets to uncover. BY BINDU GOPAL RAO
o you know that Karnataka has BANDIPUR NATIONAL PARK one of the highest populations Among one of the most well-known national of tigers in the country? Well it parks in the state, the Bandipur National is not just tigers but a variety of Park is located in Chamarajanagar district Danimals and birds that you can see in this adjoining the Mudumalai National Park in state. With a plethora of wildlife sanctuaries, Tamil Nadu, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in national parks, forest reserves, bird Kerala and the Nagarhole National Park in sanctuaries and conservation centres, Karnataka. Located about 60 km from Karnataka is a potpourri of experiences Mysore, this park was set up by the Mysore when it comes to experiencing all things in Maharaja in 1931. Located at the foot of the the wild. We list the places that you must Nilgiri Hills, this place is home to many definitely see if you are a lover of wildlife. tigers, Asian elephants, leopards, dhole, gaur and sloth bears. Being part of the Nilgiri ANSHI NATIONAL PARK Biosphere Reserve, the topography is a mix Extending about 340 sq km, the Anshi of tropical mixed deciduous forests that National Park is 60 km from Karwar in support a large diversity of animal and bird Uttara Karnataka and is adjoining the life. There are close to 350 species of birds Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary. A Project Tiger identified here and you can also see a vibrant sanctuary, this is part of an eco-sensitive reptile community including marsh part of the Western Ghats and is also called crocodiles, Russell's viper, Indian pond the Kali Tiger Reserve. The forest here terrapin, common Indian bronze back, primarily has evergreen and semi-evergreen starred tortoise, common Indian monitor, trees and is home to about 200 bird species Indian chameleon and more. The Nugu including the Malabar pied hornbill, Ceylon River here has several aquatic animals and frogmouth and Great hornbill. The animals the highest point is Himavad Gopalaswamy seen here include elephants, Indian leopard, Betta that has superb views too. leopard cat, bonnet macaque, slender loris, gaur, wild boar, sambar, dhole, sloth bear, Malabar giant squirrel and several species of snakes. You also have set treks that also serve as vantage points and you can see some stunning grasslands here.
80 OCTOBER 2018
Spotlight Karnataka.indd 80 28/09/18 11:43 AM