B.R. Hills

The Biligiri Rangaswamy Sanctuary (B R Hills) at K Gudi (Kyathadevara Gudi), just 90 km from Mysore, is on a hilly terrain at an altitude of 3300 ft., (to 5000 ft.,) above sea level. The sanctuary is spread over 525 sq km, interspersed with valleys, streams and scenic spots. It is 226 km by road from Bangalore via Mysore and Chamarajanagar.

Here is a haven for wild animals. Wild life can be seen in its pristine wealth and glory. For those who want to unwind and enjoy Nature’s blend of both Hill station and wildlife sanctuary, this is the place. Jungle Lodges and Resorts offer you an experience of a lifetime where you can only expect the unexpected, the untamed and the unexplored. One gets to experience wilderness as it is without electricity in the tents and the log-huts. Electricity, however, is provided in the hunting lodge between 7pm to 10.30 pm. As the night falls and the stars shine, the resort lights up with hurricane lamps, a magical transformation.

Safaris : Safari rides on a jeep and elephant ride, a must, at this sanctuary, allow you to spot a herd of elephants or a langur, panthers, tigers, sambar deer, sloth bears, bison, wild boar, barking deer, porcupine and more. For bird watchers’ delight, there are birds like the large Indian parakeet, racket-tailed drongo, hill Myna, crested serpent eagle, chestnut-bellied nuthatch among some other 225 species. The BR Temple, Soliga and the Jenukurba tribal hamlets, the thousand year old “Dodda Sampige Mara” (Big Champak Tree) are some of the tourist spots. One can visit MM hills and the Stanley reservoir if time permits.

Travel titbit : Language is an issue here, so carry a Kannada-English phrasebook. This is available all over the footpaths of Bangalore and costs about Rs 30. Carry some dry snacks that you prefer just in case you suddenly feel the need for some junk food. A wide-angle camera is a good idea. Comfortable, earthen, light coloured and rough clothes for those rugged safaris are suggested.

Best season to visit : Its open throughout the year, but the best time to sight the wildlife is during the month of November uphill January. For people who love to see that lush green forests then the time would be between the months of July and October