Bhadra Elephant Reserve

Bhadra Elephant Reserve is an important elephant conservation landscape in the central Western Ghats of Karnataka. Notified under Project Elephant, the reserve encompasses the renowned Bhadra Tiger Reserve and adjoining reserve forests, providing secure habitat for Asian elephants and numerous other threatened wildlife species. The reserve also serves as an important ecological link between the Malnad forests and the larger Western Ghats landscape.

Location

The reserve extends across Chikkamagaluru and Shivamogga districts of Karnataka in the central Western Ghats.

Brief History

Bhadra Elephant Reserve was officially notified on 25 August 2002 under Project Elephant to strengthen conservation of elephants and safeguard habitat connectivity within the Bhadra landscape.

Description

• State: Karnataka
• Notification Date: 25 August 2002
• Total Area: 492.46 sq km
• Biogeographic Zone: Western Ghats
• Elevation: Approximately 615–1,875 metres above mean sea level

Protected Areas & Forest Divisions

• Bhadra Tiger Reserve
• Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
• Lakkavalli Range
• Muthodi Range

Landscape & Forest Types

The reserve includes tropical evergreen forests, semi-evergreen forests, moist deciduous forests, shola patches, bamboo brakes and riverine forests. The Bhadra River and Bhadra Reservoir provide perennial water, supporting elephants throughout the year.

Flora

Major vegetation includes Teak, Rosewood, Mathi, Terminalia, Honne, Nandi, Bamboo, Canes and numerous endemic Western Ghats plant species.

Fauna

• Asian Elephant
• Bengal Tiger
• Leopard
• Dhole (Wild Dog)
• Sloth Bear
• Gaur
• Sambar
• Barking Deer
• Mouse Deer
• Malabar Giant Squirrel
• Nilgiri Langur
• Great Hornbill
• Malabar Pied Hornbill
• More than 300 bird species

Elephant Conservation

Bhadra Elephant Reserve forms an important component of the central Western Ghats elephant landscape. Habitat protection and corridor management help maintain connectivity with adjoining forests, allowing seasonal movement of elephants and other large mammals.

Weather

• Summer: 20–34°C
• Winter: 12–24°C
• Average Annual Rainfall: 1,500–2,600 mm

Best Time to Visit

October to March is the preferred season for wildlife safaris and birdwatching.

How to Reach

• Nearest Airport: Mangaluru (Mangalore)
• Nearest Railway Stations: Kadur, Birur and Shivamogga
• By Road: Easily accessible via Chikkamagaluru, Tarikere and Lakkavalli.

Where to Stay

• Karnataka Forest Department Forest Rest Houses (subject to prior booking)
• Government-operated Jungle Lodges & Resorts facilities near Bhadra Tiger Reserve

Nearby Attractions

• Bhadra Tiger Reserve
• Bhadra Reservoir
• Hebbe Falls
• Kemmannugundi
• Baba Budangiri Hills

Did You Know?

Bhadra Tiger Reserve became India’s first tiger reserve to successfully complete the voluntary relocation of villages from its core area, creating a larger, undisturbed habitat for elephants, tigers and other wildlife.

Image Placeholders

[Featured Image]

[Map showing Bhadra Elephant Reserve in India]

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Last Updated: August 2026