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Brahmagiri Elephant Reserve
Brahmagiri Elephant Reserve is an important elephant conservation landscape in the Western Ghats of Karnataka. Notified under Project Elephant, the reserve protects extensive forests in Kodagu District and serves as a vital ecological corridor linking Nagarhole Tiger Reserve with Kerala’s Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. The reserve forms part of the Nilgiri–Western Ghats elephant landscape, one of the largest remaining habitats for the Asian Elephant.
Location
The reserve is located primarily in Kodagu District of Karnataka along the Kerala border. It shares ecological connectivity with Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala and Nagarhole Tiger Reserve to the east.
Brief History
Brahmagiri Elephant Reserve was notified on 25 August 2002 under Project Elephant to strengthen conservation of elephants inhabiting the Kodagu forests and to secure wildlife corridors connecting Karnataka and Kerala.
Description
- State: Karnataka
- Notification Date: 25 August 2002
- Total Area: Approximately 1,813 sq km
- Biogeographic Zone: Western Ghats
- Elevation: Approximately 300–1,608 metres above mean sea level
Protected Areas & Forest Divisions
- Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary
- Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary
- Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary
- Kodagu Forest Division
- Virajpet Forest Division
Landscape & Forest Types
The reserve includes tropical evergreen forests, semi-evergreen forests, moist deciduous forests, montane shola forests, bamboo brakes and riparian vegetation. Numerous streams originating in the Brahmagiri Hills provide perennial water sources for elephants and other wildlife.
Flora
Important tree species include Rosewood, Cullenia, Mesua, Palaquium, Terminalia, Teak, Bamboo, Cane and several endemic Western Ghats plant species.
Fauna
- Asian Elephant
- Bengal Tiger
- Leopard
- Dhole (Wild Dog)
- Gaur
- Sloth Bear
- Sambar
- Barking Deer
- Mouse Deer
- Nilgiri Langur
- Malabar Giant Squirrel
- Lion-tailed Macaque (localized)
- Great Hornbill
- Malabar Grey Hornbill
- More than 300 bird species
Elephant Conservation
Brahmagiri Elephant Reserve is a crucial corridor for elephant movement between Karnataka and Kerala. Maintaining connectivity with Nagarhole Tiger Reserve and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary allows seasonal migration and preserves genetic diversity within the Nilgiri elephant landscape.
Weather
- Summer: 18–32°C
- Winter: 10–22°C
- Average Annual Rainfall: 2,000–5,000 mm, depending on elevation.
Best Time to Visit
October to March is the best season for wildlife viewing and nature tourism.
How to Reach
- Nearest Airports: Kannur International Airport and Mysuru Airport
- Nearest Railway Stations: Mysuru and Hassan
- By Road: Easily accessible from Virajpet, Madikeri and Kutta.
Where to Stay
- Karnataka Forest Department Forest Rest Houses (subject to advance booking)
- Government-operated Jungle Lodges & Resorts facilities in the Kodagu region
Nearby Attractions
- Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary
- Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary
- Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary
- Nagarhole Tiger Reserve
- Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala)
- Talakaveri
Did You Know?
Brahmagiri Elephant Reserve protects the upper catchments of the River Cauvery and forms an important wildlife corridor connecting Karnataka’s Kodagu forests with Kerala’s Wayanad landscape.
Image Placeholders
[Featured Image]
[Map showing Brahmagiri Elephant Reserve in India]
Last Updated: August 2026