Cauvery Elephant Reserve

Cauvery Elephant Reserve is an important elephant conservation landscape in southern Karnataka. Established under Project Elephant, the reserve protects extensive forests along the Cauvery River and forms a critical wildlife corridor linking the elephant populations of Male Mahadeshwara Hills Tiger Reserve, Biligiri Ranganathaswamy Tiger Reserve and Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve. The reserve also safeguards one of the largest stretches of riparian forest in southern India.

Location

The reserve extends across Ramanagara, Mandya and Chamarajanagar districts of Karnataka. It follows the Cauvery River valley along the Karnataka–Tamil Nadu border.

Brief History

Cauvery Elephant Reserve was notified under Project Elephant on 25 August 2002 to protect elephant habitats, secure migratory corridors and strengthen conservation across the Cauvery landscape.

Description

• State: Karnataka
• Notification Date: 25 August 2002
• Total Area: Approximately 5,510 sq km
• Biogeographic Zone: Deccan Peninsula
• Elevation: Approximately 250–1,300 metres above mean sea level

Protected Areas & Forest Divisions

• Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary
• MM Hills Tiger Reserve (adjoining landscape)
• Kollegal Forest Division
• Ramanagara Forest Division
• M.M. Hills Wildlife Division

Landscape & Forest Types

The reserve comprises tropical dry deciduous forests, moist deciduous forests, scrub forests, riverine forests and extensive bamboo brakes. The Cauvery River and its tributaries provide perennial water, making the landscape especially valuable for elephants during the dry season.

Flora

Common tree species include Teak, Terminalia, Sandalwood, Indian Kino, Albizia, Bamboo, Jamun, Tamarind and Acacia. Riparian forests along the Cauvery support rich aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity.

Fauna

• Asian Elephant
• Bengal Tiger
• Leopard
• Dhole (Wild Dog)
• Sloth Bear
• Gaur
• Sambar
• Spotted Deer
• Barking Deer
• Four-horned Antelope
• Marsh Crocodile (Mugger)
• Smooth-coated Otter
• Mahseer
• Grey Junglefowl
• More than 300 bird species

Elephant Conservation

Cauvery Elephant Reserve protects one of southern India’s most important elephant movement corridors. It enables elephants to move between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu while maintaining genetic connectivity with the MM Hills, BRT and Sathyamangalam landscapes.

Weather

• Summer: 22–38°C
• Winter: 14–26°C
• Average Annual Rainfall: 700–1,200 mm

Best Time to Visit

October to March is the most suitable period for wildlife observation, trekking and river-based eco-tourism.

How to Reach

• Nearest Airports: Bengaluru and Mysuru
• Nearest Railway Stations: Mysuru, Mandya and Bengaluru
• By Road: Accessible via Kanakapura, Kollegala, Malavalli and Muthathi.

Where to Stay

• Karnataka Forest Department Forest Rest Houses (subject to prior booking)
• Government-approved eco-tourism accommodation near Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary

Nearby Attractions

• Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary
• Mekedatu Gorge
• Sangama
• Muthathi Forest
• MM Hills Tiger Reserve
• Biligiri Ranganathaswamy Tiger Reserve

Did You Know?

The Cauvery Elephant Reserve protects one of India’s finest riverine elephant habitats. The Cauvery River acts as a lifeline for elephants and countless other wildlife species during the dry months.

Image Placeholders

[Featured Image]

[Map showing Cauvery Elephant Reserve in India]

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Last Updated: August 2026