Mysore Elephant Reserve

Mysore Elephant Reserve is one of India’s premier elephant conservation landscapes and among the largest contiguous habitats for the Asian Elephant anywhere in the world. Located in southern Karnataka, the reserve forms the northern part of the internationally renowned Nilgiri Elephant Landscape. It includes the iconic Bandipur Tiger Reserve and Nagarhole Tiger Reserve, creating an uninterrupted network of forests that extends into Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Location

The reserve extends across Mysuru, Chamarajanagar and Kodagu districts of Karnataka. It shares boundaries with Kerala’s Wayanad Elephant Reserve and Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiri Elephant Reserve.

Brief History

Mysore Elephant Reserve was among the earliest elephant reserves established under Project Elephant. It was officially notified on 25 August 2002 to conserve elephant habitat, secure migration corridors and strengthen landscape-level management across southern Karnataka.

Description

State: Karnataka
Notification Date: 25 August 2002
Total Area: 6,724 sq km
Biogeographic Zone: Western Ghats
Elevation: Approximately 650–1,450 metres above mean sea level

Protected Areas & Forest Divisions

Bandipur Tiger Reserve
Nagarhole Tiger Reserve (Rajiv Gandhi National Park)
Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary
Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary
Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary
Bandipur Forest Division
Nagarhole Forest Division

Landscape & Forest Types

The reserve comprises moist deciduous forests, dry deciduous forests, semi-evergreen forests, riverine forests, bamboo brakes and patches of evergreen forests in the higher elevations of Kodagu. The Kabini, Nugu and Moyar river systems provide dependable water sources throughout the year.

Flora

Important tree species include Teak, Rosewood, Sandalwood, Terminalia, Mathi, Bamboo, Indian Kino, Jamun and numerous medicinal plants native to the Western Ghats.

Fauna

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

Elephant Conservation

Mysore Elephant Reserve supports one of the largest free-ranging elephant populations in Asia. Its continuous connectivity with Bandipur, Nagarhole, Wayanad and Mudumalai enables unrestricted elephant movement and makes this landscape globally significant for elephant conservation.

Weather

Summer: 20–36°C
Winter: 10–25°C
Average Annual Rainfall: 900–2,500 mm

Best Time to Visit

October to May is ideal for wildlife safaris and elephant sightings.

How to Reach

Nearest Airports: Mysuru and Bengaluru
Nearest Railway Stations: Mysuru, Nanjangud and Hassan
By Road: Excellent road connectivity via Mysuru, Gundlupet, Hunsur and Madikeri.

Where to Stay

Karnataka Forest Department Forest Rest Houses (subject to prior reservation)
Government-operated Jungle Lodges & Resorts properties near Bandipur and Nagarhole

Nearby Attractions

Bandipur Tiger Reserve
Nagarhole Tiger Reserve
Kabini Backwaters
Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary
Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala)

Did You Know?

Mysore Elephant Reserve forms part of the globally important Nilgiri Elephant Landscape, which supports an estimated one of the largest continuous populations of wild Asian elephants anywhere in the world.

Image Placeholders

[Featured Image]

[Map showing Mysore Elephant Reserve in India]

Last Updated: August 2026