Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Coorg: How To Reach, Best Time & Tips

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Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary Overview

The popular Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is amongst the 21 Wildlife Sanctuaries in Karnataka. The sanctuary is located near Mandalpatti in Somwarpet taluk of Coorg district. The area is enveloped by dense forest area making it a favourite amongst trekkers and nature lovers.

The forest is of semi-evergreen and dense evergreen trees in nature attracting several species of exotic plants and animals. Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is recognized as an area exclusive to rare and exotic birds along with other species of flora and fauna specific to this region.

The Kadamakal Reserve Forest is an integral part of the sanctuary with Pushpagiri being the highest peak in it. Kumara Parvatha is the other peak that lies within it. The sanctuary is strategically located with Bisle reserve forest to the north and Kukke Subramanya forest range to the west.

The rolling Shola grasslands specific to the Western Ghats, beautiful valleys and meadows, swamps and quaint water bodies create magic in this area. One can spot a variety of animals like the Indian hare, spotted deer, giant flying squirrel, otters, Indian wild dog, brown palm civet, wild pig, stripe-necked mongoose, sambar, elephants, gaur, mouse deer, etc. Primates like common langur, lion-tailed macaque, and bonnet macaque can also be spotted easily.

The famous and gorgeous Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is being frequented by nature lovers and adventure seekers every year. Strategically placed near Madikeri, trekkers here enjoy a day-long trek across the lush terrain crisscrossing the easy and not so easy trails. A few prefer staying back to enjoy the night camping and celebrating wilderness with family and friends.

Several botanists, Zoologists and Ornithologists have ventured this piece of land to explore, study and discover several other species of flora and fauna of this region. A photographer’s delight, every moment can be clicked for it is surrounded by mystic hues of nature.

How To Reach Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary

Credits: Lohit

By Rail: The closest Railway station to Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is Mysore station at a distance of 146km. One further needs to travel by a four-wheeler to reach the Sanctuary in the northern part of Kodagu.

By Road: One can either self-drive or take a car on hire to reach the Sanctuary. One can cover the distance of 275km in close to 4 hours. The Sanctuary is further 25 km from Madikeri.

By Bus: Regular buses depart from Bangalore to Madikeri covering the distance in approximately 6 hours. Madikeri to the Sanctuary is another 30 minutes which can be traversed by a taxi or public conveyance available locally.

Best Time To Visit Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary

The best time to visit Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is between the months from November to March when the monsoons come to an end and the weather is pleasant to explore the surroundings at leisure.