It's a great suggestion for anyone visiting the Hampi region. Here's some more information to help others plan their visit:
Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary: A Wild Getaway What to Expect: This sanctuary is a dedicated habitat for Indian sloth bears. Visitors can observe these fascinating creatures in their natural environment, often from a watchtower. The sanctuary also is home to other animals like leopards, hyenas, and a variety of birds. Best Time to Visit: The sanctuary is generally open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the cooler months, from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and the bears are more active. Visiting Hours: The sanctuary is typically open in the afternoon, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The best time to see the bears is in the evening as they come down from the hills. Location: The sanctuary is situated about 15 km from Hampi, making it an easy day trip by taxi or rented vehicle. Tips for Visitors: Wear natural, dark-colored clothing to blend in with the surroundings. Bring binoculars and a camera for a better viewing experience. Avoid loud noises and flash photography to not disturb the animals. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Other Hampi Attractions While the Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary offers a unique wildlife experience, Hampi is primarily known for its incredible historical and architectural heritage. When you visit, be sure to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site, which includes: Virupaksha Temple: The oldest and most famous temple in Hampi, still an active place of worship. Vittala Temple: A stunning temple complex known for its iconic stone chariot and musical pillars. Hampi Bazaar: A historic market street that was once a bustling hub of commerce. Matanga Hill and Hemakuta Hill: Popular spots for panoramic views, especially at sunrise or sunset. Coracle Rides: A traditional boat ride on the Tungabhadra River, offering a unique perspective...
Read moreThe safari experience itself was as expected, but I deduct 1 star because it's so hard to find reliable information on how things work. There's no official website and not even a phone number as of January 2024. Here's how it worked for us: we showed up at the Google maps location around 3 pm and went to the ticket office. They told us we can book a full jeep for 2000 rs or wait for other people to share the cost (all prices mentioned are for foreigners, might be different for Indians). We decided to wait a little. The small museum next to the entrance is very nice, so you won't get bored. After some time, another two people showed up, so we could split the cost of the jeep by four, making it 500 rs per person. Up to 7 people fit it one jeep, so this can go down to 300 rs. We started the safari at 4 pm and came back around 6:30. The destination of the jeep safari is always the watchtower where you get to see the sloth bears that come to a place nearby (still quite far away from the watchtower though!) to feed on the honey that is placed there by park rangers. So you're more or less guaranteed to see them, but as mentioned from far away. Without the provided binoculars they're just some black dots. The way to the watchtower is also nice, we spotted a number of birds, rabbits, a python, and the landscape...
Read moreDaroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary was created exclusively for sloth bears in 1994. This sanctuary is spread over 5,589 hectares of Bilikallu reserve forest. Situated only 15 km from Hampi, this is the only sanctuary in North Karnataka. There are around 120 Sloth Bears, locally known as the Karadi. You should hire a car or auto to get to the sanctuary, as two wheelers are not allowed. Entry fee is 50 per person. An additional Rs 500 needs to be paid for 4 wheelers.
Visiting hours of the sanctuary is between 2- 6pm on all days. Entry into the forest is allowed only till a watch tower, from where the sloth bears can be seen with the help of Binoculars.
The life span of Sloth Bears is 40 - 50 years. Sloth Bears are nocturnal animals.
The story of the sloth bears though goes back to the Ramayana period. Rama, while travelling through these regions, met the bear king Jambavan, who lived in a cave here.
Daroji means Darwaza or gates. This was a gateway to Hampi, the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. Today, there are no gates, only the ruins...
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