Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary - Kodachadri — Attraction in Karnataka

Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary - Kodachadri

Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary, situated in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, India, near the Kodachadri Hills, is a protected area known for its rich biodiversity and stunning natural landscapes. It is named after the famous Mookambika Temple located nearby and offers visitors a chance to explore pristine forests and diverse wildlife.

Key Points:

Location: Located in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, near the Kodachadri Hills, in the Udupi district. The sanctuary covers an area of approximately 247 square kilometres.

Establishment: Established in 1974 to protect the region's unique flora, fauna, and ecosystems. Encompasses a variety of habitats, including tropical evergreen forests, semi-evergreen forests, grasslands, and shola forests.

Flora: The sanctuary is home to various plant species, including rare and endemic ones. Notable tree species include rosewood, teak, sandalwood, and numerous medicinal plants. The dense forests provide habitat and food sources for a diverse range of wildlife.

Fauna: Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary is rich in wildlife, with species such as tigers, leopards, Indian gaurs (bison), elephants, sambar deer, spotted deer, and wild boars. It is also a birdwatcher's paradise, with numerous bird species, including Malabar trogons, great Indian hornbills, and various species of woodpeckers and flycatchers.

Kodachadri Hills: The sanctuary is near the Kodachadri Hills, part of the Western Ghats mountain range. Kodachadri is known for its scenic beauty, diverse flora and fauna, and the Sarvajna Peetha, a Hindu pilgrimage site believed to be the place where the philosopher Adi Shankaracharya meditated.

Tourist Attractions and Activities: Trekking: The sanctuary offers several trekking trails, including routes to the summit of Kodachadri Hill, which provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. Wildlife Spotting: Visitors can embark on wildlife safaris or nature walks to spot various species of animals and birds. Pilgrimage: The nearby Mookambika Temple, dedicated to the goddess Mookambika, is a popular pilgrimage site and attracts devotees nationwide.

Accommodation and Facilities: The sanctuary provides basic accommodation options such as forest lodges and visitor campsites. Guided tours and nature interpretation programs are available to enhance the visitor experience and provide insights into the sanctuary's ecology and conservation efforts.

Conservation and Education: Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary plays a crucial role in conserving the Western Ghats' biodiversity. The sanctuary conducts educational programs and awareness campaigns to promote wildlife conservation and environmental protection among visitors and local communities.

Summary

Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary, nestled in the Western Ghats near the Kodachadri Hills, is a haven for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Established in 1974, the sanctuary is home to diverse flora and fauna, offering opportunities for trekking, wildlife spotting, and pilgrimage. Its proximity to the Kodachadri Hills and the Mookambika Temple adds to its appeal as a tourist destination. With its pristine forests, stunning landscapes, and conservation efforts, the sanctuary provides a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty and biodiversity of the...

This is situated in the heart of the Western Gates, Mookambika wildlife sanctuary is a wildlife lover’s paradise. Visitors can see animals like slender loris, deer, sloth bear, gaur, lion-tailed macaque, sambar, barking deer, otter, porcupine and carnivores like tiger and leopard when visiting this reserve. The pleasant atmosphere and the scenic locales make a journey through this forest even more charming. Trekking enthusiasts can also hike to this jungle from the forest office at the bottom of the hill. Interested people can also visit the two non-descript temples situated on this hill. Specialty of This Wildlife sanctuary is the presence of Coscinium fenestratum, or yellow vine as it is sometimes referred to in English, is a flowering woody climber. The endangered cane turtle is als... more. Amazing place, so peaceful and relaxing. And we visited at the best time too. No rains and the weather was overall nice. The views are amazing of you stop at regular intervals to look around. The main motivation to go here was pretty hit: be away from the flow of tourists (especially the White/Western) and on my India vacation enjoy also some nature alone. Kollur/Kolluru is a small village in the jungle that is 400 rupees and is located in the middle of the Mookambika wildlife sanctuary, which according to local sources Baindoor/Baindur/Bynduru /... on the coast with the rickshaw / taxi (price, there is no difference) from the railway station Tiger, elephant, Leopard, rock Pythons and at least one of the extinction endangered monkey species should have. To see this something on the skillful paths seems rather unlikely. Who wants up to the Kodachadri peak has two main options: to book a jeep for 2000 rupees, which is filled with so 6 passengers will, alone it is not ever there anyway. Mainly that drive the temple hereby to himself on Kodachadri Pilgrim Indian families. Or option 2: it asks for a pass for the forest the forest ranger so you get there alone may (if me my memory correctly operated, 100 rupees apiece) we have can however not locate the Ranger and the mountain are unconcerned even without pass come up. You drive so in the bus (direction on the desk in the vicinity of Kollurs Mookambika Temple question) a very nice piece up the mountain and can then put on the roadside at a trail in the thicket and continues to walk. The way is infallible as long as it is after a while with a two way forks is based on the highest peak on the horizon. On the way, there's always time a two smaller trails in the thicket, which could be worth to explore. After a while it becomes light and you will find an iron gate with power line. Overall a great place...

The Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Kollur, Karnataka, is a renowned protected area known for its rich biodiversity and scenic beauty. Here are some key details about the sanctuary:

Location and Geography Location: The sanctuary is situated in the Western Ghats, near the town of Kollur in the Udupi district of Karnataka. Geography: Spanning over 370 square kilometers, it features a diverse landscape that includes dense forests, rolling hills, and numerous streams and rivers.

Flora and Fauna Flora: The sanctuary is part of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich biodiversity. It hosts a variety of plant species, including tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests. Fauna: The sanctuary is home to a wide range of wildlife, including: Mammals: Tigers, leopards, elephants, deer, wild boars, and Indian bison (gaur). Birds: Over 200 species of birds, including peafowls, hornbills, and kingfishers. Reptiles: Various species of snakes and lizards.

Attractions and Activities Mookambika Temple: The sanctuary is named after the famous Mookambika Temple, a significant pilgrimage site dedicated to Goddess Mookambika. The temple attracts thousands of devotees every year. Trekking and Hiking: The sanctuary offers numerous trekking and hiking trails, providing opportunities to explore its diverse terrain and enjoy panoramic views of the Western Ghats. Wildlife Safaris: Visitors can embark on guided wildlife safaris to observe the diverse fauna in their natural habitat. Bird Watching: The sanctuary is a paradise for bird watchers, offering sightings of various resident and migratory bird species.

Conservation Efforts The sanctuary is a protected area under the management of the Karnataka Forest Department. Conservation efforts focus on preserving the rich biodiversity and ensuring the protection of endangered species.

Best Time to Visit The best time to visit the Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary is from October to April when the weather is pleasant, and wildlife sightings are more frequent.

Accessibility By Road: Kollur is well-connected by road to major cities in Karnataka. Regular bus services and private vehicles can be used to reach the sanctuary. By Rail: The nearest railway station is Kundapura, about 40 kilometers from Kollur. By Air: The nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport, approximately 140 kilometers away.

The Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary offers a serene escape into nature, providing a perfect blend of spiritual, adventure, and wildlife...