Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary

Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected forest area covering about 181 sq km in the Western Ghats on the Karnataka-Kerala border near Kutta in Kodagu district, Karnataka. Established in 1974 and named after the 1,608-metre Brahmagiri Peak, it comprises evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, shola grasslands and rich biodiversity. It is noted for elephants, gaur, lion-tailed macaques, diverse birds, and the popular trek to Brahmagiri Peak and nearby Iruppu Falls.

Visitors can expect dense evergreen and shola forests, mist-covered hills and grasslands within the Western Ghats. The sanctuary offers guided nature walks, birdwatching and the well-known trek to Brahmagiri Peak starting near Iruppu Falls. Wildlife sightings may include elephants, gaur, sambar, lion-tailed macaque and Malabar giant squirrel. Facilities are basic and forest-oriented, with entry through forest check posts and exploration on designated trails with permission.

Declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1974 by the Government of Karnataka, covering 181.29 sq km in the Western Ghats. Named after Brahmagiri Peak, it forms part of the larger Nilgiri Biosphere landscape and the Brahmagiri-Wayanad-Nagarhole forest complex, recognized for conservation of Western Ghats flora and fauna.

Brahmagiri Peak is locally revered and associated with traditional pilgrimage routes, with nearby cultural sites such as Iruppu Falls and Thirunelli Temple on the Kerala side attracting visitors for religious and cultural interest alongside nature tourism.