About Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary
Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary is a large protected area spread along the Cauvery River in southern Karnataka, primarily in Chamarajanagar, Mandya and Ramanagara districts near Kollegal. Notified in 1987 and covering about 1,027 sq km, it protects dry deciduous and riverine forests. It is known for its elephant population, grizzled giant squirrel, leopards, and diverse birdlife, and forms an important wildlife corridor between Bannerghatta and BRT Tiger Reserve.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a vast dry deciduous and riverine forest landscape along the Cauvery River with undulating terrain, rocky stretches and dense scrub. The sanctuary offers jeep safaris and guided nature walks for sighting elephants, deer, wild boar, leopards, grizzled giant squirrels and numerous birds. Key visitor areas include Bheemeshwari, Sangama and Mekedatu where the river forms gorges, plus watch towers, forest rest houses and designated camping and coracle-ride points.
Key highlights
- 01
Expansive 1,027 sq km sanctuary along the Cauvery River forming a corridor between Bannerghatta National Park and Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Tiger Reserve
- 02
Habitat for elephants, leopards, sloth bears, four-horned antelope and the grizzled giant squirrel
- 03
Riverine landscape at Sangama and Mekedatu where the Cauvery flows through a narrow gorge
- 04
Rich birdlife with over 300 species including river terns, fish eagles and woodpeckers
- 05
Eco-tourism activities at Bheemeshwari including nature camps, coracle rides and angling (catch and release)
History of Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary
Notified as a wildlife sanctuary in 1987 under the Wildlife Protection Act, covering 1,027.53 sq km across Chamarajanagar, Mandya and Ramanagara districts. It was established to protect the Cauvery riverine ecosystem and its elephant population and serves as a crucial link in the Mysore Elephant Reserve.
Culture & Context
The Cauvery River flowing through the sanctuary is culturally revered in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The confluence point Sangama and the gorge at Mekedatu are traditionally significant and attract visitors for their natural and cultural associations.
Route
| By air |
|---|