Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary

Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary near Daroji village in Sandur Taluk, Ballari district, Karnataka, about 15 km from Hampi. Established in 1994 as Asia's first sanctuary dedicated to the sloth bear, it covers about 82.72 sq km of scrub forest and rocky granite hills of the Bilikallu Reserve Forest. It is notable for its significant population of Indian sloth bears and a dedicated watchtower for observing bears in their natural habitat.

Visitors can expect a dry scrub forest and boulder-strewn granite hill landscape typical of the Deccan plateau. The main visitor experience is from a forest department watchtower overlooking a waterhole and feeding area where sloth bears can be observed, especially in the afternoon. There are no safari vehicles inside; viewing is stationary from the tower. Surroundings include open scrub, rocky outcrops, and sparse vegetation with opportunities to see other wildlife and birds.

Declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1994 by the Government of Karnataka, it was the first sanctuary in Asia established exclusively for the conservation of the sloth bear (Melursus ursinus). It was carved out of the Bilikallu Reserve Forest to protect the bear habitat from mining and anthropogenic pressures in the Ballari region.