Male Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuary

Male Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected forest area spread over about 906 sq km in the Male Mahadeshwara Hills of Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka, in the Eastern Ghats. Notified in 2013, it forms a contiguous corridor between Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple, Cauvery and Sathyamangalam reserves. Known for dry deciduous forests, elephants, tigers and diverse flora and fauna, it surrounds the revered Male Mahadeshwara Temple and offers wildlife viewing and nature experiences.

Visitors can expect a dry deciduous and scrub forest landscape in the Eastern Ghats with undulating hills, valleys and forest tracks. The sanctuary is known for sightings of elephants, tigers, leopards, sloth bears, deer and diverse birds. Exploration is mainly through forest safari drives and nature walks along designated routes. The Male Mahadeshwara Temple complex lies within the sanctuary area, so pilgrim activity is also encountered. Facilities are basic and forest-oriented with watch towers and viewpoints.