A Guide To The Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary

Are you planning a getaway where you can enjoy the wilderness at its best? Or looking for the best hiking trails? The Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary tops the list of the best places to visit while on your trip to the Scotland of India, Coorg. The Wildlife Sanctuary is not only a destination, it is an escape from the daily facade to replenish yourself while being surrounded by the subtle beauty of nature.

Established in the year 1987, the sanctuary never ceases to amaze its visitors with sightings of exotic bird species and lush green surroundings. A proposed World Heritage Site, the wildlife sanctuary is one of the 21 wildlife sanctuaries in Karnataka.

Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary: Location, Timings & Tickets

Here is a curated list of things to do at the Pushpagiri Hills, how to reach them, and the best time to visit which will help you to make the most out of your visit. 

Location: Subramanya Road, Kumarahalli, Karnataka, 571236, India. If you need any assistance on how to reach here, this map will help you.

Timing: The gates to the wildlife sanctuary are open for its tourists from 5:30 AM to 6:00 PM, every day.

Ticket Prices:

• The entry fee for the Coorg National Park is INR 10 per person.
• The visitors need to pay INR 75 at the checkpost while camping charges are additional.

Best Time To Visit Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary

The winter season is the peak season, which starts in November and ends in March. With the monsoons coming to an end, the weather and temperature are perfect for engaging in various thrilling outdoor activities. 

Average Temperature: 12 degrees to 24 degrees Celsius.

Things To Do At The Sanctuary

Trekking

Trekking is the main reason to visit the Pushpagiri Hills. There are a total of 7 stunning trails that lead you to the peak where you can choose from the intensity of difficulty level.  The most challenging trekking route is the Kumara Parvatha, also known as Pushpagiri Trek attracts hikers from around the world. The adventurous trek from the base to the peak is about 25-28 km, which can be comfortably completed in two days. The trek takes you on a thrilling journey where you can explore the lush green vegetation, volcanic rocks, and a plethora of flora and fauna species. 

Wildlife Safari

The Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary Safari tour takes you on a splendid journey to uncover the rare and endangered species of birds that call it home. The open jeep safari tour takes you through the dense forests, where you can explore numerous species of flora and fauna. You can also catch a glimpse of the variety of animals like sambar, elephants, gaur, spotted deer, and many more. The safari tour is the perfect opportunity for people of all ages to enjoy the wilderness in its natural habitat.

Camping

If you are looking for the perfect ambiance to set up a camp amidst nature, the Pushpagiri Hills is the perfect place. You can either plan a day-long trek to reach the peak or you can put up a camp nearby to stay overnight which is perfect for family and friends. Camping at the Pushpagiri Hills overnight allows you to enjoy the mesmerizing landscape under the dazzling night sky. If you are an early bird, the sunrise view is one of the best.

Book Now: Adventure trip to Coorg with cottage or tent stay

How To Reach Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Coorg

By Air: The various airline services like Air India, Spice Jet, etc. cater to international and domestic flights, which conveniently connect all corners of the world. The closest airport to the wildlife sanctuary is:

• Mangalore – 135 km
• Mysore – 152 km
• Bangalore-  260 km

By Road:

– By Private Car/Cab: The road to the Sanctuary is well-connected via all major National highways and State Highways from the neighboring places. You can choose to self-drive if you love driving or hire a cab from the renowned car rental services if you are looking for stress-free travel.

– By Bus: The private and state bus services run regularly, which is another convenient and pocket-friendly way to commute. The bus services are a convenient way of commuting to Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary from nearby places like Bangalore or Madikeri.

By Train: Mysore is the nearest railway station, which is 146 km away from the wildlife sanctuary in Coorg. There are various convenient modes of commute like auto, cab rentals, and bus services from the railway station. 

Things To Keep In Mind During Your Visit

• – Do not get too close to the dense flora and fauna, as the sanctuary houses a variety of species that call it home.
• – If you’re planning for a trek, seek prior permission from the Forest Department.
• – Do not eat too much food, as the routes are steep which may incur sickness.
• – Enquire about the forest timings, as the gates are closed for visitors during summers which are at high risk of forest fires.
• – Carry light and comfortable clothing and rugged shoes, so that you can make the most of your trip.

Also Read: Things To Do In Coorg For The Adventurous Tourist 

In conclusion, the Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary has so much to offer irrespective of the weather and time to visit.  Do visit this place and drop your experience in the comment section below. 

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