Biligiriranga Hills , or BR Hills, is a sanctuary that sits at a crossroad of the Eastern and Western ghats. Located in Karnataka’s Chamarajanagar district, this sanctuary is a haven for wildlife lovers, spiritual seekers, and curious travellers alike.
Geography
Br hills is spread over an area of approximately 574.82 square kilometres with altitude ranging from 600 meters to 1,800 meters. Kattari Betta is the highest point of the sanctuary that offers panoramic views of the surroundings. Unique location of the sanctuary at the confluence of the Eastern and Western Ghats makes it an essential wildlife corridor that supports a diverse range of flora and fauna.
The sanctuary is a vibrant mosaic of ecosystems that have a diverse range of the following forests:
- Dry deciduous forests
- Moist deciduous forests
- Evergreen sholas
- Montane grasslands
This diversity nurtures over 800 species of plants and countless species of insects, amphibians, and mammals. Notably, BR Hills supports major wildlife like elephants, tigers, leopards, sloth bears , and gaurs , as well as over 250 bird species , making it a hotspot for biodiversity.
Protected Area Status
Recognising its ecological importance, it was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1974. Later it was upgraded to a tiger reserve in 2011 to preserve the dwindling tiger population.
Indigenous Communities
The Soliga tribe has been living in harmony with the forest for generations. Their traditional knowledge and sustainable forest practices have helped preserve the delicate ecosystem of BR Hills.
Link to Dr. Salim Ali
In the 1930s, the legendary ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali conducted extensive bird surveys. Which later laid the foundation for avian studies in the region.
Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple
One of the main attractions inside the sanctuary is the Biligiri Rangaswamy temple, which crowns the highest peak in the sanctuary. Dedicated to the Lord Vishnu, the temple is 500 years old. One has to walk 150 steps through the lush forest to reach the temple premises, where you get panoramic views of the BR Hills valleys.
A special festival known as the annual car festival is held every year in the months of February and March. During this time, thousands of devotees across south India visit the temple to offer their prayers.
Dodda Sampige: A Sacred Tree
Inside the Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary, there is an interesting tree known as Dodda Sampig that you can visit. Standing at a height of 34 meters and 20 meters wide, it is considered 600 years old and revered by the Soligatribe. The tree is central to their Maha Shivarathri festivities.
Kanchikote Fort
Now in ruins, this ancient structure is believed to have been built by Gangaraja of Shivanasamudra .
Honnametti Kallu
A large boulder famed for producing a metallic sound when struck—surrounded by folklore and local legends.
Adventure
Trekking, jeep safaris, and elephant safaris are the various activities that adventure enthusiasts can avail of while visiting the BR Hills. The thrill of exploring the lush landscapes while encountering the rich biodiversity is something to look at. Apart from this, the wildlife sanctuary is nestled between the Cauvery and Kapilla rivers and also offers opportunities for rafting, fishing, angling, and serene coracle boat rides.
Accommodations
There are numerous lodging options available for visitors. You can stay in forest guest houses and PWD guest houses with prior permission. If you are looking for jungle lodges or resorts, then Kyathadevara Gudi is a good option, as they provide comfortable cottages and a restaurant.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the place is from October to May. Such times the weather is pleasant and good for active wildlife sightings and spiritual festivals at the temple.
Be careful in monsoon season because the terrain gets slippery due to heavy rain but it’s also the best time to see lush green forests.
Travel Routes
Located at a distance of 85 km from Mysore
Via Mysore: Reach BR Hills via Mysore, Nanjangud, Chamarajanagar, and BR Hills. Alternatively, take the Bangalore-Malavalli-Yelundur BR Hills route.
Wildlife Activities and Experiences
Jeep Safaris : Tracking big cats, elephants and rare birds in the forested treks are great options to explore during Jeep safaris.
Bird Watching : The place is a heaven for bird lovers and ornithologists. It has more than 250 varieties of species of birds.
Elephant Bathing : Watching traditional elephant bathing rituals is good to know about the culture of the region.
Timings
Temple: Open from 7 AM to 9:30 PM, 10:45 AM to 2 PM, and 4 PM to 8 PM.
Sanctuary: Accessible from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Safari: Timings are 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.