Karnataka is home to rich flora and fauna and is surrounded by lush greenery. Its natural beauty attracts migratory birds, and sanctuaries have become their natural habitat. They migrate from different parts of the world to enjoy the pristine beauty of the sanctuaries.

Let’s look at the list of all the sanctuaries mentioned in the blog to decide where to go first.

Here is a list of handpicked bird sanctuaries in Karnataka that you cannot miss.

1. Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttara Kannada

Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is known for Malabar Pied Hornbill and the Great Hornbill. This sanctuary has 200 bird species and different reptiles and amphibians. You can even go for a jeep safari and explore the forest rich in flora and fauna.

Some noteworthy species of birds that one can spot here are Grey Wagtail, Emerald Dove, House Swift, Small Minivet, etc.

• Area Covered: 834.16 square kilometres
• Best Time to Visit: March to October
• Average Time to Spend: 4 to 5 hours
• Operational Hours: 6:00 AM to 6 PM
• Distance from Airport: 66 Km approx.
• Entry Fees:
  • ₹40 per person for Indians
  • ₹80 per person for foreigners
  • Additional fees of ₹100 are required for photography
• How to Reach: You can take a bus or a taxi to get here.

2. Ghataprabha Bird Sanctuary, Belgaum

Ghataprabha Bird Sanctuary is a famous bird sanctuary in Karnataka with more than 225 migrating birds. This place attracts a large number of visitors every year as they can spot Demoiselle Crane, European White Stock, snake bird, peacock, and many more. Ghataprabha is surrounded by agricultural fields and greenery, which attracts nature lovers.

• Area Covered: 29.785 square kilometres
• Best Time to Visit: October to May
• Average Time to Spend: 2 to 3 hours
• Operational Hours: 24 hours
• Distance from the Airport: 45 Km
• Entry Fees:
  • ₹25 per person for Indians
  • ₹70 per person for foreigners
  • Additional charges of ₹100 for Handycam and ₹200 for a large video camera
• How to Reach: The nearest railway station is Ghataprabha Railway Station which is at a distance of 2 km. Buses and cars are easily accessible from Belgaum and Bangalore.

3. Attiveri Bird Sanctuary, Uttara Kannada

The entire area of the sanctuary is covered with a reservoir and lush green vegetation. Nearly 79 variations of birds migrate to this place from 22 countries. On a lucky day, you can spot Great Egrets, Little Egret, Green-Bee Eater, Indian Pond Heron, etc.

In addition to this, different species of wild animals like jackals, wild boar, and Indian Pangolins are also spotted here.

• Area Covered: 22 square kilometres
• Best Time to Visit: November to March
• Average Time to Spend: 3 to 4 hours
• Operational Hours: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Distance from the Airport: 15 Km
• Entry Fees:
  • ₹20 per person for Indians
  • ₹75 per person for foreigners
  • Additional charges: ₹50 for still camera, ₹100 for handycam and ₹200 for larger video camera
• How to Reach: From Hubli, you can reach this sanctuary by train, bus, or hired cab, as this place is well-connected by road.

4. Ramadevara Betta Vulture Sanctuary, Ramanagara

As the name suggests, Ramadevera Betta Vulture Sanctuary is famous for being the home to endangered long-billed vultures. There are nine vulture species in India, of which three are found in this sanctuary.

So, if you are keen on watching vultures, this bird sanctuary in Karnataka is the right place for you. Some rare species you can find here include white-backed and Egyptian vultures.

• Area Covered: 3.4641 square kilometres
• Best Time to Visit: November to March
• Average Time to Spend: 4 to 5 hours
• Operational Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
• Distance from the Airport: 88 Km
• Entry Fees:
  • ₹20 per person for safari
  • Additional charges of ₹30 for vehicle parking
• How to Reach: One can visit this place by flight, road and train, as this place is accessible by all three modes of transportation. You can take the Bangalore-Mysore highway to reach this sanctuary by road.

5. Bonal Bird Sanctuary, Yadgiri

Bonal Bird Sanctuary is home to about 10,000 different varieties of birds and is the second-largest bird sanctuary in Karnataka. Some commonly found birds include black-headed Ibis, white Ibis, bar-headed geese, and large egrets. Visiting this sanctuary during the migratory season is advisable to spot most birds.

• Area Covered: 2.8323 square kilometres
• Best Time to Visit: November to February
• Average Time to Spend: 1 to 2 hours
• Operational Hours: N/A
• Distance from the Airport: 130 Km
• Entry Fees: N/A
• How to Reach: You can reach this place via any of the three modes.

6. Adichunchanagiri Bird Sanctuary, Mandya

It is the most-visited bird sanctuary in Karnataka, housing more than 250 bird species. This sanctuary is a natural habitat for peacocks and other birds and animals. Some notable rare bird species found here are Sirkeer Malkoha, Yellow-throated Bulbul, Indian Robin, etc.

One can also go on a safari that takes you all around the sanctuary by a bus or a jeep which is chargeable.

• Area Covered: 0.88 square kilometres
• Best Time to Visit: June to November
• Average Time to Spend: 2 to 3 hours
• Operating Hours: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Distance from the Airport: 125 Km
• Entry Fees:
  • ₹15 per person for Indians
  • ₹50 per person for foreigners
• How to Reach: You can also reach the spot by road or flight from Bangalore.

7. Gudavi Bird Sanctuary, Shivamogga

In Gudavi, more than 217 bird species are seen, including migratory and residential birds. Here you can observe herons, Indian Shag, fowls, cranes, and other species of other wildlife animals.

One can sit beside the lake to watch the pristine beauty of nature and the finest birds. Also, tourists can visit the sanctuary during sunset to witness picturesque views of birds.

• Area Covered: 0.74 square kilometres
• Best Time to Visit: June to November
• Average Time to Spend: 2.5 to 3 hours
• Operational Hours: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Distance from the Airport: 140 Km
• Entry Fees: ₹50 per person
• How to Reach: You can hire a taxi or a rented car to reach this place from the airport. In addition, you can avail of buses from Shimoga and Sagara to reach this sanctuary.

8. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Srirangapatna

It is the oldest and most famous bird sanctuary in Karnataka. It is built with the continuous endeavours of Doctor Salim Ali, the renowned ornithologist. Tourists Every year, birds migrate here from Siberia, Australia, and North America.

Pictures and names of the birds that are usually spotted here are written on different boards. You can take part in boating with the help of experienced guides.

• Area covered: 0.67 square kilometres
• Best Time to Visit: Between June and November
• Average Time to Spend: 1 to 2 hours
• Operational Hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Distance from the Airport: 33 Km
• Entry Fees:
  • ₹50 per person for Indians
  • ₹300 per person for foreigners
  • Additional charges of ₹500 for photography
• How to Reach: Srirangapatna railway station is the nearest station to Ranganathittu Sanctuary. You can take an auto-rickshaw from here to reach this sanctuary. Also, if you want to travel to this place by road, you can hire a taxi or a bus.

9. Bankapura Peacock Sanctuary, Haveri

Bankapura Peacock Sanctuary is located in Bankapura, which is in Haveri district. The area is covered with rich vegetation and shrub forest. India's second sanctuary is completely involved in conserving and breeding peacocks.

In this sanctuary, nearly 1,000 peacocks and peahens are found. You can also spot other birds, such as woodpeckers, spotted doves, Indian robins, tailor birds, parakeets, and so on.

• Area Covered: 0.5625 square kilometres
• Best Time to Visit: October to April
• Average Time to Spend: 2 to 3 hours
• Operational Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Distance from the Airport: 56 Km
• Entry Fees:  No entry fees are required.
• How to Reach: It takes 1 hour by road to reach this place from Hubli and approximately 7 hours by train to reach Bangalore.

10. Magadi Bird Sanctuary, Gadag

Magadi Bird Sanctuary is among the finest bird sanctuaries in Karnataka, located 26 km from the city of Magade. This sanctuary is home to over 150 species of birds and other animals.

The most commonly seen birds are Bar Headed Geese, purple herons, grey herons, black-winged stilt, etc. People from around the world visit Magadi Sanctuary to observe the exquisite birds.

• Area Covered: 0.5423 square kilometres
• Best Time to Visit: November to February
• Average Time to Spend: 2 to 2.5 hours
• Opening time: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Distance from the Airport: 85 Km
• Entry Fee: Free
• How to Reach: You can avail of public buses from Gadag. Besides, there are options for trains and rented cars. The nearest railway station to this place is Gadag Junction.

11. Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary, Shimoga

Mandagadde is a bird sanctuary in Karnataka located in the Malnad area. It is on an island in the Tunga River, making it an ideal place for migratory birds to visit. More than 5,000 variants of birds migrate here, including egrets, snake-bird, cormorants, open-billed storks, etc.

One can take coracle rides to view different species of birds closely. It is an attractive place for all photographers and nature lovers.

• Area Covered: 0.0046 square kilometres
• Best Time to Visit: July to September
• Average Time to Spend: 2 hours
• Operational Hours: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
• Distance from the Airport: 145 Km
• Entry Fee: Free
• How to Reach: You can reach Mandagadde by road. Private buses and KSRTC are available at all times.

12. Kokkare Bellur Bird Sanctuary, Mandya

It is located in the Mandya district, and one can witness about 140 bird species here. Painted storks, pelicans, herons, cormorants, and many other birds chirp and tweet around the sanctuary. This place has become a natural bird sanctuary as crane birds from different parts of the globe migrate here and build their nests in the trees of the village of Kokkare.

• Area Covered: N/A
• Best Time to Visit: November to May
• Average Time to Spend: 1 to 2 hours
• Operational Hours: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Distance from the Airport: 120 Km
• Entry Fees: No entry fees are required
• How to Reach: The nearest railway station to this place is Mysore Railway Station located at a distance of 87 km. You can also reach Kokkare Bellur from Bangalore by road travelling a distance of about 73 km.

That was our handpicked list of the top bird sanctuaries in Karnataka. If you are planning to visit this country any time soon, make sure to visit these sanctuaries to explore the wildlife and learn more about rare species of birds.

These places are rich in flora and fauna and provide a magical experience away from the bustles of urban life.