Coorg or Kodagu is a rural district of Karnataka in southern India. This adventurous hill station is affluent of deep mountain forests, exotic wildlife, national parks and sanctuaries. Thus, tourists can explore nature in its utmost richness here surrounded by the misty mountain ranges of the Western Ghats.

This article dives deep into the abundant wild lives of Coorg and discusses the best places that cannot be missed. Scroll down to read the most popular wildlife safaris in Coorg.

Often referred to as 'The Scotland of India', Coorg is a wonderful destination if you are in the mood to explore nature reserves. It unfolds a lifetime opportunity for wildlife lovers, displaying several species of animals and birds. These wildlife sanctuaries and nature parks are as follows:

1. Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary

Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is situated at the highest peak of the Brahmagiri mountain range. It consists of widespread lands of evergreen and semi-green forest patches. The sanctuary is home to 240 species of birds and some endangered species of fauna. Animals such as Malabar Giant, Nilgiri langur, sambar, Nilgiri marten, sloth bear and others can be seen here.

• Area Covered: 181 sq. km
• Best Time to Visit: October to February
• Average Time to Spend: 2 to 3 hours
• Operational Hours: 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Distance from the Airport: 166 km from Mysore Airport
• Entry Fee: 
  • Adults - ₹50 
  • Children - ₹25
• How to reach: You can get public transport like buses or rented cabs from Mysore Airport to reach this sanctuary.

2. Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary

Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is an immensely important nature reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its rare and endangered species of birds. A few birds such as blue-winged parakeet, Malabar grey hornbill, Nilgiri wood pigeon and Nilgiri Flycatcher are easily spotted here. 

Apart from these, you can also find Stripe-necked Mongoose, deer, Travancore flying squirrels and muntjac in this sanctuary.

• Area Covered: 102 sq. km
• Best Time to Visit: November to March
• Average Time to Spend: 3 to 4 hours
• Operational Hours: 6:00 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Distance from the Airport: 152 km from Mangalore International Airport
• Entry Fee: ₹75 per head
• How to reach: Travel to Mangalore International Airport or Mysore station. Then, you can find several buses or cabs to this sanctuary.

3. Nagarhole National Park

Nagarhole National Park, also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Covered with sandalwood and teak trees, this sanctuary offers one of the best wildlife safaris in Coorg against the Brahmagiri mountain ranges. 

It is home to animals like Asian elephants, leopards, marsh crocodiles, rock pythons etc. Also, here you can enjoy caving, photography, plantation exploration, visiting the Rameshwara temple, etc.

• Area Covered: 643 sq. km
• Best Time to Visit: April to May
• Average Time to Spend: 1 to 2 hours
• Operational Hours: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Distance from the Airport: 70.6 km from Mysore Airport 
• Entry Fee:
  • Indians - ₹150 
  • Foreigners - ₹1500 
• How to reach: First, reach Mysore Airport or Mysore station. Then, take a bus or rent a cab to this park.

4. Dubare Elephant Camp

Framed by deciduous forests, Dubare Elephant Camp is the best place to know about these giant creatures better on the banks of Kaveri. This is why Dubare comes under one of the best wildlife safari tours in Coorg. 

It caters to opportunities like elephant interaction, trekking and stays. Besides elephants, it is a shelter for various wild animals and birds such as Indian Bison, deer, crocodiles, partridges, kingfishers, peacocks and much more. 

• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Average Time to Spend: 2 to 3 hours
• Operational Hours: Between 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Distance from the Airport: 164 km from Mangalore International Airport
• Entry Fee: ₹20 per head
• How to reach: The best way to travel to this camp is by flying to Mangalore International Airport and then renting a cab.

5. Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary

Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary is a place for wildlife enthusiasts that lies in the Western Ghats and supports a rich biodiversity. While exploring the lush green forests of Talakaveri, you can find tigers, mongoose, mouse deer etc. Also, there are over 300 species of birds that include fairy bluebirds, Malabar trogons, broad-billed rollers and much more.

• Area Covered: 105 sq. km
• Best Time to Visit: July to September
• Average Time to Spend: 3 to 4 hours
• Operational Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Distance from the Airport: 121 km from Mangalore International Airport
• Entry Fee: Free
• How to reach: You can travel to Mangalore International Airport and then take a bus or cab from there to reach this sanctuary. 

These wildlife safaris offer an array of exotic animals and birds to enjoy the uniqueness of nature in the best possible ways. Therefore, if you are planning to venture into this adventurous wildlife, this article will help you to get a broader view of wildlife safaris in Coorg. Thus, make sure to plan your itinerary considering this guidance.