Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary

This wildlife sanctuary is one of the most serene wildlife destinations of Karnataka. Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary has been proposed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is said to be a haven for several endangered and rare species of birds. It was established in the year 1987 and is located in the Coorg district of Karnataka. Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary has the Bisle Reserve forest to its north and the Kukke Subramanya forest range to its west. The sanctuary is located at an altitude of almost 1700 metres. It is home to many waterfalls, streams, swamps, steep slopes and dense jungles. There are several peaks in the sanctuary such as Kote betta and Mandalpatti peak, however, the highest peak in this region is the Kumaraparvata peak which makes it a popular trekking destination.

The forests of Pushpagiri WIldlife Sanctuary

Animals

About 70% of Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is under dense semi-evergreen and evergreen vegetation cover. Which makes it an ideal place to house a rich diversity of fauna. Animals species such as Flying Squirrel, Otter, Spotted Deer, Wild Dog, Civet cat, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Indian Hare, Elephant, Mouse Deer, Gaur and Indian Muntjac can be found here. Rare species of primates such as the Lion-tailed macaques and Bonnet macaques can also be found here.

Birds

Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its exotic birdlife. Birds such as Malabar Grey Hornbill, Blue Winged Parakeet, Sunbird, White Bellied Flycatcher, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon and many others can be found here. Furthermore, endangered species of birds such as Grey Breasted Laughing Thrush, Black and Orange Flycatcher, and Nilgiri Flycatcher can be sighted in the Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary. If you are interested in bird watching or bird photography, this should certainly be a must-visit place for you.

Malabar/ Blue-winged Parakeet. The one with the bright red upper beak is the male while the other is the female.

Trekking

If you are a trekking enthusiast, you would be interested in knowing that the trek to Kumaparvata is considered to be one of the toughest in Karnataka. One can reach the peak either from Somwarpet or from Kukke Subramanya. The latter route is considered to be the tougher option. The trek is 8 km one way from Somwarpet and 14 km oneway from Kukke Subramanya. You can also trek from the gates of the Pushpagri Wildlife Sanctuary towards Kumaraparvata and end the trail at Kukke Subramanya village. The trek takes more than 4 to 5 hours. The permits for the trek can be issued by the Assistant Conservator of Forests, Madikeri. While trekking in these areas, one must be on guard against leeches.

Getting There

Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is located at a distance of 25 Km from Madikeri which is connected to Bangalore and Mysore via good roads. Another route which is quite beautiful is via Bisle Ghat. Kukke Subramanya is about 100 km from the city of Mangalore and it is from here that one can take to take the road towards Bisle Ghat. The journey from Kukke Subramanya to Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary via Bisle Ghat takes about 2 hours.

Places of Interest Around Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary

Bisle ghat gets its name from Bisle which is a small village adjoining the Bisle Reserve Forest. Due to the scenic landscape views that this road bestows upon you, it is also called as Heaven on Earth. The road is not in great condition and isn't even paved in some sections. However, this makes the drive all the more enjoyable if you want to enjoy some off-road driving experience. The drive will take you through dense forest cover and numerous waterfalls (season dependant). If you are lucky enough, you might even spot a few animals on the way.

Bisle Ghat

After about an hour, you will reach the Bisle Ghat View Point. This viewing point offers you a breath-taking view of the valley below, flanked by not one but three mountain ranges- Pushpagiri, Yanikallu Beta and Doddabetta. During the right season, you can spot numerous waterfalls tumbling into the depths of the valley and the Giri River snaking through the centre of the valley. The forest department has erected a sheltered platform at this spot where you can spend some time taking in this beautiful view.

The panoramic view from Bisle Ghat View Point

If you are taking this trip sometime around the monsoons, you must visit Mallali Falls. They are situated just about 15 minutes away from Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary. These falls offer truly mesmerizing views of the river Kumaradhara tumbling down over a distance of almost 200 feet. On a cliff adjoining the waterfall, a viewpoint has been constructed along with steps which can take right to the bottom of the valley. However, the valley is deep and it can take considerable time and stamina to reach the bottom.

As you reach Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, you will come across a small outpost belonging to the forest department. There is a Santha Mallikarjuna Temple next to it. You might have to park your vehicle here as this is where the sanctuary starts and the road ahead can only be navigated in a 4×4 vehicle. The forest post is located about 2 km inside.

Accommodation

This is truly an offbeat destination, owing to which there is just one good resort in this area. The Welcome Heritage Ayatana is located just a few kilometres away from the sanctuary. If this does not fit your budget, there are several homestay options available as well. Another option is to stay at Kukke Subramanya.

Conclusion

If you are interested in trekking, you need to obtain the necessary permissions before planning this trip. If you are a wildlife photographer or a nature enthusiast like me, you can contact the forest department and take the necessary permissions so that you can venture deeper into the sanctuary. If you don’t have the necessary permissions, the forest department may only allow you to explore certain areas on the outskirts, however, even these areas are truly beautiful and one can spot numerous birds in these areas itself. If you are just a nature lover, you can enjoy a small stay at one of the nearby accommodations and relax in the lap of nature.

Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary

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