National park · India
Bhadra Tiger Reserve
Enter Bhadra Tiger Reserve for a day: pay the entry fee (check current rate at the gate), drive to the Lakavalli gate, and confirm permitted trails with the forest department; avoid monsoon peaks.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
400 km² (154 sq mi)154 sq mi (400 km²)
approximate
Established
2002
Best months
Mar–Apr
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 6
- South Asia ↗Trekking regions, border districts and several Indian states need separate permits on top of the visa; check the permit before you book transport into them.
- South Asia ↗Remove shoes (and in many Jain and Hindu temples, leather) before entering; cover shoulders and legs; ask before photographing people or rituals.
- India ↗Apply for the e-visa only on the official government portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in); lookalike sites charge extra. Check the current rules, fees and how far ahead to apply.
- India ↗Do not follow anyone who says your hotel is closed, the station ticket office is closed or a road is shut; use the prepaid taxi counter, the metro or an app car.
- India ↗Carry Indian rupees in small notes (10, 20, 50, 100); change for 500 is often refused.
- India ↗Parts of the Northeast, Sikkim, Ladakh, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and all border belts need a Protected or Restricted Area Permit or an Inner Line Permit for foreigners; check before you book the route.
At a glance
- Country
- India
- Area
- 400 km² (154 sq mi)154 sq mi (400 km²)
- Area reported varies; official Karnataka Forest Department lists about 400 km², but some sources cite ~500 km² including buffer zones (check).
- Established
- 2002
- Best months
- Mar–Apr
- Permits
- For some areas
Bhadra Tiger Reserve in Karnataka protects Western Ghats forest, river catchments and wildlife such as tigers, leopards and elephants. The core zone is accessed via Lakavalli gate, with guided treks to Bababudangiri and waterfall walks, while camping is prohibited inside the reserve.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- Special national siteTiger reserve under India's Project Tiger.
Size and age
400 km² (154 sq mi)154 sq mi (400 km²) · national park since 2002
Area reported varies; official Karnataka Forest Department lists about 400 km², but some sources cite ~500 km² including buffer zones (check).
Why go
- Spot tigers, leopards and diverse Western Ghats wildlife.
- Explore waterfalls like Hebbe and Kalhatti.
When to go
- JanGo
- FebGo
- MarBest
- AprBest
- MayCaution
- JunAvoid
- JulAvoid
- AugAvoid
- SepCaution
- OctGo
- NovGo
- DecGo
- JanCool, dry.
- FebCool, dry.
- MarPleasant, before heat.
- AprWarm, low rain.
- MayStart of pre‑monsoon.
- JunMonsoon begins.
- JulHeavy rain.
- AugHeavy rain.
- SepRain recedes.
- OctPost‑monsoon, clear.
- NovCool, dry.
- DecCool, dry.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tiger, leopard, elephantOct–May | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes |
| Birds (e.g., Malabar pied hornbill)Mar–May, Oct–Dec | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Bhadravathi
Taxi or auto-rickshaw to Lakavalli gate, about 30 min.
30 min
From Chikmagalur
Taxi to Muthodi gate, about 1 h.
1 h
Open the page →
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Lakavalli (Bhadra dam) gate | Main entry, visitor centre, parking. | Open with ticket. |
| Bababudangiri area | Hiking zone, waterfalls, viewpoints. | Guided access only. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates centred on Lakavalli gate; other points approximate.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry (adult) | INR 300 (≈ US$4) | person | 2026 estimate, check at Lakavalli gate. |
| Park entry (child) | INR 150 (≈ US$2) | person | 2026 estimate, check at Lakavalli gate. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit or guide
Guided trek (Bababudangiri) permit or guide
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- ₹300≈ US$4
- ₹150≈ US$2
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Check with the park or your operator before you go.
Park rules
- Guides
- Mandatory for any trek beyond the gate area.
- Camping
- Not allowed in the core reserve; stay in approved lodges or homestays.
- Fire
- Open fires prohibited.
Where to stay
Near the park
Jungle Lodge Resort
Government‑run lodge by Bhadra dam, basic rooms.
Near the park
Homestays in Bhadravathi
Family‑run rooms, local meals.
Safety
Monsoon flash floods high
Wild animal encounters medium
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Gate area reachable by car; short walks suitable for limited mobility.
- Long treks involve steep, uneven terrain – not wheelchair‑friendly.
Visiting lightly
- Support government‑run lodges that follow waste‑reduction policies.
- Buy local coffee and spices to aid nearby farmers.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Bhadra Tiger Reserve?
Adult entry is about ₹300 per person (2026 estimate); children pay half. Confirm the current rate at the Lakavalli gate.
What are the best hikes in Bhadra Tiger Reserve?
The Bababudangiri trek (4–6 h, moderate) is a popular option, but you must check with the forest department for currently permitted trails. A guide is required.
When is the best time to visit Bhadra Tiger Reserve?
October to May offers dry, cooler conditions; avoid the monsoon months June–September.
Can I camp inside the reserve?
No, camping is prohibited in the core area; stay in nearby lodges or homestays.
Do I need a guide for a day visit?
A guide is required for any trek beyond the gate area; the short gate-area walk can be done independently.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Sources
Ask about Bhadra Tiger Reserve
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