Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary is situated at an altitude of 5,091 ft in
Chamrajnagar District of
Karnataka. It adjoins its southern boundary with the state of
Tamil Nadu. It is about 100 km from
Bangalore via
Kanakapura.
Also known as B R Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, the sanctuary covers an area of about 540 sq km and was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1987. The sanctuary, situated at the junction of the Eastern Ghats and Western Ghats, has abundant floral wealth of both regions. There are private coffee plantations in the southern parts of the sanctuary. Kattari Betts in the southern part is the highest point in the sanctuary.
The BRT Sanctuary has over 215 species of birds and a good population of elephants. Other mammals include gaurs, chitals, sambars, bears, panthers and tigers.
The best time for visit is from September to May. Accommodations are available in Forest Department Guest House and B R Hills Wildlife Adventure Resort. For trips within the park, one can either trek up on foot or opt for jeep safaris or elephant rides. Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple is a nearby excursion.
By road, Kyathadevara Gudi (K Gudi), nearest town to the sanctuary, is 28 km from
Chamarajanar. The sanctuary is about 85 km from Mysore via Malavalli and 245 km from Ooty via Mysore. The nearest airport and rail junction to the sanctuary is at Bangalore.
