The Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Tiger Reserve occupies a transitional hill range where evergreen shola forest, moist deciduous woodland, and dry scrub meet within a single protected area, making it one of the few places in India where Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats flora and fauna overlap. The reserve holds a healthy population of elephants and tigers along with gaur, sloth bears, and leopards, and is notable for its Soliga tribal settlements, whose residents were granted community forest rights in 2011, an early precedent for indigenous rights inside a tiger reserve. BRT Wildlife Sanctuary sits at an elevation of 1246 m and is typically explored in about half day. The most favourable months to visit are February, November, December, and January, when conditions are best suited for sightseeing. Nearby points of interest include K. Gudi Elephant Camp, BRT Hill Range Trek, and K. Gudi. Other notable highlights include soliga-guided medicinal plant walk at K. Gudi camp, morning safari for gaurs by the Moyar River, and sunset view from Honnametti peak over dry forests. It falls within BR Hills, Chamarajanagar district, and Karnataka.
State: Karnataka
Ideal Duration: Half Day
February, November, December, January
Yes, you must obtain an entry permit and book a safari vehicle in advance, either through the official Karnataka Forest Department website or at the entry gates in Kyathadevara Gudi or Yelandur. Private vehicles are not allowed inside the core zone, so you will need to hire a gypsy or take a shared safari from the forest checkposts. Carry a valid photo ID for every visitor.
The ideal period is from October to March, when the post-monsoon forest is lush and animals are more active. Avoid the heavy monsoon months (June to September), as many internal roads become slippery and some trails close. Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best chances to spot elephants, gaurs, and tigers.
Options include the Karnataka Forest Department's Jungle Lodges (like BRT Safari Lodge) and private homestays in Kyathadevara Gudi, which offer comfortable rooms with attached baths and hot water. For a group, booking a whole cottage or a few adjacent rooms is recommended, as these lodges have common dining areas and can arrange group meals. Avoid camping or basic dormitory stays, as they lack easy access to medical help and have uneven walking paths.
The sanctuary is fairly accessible, as safaris are done in open jeeps with seating that is not too high, but the rough, bumpy forest tracks can be jarring. You can request a slower driver and avoid the longer night safaris if you have back or knee issues. The forest lodges and restrooms near the entry points have basic facilities, but there are no wheelchair ramps, so plan accordingly.
Carry your regular medications, a first-aid kit, and anti-diarrheal tablets, as the nearest decent hospital is in Chamarajanagar or Mysuru, about 60–90 minutes away. Wear full-sleeved clothing and apply insect repellent to avoid ticks and leeches, especially during the wetter months. Always follow the forest guide's instructions, stay inside the vehicle, and avoid loud noises, as wild elephants are common and can be unpredictable.