Several initiatives to raise awareness about tiger conservation and protection have been initiated in India and abroad over the years. Recent conservation efforts have stabilised the big cat's dwindling numbers in various national parks and sanctuaries across India and the world.
Some of these magnificent tiger havens allow nature lovers to witness the grace of these magnificent big cats while immersing themselves in diverse ecosystems.
Chamarajanagar in Karnataka, near Mysore, recently entered the ecotourism market with 2.75 lakh hectares of forest and several hiking trails. According to reports, the town will also have a tiger safari zone soon.
The new tiger safari in Karnataka will span 18 kilometres, beginning in Lokkanahalli in the Male Mahadeshwara Hills Division, also known as the Malai Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuary.
The safari, which is scheduled to be launched in December 2023, will initially have only one vehicle and a two-month exploration phase.
The route has been planned along the elephant corridor so people can also see elephants. As this is a biodiverse area, tourists can also spot a variety of wildlife, such as spotted deer, leopards, Indian guar, and a variety of birds. If you love exploring ancient ruins, you may be interested to know that the route will also include Stone Age monuments.
Biligiri Ranganna Betta, or BR hills, are a cluster of tiny hills in Karnataka filled with the culture and vibrancy of the Soliga community. Soligas are an indigenous forest-dwelling community found in Karnataka's Chamrajnagar district. Stay in these beautiful hills for one and a half months to learn about and appreciate the Soliga culture.
Bandipur National Park, with an area of over 860 square kilometres, is one of India's oldest and largest parks. It was designated a tiger reserve under "Project Tiger" in 1973 and is located in Chamarajnagar. The park is home to a number of endangered species, including the Indian elephant, sloth bear, and Royal Bengal tiger. The Kabini and Moyar rivers flow to the north and south of the park, respectively.
Chamarajanagar is connected by rail to Mysore, Bangalore. The nearest airport is Bangalore from where one can take flights to other major destinations in India and abroad. Chamarajanagar is around 180 km from Bangalore and 60 km from Mysore. One can get frequent buses from here.