Adichunchanagiri Peacock Sanctuary located in the state of Karnataka is a place that is blessed with extreme natural beauty. The cool breeze of the trees, fresh and pollution-free air, abundance of greenery and last but not the least, the unparalleled beauty of the peacocks that come here in large numbers are some of the factors that make this place one of the most beautiful and most visited spots in the state. This place, with its numerous peaks and awesome trekking trails is also considered to be a paradise on earth by people who love trekking, mountain climbing and other adventure sports. Ornithologists should never miss visiting this place as this is probably one of the few places in the country that has an abundance of peacocks.

Location

Tourists can find the Adichunchanagiri Peacock Sanctuary in Karnataka’s Mandya district. The peaks that are found here have heights that range between 770 and 1000m. Scrubs and other dense plantations are grown extensively in the forests here. The main purpose of establishing this sanctuary was to safeguard the national bird, peacock against external dangers.

Flora & Fauna

Flora

The Adichunchanagiri Peacock Sanctuary is dominated by an overgrowth of scrubs and other plantations. With the average heights of peaks ranging between 770 and 1000m above sea level, this sanctuary is a haven for birds and butterflies. The abundance of scrubs here attracts lots of tourists who come here to see the other exotic types of flora as well. Some of the must see places near this sanctuary are the Chunchanagiri temple and a reasonably big pilgrim center.

Fauna

Apart from the peacocks, some of the common species of animals found here are mongoose, hare, jungle cat, bonnet macaque and fruit bat. The sanctuary is filled with a huge variety of birds and butterflies at all times. Bulbuls with yellow-throats that are quite a rare variety are also found here in certain places. Tourists coming here can stay at the forest rest house in the premises of the sanctuary or at the rest house belonging to the PWD that is located near the temple complex.

Best Time to Visit

The period between April and October is the best time to visit the Adichunchanagiri Peacock Sanctuary.

Accommodation

Tourists coming here have two main places to stay. One is the rest house belonging to the forest department, located within the premises of the sanctuary. The other is the rest house belonging to the PWD (Public Works Department), located near the temple complex.

Visitor Information

Indians need to pay 15INR and foreigners need to pay 50INR as entry fee for the Adichunchanagiri Peacock Sanctuary.

Buses and jeeps belonging to the forest department are used for safari trips conducted within the sanctuary, for the benefit of tourists.

It is highly recommended to get a guide for yourself when you go on your safari trip. Guides are available for 100 INR.

Trekking can also be done within the sanctuary as it is equipped with all the necessary facilities.

How to Reach

Air

Bangalore airport, at a distance of 110km from the sanctuary, is the nearest airport.

Rail

Mandya railway station is the nearest station to this sanctuary.

Road

Many buses that go from Bangalore to Nagmangla drive down a further 26km through Nelligere to get to the sanctuary.