Mookambika wildlife sanctuary, Karnataka offers feast to the eyes of the tourists, with the myriads butterflies fluttering around. Visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty of the Western Ghats and take a glimpse of the birds and reptiles this place homes. This habitat for rare species like the endangered cane turtle is also a haven for the butterflies. Mookambika wildlife sanctuary is also an apt place for joy trekking. Visitors can also find peace in the temples flecked around this area.

Location

Located in Udupi district, the Mookambika wildlife sanctuary derives its name from the goddess of Kollur, where it can found. Spread over 247 sq kms, this wildlife sanctuary nests various animals and birds. This sanctuary is situated 315 meter above the sea level.

Flora and Fauna

Flora

Tourists can find evergreen, semi evergreen, and the most deciduous forests in the Mookambika wildlife sanctuary. They are divided into top, middle and the lower storey. The top storey the teak plantations are found. Eugenia and cinnamon are also found in this layer. The lower storey is dominated by the cane that grows even to the height of 10m. The evergreen forests dominate the middle storey. Coscinium fenestratum is a rare climber species found in this sanctuary. Arashina balli, a plant rich in medicinal value has been the reason for exploitation in the past, is now an endangered plant found in this sanctuary. Another plant with medicinal value found in this sanctuary is Arenga wighti.

Fauna

Myriads of mammals are nested in Mookambika wildlife sanctuary, tiger, leopard, common languor, slender loris, wild pig, gaur, bear and wild dog to name a few. Bonnet Macaque and the Black Panther are the rare species of animals found in this sanctuary. Endangered cane turtle is also found here. Not only the mammals, this sanctuary is a habitat for the reptiles too. Monitor lizard, Indian Rock Python, King Cobra, Russell’s Viper, Forest Calotes, and Termite Hill Gecko are a few of the reptiles found here. Bellied treepie, pompadour green, grey hornbill, yellow browed Bulbul, and Scarlet Minivet are the avifauna that is a treat to the bird watchers.

Best Time to Visit

To enjoy camping and trekking, and to get the best view of the sanctuary, the ideal time to visit is from November to March.

Accommodation

Ajenari Nature camp is located inside the sanctuary. Travelers can find other accommodations situated in Kollur, closer to the temple.

Visitor Information

• The Mookambika wildlife sanctuary opens at 6 AM and closes at 9:30 AM. The timing for evenings in 3:30 to 6 PM. Adhere to these timing to see the butterfly camp.
• This wildlife sanctuary allows trekking and camping.
• It is always advisable to take a guide, as black panthers, tigers and leopards too can be found in this sanctuary.

How to Reach

Air

Mangalore is the closest airport

Rail

Kundapur railhead is the closest one to reach this wildlife sanctuary.

Road

Travel 270 Km from Bangalore to Shimoga. Then travel from Hosanagara to Nagodi ghat road, which is a distance of 75 Km to reach this sanctuary by roads.