Biligiriranga Hills
The Biligiriranga Hills, also called B R Hills, is a hill range situated in south-eastern Karnataka, at its border with Tamil Nadu in South India. The area is called Biligiriranga Swamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary or simply BRT Wildlife Sanctuary. It is a protected reserve under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1973. Being at the confluence of the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats, the sanctuary is home to eco-systems that are unique to both the mountain ranges. This makes it a very critical habitat.
It is picturesquely situated between the Cauvery and the Tungabhadra rivers.
The Biligiris are charnockitic hills, covered with tropical dry broadleaf forest, part of the South Deccan Plateau dry deciduous forests ecoregion. The forests range from scrub forests at lower elevations, degraded by over-use, to the tall deciduous forests typical of the ecoregion, to stunted shola forests and montane grasslands at the highest elevations, which exceed 1800 meters. The forests form an important wildlife corridor between the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats, linking the largest populations of Asian Elephants and tigers in southern India. The most conspicuous mammals are the herds of wild elephants. The BR hills is the only forest east of the main Western ghats mountain ranges in the central southern peninsula to harbour these panchyderms in large numbers. The forests were the study area for R. Sukumar, a scientist who studied the elephants of the area in the early eighties. A recent survey has revealed the presence of 17 Tigers in this sanctuary.
The BR hills has been a good place for viewing large game and at the same time encountering numerous smaller life forms. The forests have been famous for the Gaur, a large Asian bovid. There are about 26 species of mammals recorded in the sanctuary.
The other mammals include sambhar, chital, the shy barking deerwhich are quite common here and the rare four-horned antelope. Carnivores include tigers, leopards, wild dogs, lesser cats and sloth bears and among arboreal mammals two species of primates and three species of squirrels including the giant flying squirrel are recorded. A recent (2005) survey of tigers by DNA analysis of scat samples has revealed 17 tigers, although the number may be more. 254 species of birds recorded in the BR hills. These include the enigmatic southern population of the White-winged Tit (Parus nuchalis), a specimen of which was collected by R. C. Morris and now housed in the Natural History museum at Tring.
A recently discovered species includes a microhylid frog Microhyla sholigari, named after the Soligas, an indigenous tribe that inhabit these hills. Distance from B R Hills to Male Mahadeshwara Betta MM Hills is 112 km and travel time is 2 h 30 min.
Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple
Biligirirangaswamy Hills is also famous for Biligirirangaswamy Temple. It is the temple of Lord Ranganatha and Lord Venkatesha, which is present on the white cliff. The temple is of great importance for the Srivaishnavites. The temple here is built in traditional Dravidian style of architecture. The annual festival of Lord Rangaswamy at Biligiri Temple is held during 'Vaishaka' in the month of April. There are special prayers and poojas held on Fridays.
Distance from Punajanur to B R Hills, Karnataka is 73.7 km and travelling takes around 1 h 58 min via NH948 and SH 57. Distance from Biligiriranga Swamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary to is Mysore 90 km, to is Yelandur 28 km. Distance from Bengaluru to Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple, B R Hills is 191.1 km and takes around 4 h 2 min via NH209. Distance from Bangalore to Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple via Maddur is 180 Km. Distance from Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple, B R Hills to Male Mahadeshwarabetta (MM Hills), Karnataka is 113 km and takes around 2 h 40 min via SH 79. Distance from B R Hills to Male Mahadeshwarabetta, Karnataka is 102.7 km and takes around 2 h 35 min via Kollegala-Male Mahadeshwara Betta Road.
BR Hills Tour Package
Hotels, Boarding, Lodging & Accomodation in BR Hills
Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Tiger Reserve (BRT)
The Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Tiger Reserve (BRT) is located in Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka. It is a protected reserve under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. Being at the confluence of the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats, the sanctuary is home to eco-systems that are unique to both the mountain ranges.The site was declared a Tiger Reserve in January 2011 by the Karnataka government. The name Biligiri came from the white rock face that constitutes the major hill.
Tigers, Leopards, Elephants, Wild Dog, Jungle Cat, Sloth Bear, Small Indian Civet, Mongoose, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Flying Squirrel, Porcupine, Common Langur, Wild Pig, Gaurs, Sambar, Deers, Four-horned Antelope, and blackbuck are the main mammals found in this sanctuary.
There are jungle lodges situated in the middle of the forest at Kyathadevara Gudi (K. Gudi) where tourists can stay. They have nice cottages and a restaurant. There are provisions for jeep and elephant safaris as well.
Road Map of Sloth Bear Hills Bangalore -
Top 10 Facts about BR Hills, Karnataka
Here are Top 10 facts about BR Hills, Karnataka
- BR Hills is known for its beautiful and diverse wildlife, including elephants, tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and several species of birds and reptiles.
- The hill range is home to the Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary, which is spread over an area of about 540 square kilometers.
- The sanctuary is a popular destination among wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers, offering opportunities for wildlife safaris, trekking, and birdwatching.
- The BR Hills are also known for their rich cultural heritage, with several ancient temples and shrines located in and around the area.
- The region is known for its unique and delicious cuisine, which includes dishes like Akki Roti, Bisi Bele Bath, and Mysore Pak.
- BR Hills is located at a distance of about 180 km from Bangalore, and is easily accessible by road and rail.
- The best time to visit BR Hills is between the months of October and March when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing and wildlife spotting.
- BR Hills is a great place to experience the beauty of nature and wildlife, and is a perfect destination for a weekend getaway.
