BR Hills is situated exactly 190 kms from Nice Road, Banerghatta Road entry, Bangalore. It’s a protected reserve forest area and is situated between western and eastern ghats. Guess that’s why it is so beautiful! And ya, these hills have also been declared as Tiger Reserve!
How to Reach: It would not take more than 4 hours to reach this place from Bangalore taking the Kanakpura road (am not counting the time you might take to wade through Bangalore traffic). Use Google Maps, it will tell you exactly how to reach. But you may choose the traditional way to reach, by stopping and asking, its fun. I stopped twice to reconfirm the direction that Google Maps was telling me and I asked the passer by (elderly fellow, both the times) in my broken Kannada and I got the reply both the times in very good English! [Lesson: People are more educated than you think they are]. You will be crossing Malavalli and Kolegal. Most of the time you will be on Bangalore – Dindigul Road. After you cross forest check post, you will enter heaven, quite literally. Drive slowly, enjoy nature but never get down your vehicle. Its a reserve forest and stopping is not allowed. And ya, DO NOT THROW anything outside your vehicle. I have seen enough educated idiots, lets not add to that list.
Where to Stay: Book your stay at K Gudi Wilderness Camp, Jungle Lodges
and Resorts. Click here. They accept online advance bookings. There are two types of accommodation – Log hut and tent. Twin sharing basis, the cost would be approx. Rs. 4300 for a tent and Rs. 5300 for a log hut accommodation, inclusive of taxes. Please also consider that these prices are per head per person prices and includes cost for stay, lunch, dinner, breakfast, morning and evening tea and 2 Jungle Safari’s. If you were to pay for all these separately, you would be shelling out a bomb I tell you! At this price, the deal is a very good.Frankly, there is no other option, you cannot take seperate safari, you will have to book through them only. Also, you will be surprised to see a board there – we accept only card! They actually want you to pay only by card for any additional services that you might have taken, like evening snacks etc. Great initiative as there is no mismanagement of cash. Loved the concept.
What to Do: As soon as you make the bookings the day’s schedule gets planned for you by the Jungle Lodges team. Check in at 12pm, lunch 1:30 pm, tea 3:30pm, evening safari 4pm, evening tea 6:30pm, dinner 8:30, morning tea at 6am, morning safari at 6:15am, breakfast 8:30 am, check out at 11am.
Do’s and Don’ts: Please do not litter, use dustbins, do not wear bright clothes; Do not play music or talk loudly anywhere in the jungle. Most Importantly: DO NOT TALK LOUDLY when you are in a safari. Only whisper if really needed, yes talk only if totally necessary. When a bird or animal is spotted, follow this rule without exception.
What can you spot: They say the king of the jungle often visit the Jungle
Lodges campus also! Yes, it’s true. This property does not have any boundaries or fencing. Keep a good watch, you might get lucky!
During safari you should be able to spot Deer, barking deer, sambar, elephants, Bison, Bear, Tiger (you should be very lucky, we were!) and a few species of birds.
Summers is the best season to spot maximum animals, have a good time!