The Wildlife sanctuary at BR Hills can be visited by booking an all
inclusive package (Rs. 1, 750/person presently, half rate for children) with
Jungle Lodges at K. Gudi (Kyathadevara Gudi).
It is around 95 Kms from Mysore. Please watch for the green signs of Jungle
lodges. Do not take deviations given for BR hills as the route is through
small village roads (No need to go via Elanthur). Please see
https://junglelodges.com
for more details.
Our visit was from 23-25 April 2006. I chose this wildlife resort as it is
summer and the choice turned out to be good as we did not feel the heat
much.
The camp is in the midst of the forest and the bird calls are very musical
(Esp, the Malabar Whistler between 5:30-6 am). All needs are taken care of
including attached bath with hot water and good food. Carry a torch and
also winter wear in case of winter visits. No need to worry about
mosquitoes in particular. You have a choice between tents or log huts. Log
huts are in greater demand but tents are quite spacious and good enough for
2 adults and 1-2 children.
Wildlife sighting is good in the morning and evening Safaris but depends on
your luck. We saw Elephants the first day but not after that. Gaurs, deers,
Boars and birds are more readily seen. Leopards and Tigers are rarer but
definitely spotted once every few days. Sloth Bears are also seen (We saw
one before we left) and more so during monsoon.
The main advantage at K Gudi is that the animals are seen at close
quarters. Our guide was also quite knowledgeable and explained to us
animal behavior and helped us in identifying the multitude of birds, bird calls
and flora.
In addition playful monkeys and Boars visit the camp every day.
I believe treks are also arranged upon request for a stay of 2 days or
more, but children are not allowed on the Treks due to the small element of
risk. There is also a visit to the 1, 000 Year old Dodda Sampige Tree in the
Evergreen forest OR BR Temple for a stay of 2 or more days
Children can go on a fun elephant ride in the morning.
I would recommend a stay of 2 days to Nature and wildlife lovers and
children.