Nature Gowri Subramanya Nature Gowri Subramanya

Wildlife around Hampi

Hampi Virupaksha Temple

Hampi Virupaksha Temple

Hampi is a popular destination for travellers interested in history, culture and architecture. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site that takes at least a week to fully explore and appreciate its splendour in the past and its quiet dignity in the present.

Pillars in the Virupaksha Temple at Hampi

About 15 km from this iconic site is a protected wildlife sanctuary that very few have heard of. Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary was declared a protected forest reserve in the ‘90s to conserve the habitat of the sloth bears in the region. The rocky terrain and the arid habitat highlights the habits of the bears that roam the hills every evening.

Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary

A jeep safari in the afternoon through the reserve and a couple of hours at the watchtower overseeing the hills offer a good chance at watching bear families foraging for food from a safe distance.

Sloth bears at Daroji

Daroji, with its unique habitat is also a delight for birdwatchers. I write about two common bird species - the Grey Francolin and the Painted Sandgrouse, observed in the area in a blog post for Evolve Back Resorts. While the Grey Francolin is a well-known bird to anyone familiar with the Indian rural countryside, the Painted Sandgrouse is an elusive bird with an air of mystery around it.

Painted Sandgrouse at Daroji

If you’re like me, you would not want to miss the early morning chatter in the wilderness. A drive around Hampi, close to the river or simply on the main road away from human activity will reveal some surprises.

Indian Eagle-Owl

Indian Eagle-Owl

Woolly-necked Storks

The wildlife around Hampi are not crowd-pullers like the Stone Chariot or the Virupaksha Temple (perhaps a good thing!) but it certainly enriches the travel experience through a wholesome understanding of the place.

Read More