The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve was established in Sept 1986 by UNESCO and was declared a World Heritage site in 2012. It was the first biosphere reserve of India and there are only 34 such Bio diversity Hot Spots in the world! The reserve encompasses 4 tiger reserves, 2 national parks and 1 wildlife sanctuary covering 3 states with an area over 5,500 sq.km that includes
1. Bandipur National Park, Karnataka
2. Nagarahole National Park, Karnataka
3. Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu
4. Mukurthi National Park, Tamil Nadu
5. Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu
6. Silent Valley National Park, Kerala
7. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala
As stakeholders in the area, we are proud to state that the Niligiri Biosphere has the largest population of wild tigers and Asian elephants in the world! With an estimated 570 tigers (2014 census) and 6,500 elephants this hotspot is also home to a large number of Indian Bison (Gaur) and a variety of other animals, reptiles and birds.
Waterwoods Lodge is situated in the heart of the Nilgiri Biosphere on the banks of the Kabini reservoir that separates Nagarhole and Bandipur National Parks. Kabini is situated 225KM from Bangalore & 75KM from Mysore and has good road access ~ making the drive an excellent getaway from Bangalore and Mysore. The 642 sq km Nagarahole Park is home to a large population of Asiatic elephants and tigers; leopards and deer; Gaur, Langurs, Red Wild Dogs, sloth bear, intricate insects, reptiles and many more.
Over 250 bird species nest here, including terrestrial and aquatic birds of prey. Exotic and the endangered species like the Malabar Pied Hornbill and the Crested Hawk Eagle are also spotted here. The backwaters shelter large crocodiles, playful otters and a variety of freshwater fish.
All these exotic flora and fauna can be spotted on Road and Boat safaris that are conducted by the Karnataka Forest Department which can be arranged during your stay at Waterwoods on prior reservation. Both safaris are conducted twice daily
(6.30 am & 3.30 pm).