Hampi is not just about monuments and architectural heritage. There is a wealth of natural heritage too, just waiting to be discovered. Tungabhadra, being a perennial river, attracts varieties of birds, and barely 15 km away is the Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary. This is one of the few sanctuaries created especially for the preservation of the Indian Sloth Bears. The story of the bears here though goes back a long way. It is said in the Ramayana that Rama, while travelling through these regions, met the bear king Jambavan, who lived in a cave here. There are still bears here today, who live in the caves and niches among the boulders. Entry into the forest is allowed only till a watch tower, from where the sloth bears can be seen. Visitors are not allowed to get close to the bears, for reasons of safety―both of humans as well as the bears! However, there are short trails which you can try nearby, as well as walks along the banks of the river, where you can spot plenty of birds, both endemic as well as migratory.Additional information:
The sanctuary is 15 km from Hampi and 30 km from Hospet. Hire a vehicle to get to the sanctuary.
How to reach:
By air:
The nearest airport is Hubli (163 km). However, Goa (313 km) or Bangalore (340 km) make more sense, since they are better connected.
By rail:
The nearest railway station is at Hospet (12 km). However, Guntakkal (116 km) is better connected to all major cities. Hubli (163 km) is another option.
Where to stay:
You can stay at Hampi and make a day trip to the sanctuary, but for a truly wild experience, try the Jungle Lodges and Resorts camp here.
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