Experience the Serenity of BRT’s Wilderness
Located amidst the misty hills of the Biligiri Rangaswamy range in Karnataka’s Chamarajanagar district, the BRT Tiger Reserve is where the Western and Eastern Ghats meet. This beautiful confluence of landscapes creates one of South India’s most vibrant wildlife, which is home to tigers, elephants, sloth bears, and over 250 species of birds. The best season to visit is from October to May, when the weather is pleasant and the forest comes alive with wildlife sightings.
Spanning a total of 574.82 sq km (359.10 sq km of core and 215.72 sq km of buffer zones), the reserve is a protected biodiversity hotspot under the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). Forest entry is allowed between 6 AM and 6 PM, with morning safaris starting around 6:00–8:30 AM at the popular K Gudi Wilderness Camp. Whether you’re driving in from Bengaluru or Mysuru, here’s everything you need to know.
Key Details for a Smooth Forest Experience
1. Which Route to Take to Enter the Reserve
The BRT Tiger Reserve is easily accessible by road, making it a popular weekend destination for travelers from Bengaluru and Mysuru. It’s best to start early to avoid traffic and to reach before the forest-entry timings close.
- If you’re traveling from Bengaluru, take NH 948 via Kanakapura and Kollegal to reach Yelandur, covering approximately 200 kilometers in about five hours.
- If you’re starting from Mysuru, drive through Nanjangud and Chamarajanagar to reach the reserve, a journey of about 85 kilometers that takes roughly two hours.
- The final stretch leading to K Gudi Camp passes through forest terrain, so it’s important to follow the signboards carefully.
2. Seamless Forest Entry with FASTag System
ValetEZ offers FASTag-enabled access at the BRT Checkpost, the main entry point into the BRT Tiger Reserve. This system helps travelers bypass manual toll delays and allows faster entry into the forest zone. Ensure your FASTag wallet is adequately funded before you begin your journey.
- FASTag scanners are installed at the Ganapathi Gate for automated toll collection.
- Vehicles can drive through without stopping for cash or card transactions.
- The system significantly reduces wait times, especially during peak tourist hours. It also eases the potential traffic congestion.
Vehicle-Type | Charges (₹) |
Car Tempo Traveller (TT) | 20 |
Bus Minibus Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) Heavy Commercial Vehicle (HCV) Micro Aerial Vehicle (MAV) Tractor | 50 |
3. Entry Timings, Safari Permits and Access Rules
Covering a vast area of nearly 575 sq km, the BRT Tiger Reserve includes both core and buffer zones that protect an incredible variety of wildlife. Entry to the reserve is generally permitted between 6 AM and 6 PM, and morning safaris, especially those run by K Gudi Wilderness Camp, begin around 6:00 to 8:30 AM.
- You can book your safari permits through the forest department or directly with authorized camps.
- It’s always better to stay at licensed properties like K Gudi Camp for easy coordination.
- One can check safari timings beforehand, as they may shift slightly with the seasons.
4. Road Safety Guidelines for Wildlife Travelers
The drive inside BRT can be enchanting yet challenging. With narrow, winding forest roads and mixed elevations, patience and alertness are key. Always follow forest rules to ensure both your safety and that of the wildlife that freely roam the reserve.
- You can enjoy the drive best by maintaining low speeds and avoiding sudden honks or overtakes.
- Make sure to stick to marked trails and follow any instructions from forest officials.
- Don’t idle for too long near animals—keep it calm and quiet for the best experience.
5. Responsible Tourism Practices Inside BRT Tiger Reserve
BRT is not just a tourist destination; it’s a living ecosystem. To preserve its natural balance, every visitor must act responsibly. From waste management to respectful behavior around wildlife, small conscious choices make a big difference.
- You can carry back your non-biodegradable waste and avoid using plastic altogether.
- Avoid feeding or getting too close to animals, as giving them space keeps both you and them safe.
- One can turn off music and stay on approved tracks to keep the forest peaceful.
Conclusion - Wrapping Up Your Wildlife Experience
ValetEZ’s FASTag-enabled access ensures that even the journey into the BRT Tiger Reserve begins smoothly. By easing toll delays and simplifying forest entry, travelers can focus on the experience and not the delay. With seamless passage through the checkpost, your trip starts on a note of convenience and care, perfectly blending technology with travel ease.
For visitors, BRT offers more than just a safari as it’s a chance to reconnect with nature’s calm rhythm.
As the sun sets over the misty hills and quiet forest trails, the reserve leaves you with lasting peace, a reminder that true adventure often lies in stillness. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, inviting you to simply breathe and be part of the wilderness.