Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary, situated at a distance of 40 kilometres from Udupi town in Udupi district of the south Indian state Karnataka, is home to a fascinating assortment of flora and fauna. Lying in the Western Ghats, the sanctuary encompasses an area of about 88.4 square kilometres. The place was declared as a wildlife sanctuary on 5th June 1974. Evergreen and semi evergreen forests dominantly cover Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary. It can be divided into two unconnected parts out of which the minor part is located to the southwest of the major part. Towards the south east of the sanctuary is situated the Kudremukh National Park. Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary lies in a secluded location and thus allures comparatively lesser tourists. It is enclosed by coconut plantations, areca and paddy fields.
Flora and Fauna of Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary
Rich diversity of flora can be witnessed in Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary. Common species of flora includes Artocarpus hirsute, Lophopetalum wightanium, Machilus Macrantha and many more. Commercial plantations have also been done here including trees like Eucalyptus, Tectonia grandis and Ailanthus malabarica. Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary also hosts a vast variety of fauna. Mammals dwelling in the sanctuary are Common Langur, Bonnet Macaque, Lion Tailed Macaque, Barking Deer, Gaur, Jackal, Wild Dog, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Wild Pig, Leopard and Royal Bengal Tiger. Monitor Lizard, Python and King Cobra are the common species of reptiles found here. An interesting assemblage of avifauna can also be spotted here such as Malabar Whistling Thrush, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Ceylon Frogmouth and Malabar Trogon.
Visiting Information
Nearest airport to reach Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary is Mangalore whereas Shimoga and Udupi serve as the nearest railheads. A good network of roadways connects the sanctuary with cities like Bengaluru via Agumbe, Tirthahalli and Shimoga and Mangalore through Hebri, Karkala and Moodbidri. The ideal time to visit the sanctuary is between October and April. Jamblu Tirtha, Agumbe Sunset Point and Onakabbi Falls are the nearby attractions of Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary. Certain parts of the sanctuary are however encountering damage owing to clearing of large area of forest. Other issues threatening the sanctuary include and risk from forest fires due to natural and anthropogenic causes, cattle grazing in the absence of Forest Department prohibitions and poaching.
