The Biligiriranga Hills, fondly known as BR Hills, is a hill range situated in the southeastern edge of Karnataka, India. This natural haven is named after the Ranganathaswamy Temple, which stands majestically on its peak, and has been a pivotal part of the region's cultural and natural landscape. The BR Hills is where the Western Ghats meets the Eastern Ghats, creating a unique eco-system that has been attracting tourists with its rich biodiversity and cultural significance.
Tourism in Biligiriranga Hills has roots that intertwine with both ecological and cultural facets. Historically a pilgrimage destination due to the sacred Ranganathaswamy Temple, it has also been a retreat for nature enthusiasts and wildlife researchers. The indigenous Soliga tribe, which has inhabited these forests for centuries, adds to the rich tapestry of BR Hills' history.
The establishment of the Biligirirangaswamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary in 1974 marked a formal recognition of the area’s ecological importance. It turned the spotlight on conservation efforts while simultaneously enhancing its appeal to eco-tourists.
With the declaration of the area as a tiger reserve in 2011, renamed the Biligiriranga Swamy Temple Tiger Reserve (BRT Tiger Reserve), tourism in BR Hills shifted to a more controlled and conservation-oriented approach. The tiger reserve designation increased the region's visibility on the tourist map and brought in those with a keen interest in wildlife and conservation.
Tourism in the BR Hills has since been handled sensitively, aiming to protect the environment while offering visitors the chance to experience the area's pristine natural beauty. Jungle lodges and resorts operating under eco-friendly practices provide accommodations and guided tours that educate visitors on local flora and fauna without disrupting the delicate ecological balance.
The current tourism trend in BR Hills tends to focus on sustainable and responsible tourism. Eco-lodges and community-based tourism initiatives that involve locals and particularly the Soliga community are more prevalent. Activities like bird watching, wildlife safaris, and trekking remain highly sought after experiences that draw visitors towards BR Hills.
Moreover, the promotion of BR Hills as a year-round destination, not only during the pilgrimage season or specific wildlife seasons, has been a focus of the local tourism board. Efforts to introduce offbeat paths and activities that allow for deeper cultural immersion are gaining traction. This includes interactions with the Soliga community, thus providing an invaluable insight into the indigenous way of life and traditional ecological knowledge.
As a place of both ecological significance and cultural heritage, Biligiriranga Hills strikes a balance between offering a retreat for those looking to escape urban life and serving as a beacon of conservation efforts and indigenous culture preservation. Catering to tourists from around the world while maintaining an unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship, BR Hills continues to evolve as a model for sustainable tourism in Karnataka's verdant landscapes.
Hill Stations (15)
Beaches (41)
Religious Places (97)
Historical Places (76)
Museums (36)
Wildlife Sanctuaries (19)
National Parks (7)
Villages (6)
Zoos (6)
Mountains (5)
Island (7)
Gardens (14)
Waterfalls (16)
Dams (15)
Lakes (7)
Trekking Places (2)
