Nestled in the verdant landscape of the coastal city of Mangalore (Mangaluru) in Karnataka, India, Sammilan Shetty's Butterfly Park is a vibrant eco-tourism spot dedicated to the conservation of butterflies. This park, established in the Belvai village, offers a unique experience for nature lovers and entomology enthusiasts alike.
The butterfly park was conceived and brought to life by a local nature enthusiast, Sammilan Shetty, whose passion for butterflies transpired into the creation of this sanctuary in 2011. His personal interest and dedication led to the development of a habitat that supports the biology and life cycles of these exquisite creatures. The park officially opened to the public in August 2013 and has since become a haven for numerous species of butterflies, flowering plants, and lush foliage.
Inside the park, visitors can marvel at the delicate beauty of butterflies in their natural environment as they flutter among a rich variety of host plants. The investment in creating a suitable habitat has paid off, and today the park boasts housing more than 150 species of butterflies. Guided tours, usually led by Sammilan Shetty himself, provide an immersive experience as well as educational insights into the lifecycle and conservation of butterflies.
Conservation and education are at the heart of the park's mission. The park takes an active role in raising awareness about the importance of butterflies in the ecosystem and promoting biodiversity. Visitors are also educated on how to create butterfly-friendly environments in their own backyards.
The park has tapped into the growing trend of ecotourism, whereby travelers are increasingly seeking experiences that are sustainable and environmentally responsible. With a rise in awareness about conservation, Sammilan Shetty's Butterfly Park has become a focal point for educational tourism, where visitors can engage with and learn about nature and conservation efforts first-hand. Additionally, there's an increasing trend for tourists to seek out specialized and unique experiences, such as butterfly watching, often combined with photography workshops and nature walks.
The park is usually open to visitors only on Sundays, from morning to evening, to minimize the disturbance to the butterflies. The ideal time to visit the park is during the monsoon and post-monsoon months, when butterflies are most active and the park is lush and full of flowers.
Located at a distance of about 40 kilometers from Mangalore city, the park is easily accessible by road. Visitors can reach there by hiring a taxi or taking a bus from Mangalore to the park's nearest stop.
Sammilan Shetty's Butterfly Park stands as an exemplary model of how a simple idea powered by passion can contribute to conservation and simultaneously offer a unique experience to tourists. It is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the Mangalore region with interest in nature, wildlife, or photography.
For those planning to witness the kaleidoscope of colors that the park offers, it is advisable to contact the park in advance to confirm visiting hours and arrange for a guided tour. By doing so, you not only ensure a smooth visit but also support this grassroots effort to preserve and celebrate one of nature's most enchanting creatures, the butterfly.
