Our Story

The Spirit of Jagara Valley

An old jungle saying whispers, “Where the tiger roams free and the bamboo sways to the winds, that is the Jagara Valley.”

Nestled within the majestic peaks of the Western Ghats, the Bhadra Tiger Reserve stands as one of India’s most cherished natural treasures. Named for the life-giving Bhadra River that winds through its heart, this enchanting forested valley is a sanctuary of biodiversity. The reserve, ringed by the lofty Bababudan Hills, has become a vital stronghold for the tiger, a testament to decades of dedicated conservation.

A Mosaic of Habitats

Declared India’s 25th Tiger Reserve in 1998, Bhadra spans over 570 square kilometers across the Malnad region of Karnataka. This vast landscape is a rich mosaic of habitats. To the north, dry deciduous forests embrace a massive reservoir, while to the south, towering moist deciduous trees create a lush canopy. The eastern lands are adorned with evergreen Shola forests, nurturing valuable tree species like Teak and Rosewood. This diverse ecosystem, carved by countless streams and rivulets, provides the perfect habitat for a thriving array of wildlife.

A Landmark Conservation Story

What truly sets Bhadra apart is its historic conservation success. In a landmark initiative, over 4,000 people from 11 villages voluntarily resettled outside the sanctuary, making way for wildlife to flourish. This groundbreaking program—a first in modern Indian history—has allowed the tiger population and their prey to rebound dramatically, serving as a powerful lesson for conservation efforts worldwide. Today, Bhadra is a crucial source population for tigers in the Western Ghats, protected by rigorous anti-poaching measures, habitat management, and community outreach programs.