Daroji Sloth Bear Safari

Hidden in the rugged landscape near Hampi, Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary is a rare gem for wildlife enthusiasts 🐻🌄. Established in 1994, it is India’s first sanctuary dedicated exclusively to the conservation of the Indian Sloth Bear. Spread over 82 square kilometers, this unique reserve offers a thrilling chance to witness these shy, nocturnal creatures in their natural habitat.

The sanctuary’s dry scrub forests, rocky hills, and open grasslands provide shelter to over 120 sloth bears, making it one of the best places in the world to spot them. Visitors can also encounter leopards 🐆, jackals, hyenas, star tortoises 🐢, peafowls, monitor lizards 🦎, and over 90 bird species, including the colorful painted spurfowl.

🌟 Why Visit?

• Exclusive sanctuary dedicated to sloth bears 🐻

• Stunning rocky landscapes & photo opportunities 📸

• Birdwatching paradise with rare species 🐦

• Combine with Hampi heritage tour for a unique blend of history & wildlife 🏛️🌿

📦 What’s Included?

• Guided wildlife safari

• Sanctuary entry permits

• Wildlife photography sessions

• Birdwatching walks

• Local naturalist expertise

👌 Ideal For

• Wildlife & nature lovers 🐾

• Families with kids

• Wildlife photographers 📷

• Birdwatchers

• Heritage & culture travelers visiting Hampi

🌱 Eco Practices

• Strict no-littering policy 🚯

• Noise-free safari to avoid disturbing animals 🤫

• Support to local conservation projects 🌿

• Use of reusable bottles and minimal plastic ♻️

📌 Quick Facts

• Location: 15 km from Hampi, Karnataka

• Best Time to Visit: August–March

• Main Attraction: Indian Sloth Bear 🐻

• Nearest Airport: Hubli Airport (150 km)

• Nearest Railway Station: Hospet Junction (20 km)

Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary is located in Ballari district in Karnataka. It is spread over 82.72 km2 (31.94sq mi). The sanctuary was created exclusively for the preservation of the sloth bear. It is about 50 km from Ballari and about 15 km from the World Heritage Site Hampi. The area between Daroji in Sandur taluka and Ramasagar of Hospet Taluk is host to numerous sloth bears.

The flora of this sanctuary is primarily dry deciduous scrub and Southern thorn forests. At the time of declaration of the sanctuary, it was a large area of barren hillocks, but persistent efforts from Karnataka Forest Department have transformed the area into lush green forest, filled with local flora.

The sanctuary's flagship species is the Indian sloth bear (Melursus ursinus). It has a very stable population of sloth bears and they reside in the numerous caves found in the hillocks within the sanctuary. Leopards, monitor lizards, mongoose, pangolins, star tortoises etc. are some of the other animals that abound in the sanctuary.

The bears are threatened due to illegal mining in fragmented areas of the adjoining forests. The forest department and NGOs have also rescued many domestic bears from Daroji and surrounding areas. The age old practice of capturing a bear cub (claws are pulled out and male cubs are castrated) and domestication by Kalandars has reduced to a great extent, due to laws declaring them illegal.

It is estimated that about 120 Sloth Bears are living in this sanctuary, apart from Leopards, Hyena, Jackals, Wild Boars, Porcupine, Pangolins, Star Tortoise, Monitor Lizard, Mongoose, Pea Fowls, Partridges, Painted Spur Hen, and Quails etc. About 90 species of birds and 27 species of butterflies have also been identified in this sanctuary in a preliminary survey.

Indian Sloth Bear is confined to India and Sri Lanka only. Its scientific (Zoological) name is Melursus ursimus. It has long, dark unkempt coat of hair with a characteristic v-shaped chevron on its chest.

Fore limbs are longer than the hind limbs. The hairless feet are armed with white, blunt, curved claws, which extend up to three inches. Hairless webs unite the pads of the fingertips. Though the head is comparatively large, the Sloth Bears have relatively small ears and eyes. Hence their sense of hearing and vision is poor. But they have outstanding sense of smell.

Region                         Ballari, Karnataka

No of Days                   Ex – Hubli        03 Days

Grade                          Jungle Safari Easy

Type                            Wildlife Safari

Departure Date:        02nd Jan 2026

• Accommodation on twin sharing basis 
• Return transfers by AC Vehicle from Hubli
• Meals as per mentioned in the itinerary.
• Safari charges, forest permits, guide charges.
• Professional Wildlife naturalist host of the experience 
• GST 5%

• Additional / personal use of vehicle.
• Extended stay due to weather conditions or any situation not in human control.
• Any personal expenses, room service and special orders, mineral waters, non-alcoholic beverages, tips, phone calls, laundry etc.
• Any extra excursions or sightseeing apart from the above specified itinerary.
• Cost incidental to any change in the itinerary due to bad weather, ill health, roadblocks and/or any factors beyond control.
• Camera fees.
• Adventure sports at the property.
• Airfares/Rail fare
• Anything Specifically NOT mentioned in includes.

• Wildlife safaris are a matter of luck and opportunity. No guarantee of any sighting is made. Neither of our associates will quote that, although we try our best to spot and show you as much as nature allows us to.
• Never enter the forest with an intention of spotting a single species, it will only disappoint you. The forest is a gift packet with a lot to surprise with. Listen to our naturalist for more wonderful experience.
• Our safaris are not target species specific (Unless specified)
• We explore everything we find uncommon and need to be explained.
• Any demand for spotting a single species in any jeep will not be entertained by the guide or the tour leader as there are other travellers who would want to see the birds etc.
• Respect & honour everything that is in the forest and it has to offer you.
• Enjoy being in the forest and you will feel much happier away from the concrete chaos.
• Respect the local, tribes, guards, guides, drivers, officers and all animals.
• Front seat of the Gypsy is always reserved for the Guide or Guard.
• No extra room will be made for photographers, respecting other travellers. (For photographers it is recommended to opt for higher options)
• No littering in the forest strictly. (what goes comes back the same way)
• Camera fees & guide tips to be paid separately & directly.
• Kindly follow the instructions given by the tour leader and the guide for your own safety

• A Hat
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• A dust protection mask
• Personal Bottle (To avoid plastic use – 1LtrsX2)
• Small backpack for safaris (10Ltrs)
• Bird books
• Sun screen
• Only dull coloured clothes (Green, brown, Beige, Camouflage)
• Camera (At owners risk) with proper equipment for photography (As per need)
• Fleece/Jacket (temperatures drop in the forest to below 10 degree Celsius
• Binoculars
• Energy bars for safaris