Chincholi is a town and taluk in Kalaburagi district, in the far north-east of Karnataka, at about 460 m above sea level. The town is small, with a population of about 21,000 at the 2011 census, and it borders Telangana to the east. It has few conventional sights. Its draw is the dry-country nature beyond it.
Chincholi Wildlife Sanctuary was notified in 2011 and covers about 135 sq km of dry and moist deciduous forest. It is described as the first dryland wildlife sanctuary in South India. Blackbuck, Indian wolf, striped hyena and Bengal fox live here, along with more than 35 recorded bird species. Beside it lies the Chandrampalli reservoir on the Bhima, built in 1973, and the forested hills of Gottam Gutta.
This is not a polished tourist circuit. There are few hotels, limited food options and weak mobile coverage in the forest, so go with a driver, carry food and water and check access with the forest department. The reward is quiet, uncrowded country and good birdwatching, ideal for a weekend from Hyderabad or a stop on the way to Kalaburagi or Bidar.
Before you plan
Chincholi at a glance
- Best months
- October to FebruaryOctober to February; April and May are very hot and the monsoon makes forest tracks slippery
- Ideal trip length
- One day for the sanctuary and reservoirOne day for the sanctuary and reservoir; two days if you add Gottam Gutta and a night nearby
- Airport
- Bidar and Kalaburagi airports are…Bidar and Kalaburagi airports are about 60 km and 80 km away; Hyderabad (HYD) is the major airport, roughly 135-145 km by road
- Railway station
- TandurTandur (about 30 km) and Sedam (about 42 km) are the nearest stations; Kalaburagi Junction is the main railhead
- Getting around
- A hired car and driver is bestA hired car and driver is best; KSRTC buses link Chincholi with towns in Karnataka and neighbouring states, but not the forest
- Daily budget
- Roughly ₹1,500-₹3,500 per person per…Roughly ₹1,500-₹3,500 per person per day excluding stay, largely for car hire; local meals are inexpensive
- Senior comfort
- Limited: roads are fine on the main…Limited: roads are fine on the main routes, but forest areas have few facilities and uneven ground
- Language
- Kannada is the official languageKannada is the official language; Telugu and Hindi are also commonly heard near the Telangana border
Prices, opening hours and weather change. Recheck live details before booking.
Best time to visit Chincholi: January, February, October, November, December. Month-by-month weather →
How many days do you have?
Chincholi itinerary
One good day
1 day in Chincholi
Reach Chincholi early and confirm entry rules with the forest office. Spend the morning in Chincholi Wildlife Sanctuary, watching for birds and tracks, with a short walk on authorised routes. Have a packed lunch, rest, and in the late afternoon go to Chandrampalli reservoir for sunset and birdwatching before heading back by daylight.
Day-by-day plan →Two days
2 days in Chincholi
Spend the morning and late afternoon in the sanctuary, with a midday break. Stay in Chincholi or a nearby town.
Day-by-day plan →Three unhurried days
3 days in Chincholi
Arrive, check with the forest office and do a first dusk visit to the sanctuary edge.
Day-by-day plan →
