The short answer
Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary: what visitors should know first
Add it to a Hampi stay if you want a wildlife evening: go in the afternoon, wear dark clothing and keep quiet at the watchtower. Sightings are likely but never guaranteed, and published hours differ, so confirm timings and fees locally.
History and context
The story behind Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary
The Karnataka government declared the sanctuary in October 1994, carving it from the Bilikallu Forest Reserve. In October 2009 further land from the Bukkasagara Forest Reserve was added. It covers about 82.7 sq km in Ballari district.
It is made of two blocks, Daroji and Kamalapura, and is described by Karnataka Tourism as the first sloth bear sanctuary in India.
Useful facts
Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary facts at a glance
- Location
- Ballari district; about 15 km from Hampi (approximate)
- Experience type
- Watchtower wildlife viewing
- Known for
- Sloth bears, and also leopards and hyenas
- Area
- About 82.7 sq km
- Declared
- October 1994, enlarged in 2009
- Timings
- Reported 2-6 pm or 4-6 pm; confirm locally
Why it matters
Why Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary is worth your time
Daroji is the first sanctuary in India created for sloth bears, and it sits in the same dry hill country as the Hampi ruins. That makes it unusual: a short drive moves you from a World Heritage landscape of boulders and temples into protected habitat for a species that is hard to see anywhere else.
The sanctuary was formed in 1994 from reserve forest and enlarged in 2009. It shows why the area's rocky hills are valuable beyond tourism. For visitors it offers a calm, low-effort evening that contrasts with the climbs and stairs of Hampi, and it is a good choice for a day when the temples have been enough.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
The watchtower
A tower faces the hillocks where bears come down in the evening. It is the one reliable place to watch from.
- 02
Evening bear sightings
Bears usually emerge as the light fades. Stay quiet and wait; a patient visit is often rewarded.
- 03
Dry-hill wildlife
Look for painted spurfowl, palm squirrels and peacocks around the rocks while you wait.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Hire a taxi or auto from Hampi or Kamalapur and aim to reach the gate when it opens in the afternoon. Arrive on time, since the sloth bear sightings are tied to the evening, when the animals leave the rock caves. Wear dark, plain clothing, as Karnataka Tourism advises, and avoid white or bright colours.
The main experience is at the watchtower, which looks across to the boulder hillocks where the bears live. Climb up, find a spot and stay quiet; sound and sudden movement send the bears back into the rocks. Binoculars help a great deal. Do not leave the viewing area or approach the animals.
Sightings depend on the day. Some evenings bring several bears, others few, so go with modest expectations. The sanctuary also protects leopards, hyenas and other animals, but these are rarely seen. Leave before dark unless staff direct otherwise, and plan your return to Hampi in advance, as taxis may not wait.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Confirm timings and fees at the gate; sources differ
- Wear dark clothing and keep silent at the tower
- Carry binoculars, water and a hat
- Arrange a taxi to wait or return for you
- Do not leave the viewing area or feed the animals
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Near Kamalapur and Karadikallu, about 15 km from Hampi (approximate)
- Time needed
- 2 to 3 hours including the drive
- Best time
- October to March, arrive for the late afternoon opening
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- Viewing is from a watchtower, so there is little walking, but the climb up a tower and a wait in the afternoon heat can be tiring. Bring water and a hat, and ask staff about the easiest access.
- Tickets and access
- Entry hours are reported differently by different sources: Karnataka Tourism says 4 pm to 6 pm daily, and others say 2 pm to 6 pm. Fees are not officially published; confirm with the forest office at the gate. Cameras and photography rules vary, so ask on arrival.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices are live on the partner site.
Travelling with parents?
Viewing is from a watchtower, so there is little walking, but the climb up a tower and a wait in the afternoon heat can be tiring. Bring water and a hat, and ask staff about the easiest access.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Will I definitely see a sloth bear at Daroji?
No. Sightings are common in the evenings but not guaranteed, so go with patience and low expectations.
What time does Daroji open?
Karnataka Tourism lists 4 pm to 6 pm daily, while other sources say 2 pm to 6 pm. Ring ahead or ask at your hotel.
How far is Daroji from Hampi?
About 15 km by road, roughly 30 to 40 minutes. Hire a taxi, since public transport is limited.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
![Anegundi previously called Kishkindha is a village in the Gangavathi taluk, Koppal district in the Indian state of Karnataka,[2] It is older than Hampi situated](https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c3/%E0%B4%85%E0%B4%A8%E0%B5%87%E0%B4%97%E0%B5%81%E0%B4%A3%E0%B5%8D%E0%B4%9F%E0%B4%BF%E0%B4%AF%E0%B4%BF%E0%B4%B2%E0%B5%86_%E0%B4%B6%E0%B4%BF%E0%B4%B2%E0%B4%BE%E0%B4%AB%E0%B4%B2%E0%B4%95%E0%B4%82.jpg/1920px-%E0%B4%85%E0%B4%A8%E0%B5%87%E0%B4%97%E0%B5%81%E0%B4%A3%E0%B5%8D%E0%B4%9F%E0%B4%BF%E0%B4%AF%E0%B4%BF%E0%B4%B2%E0%B5%86_%E0%B4%B6%E0%B4%BF%E0%B4%B2%E0%B4%BE%E0%B4%AB%E0%B4%B2%E0%B4%95%E0%B4%82.jpg)
