Pilikula Nisargadhama

Pilikula or the lake from where the tiger’s drank their water is a beautiful park which has attracted large amount of tourists from around the country and the world. Pilikula is a hot spot for eco tourism and is a unique park which was developed by Bharat Lal Meena who was an Ex Deputy Commissioner of Dakshina Kannada district. The project was started around 1995 and the main objectives behind developing Pilikula is protecting nature and cultural heritage of the district and also educating the tourists regarding it. Pilikula is spread over 370 acres and contains the Pilikula Lake and the tropical forests within it. There are different aspects of this unique eco tourism spot of Mangalore and the best time to visit them is during month of October to March every year. Among those popular tourist spots in Mangalore, this place has a special name for its natural beauty.

The Wildlife Park at Pilikula Nisargadhama

Pilikula has a biological park, which is known as Dr Shivaram Karnath Biological Park and is spread across 82 hectares. This is a unique biological park in India where its inmates receive continuous care and medication when hurt and special cages are also built to observe the young and the ill. An integral part of the biological park is the Pilikula Zoo where breeding of King Cobra takes place. There is a vast variety of animal, reptiles and bird species available in the zoo. Also there are many programs arranged which try to educated the common public about the wild animals. Very recently an adoption program for the wild animals has also started and the sponsor can adopt the animal and pay for its basic maintenance fees.  These donations undertaken by private citizen would make them exempted from Income Tax. Tigers, which are one among the hit list of most endangered species in the world are also found in huge numbers living here in their natural habitat.

Protecting the Rare Plants of the Western Ghats

Daily thousands of plants are being cut down and sacrificed in our eagerness to move forward. In Pilikula there is a special area called the Arboretum. Collaborating with international Norway eco programs, various plant species which are facing extinction are maintained here. Several rare plant species are specifically grown in special nurseries and local school are made aware of these efforts by encouraging them to participate in various activities. These programs would make them respect nature and protect them in the coming new years. Plant samplings are also distributed among local residents to encourage them to plant trees and make the surrounding’s greener.

Preserving the Art and Culture of the area

In Pilikula Nisargadhama a small artisan’s village is created to protect the local vibrant culture and heritage. Mangalore and its adjoining area are steeped in rich Dakshina Kannada district’s culture. The popular folk dance of Yakshagana, Kambala Buffalo race, is known throughout the world. In the local artisan village local handicrafts are preserved and the tourists visiting this village can have a peek into these handicrafts which are made and sold by local craftsman there. These crafts include bamboo products, special local weavings and wood carvings. This also helps the young generation  learn about these old crafts and be proud of their rich past. There are also small cottages which are rented out to tourists so that they can enjoy the local rural life in cottages which are furnished by modern amenities.

How do you reach Pilikula Nisargadhama?

Via Air
The main airport is located at a distance of twenty km from the main Mangalore city. It is called the Bajpe International Airport and is the second largest airport in Karnataka.  From the airport Pilikula is around twelve kilometers away and can be reached using personal taxi’s or local public buses.

By Train
The beautiful city of Mangalore has two railways stations. Trains start from the Mangalore central station when travelling to Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Trains leaving for Konkan area start from Kankanadi. Pilikula is thirteen kilometers away from Mangalore Central Railway Station and 12.9 km from Kankanadi. The visitors visiting Pilikula would reach from both the railway stations to this bio diversity garden within thirty minutes using a personal transport.

By Road
People travelling to Pilikula from Bangalore can travel thru No. 48 National Highway. For other road travelers they can drive thru the highway which connects the Kanyakumari to Panvel and this highway passes thru Mangalore. There are many public buses plying from Mangalore city which would take the tourist to its beautiful destination.