About Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary
Located approximately 15 km from Hampi, the Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary is a dedicated wildlife sanctuary established in 1994 specifically to protect the Indian Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus). Spread across over 82 sq km of rocky hills, scrub forests and open grassland, it is today home to one of the healthiest populations of sloth bears in Karnataka.
The sanctuary protects not just sloth bears but also leopards, jackals, wild boar, monitor lizards, porcupines and a rich variety of birds — making it a rewarding destination for general wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers as well.
What makes Daroji exceptional is the reliable viewing. The sanctuary maintains a few honey and fruit bait stations which draw bears from the surrounding hills in the late afternoon, making sightings far more consistent than a typical safari experience.
Best Time & Viewing Tips
- 🐻 Indian Sloth Bears — shaggy black fur, distinctive white V-chest marking, long curved claws for digging termites
- 🐆 Leopards — occasionally spotted in the rocky outcrops at dusk; sightings are less frequent but possible
- 🦅 Birds — over 100 species recorded including raptors, bee-eaters, owls and rollers
- 🦎 Reptiles — monitor lizards, snakes and chameleons are commonly seen year-round
- 📷 Viewpoint — an elevated platform with a good line of sight to the feeding area; binoculars strongly recommended
Planning Your Visit
The sanctuary is best visited as part of a custom day itinerary combined with North Hampi, Anegundi, or Hirebenkal Dolmens. Rock Shiva can time your arrival at Daroji for the most productive viewing window.
- 🎟️ Entry tickets purchased at the sanctuary gate — nominal fees for Indian and foreign visitors
- 📵 Photography allowed from the viewing platform; no flash or drone photography
- 🤫 Maintain silence near the viewpoint — sudden noise can scatter the animals
- 🚗 Private vehicle or tuk-tuk required — no public transport to the sanctuary
Why Visit Daroji with Rock Shiva
Getting to Daroji and timing your visit correctly is everything — and that is where Rock Shiva's 11+ years of experience makes all the difference. He knows the seasonal patterns, the best arrival window for afternoon bear sightings, and how to combine the sanctuary with other nearby attractions efficiently.
A custom Rock Shiva day tour can pair North Hampi sightseeing in the morning with an afternoon Daroji wildlife visit — giving you ancient ruins and wildlife in a single perfectly paced day.
Book a Wildlife Day with Rock Shiva
Combine Daroji Bear Sanctuary with North Hampi for an unforgettable full-day experience. Free pickup from Hosapete included.
