Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary: The Only Place to Spot Wild Sloth Bears in India

Nestled near Hampi in Karnataka’s Ballari district, Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary is one of India’s most unusual and fascinating wildlife destinations. Established in 1994, it spans over 80 square kilometres and is the country’s only sanctuary dedicated exclusively to the protection of sloth bears. For wildlife lovers seeking something beyond tigers and elephants, this is a hidden gem. The sanctuary’s terrain is rugged, with scrub forests, boulders, and hillocks—ideal habitats for the Indian sloth bear. These rocky crevices provide perfect shelter, while the dry deciduous vegetation supports a healthy population of ants, termites, and fruits, which form the bears’ primary diet. What makes Daroji remarkable is the ease of spotting sloth bears in their natural habitat. Sightings are most common during late afternoons, when bears emerge from caves to feed. Visitors can often see them climbing rocks, licking honeycombs, or foraging along termite mounds. Unlike in most other reserves, the chances of seeing these shy creatures here are high. The sanctuary is also home to diverse wildlife beyond sloth bears. Leopards, hyenas, jackals, and wild boars inhabit the area, while birdwatchers can spot painted spurfowl, yellow-throated bulbul, and peafowls. Reptiles like monitor lizards and star tortoises are also found here, adding to its ecological richness. Tourism here is controlled to ensure minimal disturbance. There are watchtowers for safe bear viewing, and local guides provide insights about their behaviour and the sanctuary’s conservation efforts. Early evenings are the best time to visit, especially between August and April when the weather is pleasant and sightings are frequent. The sanctuary lies about 15 kilometres from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi, making it a perfect addition to a cultural and wildlife itinerary. Visitors can stay in Hospet, which offers various accommodation options, and then travel by road to reach the sanctuary gates. Entry is permitted with tickets, and the forest department maintains the facilities for tourists. Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary is more than just a place to see animals—it is a rare conservation success story. By protecting the sloth bear’s unique habitat, it gives travellers a chance to witness a species often overlooked in Indian wildlife tourism, while promoting awareness about harmonious coexistence with nature.

Nestled near Hampi in Karnataka’s Ballari district, Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary is one of India’s most unusual and fascinating wildlife destinations. Established in 1994, it spans over 80 square kilometres and is the country’s only sanctuary dedicated exclusively to the protection of sloth bears. For wildlife lovers seeking something beyond tigers and elephants, this is a hidden gem.

The sanctuary’s terrain is rugged, with scrub forests, boulders, and hillocks—ideal habitats for the Indian sloth bear. These rocky crevices provide perfect shelter, while the dry deciduous vegetation supports a healthy population of ants, termites, and fruits, which form the bears’ primary diet.

What makes Daroji remarkable is the ease of spotting sloth bears in their natural habitat. Sightings are most common during late afternoons, when bears emerge from caves to feed. Visitors can often see them climbing rocks, licking honeycombs, or foraging along termite mounds. Unlike in most other reserves, the chances of seeing these shy creatures here are high.

The sanctuary is also home to diverse wildlife beyond sloth bears. Leopards, hyenas, jackals, and wild boars inhabit the area, while birdwatchers can spot painted spurfowl, yellow-throated bulbul, and peafowls. Reptiles like monitor lizards and star tortoises are also found here, adding to its ecological richness.

Tourism here is controlled to ensure minimal disturbance. There are watchtowers for safe bear viewing, and local guides provide insights about their behaviour and the sanctuary’s conservation efforts. Early evenings are the best time to visit, especially between August and April when the weather is pleasant and sightings are frequent.

The sanctuary lies about 15 kilometres from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi, making it a perfect addition to a cultural and wildlife itinerary. Visitors can stay in Hospet, which offers various accommodation options, and then travel by road to reach the sanctuary gates. Entry is permitted with tickets, and the forest department maintains the facilities for tourists.

Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary is more than just a place to see animals—it is a rare conservation success story. By protecting the sloth bear’s unique habitat it gives travellers a chance to witness a species often overlooked in Indian wildlife tourism, while promoting awareness about harmonious coexistence with nature.