Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary in Ballari district protects sloth bears and offers a chance to watch them from a hilltop viewing point. If you’re planning a wildlife outing from Hampi, check the reported hours and entry prices before setting out, since opening times vary across official sources.
- Location: Ballari district, south of Hampi.
- Viewing point: A watchtower on a hillock overlooking the area around Karadikallu Gudda.
- Hours: Daily opening is reported within the 2:00 PM–6:00 PM range.
- Entry: A government plan gives separate prices for Indian adults, Indian children and foreign visitors.
What the sanctuary protects
Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary was declared in October 1994 to protect and conserve sloth bears. Karnataka Tourism describes it as the first sanctuary in India and Asia dedicated exclusively to the species.
The protected area covers 82.72 square kilometres. It was first notified at 55.873 square kilometres in 1994, then expanded in 2008. Alongside sloth bears, the sanctuary is home to hyenas, wild boars, pangolins, porcupines, jackals and leopards. More than 70 bird species are found here, including painted spurfowl, yellow-throated bulbul, sand grouse, stone curlew and peafowl.
The main viewing point is a watchtower on a hillock. From there, visitors can watch bears coming down from Karadikallu Gudda; the district tourism page advises sitting quietly while observing them.
How do you get from Hampi to Daroji?
Daroji lies south of Hampi, but published distances differ: Ballari district’s tourism page puts it 15 km from Hampi, while a Hampi destination plan places it 9 km south of the town. The plan also says it is well connected to Kamalapur Junction.
For a broader day of sightseeing, you could pair wildlife viewing with Hampi’s heritage sites on another part of your visit. A one-day Hampi itinerary can help you think through how to organise time in the area.
Hosapete and Toranagal are the nearest railway stations, each 20 km from Daroji. Buses connect Ballari, 65 km away, and Hosapete, 20 km away, with major cities in Karnataka. Jindal Vijayanagar Airport is 38 km from Daroji, and Hubballi Airport is 150 km away.
Visitor timings, entry and viewing rules
Daily opening hours fall between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM across official tourism sources, so confirm the schedule before planning your arrival.
A Government of India Hampi destination master plan gives entry prices of ₹50 for Indian adults, ₹25 for Indian children and ₹300 for foreign visitors; it does not give a vehicle fee. The plan also reports limited provision for visitors with disabilities.
The plan gives no online booking information for the sanctuary. Incredible India describes guided safaris led by naturalists, but current availability and booking arrangements are not confirmed. For timings and entry arrangements, check the official site before you go.
August–April is identified as the best time to visit. If you’re planning a longer regional outing, the Tungabhadra Dam trip guide from Hampi covers another destination in the area.
How can you watch wildlife responsibly?
The sanctuary’s watchtower provides a designated place to observe bears, and the district tourism page recommends sitting quietly. Karnataka Tourism also recommends dark-coloured clothing and advises against white or light-coloured clothes.
Official sources do not specify rules for photography, feeding, noise, litter or approaching wildlife. Follow any instructions given by sanctuary staff, and keep your viewing to the designated area rather than moving closer to animals.
The Hampi destination master plan records informal vending and hawkers in and around the sanctuary entrance. If you’re staying in Clarks Inn’s guest rooms, Daroji is about 19.8 km from the hotel, making it a separate excursion from Hampi.
FAQs
Which animals can you find at Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary?
Besides sloth bears, the sanctuary is home to hyenas, wild boars, pangolins, porcupines, jackals and leopards. It also has more than 70 bird species.
Is there a viewing point for bears?
Yes. The main viewing point is a watchtower on a hillock, where visitors can watch bears coming down from Karadikallu Gudda.
Which railway stations serve the sanctuary?
Hosapete and Toranagal are the nearest stations, each 20 km from Daroji.