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Daroji: Home to Asia's First Sloth Bear Haven
27 May
Summary
- Daroji is the first sanctuary in India and Asia for sloth bear conservation.
- It protects one of the world's largest free-ranging sloth bear populations.
- Visitors observe bears emerging at dusk from a dedicated watchtower.
Nestled near Hampi, the Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary provides a unique wildlife viewing experience focused exclusively on the Indian sloth bear. Established in 1994, it holds the distinction of being the first sanctuary in India and Asia dedicated solely to sloth bear conservation.
This protected area, spanning nearly 82.7 sq km in Karnataka's Ballari district, is now home to an estimated 120-150 sloth bears, representing one of the world's largest free-ranging populations.
The sanctuary's main attraction is the late afternoon safari, culminating in dusk sightings as the bears become active. Visitors gather at a central watchtower, observing quietly as guides scan the rocky terrain for the animals.
Responsible visitor conduct is paramount, with rules emphasizing silence, no feeding, and staying within designated areas to ensure the bears' safety and well-being. The best viewing season is from October to March, with typical operating hours from 2-6 PM.
