The Bankapura Peacock Sanctuary, set inside the ruins of Bankapura (also spelt Bankapur) Fort in Shiggaon taluk, Haveri district, Karnataka, is one of the few protected areas in India created mainly for Indian peafowl. It is a quiet, half-day stop rather than a big-ticket safari park: a walled historic site where free-ranging peacocks share the ground with a century-old cattle farm and a Western Chalukya temple. Do not confuse it with Bankapura village in other states, or with the larger wildlife parks elsewhere in Karnataka.
The Bankapura Peacock Sanctuary is a roughly 139-acre (about 56-hectare) protected area inside Bankapura Fort, Haveri district, Karnataka, home to an estimated 1,000-plus Indian peafowl. It is open day-hours only, suits a 2-3 hour visit, and pairs well with the fort’s 11th-12th century Nagareshvara temple.
Key takeaways
- The sanctuary occupies about 139 acres (56 hectares) within the historic Bankapura Fort, Shiggaon taluk, Haveri district, Karnataka; regional press report it was declared a peacock sanctuary on 9 June 2006.
- Karnataka Tourism describes the site as home to more than 1,000 peacocks and peahens; treat this as an estimate, not a formal census.
- It lies off NH-48 (Bengaluru-Hubballi), about 2.5 km from the highway, roughly 22 km from Haveri town and about 28 km from Haveri railway station; Hubballi airport is about 70 km away.
- Karnataka Tourism lists timings as 6 am-6 pm; plan for early morning or late afternoon, when peafowl are most active and visible.
- The same fort holds the ASI-protected Nagareshvara temple, a Western Chalukya shrine known locally for its carved stone pillars.
- Best visited June-September, when the monsoon brings peacock displays, or November-February for cooler, drier weather.
About Bankapura Peacock Sanctuary
Bankapura Peacock Sanctuary is a protected area of about 139 acres (roughly 56 hectares) set inside Bankapura Fort, in Shiggaon taluk of Haveri district, Karnataka. It is unusual because it exists chiefly for Indian peafowl (the national bird) rather than tigers or elephants. Regional press, including Deccan Herald, have reported that the fort area was declared a peacock sanctuary on 9 June 2006; the Karnataka Tourism listing describes it as a sanctuary since 2007, so treat the exact notification year as approximate and reconfirm with the forest department.
The peafowl thrive here for a practical reason. The fort grounds have held a government cattle-breeding farm since 1919, raising Khillari (a hardy south Indian draught breed) cattle. Fodder crops such as maize and jowar (sorghum) grown for the animals give the birds steady food and cover. The record of Bankapura town notes the fort area as about 139 acres, a portion of it set aside as peacock habitat, with the cattle farm occupying much of the rest.
Several sources call Bankapura one of only a couple of sanctuaries in India devoted mainly to peacock conservation; this ranking comes from tourism and press write-ups rather than a single official register, so we state it as reported, not as a settled superlative. What is clear on the ground is that peafowl are easy to spot here, often in the open, which is rare elsewhere.
| Location | Bankapura Fort, Shiggaon taluk, Haveri district, Karnataka |
|---|---|
| Area | About 139 acres (approx. 56 hectares) |
| Main draw | Free-ranging Indian peafowl; estimated 1,000-plus (Karnataka Tourism) |
| Timings | 6 am-6 pm (Karnataka Tourism) |
| Also on site | ASI-protected Nagareshvara temple; 1919 cattle-breeding farm |
| Nearest town | Bankapura, about 2 km |
| Nearest railhead | Haveri (HVR), about 28 km |
| Nearest airport | Hubballi (HBX), about 70 km |
Best time to visit Bankapura Peacock Sanctuary
The best time to visit is during the monsoon months of June to September, when peacocks display and call, or in the cool, dry window of November to February for comfortable walking. Karnataka Tourism lists both windows. The summer months of March to May are hot across north Karnataka and less pleasant on foot.
Within a day, aim for early morning soon after opening or the last hour or two before closing. Peafowl feed and move in the cooler parts of the day and shelter in shade when the sun is high, so a midday visit often means fewer sightings.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Monsoon | June-September | Green cover; peacock displays and calls; occasional heavy rain |
| Winter | November-February | Cool, dry, best for walking the fort and birding |
| Summer | March-May | Hot and dry; visit early morning only |
How to reach Bankapura
Bankapura sits off NH-48 (the Bengaluru-Hubballi national highway, formerly NH-4), about 2.5 km from the highway, which makes road the simplest approach. It is roughly 22 km from Haveri town and about 45 km from the Hubli-Dharwad twin cities. There is no dedicated tourist transport into the sanctuary, so most visitors drive or hire a taxi for the short last leg from Haveri or Hubballi.
By air: The nearest airport is Hubballi (HBX), about 70 km away, with domestic flights to several Indian cities; from there, hire a cab or take a bus toward Haveri. By rail: Haveri railway station (code HVR, on South Western Railway) is the closest railhead, about 28 km away; Hubballi Junction is a larger hub about 45 km away. By road: State buses and private services on the Bengaluru-Hubballi corridor stop at Haveri and Bankapura; from Bankapura village the fort is about 2 km. For planning more of the state, see our Karnataka travel guide.
| From | Distance | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Bankapura village | About 2 km | Road |
| Haveri town | About 22 km | Road |
| Haveri railway station (HVR) | About 28 km | Rail + road |
| Hubli-Dharwad | About 45 km | Road |
| Hubballi airport (HBX) | About 70 km | Air + road |
What to see and do
The main activity is slow, quiet peafowl watching on foot, combined with a wander through the fort ruins and the temple. This is a compact site; plan it as an unhurried morning or evening rather than a full day.
- Peafowl watching: Peacocks and peahens move over the fort grounds and farm, often perching on walls and trees. Early and late light is best for both sightings and photography.
- Bankapura Fort ruins: The fort is largely ruined but its walls and bastions survive. According to Wikipedia, citing the archaeologist Henry Cousens, Bankapura was considered one of the more important fortifications in the region in medieval times.
- Nagareshvara temple: Inside the fort stands the Nagareshvara (also spelt Nagareshwara) temple, an 11th-12th century Western Chalukya shrine to Shiva, protected by the Archaeological Survey of India. It is known locally as Aravattu Kambada Gudi (the sixty-/sixty-six-pillared temple) for its carved grey-stone columns.
- Birding beyond peafowl: Karnataka Tourism and field reports note babblers, robins, bee-eaters, kingfishers and other small birds using the fort’s trees and scrub.
| Spot | Why go | Time needed |
|---|---|---|
| Peafowl grounds | Close, open views of Indian peafowl | 1-1.5 hours |
| Fort walls and bastions | Medieval fortification ruins, photo stops | 30-45 minutes |
| Nagareshvara temple | Carved Western Chalukya stonework, ASI monument | 30 minutes |
A suggested half-day plan
Bankapura works best as a half-day halt on a Haveri-Hubballi trip rather than a standalone destination.
- Early start: Reach the fort soon after the 6 am opening for the coolest light and the most active birds.
- First 90 minutes: Walk the peafowl grounds slowly; keep quiet and still for the best views.
- Mid-morning: Explore the fort walls, then the Nagareshvara temple.
- Onward: Drive back to Haveri or on to Hubli-Dharwad for lunch and an overnight stay.
Where to stay
There is no notable accommodation at the sanctuary itself, so most visitors stay in Haveri or in the larger Hubli-Dharwad area and visit on a day trip. Karnataka Tourism points to lodges in Haveri and Dharwad and nearby homestays.
- Budget: Basic lodges in Haveri town, indicatively around ₹800-₹1,500 a night (planning estimate, reconfirm).
- Mid-range: Business hotels in Hubli-Dharwad, indicatively around ₹2,000-₹4,000 a night (planning estimate, reconfirm).
- Homestays: A handful operate in and around Haveri district; book ahead, as options are limited.
All room rates above are planning estimates we could not confirm live for this guide; check current tariffs on a booking platform or with the property before you travel.
What to eat
Food around Bankapura is north-Karnataka fare, best sampled in Haveri or Hubli-Dharwad, as there are few eateries at the fort. Carry water and a snack for the visit itself.
- Jowar rotti (flatbread made from sorghum) served with yennegai (stuffed brinjal curry) is a regional staple.
- Girmit (a spiced puffed-rice snack) and mirchi bajji (batter-fried chillies) are common street snacks in this belt.
- Haveri district is known for Byadagi chilli, the mild, deep-red chilli used widely in Karnataka cooking.
Budget estimate
A day trip to Bankapura from Haveri or Hubballi is inexpensive; the biggest variable is how you cover the last-mile road. The figures below are planning estimates for two people, dated and assumption-based, not quoted fares.
| Item | Indicative cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Local taxi (Haveri return) | ₹1,500-₹2,500 | Half-day hire; varies by operator |
| Meals | ₹400-₹800 | Two people, local eateries |
| Water, snacks, misc. | ₹200-₹400 | Carry cash |
| Entry | Reconfirm locally | No official fee published online at the time of writing |
Assumptions: self-arranged day trip from Haveri, no guide hired, overnight stay costed separately above. Fuel and private-car costs will differ if you self-drive.
Permits, fees and rules
No special permit such as an Inner Line Permit is required to visit Bankapura; it is open, accessible countryside within Karnataka, and ILP/PAP rules do not apply here. Karnataka Tourism lists visiting hours of 6 am-6 pm. We could not find an official entry fee published online for the sanctuary at the time of writing, so confirm any ticket or camera charge at the gate.
Because this is a protected area and an ASI monument stands on site, treat it accordingly: do not feed, chase or crowd the peafowl; do not pluck feathers or disturb nests; carry out your litter; and avoid damaging fort or temple stonework. For any drone use, follow DGCA rules and seek permission, as flying near a protected monument or wildlife is generally restricted.
Practical tips
- Connectivity and cash: Mobile coverage is generally adequate on the highway corridor. Carry cash, as small vendors and the last-mile stretch may not take UPI or cards; the nearest ATMs are in Bankapura and Haveri.
- Health and safety: The nearest larger hospitals are in Haveri and Hubli-Dharwad. There is no altitude concern here; the main risks are heat in summer and monsoon mud, so dress and shoe accordingly.
- Solo and women travellers: This is a daytime, open site best visited in the morning; as anywhere, prefer daylight hours, tell someone your plan and keep your phone charged.
- Packing: In monsoon, carry a light rain layer and grippy shoes; in winter, a light jacket for early mornings; year-round, water, sun protection, and binoculars for birding.
- Etiquette: Keep noise low for better sightings and out of respect for worshippers at the temple; dress modestly when entering the shrine.
Nearby places
Bankapura pairs naturally with other stops in Haveri and Dharwad districts, making a longer north-Karnataka loop worthwhile.
| Place | Distance (approx.) | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Haveri town | About 22 km | District hub; stay, food, transport |
| Hubli-Dharwad | About 45 km | Twin cities; temples, markets, Dharwad pedha (a milk sweet) |
| Ranibennur Blackbuck Sanctuary | Within Haveri district | Grassland sanctuary for blackbuck; reconfirm access and distance |
If you are building a wider route through the state, our Karnataka travel guide covers how these northern districts link to the coast and the Western Ghats.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Bankapura Peacock Sanctuary located?
Bankapura Peacock Sanctuary is inside Bankapura Fort in Shiggaon taluk, Haveri district, Karnataka. It sits off NH-48 (Bengaluru-Hubballi), about 2.5 km from the highway, roughly 22 km from Haveri town and about 45 km from Hubli-Dharwad. The nearest railhead is Haveri and the nearest airport is Hubballi.
What is the best time to visit Bankapura Peacock Sanctuary?
The best time is June to September, when the monsoon brings peacock displays, or November to February for cool, dry weather and comfortable walking, per Karnataka Tourism. Within the day, visit early morning or late afternoon, when peafowl are most active; summer midday visits are hot and yield fewer sightings.
How many peacocks are at Bankapura, and what is the entry fee?
Karnataka Tourism describes the sanctuary as home to more than 1,000 peacocks and peahens, though this is an estimate rather than a formal census. We could not find an official entry fee published online at the time of writing, so confirm any ticket or camera charge at the gate. Listed visiting hours are 6 am to 6 pm.
How do I reach Bankapura Peacock Sanctuary by train or air?
By train, the nearest station is Haveri (code HVR) on South Western Railway, about 28 km away; Hubballi Junction, about 45 km away, is a larger hub. By air, Hubballi airport (HBX) is about 70 km away with domestic flights. From either, hire a taxi or take a bus toward Bankapura for the final short leg.
Is there anything besides peacocks to see at Bankapura Fort?
Yes. The same fort holds the Nagareshvara temple, an 11th-12th century Western Chalukya shrine to Shiva protected by the Archaeological Survey of India and known for its carved stone pillars. The ruined fort walls and bastions remain, and the trees and scrub draw babblers, robins, bee-eaters and other birds alongside the peafowl.
Do I need a permit to visit Bankapura Peacock Sanctuary?
No special permit such as an Inner Line Permit is required; Bankapura is open countryside within Karnataka and ILP or protected-area permit rules do not apply here. Simply visit within the 6 am-6 pm hours, respect the wildlife and the ASI monument, avoid feeding or disturbing the peafowl, and follow DGCA rules before flying any drone near the site.
Last updated and sources
Bankapura suits travellers who like quiet heritage and easy birding over big safaris, and families or photographers passing along the Bengaluru-Hubballi corridor. Go on a cool winter morning or a green monsoon day for the best of it.
Last updated: 30 October 2026. Fees, timings and permits change – reconfirm with official sources before you travel.
Sources: Karnataka Tourism – Bankapura Peacock Sanctuary; Wikipedia – Bankapura Peacock Sanctuary; Wikipedia – Bankapura (town and fort); Wikipedia – Nagareshvara Temple, Bankapura; Wikipedia – Haveri railway station. Accessed September 2026.
