The sanctuary consists of an area of 274 km2 (106 sq mi) was notified in the year 1974, by the Government of Karnataka vide notification AFD.48.FWL.74 dated 17 June 1974.

The expanded sanctuary comprises the Abbigudde, Baregundi, Chakra, Chittor, Gunduberu, Harmannupare, Hulikal, Hulimurdibare, Jannalane, Kilandur, Kodachadri, Korakoppadahola, Korathikalbare, Madibare, Meganivalley, Metkalgudda, Mudgalpare, Murkodihola, Naganakalbare, Nujinane, Talburane reserve forests.

The famed Kodachadri hills and Kollur Mookambika Temple is also found within the sanctuary.

[9] The sanctuary has fauna like tiger, leopard, dhole (wild dog), jackal, sloth bear, Indian wild boar, Indian porcupine, sambar, spotted deer, muntjac (barking deer), mouse deer, gaur (Indian bison), Indian hare, lion tailed macaque, bonnet macaque, common langur, giant flying squirrel, king cobra, python etc.

Jungle myna, Peafowl, Great Indian hornbill, Malabar grey hornbill, Common fowl, Common myna, White cheeked bulbul, Red vented bulbul, Little cormorant, Cattle egret, Little egret, Black drongo, Jungle crow, Crow pheasant, Brahminy kite, Grey jungle fowl, Pea fowl, White breasted water hen, Red wattled lapwing, Spotted dove, Blue rock pigeon, White breasted king fisher, Golden backed threetoed wood pecker, Scarlet minivet, Ashy swallow shrike, Paradise fly catcher, Magpie robin, Tailor bird, Purple sunbird, White-rumped munia, Golden oriole.