The Pilikula Nisargadhama is an eco-educational and tourism park promoted by the District Administration. Spread across 370 acres of luxuriant greenery, the Pilikula Nisargadhama has a biological park, a golf course, an amusement park, a lake, an arboretum, a science center, a heritage village and an artisan village.
Heritage Village
The Heritage Village comprising of coconut and areca plantations, a Kambala race track, a Guthu Mane and a Nagabana recreates the aesthetics of a rural setting in Dakshina Kannada. At the heart of the village stands a replica of a typical Guthu Mane (the traditional house of the coastal landlords) resplendent with carved pillars and ceilings. Kambala is an age old folk sport of buffalo racing. The Nethravathi-Phalguni race track constructed in front of the Guthu Mane plays host to the annual Jodekare Kambala event. Nagabana is the serpent shrine in the vicinity of the Guthu Mane where the snake God is worshiped.
Artisan Village
The Artisan Village is an attempt to preserve the age old vocations of the people of Dakshina Kannada district. Experienced artisans demonstrate arts like black smithy, pottery making, weaving, wood and stone carving, oil extraction, making cane and bamboo products and making beaten rice. Visitors can watch the artisans at work and also interact with them.
The Artisan Village is closed on Mondays.
Dr. Shivaram Karanth Biological Park
Spread across 150 acres, this well maintained Biological Park shelters several species of birds and animals some of which are endangered. The park currently has a snake house with many different snakes including King Cobras, Pythons, Rat snakes, Russell's vipers and Trinket snakes. Apart from 65 species of free ranging birds, there are animals like tigers, lions, leopards, mouse deer, sloth bears, crocodiles, porcupines, wild boars and elephants within enclosures that resemble their natural habitat.
Dr. Shivaram Karanth Biological Park is closed on Mondays.
Arboretum
The Western Ghats are recognized as one of the biodiversity hot spots in the world and are home to several rare plants. With over 60,000 saplings, the arboretum is a treasure trove of flora, many of which are endemic to the Western Ghats. Visitors can walk along the 3 Km long pathway to get a closer look at the varieties of trees and shrubs.
Lake Garden
The peaceful Pilikula Lake and its surrounding gardens attract a large number of visitors. Desilting and restoration efforts have been undertaken to breathe life into the lake. Motor boats and pedal boats are available at the boating point. Cutting across lush lawns and landscaped gardens around the lake are jogging tracks and walking paths.