Why Karnataka Man Sammilan Shetty’s Butterfly Park Is A Must-visit Place

Sammilan Shetty’s Butterfly Park, founded in 2011 by nature enthusiast Sammilan Shetty, is a haven for butterfly lovers. Located in Belvai, at the foothills of the Western Ghats along the Moodbidri – Karkala road, this park spans 7.35 acres of land and houses a rich tapestry of over 100 butterfly species. Among them are native varieties, as well as some of the world’s most exquisite butterflies.

The park is dedicated to creating an environment that attracts a diverse range of butterfly species. With an extensive array of native host plants, it fosters a flourishing ecosystem. Ongoing initiatives focus on increasing the propagation of additional native host plants to support the caterpillar phase of these captivating butterflies. Importantly, the park is motivated by a true sense of service and conservation, prioritizing its mission over commercial considerations.

Born on May 23, 1985, in Belvai, Shetty received his early education at Rotary English Medium School in Moodbidri and continued his studies at Sri Bhuvanendra College in Karkala. Growing up in a rustic village setting had a profound impact on his life.

Sammilan’s formative years were filled with exploration, as he spent countless hours wandering through paddy fields and secondary forests near his home. His curiosity led him to observe birds, seek out their nests, marvel at the aquatic life in streams and rivers, and appreciate the diversity of creatures, whether they were arthropods, molluscs, or annelids.

Sammilan Shetty’s Butterfly Park in Belvai, Karnataka serves as an educational hub for nature enthusiasts and students alike. This seven-acre sanctuary is dedicated to conserving the rich biodiversity of butterflies. The park has recorded an impressive 153 butterfly species, including remarkable ones like the Malabar banded peacock, southern birdwing, Malabar banded swallowtail, clipper, autumn leaf, and dark evening brown as part of its ‘Summer Walk with Butterflies’ initiative.

A seasoned photographer, Sammilan Shetty has a rich portfolio of butterfly documentation spanning South and Northeast India. He delves into the fascinating phenomenon of mud puddling, primarily observed in male butterflies. During this behaviour, they gather to sip moisture from damp soil, often containing a blend of mud and animal dung, to obtain essential salts and minerals. Mud puddling generally takes place in the post-monsoon and summer seasons, with these sessions varying in duration from minutes to well over an hour.