The 247 square-mile long wild reserves are located in Mysore and Kodagu districts of Karnataka. It is one among the well-maintained National Parks in India. Also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park.

The number of serpentine streams running throughout earns the name - Nagarhole. “Nagar” means Snake and “hole” means streams. It was once a hunting ground for the Wodeyar Dynasty.

The park became a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1955 and National Park in 1988. It became the 37th Tiger Reserve in 1999. One of the largest herbivorous density is present in the surrounding premises. Hence, the balance in the predator-prey ratio is incredible, maintaining a balanced food chain. River Kabini crafts the whole forest area into a wildlife paradise.

This place will soon enter the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. More than 250 species of birds include the vast population of waterbirds and woodland birds.

The area is a blend of moist, tropical and mixed deciduous forest. Backpackers and wildlife enthusiasts can easily spot both meat-eating and plant-eating animals in their natural habitat.

Specialties:

As a premier Tiger Reserve, the park adjoins the Bandipur National park.

The Kabini Reservoir is the separator of the two national parks.

This national park contributes to the largest protected area in South India.

The Woodeyar Dynasty who had used this place as a hunting ground were rulers of the erstwhile Mysore Kingdom.

Jumping ant, a mysterious ant species are found in this park.

The area has four perennial lakes and artificial tanks.

The highest density of herbivores population in Asia.

The Deccan plateau joins with the Western Ghats in this region.

Tree-dwelling animals are plenty in this national park.

Flora and Fauna:

Rosewood and teakwood are umpteen in the moist deciduous zones of the forest on the southern end. The northern end is drier and has trees such as Pala Indigo, Crocodile Bark, Silver Oak, Indian Kino, Beachwood, and Indian Gooseberry.

Animals like Bengal Tiger, Ussuri Dhole, Barking Deer, Leopard, and Elephants near bamboo trees dominate the forest area.

Other common species are Jungle Bison, Pangolin, Civet, and Indian Giant Flying Squirrel.

Birdwatchers could sight White Backed Vulture, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Blue Winged Parakeet, and Malabar Grey Hornbill, and a few exotic unseen migratory fowls too.

Snakes such as Bamboo Pit Viper, Rock Python, Common Wolf Snake, Mugger Crocs, and Indian Monitor Lizard invade the wet zones of this area.

Overall, this mixed Jungle has a beautiful ecological balance creating an impressive food chain loop.

Activities to do

Other Attractions Near Nagarhole National Park:

Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary: Stroll relaxedly in this undisturbed area of rare mammals, birds, and try sighting the king cobra. (108.1 km away)

Kutta: An entryway to Nagarhole with homestay options, Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary, and Iruppu Waterfalls. (15.7 km away)

Rameshwara Temple: Known for cleansing one’s sins, this Lord Shiva Temple is a must-visit on the banks of the Lakshman Tirtha River.

Coffee Estates: Coffee lovers! You are just a 100 km away from exploring beautiful coffee plantations. Worth your sipping time.

Best Time to Visit:

From October to May is the best time to travel Nagarhole. Typical tropical weather predominantly operates the place and temperature can go up to 33 degrees Celcius. Winter (Nov-Jan) temperature ranges from 10-14 degrees Celcius. Best time for enjoying safaris as water intake is not an issue. From June to September, this region receives the maximum rainfall although frequent rains happen throughout the year. Don’t go for Trekking and Safaris during the monsoon here.

Address:

Mysore - Madikeri Rd, Hunsur, Karnataka 571201

Way to Reach:

 By Air -  Bangalore is the nearest Airport located at a distance of 220 km from Nagarhole. From the airport, it is just a 5 hours journey on the road.

 By Rail -  89 km road journey form Nagarhole takes one to Mysore Junction while Mahe is also a nearby railway junction with a considerably lesser frequency of trains.

By Road: Reach Nagarhole from Mysore or Hunsur through beautiful road networks. There are frequent buses of KSRTC (Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation) connecting nearby busy areas of Karnataka.

Local Transports: No entry during the mating season in monsoon. Travelers can enter the forest zone in summer, winter, and post-monsoon season. Make use of the licensed forest department vehicles.