Nagarhole National Park

Nagarhole National Park is blessed with various flora and is home to different unique species of animals. Apart from it, the extensive woodland and incredible landscape make it an ideal wildlife destination for a thrilling safari tour. This wildlife reserve in Karnataka’s Kodagu and Mysore districts, also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, is a well-known and popular wildlife habitat in India. The Nagarhole National Park is a must-see destination for those who appreciate animals, photography, and adventurous travel. Its safari promises an unforgettable experience and allows you to connect with nature. This national park is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and has been widely admired by wildlife enthusiasts and wildlife photographers.

Quick Fact

The diverse flora of the Western Ghats provides a lush habitat for birds. This national park is home to enormous spotted eagles, Oriental white-backed vultures, and other endangered birds.

History of Nagarhole National Park

In the past, the Nagarhole region was the hunting ground for the Maharajas of Mysore. During those years, it included the Arkeri, Hatgat, and Nakagin Kodagu forests. The Nagarhole Game Reserve was given a new name in 1974 after some neighboring lands were added to the region. In 1988, this reserve was upgraded to National Park status. The update resulted in an additional 643.39 square kilometers of area expansion. In 1999, the park was converted into a tiger reserve. It boasts a healthy tiger-predator ratio and has done well to live up to its reputation.

Flora and Fauna of Nagarhole National Park

The Nagarhole National Park’s vegetation is diverse; rosewood, sandalwood, and teakwood trees predominate in the area’s southern portion. In Nagarhole National Park, you can also find Indian kino, Axle wood, Grewia tiliaefolia, Crocodile bark, Kadam, and Schleicher trijuga trees.

The Bengal Tiger is the main draw of the Nagarhole National Park, which draws thousands of wildlife enthusiasts worldwide for an exhilarating jungle safari. Apart from it, this park is well known for having a wide variety of fauna species. Some of the most popular are Sloth Bear, Leopards, Mongoose, Jungle Cats, European Otter, Striped Hyena, Antelope, Chital, Wild Boar, Barking Deer, and Indian Elephant.

Places to Visit Near Nagarhole, National Park

A visit to Nagarhole National Park will take you to many tourist attractions. Some of the best nearby spots to explore are listed below.

Kabini Dam: The Beechanahally community is close to the reservoir of the Kabini Dam. The dam is a popular destination for tourists to spend a calm day at, especially during the monsoon season.

Iruppu Falls: The Iruppu Falls, or the Lakshmana Thirtha Waterfall, is a lovely site to spend some time at, especially with the Brahmagiri Hills as its backdrop.

Taraka Dam: The H.D. Kote-based Taraka Dam, constructed over the Taraka River, features the Nagarhole National Park. The Nugu River and the Taraka, located in the Cauvery Basin, flow into the Kabini River at H.D. Kote.

Dubare Elephant Camp: This elephant training camp is around 60 kilometers from Nagarhole. Visitors can interact with elephants, watch them being bathed, and learn about their behavior and training.

Talakaveri: It is the source of the River Kaveri, located in the Brahmagiri hills near Bhagamandala, approximately 130 kilometers from Nagarhole.

Safari in Nagarhole National Park

Coracle safari

Coracles are primitive, light, bowl-shaped crafts with a frame of woven grasses, reeds, or saplings covered with hides. Although these boats were originally designed for general transport, they have recently been used primarily for giving tourists rides. Coracles can accommodate up to 4–5 people. Boating down the Kabini River is a feast for the eyes with the wondrous scenery on such a ride. Along with the dense forests, various animals can be seen in their natural habitat while boating. Trying out this activity is one of the top tourist attractions in Kabini.

Coracle Safari timings

  • Morning: From 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
  • Evening: From 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Boat safari

You can also take a boat safari at Kabini through one of the area’s many lodges and guest homes. The ideal approach to appreciating the surrounding lush greenery and local flora and fauna would be to take a boat on a Kabini safari. On the banks of the river, you may spot a herd of majestic Asiatic elephants peacefully bathing, feeding, and getting on with their lives. Amongst the plethora of wildlife on the river banks, you may observe smooth-coated otters playing in the water, marsh crocodiles lazing on the banks, and a myriad of water birds dipping in and out of the water.

Boat Safari timings

  • Morning: From 6:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m.
  • Evening: From 3:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.

Canter Safari

In Nagarhole National Park, a canter safari is a relaxing way to view the wildlife: a twenty-seater open-top safari vehicle or bus, the canter. The Park Authority also makes reservations for Canter Safari. Up to 20 individuals from the canter can take a jungle safari simultaneously. Most tourists and wildlife enthusiasts like to go on a canter safari since it is easier to spot wildlife in the far-off forest and thick undergrowth because the canter is taller than a jeep. So visit the park to witness the unique wildlife encounters and take in the breathtaking scenery. Two shifts are available for Canter Safari in Nagarhole: one in the morning and the other in the afternoon.

Canter Safari timings

  • Morning: From 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
  • Evening: From 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Jeep safari

The Jeep Safari in Nagarhole takes around one and a half hours for a round trip that starts early in the morning and early in the afternoon every day. Before entering the park, prior approval from the park authority is needed. No private vehicles are allowed to enter the park. Travelers to Nagarhole National Park must hire a Jeep registered with the Jeep Safari Association at the booking places. These Jeep Safari associations are run and managed by the local unemployed youth of the nearby villages. All such vehicles are registered with the head park authority and have valid registrations before entry to the park.

Jeep Safari timings

  • Morning: From 5:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
  • Evening: From 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Nagarhole National Park Zones and Gates

Zone A and Zone B make up the park’s tourism section. Zone B extends along the river’s shore, while Zone A is a heavily forested interior area. These locations offer rare sightings and a diverse range of wildlife. One of the two zones is suitable for Jeep safari operations. Nonetheless, canter safaris can travel freely between zones during a single safari tour.

Private vehicles are permitted on significant highways between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., including the Nagarhole Road, which cuts through the park and links to Coorg. Wildlife can be seen when driving through the park, which is open to visitors. Private vehicles are subject to stringent regulations; you are not permitted to stop or depart, and cars are only allowed to remain inside the park for a specific time.

Zones of Nagarhole National Park

North: Surrounded by the Kabini River, this is the best spot to view animals since the mammals drink from this primary water source. This region receives abundant rainfall and is covered with moist deciduous forests. Large herbivores are a frequent sight here.

South: This comparatively drier park section is ideal for spotting predators and bird watching.

Central: Kabini backwaters make this region renowned. Elephants, gaurs, and deer are the common animals found here.

Western: Mountains, valleys, streams, and waterfalls mark the landscape in this part. Bamboo and sandalwood trees are to be found in plenty here, as are the animals that dwell on these and other trees.

Gates of Nagarhole National Park

Wildlife safaris are conducted by the Forest Department twice daily from 2 different locations: Nanchhi Gate (Kutta) and Veerana Hosahalli Gate. Slots are often limited, and booking is recommended for more information on the Nagarahole Forest Safari.

Resorts in and around Nagarhole National Park

You can enhance your wildlife tour by choosing your stay in and around the national park to get the thrilling vibes. Below is the list of top-rated staying options near and around Nagarhole National Park.

  • JLP King Sanctuary
  • Fireflies Kabini
  • Kaav Safari Lodge
  • Kabini River Lodge
  • Machaan Nagarhole
  • Wilderness Retreat
  • The Peepal Tree Kabini
  • Evolve Back

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    BEST TIME TO VISIT NAGARHOLE NATIONAL PARK

    SUMMER SEASON

    (April to June)

    The summer months are ideal for viewing wildlife in its natural habitat. During this season, the waterholes are dry, and the jungle’s animals come to their shed to get water from the river and other places. At the beginning of March, the climate condition is pleasurable, and the temperature remains comfortable, allowing you to explore the deep forest. Therefore, it is advised to plan your summer vacation for Nagrhole in March to get a wholesome holiday experience in this jungle. By visiting this season, you can get high chances to spot freely walking animals.

    MONSOON SEASON

    (July to September)

    This national park receives around 1,500 mm of rainfall during its monsoon season, so some of the areas are closed. But, still, this park has lots of offers for its visitors that will surprise them. Monsoon is an ideal season for you if you are a fan of rain and an ardent admirer of nature. You will enjoy the green shade of character that becomes more beautiful after the rain. Also, you can witness the waterfall, which is exciting and a treat for the eyes. When the showers of rain stop, you will get a clearer view of nature and enjoy the comfortable weather.

    WINTER SEASON

    (October to March)

    In winter, Nagarhole welcomes the chilly weather, and the temperature range fluctuates between 10-14 °C. Winter is a chance to get a dose of natural beauty with pleasant climate conditions. During this season, you can enjoy the wildlife safari in Nagarhole and indulge in outdoor activities. Moreover, you will feel comfortable on warm days and cold nights, which makes this season ideal for everything.

    HOW TO REACH NAGARHOLE NATIONAL PARK

     
    By Flight
    By Train
    By Road
    The closest airport to Nagarhole National Park is Mysore Airport, around 80 km from the tiger reserve. This domestic airport has good connectivity with almost all the major cities of India via air. And after landing at this airport, you can take a cab, taxi, or bus to the park. You can choose Bangalore International Airport, located around 242 km from Nagarhole. After landing at this airport, you will get various options of transport to reach there by road, and it will take around 5 hours to reach the park. The major destinations from Mumbai, New Delhi, Hyderabad, and Chennai come up with direct flights. 
    Mysore railway station is the nearest railway station to Nagarhole National Park, located around 90 km. This junction is a major stop for numerous trains from popular cities, including Bengaluru, Jaipur, Chennai, Kolkata, Ajmer, Varanasi, and Mumbai. And after reaching this junction, you will have to cover the remaining distance by taking a cab, taxi, or bus. Numerous taxis, cabs, and buses are available for Nagarhole National Park, and it is believed that Mysore Railway Station is an ideal choice to reach Nagarhole National Park for people who come from nearby regions. 
    The nearest bus stop to this national park is HD Kote Bus Station, located around 30 km from the park. Buses from Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation allow you to reach Nagarhole by road from Mysore. And this is one of the ideal modes to reach here by road as the destination is just around 80 km away, and buses will take approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes to cover the distance. You can also reach this park by road from the nearby state as the road connectivity is good via national highways. You can pick up your bus from Karnataka and Chennai to reach Kutta, one of the four entrance points for Nagarhole. You can rent a jeep and bike from Mysore or Hunsur to reach this tiger reserve with an outstanding travel experience. 

    TIPS FOR NAGARHOLE NATIONAL PARK

    • The timing of the road that runs through Nagarhole National Park is open from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm throughout the year.
    • You will need to pay a fee if you plan on carrying a DSLR camera on a safari in Nagarhole National Park.
    • Monsoon is not an excellent option for visiting this park as safari may not operate due to the muddy and impassable roads.
    • Book your boat safari tour to enjoy the best views of elephants in this national park.

    FAQs

    Why is Nagarhole National Park famous?

    The sanctuary, also called Rajiv Gandhi National Park, is a tiger reserve under Project Tiger and Project Elephant. Bengal tigers, leopards, and the world’s largest herd of Asian elephants call the sanctuary home.

    Which safari is best in Nagarhole?

    The best way to see aquatic species is on a boat tour. The River Kabini boat safari will be enjoyable for you. With this kind of safari, you can witness a wide range of wildlife along the river’s side, including marsh crocodiles and various waterfowl.

    How many tigers are in Nagarhole?

    The Nagarahole Tiger Reserve boasts the highest tiger density among its competitors, with 125 individual tigers. According to the most recent data, the thickness is estimated to be 11.82 hectares per 100 square kilometers, ranking first in Karnataka and third in the nation, behind the tiger reserves in Corbett and Kaziranga.

    Do Indian Visit provide Nagarhole National Park tour packages?

    Yes, Indian Visit offers exciting Nagarhole National Park tour packages with customization and tailor made preferences.