What You Need to Know Before Visiting Nagarhole National Park

Overview

The name Nagarhole has been derived from the local language, Kannada. Nagara means Cobra and the meaning of Hole is river. Therefore, it refers to a river that flows towards the east from the center. This beautiful National Park is a part of the famous Nilgiri biosphere reserve, making it one of the 3 major national parks. There are two other national parks in this biosphere reserve other than Nagarhole.

History of Nagarhole National Park

The Famous Nagarhgole National Park, also known as the Rajiv Gandhi National Park is a spectacular wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka’s Mysore and Kodagu districts. With a spread over 643 square kilometres in 1988 it was declared a national park and the the park became a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. In today’s time, the Nagarhole National Park has become one of the largest protected areas in India and its diverse landscapes include valleys, streams, hills, and dense forests. The picturesque Kabini River flowing through the parks makes it even more beautiful.

Flora and Fauna of Nagarhole National Park

Apart from the beauty, this park is also home to several wildlife species like tigers, leopards, elephants, wild dogs, deer, and Indian bison. Nagarhole is also great for birdwatchers with over 270 bird species including the Malabar pied hornbill, Malabar trogon, and some other endangered bird species.

This forest reserve is a part of the western ghats and the southern part of this forest is dominated by the dry deciduous trees. In this region, you will mostly get to see the teak and rosewood forests. You can book a jeep safari to explore the park’s rich flora and fauna and enjoy birdwatching, especially during the morning and evening shifts. This is the most suitable time to spot the animals and birds in their natural habitat and capture their every movement.

Nagarhole National Park’s Gates

Nagarhole National Park has 2 main entry gates about 50 kilometres apart. One gate is near the Mysore district in Antharasanthe and the second gate is near Kodagu district in Coorg. You can choose to enter through any gate according to your preference.

Type of Safaris In Nagarhole National Park

Safari in Nagarhole National Park offers a unique and thrilling experience of exploring the flora and fauna. You can book a safari tour to go deeper into the jungle and explore the endangered and elusive species found in the jungle. On a safari, you can also spot the animals on the bank of the Kabini.

1. Jeep Safari: If you seek a thrilling safari experience, it is recommended to go for a jeep safari that can accommodate around 6 people at a time. This is the most common way to explore the wildlife and dense jungle. These safaris are usually conducted in morning and evening shifts, this is when you can have the best wildlife encounter as the animals and birds are most active during this time.

2. Elephant Safaris: Nagarhole National Park is one of the few parks where you can experience the elephant safari which provides a unique chance to get a closer look at the animals of the park, especially tigers.

3. Canter Safari: A Canter Safari is suitable for large groups of people as it can accommodate around 20 people at a time. During this safari, you will be accompanied by an experienced guide who will take you to the parts of the park where there are most chances to spot animals like tigers and leopards. This is also an affordable option to explore the park.

Note: Make sure you book your safari in advance as the slots are limited and you don’t have to face a last-minute rush.

Best Time to Visit Nagarhole

You can visit the Nagarhole National Park throughout the year, but the most suitable time to visit is during the dry months, between October and May. this time is perfect for wildlife sightings as the animals are most active and can be found near the water bodies in search of water. These months are also great for safaris and you can have the best experience.

It is not recommended to plan a trip during the monsoon months, between July and September. This region receives heavy rainfall and safaris are shut down due to the same. The park also remains closed for treks, wildlife sightings, and other outdoor activites. However, this time is great for people who want to witness the lush greenery and capture the beauty of nature with a camera.

How to Reach Nagarhole

Nagarhole is very well connected to the cities in Karnataka including bangalore, Mysore, Coorg, etc. All the major cities in Karnataka are very well-connected by air, road, and train and then from here, you can get to the national park by taxi or local buses.

By Air: The closest airport to Nagarhole National Park is in Bangalore and Mysore. Bangalore airport operates frequent international flights and the Mysore airport is ideal for people travelling within the country. After reaching the airport you can hire a taxi or local bus to get to Nagarhole National Park.

By Train: The closest airport to the Nagarhole National Park is Mysore Junction around 80 km from Nagarhole.

By Road: Nagarhole has a great road connectivity from prime cities like Bangalore, Mysore, and Coorg. The distance between Bangalore and Nagarhole is around 220 kilometers and the distance between Mysore and Nagarhole is 80 kilometers.

Conclusion

That’s all you need to know about the Nagarhole National Park before your visit. You can also book your guided tours for a personalised experience as the guides will share insights into the behaviour of animals and ecology of park. Safaris in Nagarhole also provide a thrilling experience which allows visitors to go deeper into the jungle of Nagarhole and spot the elusive and endangered speices present here.