Nagarhole National Park

Jungle Highlights: Tigers, Panthers, Elephant,Woodpecker, Cuckoo

Recently renamed as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, Nagarhole National Park is situated in Kodagu of Mysore District of Karnataka. It is among the best wildlife parks in India which was affixed in the year 1955 and was later designated as national in the year 1975. Its mesmerizing beauty seats aside the mighty Kabini which stands as a natural partition between the two wildlife sanctuaries-Bandipur and Nagarhole - in Karnataka. The term 'Nagarhole' is derived from the root word `Naga' from Kannada language, which means `snake' and `Hole' that means `streams'. Thus the whole line direct towards the numerous streams that leaps through the rich tropical forests of Nagarhole like a snake.
Major Attraction at Nagarhole
The whole park encompasses a wide area of about 572.90 sq km which includes a stack of forestlands, waterfalls, streams, valleys and hills.

Flora
Nagarhole National park is prone to heavy rainfall and includes Lantana, Eupatorium and other shrubs, popularly known as shrub vegetation. The typical Nilgiri ,its lush green and thick leafy hills with deep valleys creates a picturesque visions. In fact the southern tropical forest are interspersed with mixed deciduous type vegetation, moist deciduous vegetation and a substantial growth of dry deciduous vegetation.



Fauna
Nagarhole occupies about 643 sq km in area and the marshy forestland with dense moist deciduous vegetation acts as an supreme habitat for a great variety of wildlife. The area is highly dominated with tiger along with other wild species like leopard, panther, sloth bear, elephant, sambhar, chital. Other mystique animals are langurs, wild boar, pangolin the tiny mouse deer, giant squirrel etc. The jungle is also well known for a 250 vibrant bird species .Some commonly seen birds are Malabar trogan, the Indian Pitta, green imperial pigeon, the Malabar pied hornbill, Common Hawk Cuckoo, Changeable Hawk Eagle, and the great black woodpecker.

Things to do at Nagarhole Park

Safaris
A jungle tour here is possible via opting any of the two safaris : Jeep Safari and Elephant Safari. The forest department of the park provide the visitors with Jeep and elephant with a veteran guide to tour along with them.

Trekking Adventure
The adventure of trekking is an additional punch in the Nagarhole wildlife Sanctuary. The thrill comes with a climb on on Brahmagiri Mountains near the sanctuary.

Animal Watching
There is an observation tower in the park which provides the visitors a panoramic view of the wild animalks walking all around the green foliage in the park. The best time to visit the watchtowers is during the early hours (6-9 am) and late afternoon (4-7 pm).

Place of Stay
A comfortable stay results in a better visit. Some known place of recreation are Kabini River Lodge, Jungle Inn and Forest Department Cottages.

Important Information
Park Timing
6 am to 6 pm

Best Time to Visit
April to October

Nearby Area of Interest
Rural Town of Madikere (93 kms) from the sanctuary, famous for orange and coffee plantation.


Distance from Major Cities
Bangalore: 236 kms
Mysore: 90 kms
Madikeri: 93 kms

How to Reach Nagarhole National Park
Visitors can board a flight or catch a train or bus from the nearest cities.

Air
The nearest airports are Mysore and Bangalore. The tourists can board a flight from the nearest airports are Mysore and Bangalore and reach the desired destination.

Rail
A good possible way is to catch a rail from the nearest railheads in Mysore

Road
The state transport buses and taxis are available for road transport. The bus stand is a 1-km walk from the Kabini river lodge. The nearest town is Kutta 7 km way. Also other major towns that are accessible by road are Madikeri , Mysore and Bangalore.