Nagarhole National Park

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Nagarhole National Park Travel Essentials

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Ideal duration: 1-2 days

Best Time: October to May Read More

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Also Refered As:

Rajiv Gandhi National Park

"Gateway to South India's Most Exciting Wildlife Sighting"

Nagarhole National Park Tourism

Located in the Mysore district of Karnataka, Nagarhole National Park boasts of rich wildlife including both flora and fauna. Located near Bandipur National Park, it is packed with the bounty of raw nature in its best form. Bestowed with best of wildlife, forest cover and varied topography, this place offers gushing streams,  gentle slopes and shallow valleys. The place is a paradise for nature lovers and those seeking solitude.

A variety of species such as Elephants, Jackals, Tigers, Panthers, Gaurs, Sambars, Spotted Deers, Mongoose, Civet cats, Hyenas, Sloth Bears and over 250 species of birds call this place their home. The park is bounded by Kabini River on the north while Bandipur National park forms its southern boundaries.

A dam of the Kabini River along with its reservoir demarcates the two national parks and is a sight to behold. Other than that, the park also houses stunning vegetation and plantation along with verdant tropical and deciduous forest land. Nagarhole National Park is home to a number of reptiles such as King Cobra, Krait, Indian Rock Python, Russel's Viper, vine snake, Tortoise, Monitor Lizard and Toads. In addition to these, trees such as sandalwood, silver oak, rosewood and teak are found in abundance here.

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Trekking in Nagarhole

One of the best ways to enjoy Nagarhole National Park, is to trek through its lush green forests. It is very likely, that one can also have a equally enjoyable bird watching experience here, as they trek through the park.

National Park Entry Fee & Timings

Entry Fee: Indian (Adult): INR 50, Foreigner: INR 150, Still Camera: INR 50

Timings: 6:00 AM - 9:00 AM & 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM, All days open

Nagarhole National Park Safari

One of the best ways to explore the landscape and wildlife of Nagarhole National Park is through its jeep safari. Racing through the heart of the Park, you can easily spot some elephants, deer, bison and lots of birds and langoors. Details for the same are as follows:-

Timings

Morning 6:30 AM to 8:30 AM
Evening 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM

Price

Indian Nationals: INR 300 per person for one hour ride
Foreign Nationals: INR 1100 per person for one hour ride

Why You Must Visit Nagarhole

Nagarhole in the gorgeous locales of Coorg houses about 250 species of birds and other wildlife creatures. Nagarhole is also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park. Savour the taste of wildlife and adventure around Nagarhole with the Brahmagiri Mountains, which welcomes its tourists in the heart of nature; go trekking amidst the dense jungles to witness the wildlife, or even go on a safari to experience the park at its fullest.

Flora and Fauna of Nagarhole National Park

There is no denying the fact that Nagarhole National Park has a wide assortment of animals, birds, insects and trees house within its bounds. Some of them include:- 

Mammals:
 Indian Elephant, Golden Jackal, Bengal Tiger, Panther, Gaur, Sambar, Spotted deer, Grey Mongoose, Civet cat, Striped Hyena, Indian bison, Indian leopard, Asiatic wild dogs, sambar, barking deer, four-horned antelopes, wild boar, palm civet, brown mongoose, striped-necked mongoose, black-naped hare, mouse deer, Indian pangolin, red giant flying squirrel, Indian porcupine, Gray Langur and Indian giant flying squirrel and Sloth Bear.

Reptiles: King Cobra, Krait, Indian Rock Python, Russel's Viper, vine snake, Tortoise, mugger, common wolf snake, rat snake (Ptyas mucosus), bamboo pit viper, Russell's viper, common krait, Indian rock python, Indian monitor lizard and common toad.

Insects: Insects here include over 96 species of dung beetles and 60 species of ants. Jumping ants such as Harpegnathos saltator, Tetraponera rufonigra ants, common dung beetle, Heliocopris dominus beetle and Onthophagus pactolus beetle are also found here. 

Flora: Vegetation such as sandalwood, silver oak, rosewood, crocodile bark, Lagerstroemia lanceolata, Indian kino tree, Grewia tilaefolia, rosewood andaxlewood, Lagerstroemia microcarpa, kadam, cotton tree, Schleichera trijuga, ficus, Kydia calycina, Indian gooseberry and beechwood,horse nettles, tick clover, Helicteres species, lantana, golden shower tree, flame of the forest, teak and clumping bamboo are found in abundance here.

Tips For Visiting Nagarhole National Park

1. The eating options in the park are next to nothing, so it is advisable to carry your own eatables. A few small restaurants are located just outside the park serving the basic meals.
2. Also, carry your own water bottles with you.
3. Wear comfortable clothes and a good pair of shoes.
4. Camping is not allowed within the premises of the park.

History of Nagarhole National Park

Nagarhole National Park derives its name from Kannada words "Naga" and "Hole" meaning snake and streams respectively. Once served as an exclusive hunting reserve for the rulers of Mysore, this park was set up in the year 1955 as a sanctuary and is claimed to be one of the best-managed parks in India. After stretching the area from 258 sq km to 643 sq km in the year 1974 with the inclusion of reserve forests of Arkeri, Hatgat and Nalkeri in Kodagu, it received the status of a National park in the year 1983.

Regions in Nagarhole National Park

The Nagarhole National Park is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna. While this might have some benefits, it could get really confusing and difficult for people who have come to enjoy specific scenery or photograph a specific animal. To make this easier for the visitors, the park has been divided into various different areas:

1. The North part of the Park is surrounded by the Kabini river, which is the main source of water. Due to this reason, many animals, mostly mammals such as the four-horned antelope, the Striped Hyena and the Spotted Deer can be spotted near the banks. Herbivores are spotted here as well. Deciduous trees are very common in this region as it receives heavy rainfall

2. The South East part of the forest is usually dry and is an excellent spot for birdwatching and to find predators. Over 250 species of birds can be found here, out of which, the Malabar grey hornbill, The Nilgiri wood pigeon, the greater spotted eagle and the red-headed vulture are a few of them

3. The central part of the park is most famous for the Kabini backwaters. If you want to come across elephants, Gaurs and deers, then this is the place for you!

4. The western region is mostly covered with streams, waterfalls and valleys. You can come across some tree-dwelling animals and a whole lot of bamboo and sandalwood trees.

Restaurants and Local Food in Nagarhole National Park

Authentic local cuisine made from the Coorgi crops has a completely different flavour which would not have been encountered by most tourists before and is a must try. One might also find the many delicacies of the state's cuisine such as Dosa, Bisi Bele Bath, Akki Roti, Jolada Roti, Idli, Vada, Sambhar, Kesari Bath, Ragi Mudde, Uppittu, Vangi Bath and traditional and local sweets like Mysore pak, Obbattu, Dharwad Peda, Chiroti etc .
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Suggested Itinerary for Nagarhole National Park

Day 1- Arrive at the pre-booked homestay or a guesthouse in Nagarhole National Park, before 6 in the evening. Rest for the night, enjoy a campfire and start early the next morning.
Day 2- Start early, go for a safari around the sanctuary. The safari timings by authorities of Rajiv Gandhi National Park are usually 5:30 AM to 10:00 AM (Evening Safari 3:00 to 7:00 PM) at the rate of INR 300 for one person. Hover around the park and experience the wild side of this natural heritage. Later you can head off to Valmeekam Clay Art Gallery, located at an hour distance from Nagarhole to observe the tribal history nicely carved in the rocks and in form of clay art.
Day 3- Start early. Embark yourself on a trekking trail in the Brahmagiri Mountains located near Nagarhole. Head to places around the Nagarhole locales like Irrpu falls, Ishwara Temple, Kutta, and nearby reserves.

Best Time to Visit Nagarhole National Park

How to Reach Nagarhole National Park

How to Reach Overview

The nearest railway station is Mysore Junction 89 km away and is linked with major cities in India. Bangalore Airport approximately 220 km away is the closest airbase which connects Nagarhole with domestic and international flights from around the world. Nagarhole is well connected to other major cities of the country via regular buses.

How to reach Nagarhole National Park by flight

Located 220 km away, Bangalore serves as the nearest airport catering domestic flights across the country as well as international flights from around the world. On reaching the airport, you can hire a taxi or book a bus seat to travel to Nagarhole, which will take you around 5 hours.

How to reach Nagarhole National Park by road

You can arrive in Nagarhole using the excellent road network the state has to offer for its tourists. You can hire a taxi, jeep or even a motorbike to travel to the destination from the nearby cities like Mysore or Hunsur. Alternatively, frequent buses run by Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) can be booked well in advance from online portals of travels and tourism to travel to Nagarhole. 

How to reach Nagarhole National Park by train

With a frequency of almost 172 trains from across the country, Mysore Junctions stands to be the nearest broad gauge rail head near Nagarhole. The road distance between the two is approximately 89 km. Nagarhole doesn’t have a railway station of its own, however, Mahe as well is a nearby railway station with a lesser train frequency connecting India. 

Local transport in Nagarhole National Park

Within the national park, owing to the muddy land, normal vehicles cannot be used. Only licensed forest vehicles are allowed inside the park. Also, all traffic is closed during the mating season i.e, the monsoon.

Nagarhole National Park Photos

Nagarhole National Park, Karnataka

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FAQs on Nagarhole National Park

What are the places near Nagarhole?

The top places near to Nagarhole are Wayanad which is 37 km from Nagarhole, Coorg which is located 60 km from Nagarhole, Mysore which is located 61 km from Nagarhole, Ooty which is located 93 km from Nagarhole, Madikeri which is located 60 km from Nagarhole

What are the things to do in Nagarhole?

The top things to do in Nagarhole are Nagarhole National Park, Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Kutta, Rameshwara temple, Iruppu Falls, Trekking in Nagarhole. You can see all the places to visit in Nagarhole here

What is the best way to reach Nagarhole?

The nearest railway station is Mysore Junction 89 km away and is linked with major cities in India. Bangalore Airport approximately 220 km away is the closest airbase which connects Nagarhole with domestic and international flights from around the world. Nagarhole is well connected to other major cities of the country via regular buses.

Read More

What is the local food in Nagarhole?

Authentic local cuisine made from the Coorgi crops has a completely different flavour which would not have been encountered by most tourists before and is a must try. One might also find the many delicacies of the state's cuisine such as Dosa, Bisi Bele Bath, Akki Roti, Jolada Roti, Idli, Vada, Sambhar, Kesari Bath, Ragi Mudde, Uppittu, Vangi Bath and traditional and local sweets like Mysore pak, Obbattu, Dharwad Peda, Chiroti etc .
Read More

What is the best time to visit Nagarhole?

The period from October to May is considered to be the best time to visit Nagarhole. Although Nagarhole has a tropical climate around the year; hence, it can be visited at any point in time. Summers in Nagarhole are usually dry, and the temperature does not cross 33 degrees Celsius. The winters are brief with temperatures remaining within the scale of 14 degrees. However, monsoons are wet, as the region receives heavy rainfall during the season.
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Who should visit Nagarhole?

Nagarhole is perfect for Wildlife enthusiasts. It can be visited by people in search of having a soulful experience away from the hustle and bustle of metro life. Ideal for adventure seekers, nature lovers, photo fanatics, and wanderers.

What is not so good about Nagarhole?

During monsoons, Safari and trekking aren't available. Tribal relocations are frequent.

What is famous about Nagarhole?

Close to Mysore which connects well by roads and railways. Woodland heritage. Good food. Excellent view of nature. Amazing sightings. Safari rides. Wildlife Trekking.

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