Situated in the Nilgiri mountain range, Nagarhole National Park is spread across Kodagu and Mysore districts of Karnataka. Situated 96 km from Mysore on the Karnataka-Kerala border, Nagarhole National Park is considered to be one of the best wildlife parks in the country.
The park once served as hunting grounds for the Mysore kings. It is named after the river Nagar Hole, meaning the ‘snake river’ which winds through the park. It is officially known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park and is home to the Royal Bengal tiger.
Along with Mudumalai, Wayanad, Bandipur and other small parks and reserved forests, Nagarhole National Park forms the largest protected area in South India covering an area of 3300 sq km. Kabini reservoir separates it from Bandipur National Park.
Nagarhole National Park along with Mudumalai, Wayanad and Bandipur forests has one of the densest tiger populations. The Nilgiri Reserve is home to around 48 tigers.
Set up as a wildlife sanctuary in 1955 and a national park in 1988, it was declared a tiger reserve in 1999.
Apart from tigers, leopards and wild dogs are the two other predators found in the wildlife sanctuary. Elephants and bison are other prime attractions. One can also spot animal species like jackals, striped hyena, sloth bears, mouse deer, black naped hare, etc.
Russell’s viper, vine snake, Indian rock python, common krait, etc. are some of the common reptile species found in the park.
Nagarhole is also home to several varieties of birds. Over 270 varieties of avian species can be spotted in the park. The critically endangered oriental white-backed vulture is a key attraction. Lesser adjutant, Nilgiri wood-pigeon, greater spotted eagle, Indian peafowl, yellow legged green pigeon, painted bush quail, etc. are some of the other bird species that can be seen in the park.
The park has a rich green cover. Precious timber such as rosewood, sandalwood, teak, etc are found in abundance in the national park.
The park also has human settlements. Jenu Kurubas are the main inhabitants of the forest. They speak Jenu nadi, a dialect of Kannada.
Best time to visit
Nagarhole National Park can be visited all through the year. During summers, it tends to get extremely hot. During winters, temperatures drop to 14 degree Celsius.
During monsoon, the park receives moderate rainfall. Monsoon months are best avoided since the chances of seeing animals are remote. October to February is the best time to visit the national park.
Nagarhole National Park, part of the Western Ghats Nilgiri Sub-Cluster, is under consideration by UNESCO to be made a World Heritage site.
How to Reach
By Air: The nearest airport for Nagarhole National Park is Mysore. Mysore Airport is 95 km from the park. Mysore in turn is connected by Bangalore by means of regular flights. Bangalore is an International Airport and hence easily accessible by all national and international flights. Bangalore is around 140 km from Mysore.
From Bangalore Airport the time by road to Nagarhole National Park is five hours.
By Train: The nearest railway station for Nagarhole National Park is again Mysore. Mysore is connected to Bangalore which in turn is connected to all the major cities in India.
By Road: Nagarhole National Park is connected to all the cities via Mysore and Coorg.
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