Hunsur, Karnataka, India
Nagarhole National Park is a pristine stretch of wilderness located in the Western Ghats and Deccan Plateau. Together with Bandipur (Karnataka), Wayanad (Kerala), and Mudumalai (Tamil Nadu), it forms one of the largest protected regions for wildlife in Southern India. Nagarhole is especially renowned for its tiger and elephant population and is considered one of the best-managed national parks in India.
Location - Nagarhole National Park is situated in the Kodagu and Mysore districts of Karnataka, India. It is part of the larger Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve in the Western Ghats, spreading across approximately 643 square kilometers.
Established - The park was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1955 and later upgraded to a national park in 1988. It was renamed as Rajiv Gandhi National Park in honor of the former Indian Prime Minister.
Significance - Nagarhole is renowned for its rich biodiversity and is a key tiger reserve under India’s Project Tiger initiative. It forms a critical part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, acting as a vital wildlife corridor between Bandipur, Wayanad, and Mudumalai national parks.
The park lies in the lush Western Ghats, featuring undulating terrain with hills, valleys, and numerous streams and rivers such as the Kabini River, which provides a lifeline to the park’s ecosystem. The vegetation is predominantly moist deciduous forest interspersed with patches of evergreen forests and grasslands.
The forests are rich with trees like teak, rosewood, bamboo, sandalwood, and a variety of other hardwood species. The dense canopy and understory provide habitat and food for a diverse range of wildlife.
Big Cats : Nagarhole is famous for its healthy population of Bengal tigers and Indian leopards.
Elephants : The park hosts large herds of Asian elephants.
Other Mammals : Indian gaur (bison), sambar deer, chital (spotted deer), barking deer, wild boar, sloth bears, dhole (Indian wild dog), and various primates such as langurs and macaques.
Birdlife : It is a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 270 recorded species, including the Malabar trogon, white-bellied treepie, crested serpent eagle, and many migratory species.
Reptiles : The park also shelters a variety of snakes, lizards, and amphibians.
Nagarhole is protected under Project Tiger and the Indian Wildlife Protection Act. Efforts include anti-poaching patrols, habitat restoration, and minimizing human-wildlife conflicts. The park is also part of the larger Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve conservation strategy.
Nagarhole is a favored destination for wildlife tourism and safaris, with jeep and boat safaris on the Kabini River providing excellent opportunities to spot wildlife, especially during the dry season. The best sightings usually include tigers, elephants, deer, and a plethora of bird species.
Nearby attractions include the Kabini Reservoir and other protected areas like Bandipur National Park and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, making it part of a significant wildlife landscape in southern India.
Nagarhole National Park offers thrilling wildlife safaris that allow visitors to explore its rich biodiversity and spot animals like tigers, elephants, leopards, deer, and exotic birds in their natural habitat.
Jeep Safari : Conducted in open 4x4 vehicles, these are ideal for deeper forest exploration and big cat sightings. Available in both Nagarhole (Veeranahosahalli & Nanchi gates) and Kabini zones.
Boat Safari (Kabini) : A unique river safari on the Kabini River, offering views of elephants, crocodiles, and water birds along the riverbanks.
Safaris can be booked through the Forest Department or resorts (like Jungle Lodges & Resorts). Advance booking is recommended, especially during weekends and holidays.
Nagarhole National Park offers a variety of accommodation options catering to different budgets and preferences. Most of the lodges and resorts are located near the Kabini River, on the fringes of the park, providing scenic views and proximity to safari entry points.
Luxury Resorts : High-end resorts like Evolve Back (Orange County), Kaav Safari Lodge, and The Serai Kabini offer premium experiences with luxurious cottages, riverside views, fine dining, and guided safaris.
Mid-range Lodges : Comfortable stays like Waterwoods Lodge, Red Earth Kabini, and Kabini River Lodge (run by Jungle Lodges & Resorts) provide well-appointed rooms, wildlife experiences, and in-house naturalists.
Budget Options : Basic guesthouses and forest department accommodations are available near Kutta and HD Kote for travelers seeking affordable options. These are simpler but close to safari zones.
The park is open from October to May, with the dry months (February to May) being the best for wildlife sightings due to animals congregating near water sources.
By Road : Well-connected by road to Mysore, Bangalore, Madikeri, and Coorg
By Train : Nearest railhead is Mysore Junction.
By Air : Nearest airport is Mysore (approx. 90 km); Bengaluru International Airport (approx. 220 km).
