Nagarhole National Park

Eternal bliss with lush green forests and enrapturing wildlife

The Nagarhole National Park is located in the Kodagu district of Karnataka. It is also known as the Rajiv Gandhi National Park. Its edges are flanked with the Kabini Lake and the Bandipur National Lake. It is also an important part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It was recognised as a wildlife sanctuary in 1955. It was only in 1999 when it was declared as a tiger reserve.

One can experience fantastic wildlife viewing in Nagarhole National Park, especially due to its virgin and indigenous lush green jungle population which is not disturbed by frequent tourist activity. Currently, this national park is also under consideration by UNESCO to include its name in the list of world heritage sites. The name 'Nagarhole' means 'snakes' and 'streams.' History reveals that this park was initially the hunting reserve of the former rulers of Mysore, especially the Kings of the Wodeyar Dynasty.

Following are the main tourist attractions of the Nagarhole National Park

Flora: The flora of the Nagarhole National Park consists mainly of the moist deciduous trees. Rosewood and teak are found in abundant quantity. The eastern region has the growth of thorny wattle and Pala indigo. The reserve forests of Nalkeri, Hatgat and Arikeri are also park of the Nagarhole National Park. Few of the flowering plants found in the national park are Aknkole, Ala, Alale, Amte, Athi, Bevu, Bidru, Bilwara and others. One can also spot shrubs like tick clover and horse nettles in the national park.

Fauna: The Nagarhole National Park comprises of 37 different species of mammals and 16 species of reptiles. The park is also known for protecting the wildlife species of tigers, leopards, wild dogs, hyenas and sloth bears in its vicinity. Most of the animals found in the Nagarhole National Park are residents of the Nilgiri Hills. The other major attractions of this park's fauna are also dhole, leopards, Asian elephants, bisons, Langurs and wild boars. The interesting flora found in the territory includes rusty spotted cats, leopard cats and jungle cats. There are approximately 250 species of birds found here, the main ones including Indian Pitta, great black woodpecker and Malabar pied horn bill.

Excursions from the Nagarhole National Park

Rameshwara Temple: It is located near the Lakshmana Tirtha River. This river is significant in the Hindu epic Ramayana. Religious followers from all over the region come over to celebrate the Maha Shivratri festival in this temple.

Irupu Falls: These falls are located in the Kodagu district of Karnataka. It is also called as the Lakshamana Tirtha Falls. It is nestled within the Brahmagiri Mountain Range. The fresh water falls in this cascade from the height of 60 m.

Kutta: This is a small town which is located quite near to the national park. The plantations of spcies, betels, bananas, nuts and coffee estates make this little town not less than a paradise.

When to Reach:The Nagarhole National Park is closed during the monsoons. The most ideal time to visit the park is during March and April. One can experience a pleasant weather from November to February.

How to Reach:
Air: The airport at Mysore is the nearest one to the Nagarhole National Park, located at a distance of 89 km.
Rail: The Mysore railway station is the closest to the national park, located at a distance of 87 km.
Road: Road connects the national park to the main cities of Karnataka. The main cities that are connected to the national park are Madikeri, Mysore and Bangaluru.