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 by the Kabini Lake and Bandipur National Park. It is also an important part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It was recognised as a wildlife sanctuary in 1955, and in 1999 it was declared a tiger reserve.
One can experience fantastic wildlife viewing in Nagarhole National Park, especially due to its virgin and indigenous lush green forests, which remain undisturbed by excessive 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 moist deciduous trees. Rosewood and teak grow abundantly. The eastern region has thorny wattle and pala indigo. The reserve forests of Nalkeri, Hatgat and Arikeri are also part of the Nagarhole National Park. Some of the flowering plants found in the park include Aknkole, Ala, Alale, Amte, Athi, Bevu, Bidru, Bilwara and others. Shrubs such as tick clover and horse nettles are also commonly seen.
Fauna: The Nagarhole National Park comprises 37 species of mammals and 16 species of reptiles. The park is known for protecting wildlife such as tigers, leopards, wild dogs (dholes), hyenas and sloth bears. Many of the animals found here are residents of the Nilgiri Hills. Other major attractions of the park’s fauna include dholes, leopards, Asian elephants, bisons, langurs and wild boars. The interesting feline species found within the park include rusty-spotted cats, leopard cats and jungle cats. There are approximately 250 species of birds, including the Indian pitta, great black woodpecker and Malabar pied hornbill.
Excursions from the Nagarhole National Park
Rameshwara Temple: It is located near the Lakshmana Tirtha River. This river holds significance in the Hindu epic Ramayana. Devotees from across the region visit this temple to celebrate the Maha Shivratri festival.
Irupu Falls: These falls are located in the Kodagu district of Karnataka. They are also known as the Lakshmana Tirtha Falls. The falls are nestled within the Brahmagiri Mountain Range. The freshwater cascades down from a height of 60 m.
Kutta: This is a small town located very near the national park. The plantations of spices, betel leaves, bananas, nuts and coffee estates make this little town nothing short of a paradise.
When to Reach: The Nagarhole National Park is closed during the monsoon season. The most ideal time to visit the park is during March and April. Pleasant weather can be experienced from November to February.
How to Reach:
Air: The airport at Mysore is the nearest to Nagarhole National Park, located at a distance of 89 km.
Rail: The Mysore railway station is the closest to the national park, located 87 km away.
Road: Roads connect the national park with major cities in Karnataka. The main cities connected to the park are Madikeri, Mysore and Bengaluru.
