Traveller’s Guide to Nagarhole National Park

By Tushar [07/Mar/24] Nagarhole National Park, also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, is a beautiful wildlife sanctuary located in the Kodagu and Mysore districts of Karnataka, India. It was declared a national park in 1988 and covers an area of around 643 square kilometres.The park is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, one of the largest protected areas in India. Its landscape is characterized by dense forests, gentle hills, valleys, and streams.

The Kabini River flows through the park, adding to its scenic beauty.The park is home to numerous species of mammals, such as elephants, tigers, leopards, wild dogs, sloth bears, and various species of deer including the rare and elusive Indian bison (gaur). It's also a birdwatcher's paradise, with over 270 species of birds recorded, including the Malabar trogon, Malabar pied hornbill, and the endangered Oriental white-backed vulture.

Visitors to Nagarhole National Park can enjoy wildlife safaris, both in jeeps and on elephant-back, which offer excellent opportunities to observe the park's diverse wildlife in their natural habitat. The best time to visit Nagarhole is from October to May when the weather is pleasant and the park is open to visitors.

Here we write some of the important points on Nagarhole National Park

• Jeep Safari and its Booking Process: The Park offers Jeep Safari in Nagarahole for visitors to explore its wildlife. Jeep safaris are the most common way to explore the park and are usually conducted in the early morning and late afternoon when wildlife is most active. Elephant safaris provide a unique opportunity to get up close to wildlife, especially for tiger sightings. Booing process for Nagarhole Jeep safari is very simple. It can be done using online booking calendar available on this website simply filling the just few information like name, age, sex and identity proof number. Tour executives are also available to assist you.

• Best Time to see Nagarhole National park: The park is open to visitors throughout the year, but the best time to visit Nagarhole is during the dry season, from October to May. During this time, wildlife sightings are more frequent, and the weather is pleasant.

• How to Reach There: Nagarhole National Park is located in Karnataka, India. The nearest airport is in Mysore, approximately 96 kilometres away. The park is also accessible from Bangalore, which is around 220 kilometres away. You can hire a taxi or use public transportation to reach the park.

• Accommodation option Available Near park: There are various accommodation options available near Nagarhole National Park, ranging from luxury resorts to budget lodges. Some popular options include jungle resorts, wildlife lodges, and government-run guesthouses. It's advisable to book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.

• Avifauna watching Experience at Nagarhole: Nagarhole National Park is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 270 species of birds recorded. Bring your binoculars and camera to capture sightings of colourful birds such as Malabar trogon, Malabar pied hornbill, and Oriental white-backed vulture.

• Guided ToursAre Also Available: Consider hiring a knowledgeable guide or naturalist who can enhance your safari experience by providing insights into the park's ecology, wildlife behaviour, and conservation efforts. Many resorts and tour operators offer guided tours led by experienced guides.

• Other Activities to be Experienced and Enjoyed: Apart from safaris, Nagarhole National Park offers other activities such as nature walks, boat rides on the Kabini River, and cultural experiences with local tribes. Explore these options to immerse yourself fully in the beauty and diversity of the park.