Nagarhole National Park in Karnataka

Nagarhole National Park is a beautiful forest reserve located in south Indian state of Karnataka. Spread over the Mysore and Kodagu districts, the park is bonded by the Kabini river to the south, the Wayanad Sanctuary to its south-west and the Bandipur Tiger Reserve to its south-east.

Nagarhole is one of the oldest National Park in India. It is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve inhabiting tigers as well as some of the other rare and endangered species. It was declared as a Game Sanctuary in 1955. With a view to preserve the exotic wildlife of the forest, the area of the park was extended by combining Mysore forests with Nagarhole National Park. The best period to visit Nagarhole is between October to April.

Flora of Nagarhole National Park :

Nagarhole consists of the moist and dry deciduous with an abundance of teak and rosewood trees. To the west, where rainfall is greater, the vegetation is mainly tropical moist and semi-evergreen forests. There are also patches of swampy fallows that are dominated by grasses and sedges, providing ideal grazing areas for many wild herbivores. Tectona Grandis and Dalbergia Latifolia trees are found in abundance in southern parts of the park.

Fauna of Nagarhole National Park :

At Nagarhole large groups of sambar, chital, gaur and elephants, and occasionally a tiger or leopard can also be easily spotted. Among other mammals are muntjac, the tiny mouse, deer, wild boar, pangolin, giant squirrel, slender loris, langurs and the macaques. Some 250 species of birds have have listed in the park and these include Malabar Trogan, and Malabar pied hornbill, the Great Indian black woodpecker, the Indian pitta and the green imperial pigeons.

Things to see and do :

Elephant Rides :

The best way to explore the Nagarhole National Park is by taking a one hour elephant safari, which begins early in the morning. A maximum of four people are allowed on each elephant. Enjoying the majestic walk of Elephant while being on his back and tramping through the tall grass is full of adventure and fun.

You get the chance to meet plenty of animals such as sambar, chital, toger and even leopards. The forest officials keep a strict watch on the moment of tiger and when is sighted alert is sounded. Remember that the elephant rides are in short supply in the high season, so make all your bookings well in advance. Tourists are charged Rs 50 for the ride, But keep in mind that they may not be on all times.

Mini Bus Safari :

The Forest Department runs approximately one hour mini bus safari into the park, both in the mornings and the evenings. It provides you the greater opportunity to peep closely into the animal life, giving you a lot of newer and unique experiences. Remember open jeep safaris are not allowed in the park, however you use private jeeps for taking jungle safari, but you need to take prior permission from Forest Department at Hunsur.

Make sure that you do not disturb the animals, by blowing horn or making making too much noise, otherwise they would hide away and you will loose the golden opportunity to spot them. Please confirm schedule and rates while planning your wildlife tours.

Birding :

Bird Watchers have a treat in store at Nagarhole National Park. The park is a home to number of 250 species of birds including blue-bearded bee-eater, scarlet minivet and Malabar whistling thrush. Join a local birding group. Sit silently besides the Kabini river and listen to the sweet chartering of birds. You can also walk around some areas- just make sure that you have a forest guide with you.