Address
Madikeri Road,
Hunsur, Karnataka 571201
Directions: Google Maps
Support
Phone: 080-2235 2828/2626 (Karnataka tourism)
Phone: 0821-2480902 (forest dept)
Email: nil
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About Nagarhole National Park
Established in 1955 as a wildlife sanctuary, Nagarhole National Park lies along the Western Ghats, nestled between the districts of Kodagu and Mysore, in Karnataka. India. Spread across 643 sq.km, the National Park is the 37th Project Tiger in India, and is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
Declared as a National Park in 1988, the park became one of South India’s premier tiger reserves in 1999 and is popular for Asiatic Elephants and Tigers. The Park, also known as the Rajiv Gandhi National Park, comprises of 47 rivulets, 41 artificial water bodies, 4 lakes, 4 perennial rivers, a water reservoir, and a dam.
The Park is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere reserve, the largest one in the country, and has the highest concentration of Herbivores in Asia. Major wildlife attractions at Nagarhole park includes, Asiatic elephants, Bengal tigers, Sloth bear, Indian leopard, Four horned antelope, Sambar deer and Spotted deer. Bird watching is a popular activity at the park, and has over 250 species of migratory and resident birds, spotted near the Kabini River. Reptiles found at the park are marsh crocodiles, snakes, vipers, pythons, and lizards, along with different kinds of dung beetles and ants.
Nearby attractions at Nagarhole Park are the Bandipur National Park, Wayanad National Park, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Mudumalai National Park, Kabini Lake, and the Iruppu Waterfalls. The ideal time to visit is from October to May, for spotting animals and birds, and the peak season of April and May is perfect for outdoor activities, and December is best for safari rides. The early monsoons are best for viewing forest landscape, and safari rides remains closed for monsoons, and heavy rain.
Safari rides at Nagarhole National Park includes the Jeep, boat, coracle, and the bus safari, and is highly recommended to book online in advance. Jeep Safari rides are ideal to spot Asiatic elephants, Bengal Tigers, Indian Leopards, and are perfect for video filming, and seeing animals from a safe distance. Boat safari rides along the Kabini River are perfect to spot birds, crocodiles, and the Coracle rides on round boats are ideal for slow drifting, and to spot animals on land. Bus safari rides are ideal to spot animals deep in the forest and, perfect during summer season, and is highly preferred during peak seasons.
Nagarhole National Park is open from October – May, and remains closed during monsoons, and the safari rides cost INR 200 for Indians, and INR 1500, for foreigners, and INR 125 for children. The timings are as follows : Jeep safari (5:30am-10:00am & 3:00pm-7:00pm), Boat safari (6:30am-9:15am & 3:30am-6:15pm), Coracle safari (9:00am-11:00am & 5:00pm-6:00pm), and Bus safari (6:00am-9:00am & 3:00am-5:00pm).
Tourists can book cottages, at the Nagarhole Park for accommodation, and is best to place reservations in advance. The Kabini River Lodge, Jungle Inn, and the Kings Sanctuary are popular accommodations, near the park with luxury lodging amenities.
The nearest railway station is 80 km away at Mysore, and connects frequent train services from Mysore to the other metro cities in India. The nearest international airport is 236 km away at Bangalore, and the nearest domestic airport is 96km away at Mysore. Nagarhole Park is 80 km from Mysore, 96 km from Madikeri, and 236 km from Bangalore, with good road connectivity, and bus rides are much cheaper than taxi rides. For complaints or queries on tickets, timings, safari, photography, or others, reach the Nagarhole Park support.
