About Nagarhole
Love watching animals in the wild? Come and enjoy the safari with your family and friends. Leave the booking worries to us—we’ll take care of it!
Located in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, Nagarhole is an important Tiger Reserve in India. Famous for its wide range of flora and fauna, this national park is a paradise for nature and wildlife lovers. Apart from Tigers, you can also spot other wildlife species like sloth bears, Leopards, elephants, and gaur with various birds. Visitors from all over the world are attracted to Nagarhole because of its lush valleys, thick forests, and beautiful Lakes. The conservation efforts and well-preserved ecosystem of Nagarhole National Park have contributed to its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
To explore this park visitors can opt for guided treks or jeep safaris, offering a chance to spot some popular wildlife species in their natural habitat. The most suitable time to visit the Nagarhole National Park is between October and February as the pleasant weather during this time results in increased wildlife activity. Apart from guided tours and safaris visitors can also indulge in some other interesting activities like trekking, birdwatching, and camping. Being close to famous tourist spots, Nagarhole is the perfect doorway to beautiful places like Mysore and Ooty.
History
The Name Nagarhole is derived from the Kannada language in which Naga Means snake and Hole means Streams. Located in Karnataka, this wildlife sanctuary was established in 1955, with a total park area of 640 sq km. This area was known for its ecological significance during the British colonial era. In 1986 the wildlife sanctuary was upgraded to a national park and in 1999 it was announced as a tiger reserve.
Nagarhole is famous for being home to diverse wildlife animals and bird species including elephants, tigers, leopards, and birds. In today’s time, Nagarhole is considered a popular tourist destination which contributes to sustainable tourism and the local economy. With these conservation efforts, the rich history of Nagarhole plays an important role in preserving Western Ghat’s Biodiversity.
Flora of Nagarhole National Park
There are different types of forests in Nagarhole National Park. You will get to see deciduous forests in the southern part, these forests have Teak and rosewood trees. Then when you head towards the eastern part, you will see dry and deciduous forests with Pala indigo and thorny wattle. Eugenia trees can also be seen in Swamp forests. Rosewood, Teak, Silver Oak, and sandalwood are some commercially important trees that can be found in the Nagarhole National Park. Some other trees found in the dry deciduous forests include crocodile bark, Maplewood, Indian kino, cotton tree, and Indian Gooseberry. Horse nettles, tick clover, and Helicteres are some shrubs that can be seen in the forests. Some tree species like flame-of-the-forest, golden shower, and clusters of clumping bamboo increase the beauty of Nagarhole and create an ecologically rich atmosphere.
Fauna of Nagarhole National Park
Nagarhole National Park is famous for being home to diverse species of reptiles, mammals, and birds. Some of the most popular animals are the Royal Bengal Tigers, leopards, Indian wild dogs, Sloth Bears, Elephants, and Sambar Deer. If you want to witness elephants then you must check near the Bamboo forests as they are generally found near that area.
If you like birdwatching, the best time to visit Nagarhole National Park is in summer. This is the time when artificial water sources dry up attracting many birds. This park is home to over 250 bird species including the migratory birds. A few well-known species you can spot here are the Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, white-backed vulture, red-headed vulture, greater spotted eagle, blue-winged parakeet, and Malabar Grey Hornbill. If you move towards the dry area, you will get to see birds like painted bush quail, Indian Robin, Indian Peafowl, and yellow-legged green pigeon.
This park also has various reptiles like Indian Rock Python, mugger, Indian Monitor Lizard, and bamboo pit viper. Apart from all this, the park also supports a wide range of insects, with over 90 dung beetle species and over 60 ant species.
Destinations at Nagarhole
Yes, Nagarhole National Park Safari also has the option to book a boat safari. This includes rowing on a boat in the Kabini River. If you pick the evening safari, you will also be able to see a mesmerizing sunset. Moreover, on the boat safari, you can watch the marsh crocodiles and other flora and fauna near the river.
Nagarhole Jeep safari Package Available at Nagarhole.org
Nagarhole has several interesting destinations for visitors to explore. The diverse landscapes of Nagarhole National Park from lush forests to water bodies offer a chance to indulge in activites like trekking, nature photography, and wildlife spotting. Some of the popular destinations at Nagarhole are Kutta, Kabini River, Irppu Fall, and Ishwara Temple. The main entrance of this National Park is in Hunsur, from here you can seek more information and obtain permits. A few other popular places within the Nagarhole National Park are the Nagarhole Dam and Kavadi Hole. Check out this list below to learn about Nagarhole’s notable destinations.
1. Kutta
Situated in Nagarhole National Park Kutta is a beautiful Village that promises an immersive and serene experience to the visitors. Surrounded by lush green forests, this village provides excellent views of the Kabini River with the chance to spot Wildlife. This village serves as the base for the exploration of the park, with a variety of stay options available ranging from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury hotels. Tourists visiting the Kutta Village can enjoy activities such as nature walks, boat rides in the Kabini River, and birdwatching. The key factors that attract visitors to this village are tranquillity and easy accessibility to the wildlife of the Park. If you seek an unforgettable and peaceful experience in Nagarhole the Kutta is a must-visit.
2. Irppu Fall
Irppu Fall is a beautiful waterfall cascading down from 88 meters in height. Surrounded by lush greenery the waterfall creates breathtaking scenery within the Nagarhole National Park. To get to the Irppu Waterfall visitors have to trek through the park. During this trek, you will see several wildlife species. The falls attract visitors being a popular spot for swimming, family picnics, or relaxing in peace. The serene beauty and peaceful surroundings of Irppu Falls make it an ideal destination for adventure and nature lovers visiting the Nagarhole National Park.
3. Ishwara Temple
This historic temple located in Nagarhole National Park is one of the popular spots to visit for religious pilgrims and Nature lovers. The Ishwara Temple offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and spirituality. Believed to have been constructed in the 13th century, this is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is famous for intricate carvings and its peaceful atmosphere providing the perfect setting for tourists to spend some peaceful time amidst lush forests overlooking Kabini River.
Zones and Gates of Nagarhole
Nagarhole National Park has 4 main zones and 4 gates. The 4 zones are the Biligiri Rangan Hills Zone, Kabini Zone, Nagarahole Zone, and Hunsur Zone. Each Zone has its unique charm and wildlife. The four main gates park are the Kutta Gate, Nanchi Gate, Veeranahosahalli Gate, and Dammankatte Gate (Kabini). Nanchi Gate is located in the Nagarhole zone, and Veeranahosahalli, Dammankatte, and Kutta Gate are in the Kabini zone. For your entry, you can choose the best gate according to your choice and the time of the year you visit.
1. Veeranahosahalli Gate
Located in the Kabini Zone, Veeranahosahalli Gate is one of the main entry gates of the park. People taking entry through this gate get easy access to the scenic landscapes and diverse wildlife. From here you can go on safari activities, including elephant safari, jeep safari, or boat ride Kabini river. Surrounded by dense forest the Veeranahosahalli Gate offers stunning views of hills nearby. Various stay options are also available, making it easy for visitors to explore the park.
2. Nanchi Gate
Situated amidst Nagarhole Zone’s lush greenery Nanchi Gate promises a memorable experience for all wildlife enthusiasts. This entrance takes you directly to the most pristine and biodiverse area of the park. You can embark on a jeep safari from this park and explore the forest deeply to encounter elephants, tigers, and a few other fascinating animals or birds. Visitors taking entry from this gate can also go for exploring the lakes and landscapes of the park. With diverse wildlife offerings and a convenient location, Nanchi Gate is a first choice for visitors looking for unforgettable adventures. You must check all the details about Nagarhole safaris in advance to avoid any type of last-minute rush.
3. Kutta Gate
Located in the park’s southern part Kutta Gate is one of the main entrances of the Nagarhole National Park. Overlooking the beautiful Kabini River, this gate provides a serene escape from day-to-day busy life. If you are interested in spotting aquatic wildlife then you can embark on a boat safari from the Kutta Gate exploring Kabini River’s tranquil water. Embark on a trek through the park’s diverse ecosystems and witness various flora and fauna on your way. This gate is perfect for visitors wanting to spend time in a peaceful atmosphere to rejuvenate and relax. It is advised to book your slots for safari in advance and check the official website to know more About Nagarhole safaris.
4. Dammankatte Gate (Kabini)
Situated near Kabini, the Dammankatte Gate is one of the prime entrances for safari tours in the national park. This gate is famous for its safari experiences offering the best wildlife encounters. The dense deciduous forests around the Dammankatte Gate make it a great place for wildlife photography. The best time to spot wildlife near the Kabini River is during the dry season, as birds and animals are found near the river to drink water. Two types of safari are available from this gate. One is a jeep safari, providing an amazing forest experience and the second is a boat safari, giving a chance to spot animals and birds near the river.
Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Wildlife conservation efforts play an important role in protecting birds and animals including endangered species like Asian elephants and Royal Bengal Tiger. The management has implemented many strategies for protecting the diverse flora and fauna of this park. To prevent illegal hunting and wildlife trading anti-poaching measures were introduced. To monitor wildlife and detect poaching activities they use advanced technologies like drones and camera tapes.
Suitable habitats are also created for wildlife and efforts have been made to reduce wildlife and human conflict. Between human settlements and the national park buffer zones and corridors are created to keep both the areas separated. Successful wildlife conservation needs Community involvement and for this, the management has implemented community outreach programs to make the local communities learn about the importance of wildlife conservation.
The park has established a research and monitoring program for analysing the behaviour and gathering data on the wildlife population. This not only helps in developing effective conservation strategies but also helps in assessing the impact of the efforts.
Best Time to Visit
The most suitable time for planning a trip to Nagarhole is during the dry season, between October and May. Here is everything you need to know About Nagarhole National Park’s best time.
- Wildlife spotting: During the dry season it is easier to spot wildlife due to less dense vegetation. During dry season animals are more likely to gather around the water sources. It increases the chances of spotting wildlife easily.
- Cool and Pleasant Weather: Temperature during the dry season is ideal for the outdoors, making the safari experience comfortable and enjoyable.
- Less crowded: Dry season is best if you are looking for a peaceful experience. There are fewer visitors during this season as compared to monsoon.
The best thing about Nagarhole National Park is that it is beautiful throughout the year, but the months between October and March offer a great opportunity to spot wildlife in cool and pleasant temperatures.
Safari Experience
The safari experience in Nagarhole National Park is thrilling and it allows visitors to explore the diverse landscapes of the park from water bodies to dense forests. One of the most popular ways to explore Nagarhole is through jeep safaris. These are guided tours that take you through the winding trails offering a chance to spot leopards, elephants, tigers, and a few other animals. The guides accompanying you throughout the journey will share knowledgeable facts about the flora and fauna of this park. This will add an interesting twist to your overall wildlife safari experience.
If you want to have a closer wildlife encounter then you can opt for an elephant back safari. This will give you a chance to spot animals through different vantage points. Make sure you choose an early morning or late afternoon slot for the elephant safari because this is the time when these mammals are most active.
The other exciting way to explore Nagarhole is through a Boat safari along the Kabini River. With this safari, you can witness the aquatic wildlife in this area including crocodiles, otters, and a few bird species. The peaceful environment and beauty of the river make this experience relaxing and rejuvenating.
A safari experience in Nagahole is truly unforgettable. With rich biodiversity, beautiful landscapes, and experienced guides Nagarhole promises a wonderful experience to reconnect with nature and create memories to cherish for a lifetime.
Nearby Attractions
Offering a diverse range of experiences, Nagarhole is surrounded by many popular attractions nearby. Check out the list below to learn more about Nagarhole National Park’s prime attractions.
1. Kabini Backwaters:
This is one of the most loved attractions amongst the visitors of Nagarhole National Park. The Kabini Backwaters provides amazing opportunities like fishing, Boat safari, and enjoying scenic views. Here you can spot birds and a variety of aquatic wildlife like crocodiles and otters.
2. Talacauvery:
Talacauvery is another famous spot and Hindu pilgrimage site in this region. Surrounded by dense forests this is the Cauvery River’s origin point offering nature walks and trekking opportunities.
3. Mysore:
Famous for its rich culture and history, Mysore is a vibrant city that attracts many visitors with its beauty. Here you can visit the Mysore palace and some temples like Sri Chamundeshwari or Chamundi Hill. Through traditional cuisine, music, and art you can learn about the rich cultural heritage of this place.
4. Bandipur National Park:
Located Near Nagarhole, The Bandipur National Park is another famous Wildlife sanctuary that offers a similar experience. The wildlife safari in this park includes spotting elephants, tigers, and leopards. You can plan a combined trip to both the parks at one time.
How to Reach Nagarhole
Nagarhole National Park has great connectivity with all the prime Indian cities. Here is how you can reach the park easily by air, road, and train.
By Air: Fly to the nearest Airport which is in mysore located 90 km from the national park. From the airport, you can take a bus or hire a taxi to get to the national park easily.
By Train: Mysore Railway station is the closest to Nagarhole National Park and from here you will easily get a bus to get to the final destination.
By Road: Nagarhole National Park has great road connectivity from prime Indian cities in Karnataka. You can take NH212 which connects Nagarhole National Park to Mysore. You can also take a bus from cities like Ooty, Mysore, and Banglore.
FAQ’s About Nagarhole (Nagarhole National Park)
Love watching animals in the wild? Come and enjoy the safari with your family and friends. Leave the booking worries to us—we’ll take care of everything!