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Nagarhole National Park is one of the best destinations for wildlife travel in Karnataka. 'Nagara' means snake and 'hole' means river, it gets the name because of the river that looks like slithering snake.
It is also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park and is one of the top tourist places in Coorg (Kodagu district).
Let us take a virtual tour around this wildlife reserve!
History of the Reserve
Nagarhole was once a major hunting ground for the Kings of Mysore. It was in 1955, it was made into a wildlife sanctuary.
It gained the status of National Park in 1983. Today, along with Bandipur National Park and Mudumalai Forest Reserve it is a part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
Photo Courtesy: Srikaanth Sekar
The Location
Nagarhole National Park is situated between the borders of Mysore and Kodagu (Coorg) districts. It is located to the North-West of Bandipur National Park.
In fact, the Kabini River separates these two national parks.The city of Mysore is around 90km from this scenic wildlife reserve!
Photo Courtesy: Chinmayisk
Best Time To Visit
Tourists can visit the Nagarhole during the winter season (October to February). This is the best time to visit the park.
Many also love to visit during the summer season (March - May). It is only during the rainy season that it is not advisable to travel here!
Photo Courtesy: Altaipanther
Animal Kingdom
Nagarhole is a protected reserve and it is also one of the top tiger reserves in India. The forest is home to a number of animals like tiger,leopard, sambar deer, wild boar, elephants, jungle cat, etc.
Herds of elephants are a common sight on the banks of the river. Overall, one gets to see happy crowds of animals in their natural habitat!
Photo Courtesy: Yathin S Krishnappa
Happy Feet - Colourful Birds
Nagarhole is also a home to a number of bird species. The rich flora of the Wester Ghats offers a green home for the birds.
Some endangered species of birds like Oriental white-backed vultures, greater spotted eagle, etc. are found here.
Photo Courtesy: Yathin S Krishnappa
Threats For the Wildlife Reserve
Animals are a main target for poachers and due to the commercialization even the tribes men (Jenu Kurubas)of the forest hunt animals for money.
There is a dire need to take precautionary measures to protect the forest from natural calamities like forest fire, poaching of animals and cutting Timber.Thus, the animals and even the trees like sandalwood are under threat.
Photo Courtesy: Yathin S Krishnappa
Staying Options
Tourists can find a number hotels and resorts around the national park. Among them, Kabini River Lodge, Orange County, Jungle Inn Resort, The King's Sanctuary, etc. are some of the main places for stay.
Some of these resorts also arrange for safari, enquire about the packages they offer.
Photo Courtesy: kabiniriverlodge.com
Safari Details
You can book for safari with the Karnataka Forest Department. Or opt for a package with accommodation and safari in the resort you stay.
The morning safari is from 6am to 8am and evening it'll be from 3pm to 5pm.
The safari schedules might change prior to sudden climatic changes or technical issues. Please enquire with the concerned authorities before planning it.
Photo Courtesy: Sissssou2
