Imagine being surrounded by the sounds and sights of nature, witnessing the majestic wildlife in their natural habitat, and experiencing the thrill of a safari adventure. This is what awaits you at Nagarhole National Park, one of the most biodiverse and beautiful national parks in India.
Nagarhole National Park is located in the southern state of Karnataka, about 220 km from Bangalore and 90 km from Mysore. It covers an area of 643 sq km and is part of the larger Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It was established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1955 and became a national park in 1988. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a tiger reserve.
The name Nagarhole means “snake river” in Kannada, the local language. It refers to the winding course of the Kabini river that flows through the park. The park is also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, after the former prime minister of India.
Nagarhole National Park is a wildlife paradise that offers a variety of safari options, accommodation facilities, and nearby attractions. It is a perfect destination for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and adventure seekers who want to experience the beauty and diversity of Karnataka’s forests and wildlife.
In this article, we will explore the wildlife, the safari options, the accommodation facilities, the best time to visit, and the nearby attractions of Nagarhole National Park. Whether you are looking for a weekend getaway, a family vacation, or a solo trip, you will find something to suit your interests and preferences at this amazing destination.
Wildlife
Nagarhole National Park is home to over 270 species of birds, 60 species of mammals, 50 species of reptiles, and 120 species of trees. It has one of the highest densities of tigers in India, with an estimated population of 72 individuals. It also hosts the largest congregation of Asiatic elephants in the world, with over 6,000 individuals.
The park is also a haven for birdwatchers, as it boasts of a rich variety of avian fauna. Some of the common birds that can be seen in the park are peacocks, jungle fowls, partridges, quails, woodpeckers, barbets, hornbills, kingfishers, bee-eaters, drongos, cuckoos, owls, eagles, kites, hawks, falcons, vultures, herons, or ioles etc.
The park is also involved in conservation efforts under Project Tiger and Project Elephant that aim to protect and preserve these endangered species and their habitats. The park has several anti-poaching camps and forest patrol units that monitor and safeguard the wildlife from poachers and other threats.
Safari
One of the main attractions of Nagarhole National Park is the safari experience that allows you to witness the wildlife up close and personal. The park offers different safari options depending on your preference and budget. You can choose from jeep safari, coracle safari (a round boat made of bamboo), boat safari (a motorized boat), or bus safari (a mini bus).
The safari timings are as follows:
Mode Morning Evening
Jeep 6:00-9:00 15:00-18:00
Coracle 9:00-11:00 -
Boat 9:00-11:00 15:00-17:00
Bus 6:30-9:30 15:00-17:30
Mode Indian Foreigner
Jeep Rs. 1,500 Rs. 2,500
Coracle Rs. 300 Rs. 500
Boat Rs. 300 Rs. 500
Bus Rs. 300 Rs. 1,100
The best time to spot wildlife is during the early morning or late evening hours when they are most active.
You should wear comfortable clothes and shoes that blend with the natural surroundings.
You should also carry binoculars, cameras, water bottles, sunscreen, hats, and insect repellents.
You should follow the instructions of the guides and drivers and respect the rules and regulations of the park.
You should not litter or feed or disturb the animals or make loud noises.
You may also like to check out: Kabini Nagarhole National Park Itinerary
Accommodation
There are various accommodation facilities available at or near Nagarhole National Park, ranging from jungle lodges to resorts to hotels to homestays.
You can choose from the following options depending on your preference and budget:
Evolve Back Kabini:
This is one of the most popular and luxurious options for staying at Nagarhole National Park. It offers spacious cottages and tents with attached bathrooms and modern amenities. It also has a restaurant that serves delicious local cuisine. It organizes various activities such as wildlife documentaries, campfires, nature walks, birdwatching sessions etc. The price ranges from Rs. 10k to Rs. 15k per person per night depending on the season.
To book a stay at this property click here.
Red Earth Kabini:
This is another excellent option for staying at Nagarhole National Park. It offers cozy cottages with private jacuzzis and balconies overlooking the Kabini river. It also has a spa that offers relaxing massages and treatments. It organizes various activities such as cycling, fishing, boating, etc.
The price ranges from Rs. 8k to Rs. 12k per person per night depending on the season.
To book a stay at this property click here.
The Serai Kabini:
This is another option for staying at Nagarhole National Park. It offers elegant rooms and villas with private pools and decks overlooking the Kabini river. It also has a restaurant that serves continental and Indian cuisine. It organizes various activities such as yoga, meditation, pottery, etc.
The price ranges from Rs. 12k to Rs. 18k per night depending on the season and package.
To book a stay at this property click here.
Kaav Safari Lodge:
This is another option for staying at Nagarhole National Park. It offers comfortable rooms and tents with attached bathrooms and modern amenities. It also has a restaurant that serves Indian and continental cuisine. It organizes various activities such as cycling, kayaking, etc. The price ranges from Rs. 8k to Rs. 10k per person.
To book a stay at this property click here.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Nagarhole National Park is from October to May, when the weather is pleasant and dry, and the chances of spotting wildlife are high.
The park is open throughout the year, but the monsoon season from June to September may affect the safari operations and road conditions.
The peak season is from December to February, when the park attracts a lot of tourists and photographers. You may need to book your safari and accommodation well in advance during this time.
The average temperature of the park ranges from 15°C to 33°C, with the lowest in December and January and the highest in April and May. The average rainfall of the park is about 1,400 mm, with the highest in July and August and the lowest in January and February.
The park has different seasons that offer different experiences and attractions. Here is a brief overview of each season:
Summer (March to May):
This is the best time to spot wildlife, especially tigers and elephants, as they come out of the dense forest and gather near the water sources. The vegetation is also less dense, making it easier to spot animals. However, this is also the hottest time of the year, with temperatures reaching up to 33°C. You should carry enough water and sunscreen and wear light clothes and hats.
Monsoon (June to September):
This is the time when the park receives most of its rainfall, making it lush and green. The waterfalls and streams are also at their full glory, creating a scenic backdrop for photography. However, this is also the time when some of the safari routes and roads may be closed or inaccessible due to flooding or landslides. You should carry raincoats and umbrellas and wear waterproof shoes.
Winter (October to February):
This is the time when the weather is cool and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 28°C. The park is also less crowded, making it ideal for a peaceful and relaxing getaway. However, this is also the time when some of the wildlife may be less active or visible due to the cold or fog. You should carry warm clothes and blankets and wear layers.
Nearby Attractions
Nagarhole National Park is not only a wildlife destination, but also a cultural and historical one. There are many nearby attractions that can be visited along with the park, such as temples, monuments, waterfalls, and sanctuaries.
You can choose from the following options depending on your preference and time:
Omkareshwara Temple:
This is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Madikeri town, about 90 km from Nagarhole National Park. It was built in 1820 by King Lingarajendra II in a mix of Islamic and Gothic style. It has a large water tank in front of it that houses several fish. It is open from 6:30 am to 12 pm and from 5 pm to 8 pm every day.
Raja’s Seat:
This is a scenic spot in Madikeri town, about 90 km from Nagarhole National Park. It was once the favorite place of the kings of Kodagu to enjoy the sunset and the panoramic view of the hills and valleys. It has a beautiful garden with flowers and fountains. It also has a toy train that runs around the garden. It is open from 5:30 am to 8 pm every day.
Iruppu Falls:
This is a stunning waterfall located in the Brahmagiri hills, about 50 km from Nagarhole National Park. It is also known as Lakshmana Tirtha Falls, as it is believed that Lakshmana, the brother of Lord Rama, shot an arrow here to create a water source for Sita, his sister-in-law. It is also a pilgrimage site, as there is a Shiva temple near the falls. It is open from 6 am to 6 pm every day.
Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary:
This is a wildlife sanctuary adjacent to Nagarhole National Park, covering an area of 181 sq km. It is home to various animals such as tigers, leopards, elephants, gaurs, deer, wild dogs, etc. It also has several trekking trails that lead to the Brahmagiri peak, which offers a spectacular view of the surroundings. It is open from 6 am to 6 pm every day.
Bylakuppe:
This is a Tibetan settlement located near Kushalnagar town, about 70 km from Nagarhole National Park. It is one of the largest Tibetan settlements in India, with over 10,000 refugees. It has several monasteries, temples, stupas, and shops that showcase the Tibetan culture and religion.
The most famous attraction here is the Namdroling Monastery, which houses the Golden Temple, a magnificent structure with three giant statues of Buddha. It is open from 9 am to 6 pm every day.
Also check out: Nagarhole, Tholpetty and Irupu Falls: A Golden Triangle of Sorts!
Nagarhole National Park is a wildlife paradise that offers a variety of safari options, accommodation facilities, and nearby attractions.
It is a perfect destination for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and adventure seekers who want to experience the beauty and diversity of Karnataka’s forests and wildlife.
We hope you enjoyed this article and learned something new about Nagarhole National Park. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you.
