Nagarhole National Park recently renamed as Rajiv Gandhi National Park is located in Karnataka state. The park is named after the late Prime Minister of India and is one of the best wildlife parks in India. This park shares its boundary with the Bandipur National Park. Together with the adjoining Bandipur National Park and Mudumalai National Park, Nagarhole national park is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve which is India's largest stretch of protected forests. The park, situated between Coorg and the Mysore districts is about 96 far from Mysore and spread over and over an expanse of 640 sq. km. Kabini River flows on the northern side of the park. A dam on the Kabini River and its picturesque reservoir acts as a natural boundary between Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary and Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuary and demarcates the two national parks.
The name Nagarhole is derived from two words of local Kannada language - 'Nagar' means snake and 'Hole,' means streams. True to its name there are many winding streams that run through the jungles of the national park like a snake. The park was established in 1955 and in the year 1975 the area of the reserve was extended to its present size combining the Mysore forests and designated as a national park. The forests served as a private hunting place for the rulers of Mysore before being declared as a protected area. The deep valleys and the mesmerising landscapes in the sanctuary make it perfect place to experience the wonders of nature in its most refined state. Nagarole national park provides an opportunity to observe the wild beasts in their natural habitat.
When to visit Nagarhole
The sanctuary remains open throughout the year. The best time to visit the park is in winter and summer months from October to May. During the summer months of April-May the chances of animal’s sightings are more near the water bodies.
Flora in Nagarhole National Park
The terrain of the park is a mixture of forests, thick grasslands and water bodies. The vegetation comprises of tropical, moist deciduous type and a portion of dry deciduous type. The deciduous trees covering a large part of the jungle become leafless in the summer months. Because of high rainfall in this region the park has a large number of open grassy swamps which remain green perennially. Teak and Eucalyptus are two commonly found trees.
Fauna
The park has an astonishing abundance of wildlife. The prominent animals in the park are the giant Asian elephant and the bison. Other residents of the park include chital spotted deer, muntjac (barking deer), mouse deer, four-horned antelope, wild boar, jungle cat, leopard cat, rusty spotted cat, hyena, mongoose, civet, sloth bear, wild dog, panther, tiger, sambhar, bonnet macaque, giant squirrel, slender loris, langurs, pangolin etc. The reptiles include marsh crocodile, monitor lizard and rock python. The Park has about 250 bird species like crested hawk-eagle, Malabar trogon, malabar pied hornbill, blue beaded bee eater, scarlet minivet, Malabar whistling thrush, common ospreys and ducks.
Nearby Attractions
Madikeri is located about 93 km from Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuary. Madikeri is a picturesque locale known for its misty mountains, sprawling coffee plantations and cascading waterfalls. Mudumalai, Wynad and Bandipur National Park which are located nearby to Nagarhole forest are also worth a visit.
How to Reach Nagarhole National Park
The airport nearest to Nagarhole is Bangalore at a distance of 220 km. The nearest railway station is in Mysore at a distance of 80 km from Nagarhole. Nagarhole National park is well connected to adjoining areas of Karnataka by a good network of roads.
Accommodation
Accommodation is available in forest rest houses and cottages. Also there are many private lodges and resorts that offer comfortable stay to the tourists.