Nagarhole

Aihole  Badami  Bangalore  Belur  Bijapur  Coorg  Halebid  Hampi  Hassan 
Hospet  Mysore  Nagarhole

If you are planning a getaway, go to Nagarhole. Apart from seeing the vast variety of wildlife, the sanctuary also gives you the much needed break amidst the lush and rich flora and fauna here. Nagarhole is considered to be the finest tiger reserve in India. The name Nagarhole has been derived from the two Kannada words ’Nagar’ meaning snake and ’hole’ meaning stream. As the name suggests, there are quite a few serpentine streams that flow through the rich tropical forests of the park.

Established as a National Park in 1955, its area was expanded in the year 1975. The park is also named as Rajiv Gandhi National Park in memory of the former Prime Minister of India. Sightseeing A wide variety of flora and fauna and abundance of natural beauty are the major attractions out here. The park has a large elephant and bison population. Moreover, the park also houses a variety of other animal species along with approximately 250 species of birds. The park is easily accessible from the nearby major town, giving you some good accommodation option like the forest bungalows and inspection bungalows. Prior booking of accommodation is advisable. The park has on its north the Kabini River and on its southern fringe is the Bandipur National Park. A dam on the Kabini River and its picturesque reservoir demarcates the two national parks. Moreover, the Coracle ride is a must to have a complete experience of your visit. Excursions Green is the keyword for any of the sites that you visit in and around the Nagarhole National Park. And the experience of being close to the mother nature is much thrilling too. Though there are a number of sites to visit around Nagarhole, the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary and the Bandipur National Park are the two destinations that you must not miss. The different species of birds in the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary and the natural habitat of some of the rare species of flora and fauna along with the Asiatic Elephant in the Bandipur National Park make them the nature lover’s destinations. WALKING TOUR The topography of the Park is undulating with several permanent and seasonal streams and tanks making it an ideal habitat for a number of rare species as well as migratory birds. Because of its location, the park is characterised by dense tropical forest with a humid climate. A wide variety of birds migrate to the park during the peak of the summer season making it an ideal time to sight the wild in jungle. Apart from the aves, you will also find some of the important predators and carnivora like the tiger, leopard, wild dog (dhole or Cuon alpinus), sloth bear and the hyena, herbivores like sambar, barking deer, four-horned antelope (Tetracerus quadricornis), gaur (Bos gaurus), wild boar (Sus scrofa) and elephant roaming freely in the park. CORACLE RIDE While in the park you must try the Coracle Ride on the Kabini river. It is also advisable to have a view of the wildlife and also go for birding in the morning in the park. Elephant ride also makes an interesting option to have a fascinating experience in the wilderness. However if you are not into animal ride, you can also choose a drive to the nearby Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary. Excursions for Nagarhole Bandipur National Park Bandipur National Park, another nature’s marvel, is a forest reserve located just near the Nagarhole National Park. This park is known for its valuable hardwoods, rosewood and teak etc. The Moyar River flows by the park irrigating the entire forest area. The park is also one of the finest and most accessible habitats of the Asiatic elephant. You can even see the wild beast moving free in the forest. Here you can also find rare species like the chitals, wild pigs, leopards, and tigers. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary Just few kilometres from Nagarhole, the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is a must have in your excursion itinerary. The Sanctuary is a feast for the eyes of a bird lover. A never seen before sight of different kinds of the nests and feathers will definitely be an exciting experience for you.