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.

Excursions for Nagarhole

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.

The temple doesn’t seem to impress one at the first glance as much of the superstructure has been lost. However, as one moves towards the temple, the work of excellent craftsmanship is revealed. Exquisite sculptures cover the exteriors. The base is surrounded by a line of 650 elephants with rows of figure and foliage above. Young musicians and dancers adorn either side of the main door. At the centre of the hall stands the Narasimha Pillar whose astonishing details are worth a look.

To the west of the Channekeshava Temple lies the Viranarayana Temple. You can have look at the fine sculpture of the temple and also visit some of the smaller temples around it.

Coracle Ride

Founded in the early 11th century as Dvarasamudra, this ancient capital of the Hoysala empire was destroyed by the armies of the Delhi Sultanate in 1311 and 1327. The famous Hoysaleswara temple, which today is the centre of attraction, however survived the destruction. The town was later renamed as Halebidu or Halebid.
The Jain bastis nearby form another major attraction in Halebid. These 12th-century temples stand in a garden enclosure where you can walk around and have a look at the dark interiors with carved ceilings.

The history of the Hoysaleswara temple dates back to around AD 1121. Though its construction spanned over 80 years, it was never completed. In structure, the temple is similar to the one at Belur. The temple is set in a well-tendered garden and has two shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. A Nandi bull faces the each shrine. All around the temple one can find big statues of Hindu deities with minute details on them displaying the excellent craftsmanship.

Bandipur National Park

Barely 60 km from Hassan, Chikmagloor (literally, younger daughter/’s town) is carved against a mountainous canvas of lofty peaks, delightful dales, racing rivers and sparkling streams. This hilly district situated in south-western part of Karnataka also has some exciting trekking routes in the Western Ghats. Chikmagloor town is a centre of education, trade and commerce and has some interesting monuments belonging to all religions. The Kodandarama Temple (which shows influences of both Hoysala and Dravidian styles of architecture), the Jamia Masjid, and the St. Joseph/’s Cathedral are some of the important monuments not to be missed. Another place worth visiting is Hiremagloor (now a part of Chikmagloor town) that has an Ishwara Temple with a 1.22-metre-high image of Jademuni

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.

Fact File

Area: 644 sq. km

Altitude:600-900 m above sea level

Best Time to Visit:February-June

Languages:Kannada and English

STD Code: 08228