Nagarhole Tiger Reserve
Welcome To Nagarhole Tiger Reserve
Nagarahole National Park Situated between the Mysuru plateau in Karnataka and the Nilgiri Mountains of Tamil Nadu, Nagarahole is a 640 sq. km. the sanctuary that is home to an abundant variety of wildlife. Rajiv Gandhi National Park is an important Tiger Reserve in Karnataka and is a major hub of conservation under Project Tiger and Project Elephant, the sanctuary is host to the largest herd of Asiatic elephants in the world and innumerable species of birds, flora, and fauna including large predators, reptiles, gaurs, deer, bears, and smaller animals.
Wildlife in Nagarhole Tiger Reserve
Being an important Tiger Reserve in Karnataka, Nagarahole is a must-visit national park for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers as the forest safari offers a very high probability of being able to spot Bengal Tigers and Asiatic Elephants in their natural habitat. Nagąrahole National Park is also home to a large number of Wild Dogs, Leopards, and Bears. Commonly spotted herbivore animals are Wild Gaurs, Wild Boar, Sambar Deer, Antelope, Spotted Deers as well as several species of birds. Nagarahole National Park also has a rich collection of Teak Trees and Rosewood.
Safari in Nagarhole Tiger Reserve
1. Jeep Safari: Perfect for individuals or small groups, the Jeep Safari is considered the best way to enjoy the wilderness of the Nagarhole National Park. It is an ideal choice for travelers to spot many large and small herbivores in their natural habitat. Each jeep can accommodate up to 6 people along with a driver and the guide. The timings of the Jeep Safari are as follows:
Morning: From 5:30 AM to 10:00 AM
Evening: From 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM
2. Coracle Safari: Another exciting ride here is the Coracle Safari that lets you enjoy a thrilling experience along the edges of the river Kabini on a traditional round-shaped boat. During this adventurous journey, you’ll experience many moods of the river along with spotting the land animals as well. The timings of the Coracle Safari are as follows:
Morning: From 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Evening: From 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
3. Boat Safari: For all those who are interested in enjoying the aquatic wildlife at the park, a Boat Safari is a good option to go. It takes place on the river Kabini where you can also witness many other water birds along with the marsh crocodiles. The timings of the Boat Safari are as follows:
Morning: From 6:30 AM to 9:15 AM
Evening: From 3:30 PM to 6:15 PM
4. Bus Safari: If you want to increase the chances of wildlife sightseeing at Nagarhole National Park, you can go ahead with Bus Safari. It operates in 2 shifts and can easily accommodate 20-25 people at once. The timings of the Bus Safari are as follows:
Morning: From 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM
Evening: From 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Since a limited number of safari vehicles are allowed to enter the park at once, it is recommended to book the safari in advance and reach the gate at least an hour prior to booking.
Best Time to Visit Nagarhole Tiger Reserve
To explore the surroundings of Nagarhole National Park, you don’t need to wait for a specific time to plan your Mysore tour. However, if you want to make the most of your visit, the ideal time would be during the dry summer season i.e., April and May month. At this time, the animals come out of their space to the lake to quench their thirst, so the chances of seeing them closely increases.
Winter season that starts from November and continues until February is also considered a good time to pave your way towards this park. During this time, the city offers pleasant weather conditions, with temperature sometimes even dropping to 10-degree Celsius, making it a perfect destination for holidaymakers of all ages.
Please note that the Nagarhole National Park usually remains closed during monsoons as the region receives heavy rains from June to September.
How to Reach Nagarhole Tiger Reserve?
By Air: Mysore Airport, which is the only airport in the city, is approximately 94 Km away from Nagarhole National Park and it receives direct flights from Hyderabad, Kochi, Goa, Bengaluru, and Chennai. However, if you are coming from any other city in the country, you can fly to Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru.
By Train: Another convenient way to reach Nagarhole National Park is by train. Mysore Railway Station, also known as Mysuru Junction, is the main station that serves as a connecting link between Mysore and many other major cities. It operates around 172 trains from across the country and takes only 4 hours to cover the distance to the park.
By Road: Enjoy a road trip to Mysore to witness its mesmerizing beauty and picturesque landscapes on the way. It is considered as the most preferred option for people living in Coorg, Bengaluru, Ooty, Madikeri, and Coonoor. Other than that, there are several private and public-owned buses by Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation that take you to the Nagarhole National Park at pocket-friendly prices.
