Once an exclusive hunting ground for the rulers of Mysore, Nagarhole acquired the status of a national park in 1975. Spread over 643 sq. km of wilderness against the backdrop of the Brahmagiri Mountains, it is one of the best wildlife experiences in India. Recently, the park has been renamed Rajiv Gandhi National Park.

 

Flanked by Bandipur National Park to the southeast and Kerala's Wynad Sanctuary to the southwest, Nagarhole is part of the larger Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Nagarhole derives its name from the Kannada word, naga that means snake, and hole meaning streams. True to its name, the park is criss-crossed by serpentine rivers and streams.

 

A perennial water reservoir is at the centre of the park, while a series of slopes and shallow valleys spread outwards, covered with bamboo, teak, and cassia forests, as well as marshy swamps.

Nagarhole Park is counted among India's best wildlife parks. It has a large elephant and bison population. It also hosts a variety of animal species along with approximately 250 species of birds.

 

On its northern confines is the Kabini River and on its southern fringes is the Bandipur national park. A dam on the Kabini River and its picturesque reservoir demarcates the two national parks. During the dry season (February-June), this artificial lake attracts a large number of animals, making it an ideal spot for sighting wildlife.

Nearest airport is Mysore, which is 96 km away from Nagarhole. Mysore is connected to Bangalore. Bangalore is also the nearest international airport which is at a distance of 236 km away from Mysore. There are regular flights to Bangalore from all the major cities in India. Bangalore is connected to many international cities as well. Taxi services are available from Bangalore to Nagarhole which costs about Rs 5000 and from Mysore to Nagarhole costing about Rs 2000.

Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation connects Nagarhole with other cities nearby. A/C deluxe tourist buses are available from Bangalore and Mysore to Nagarhole with fare about Rs 4 per km.

Mysore railway station is the nearest railway station, which is 96 km away from Nagarhole. Mysore is connected to Bangalore, which is 240 km away from Nagarhole. Bangalore is well connected to all the other cities in India. Taxi services are available from Bangalore to Nagarhole which costs about Rs 5000 and from Mysore to Nagarhole costing about Rs 2000.

Today Nagarhole Park comprises of Arikeri, Hatgat and Nalkeri reserve forests, along with adjoining Mysore reserve forests.The topography is undulating with several permanent and seasonal streams and tanks. The forest cover generally consists of a moist deciduous thick jungle with a thirty-meter high top.

 

The rich tropical forests, flourishing green swamps and numerous water resources make Nagarhole National Park an ideal habitat for wildlife.The forest is home to animals like the four-horned antelope, sloth bear, jungle cat, civet, spotted deer, elephant, wild dog, flying fox, tiger, panther, gaur (Indian bison), sambhar, wild boar, black-naped hare, bonnet macaque, and pangolin. Cobras, crocodiles, kraits, pythons, vipers, and several species of lizards are also found here.

Among the 250 bird species found here, the prominent ones are the common babbler, bee-eater, bulbul, dove, crested serpent, hornbill, Malabar pied, alexandrine, peacock, woodpecker, warbler, great Indian reed, eagle, crested hawk, golden-back parakeet, and the southern tree pie. Nagarhole is worth visiting at the height of the dry season, when wild animals can be spotted in large numbers near sources of water.

Vehicles and guides are available to take you around the Nagarhole National Park. If this natural heaven awakens the 'spirit of adventure' in you then consider heading for the Brahmagiri Mountains-an inviting destination for those who wish to go trekking. Prior permission is required from the authorities before embarking on a trekking trail.

Madikere, a place 93 km from Nagarhole, is a scenic locale famous for its coffee and orange plantations. Madhumallii (also Mudumalai), Wynad and Bandipur National Park lie near Nagarhole forest.