Nagarhole National Park

Nagarhole National Park In Karnataka, India

Nagarhole National Park, also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, is one of India’s premier wildlife reserves, located in the Kodagu (Coorg) and Mysore districts of Karnataka.

Spanning 847.98 square kilometers, it is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and is connected to Bandipur National Park, Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu), and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala), forming one of the largest protected wildlife corridors in South India. The park is famous for its diverse wildlife and dense forests, making it a top destination for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.

It is home to the Bengal tiger, Indian leopard, Asiatic wild dog (dhole), sloth bear, striped hyena, sambar deer, chital (spotted deer), wild boar, and Indian gaur (bison). One of the highlights of Nagarhole is its large population of Asian elephants, often seen near water bodies.

The park is also rich in birdlife, with over 270 species, including the Malabar trogon, white-bellied woodpecker, great Indian hornbill, and crested hawk-eagle. Nagarhole’s landscape consists of thick deciduous forests, grassy swamps, and riverine ecosystems, with the Kabini River flowing through the park.

Visitors can explore the park through jeep safaris, boat safaris, and bus safaris, offering excellent chances to witness wildlife in their natural habitat. The best time to visit Nagarhole National Park is from October to May, with the dry months (March to May) being ideal for spotting large mammals near water sources.

With its lush forests, incredible wildlife diversity, and breathtaking scenery, Nagarhole National Park is a must-visit for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers, offering one of the best safari experiences in South India. The Kabini Backwaters are a major attraction, where herds of elephants and other wildlife can be spotted, especially during the summer.

Flora And Fauna

• Carnivores – Bengal Tiger
• Indian Leopard
• Dhole
• Chital
• Sambar Deer