Nagarhole National Park - Get The Best Peek of Wildlife in Coorg

One of the best wildlife parks in India, Nagarhole National Park, was established in 1955 as a wildlife sanctuary. Situated in the two districts of Karnataka, including Mysore and Kodagu, Nagarahole was selected as a National park in 1975. The vast area of this national park, 640 sq. km. is connected with Mysore reserve forests, Nalkeri, Arikeri, different waterfalls, valleys, and more. Nagarhole is among the most popular Coorg sightseeing places, especially for wildlife buffs. The sanctuary is home to the largest number of Asiatic elephants in the world, diverse species of birds and animals, including bears, deer, reptiles, predators, and more. Nagarhole National Park is declared as the World Heritage site by UNESCO. Here is everything you should know about the Nagarhole National Park.

History

The name of this wildlife park has been derived from two Kannada words, Naga (snake) and Hole (streams). Once it was an elite hunting ground for the rulers of Mysore, later in 1955, the park was established as a sanctuary. After expanding the region from 258 sq km to 643 sq km in 1974 with the addition of reserve forests of Nalkeri, Hatgat, and Arkeri, the park received the position of a National park in 1983. Today, it is a well-managed park in India.

The Nagarhole National Park was declared as a Tiger Reserve in 1999 since it has a great tiger-predator ratio. However, you can spot many other animals like elephants, Indian bison, Sambar Deer, Leopards Barking Deer, reptiles, and more. The park is surrounded by rich forests, hills, waterfalls, valleys, and small streams, making it a point of interest for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.

Wildlife Safari at Nagarhole Tiger Reserve

This national park is one of the most visited places in Coorg where one can have the best wildlife safari experience. Due to the abundance of wildlife, dense vegetation, and rich flora and fauna, this park attracts a tremendous crowd of wildlife enthusiasts for the sighting of a variety of birds and animals. Here, tourists are permitted to take pictures and videos, which can be a rewarding experience for nature and wildlife lovers. The slots for Safari Booking in Nagarhole National Park are often limited, so it is recommended to book in advance.

Nagarhole National Park Safari is arranged by the Forest Department twice daily from two diverse locations, including Veeranahosalli Gate and Nanchhi Gate (Kutta). You can choose any of the safari types, as per your preference.

Jeep Safari

Among the different types of safaris provided at this national park, the jeep safari is the most popular one. You can spot many big and small herbivores like Asiatic Elephant, Gorilla, Panda and Deer.

Timings of the Jeep Safari:

Morning: 5:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Evening: 3:00 PM -7:00 PM

Boat Safari

A boat safari is an ideal choice for visiting the aquatic wildlife. You will enjoy the boat safari on the streams of River Kabini. This safari type will allow you to see many animals on the edge of the river, including Marsh Crocodile and a variety of water birds.

Timings of the Boat Safari:

Morning: 6:30 AM -9:15 AM

Evening: 3:30 PM -6:15 PM

Coracle Ride

A coracle is a conventional round-shaped boat designed for slow drifting and riding on Indian rivers. The boat travels along the edge of the river Kabini, allowing you to get a sight of land animals, water birds, and more.

Timings of the Coracle Safari

Morning: 9:00 AM -11:00 AM

Evening: 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

In addition, you can choose to enjoy the bus safari in Nagarhole National Park. The bus safari is available twice a day, during the morning and evening.

Timings of the Bus Safari

Morning: 6:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Evening: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Nagarhole National Park Entry Fee

The entry fee for this national park keeps on varying. However, the present charges are Rs 150 for an Indian and Rs 1500 for a foreigner. The costs for boat, jeep or bus safaris are additional.

Accommodations

There are great residing options in and around the Nagarhole National Park Coorg, making the tour more thrilling and adventurous. You can find many guest houses and private lodges in Kutta, just at the outskirt of the wildlife reserve on the way to Irrupu Falls. You can also choose Nagarahole Forest Stay with advance booking from the Wildlife Department in Mysore.

Best Time to Visit Nagarhole National Park

As the Nagarhole National Park and Tiger Reserve has a tropical climate, it can be visited at any time of the year. The months of April and May can be the perfect time to visit this park as most animals come out to the lake and river edge to quench their thirst due to the scarcity of water in the forests. Remember, the safari rides are the best enjoyed in November and December due to the pleasant weather conditions. However, the best time to visit Coorg is between October to June as the weather remains pleasant enough, allowing you to enjoy the trip to the fullest.

Nagarhole National Park Timings

As the road to the sanctuary closes down at 6 PM, tourists are recommended to reach there before evening.

Timings: 6:00 AM - 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM everyday.

Nagarhole National Park Location

Rajiv Gandhi National Park is connected to the bordering regions of Karnataka. The location of the park is quite convenient and can be reached via roadways, railways, and airways. The nearest international airport is Bangalore (220 km), and the nearest railway junction is Mysore. Apart from this, the highways are connected to the sanctuary to the cities of Madikeri and Mysore. So, you can choose any of these transportation modes to reach the destination at your own comfort.

Important Information for Visitors to Nagarhole National Park

• During a safari, do not get out of the jeep, boat, or bus to venture into the wilderness.
• Littering the sanctuary must be avoided at all costs.
• Visitors must follow all the rules and regulations of the forest.
• Avoid being panicked in case of emergency.
• Smoking should be avoided inside the park due to the risk of a forest fire.
• Do not offer food to animals.
• The sudden noise and loud sounds could scare the animals, so you should keep your phone silent.
• Check the official website of Nagarhole National Park for more information.

Other Attractions in and around Nagarhole

Ishwara Temple

One of the most revered pilgrims and tourist spots near Nagarhole, Ishwara Temple, is flocked by thousands of devotees in the mornings. Built by the Hoysala Kings, the temple attracts with its magnificent architecture and intricate carvings.

Irppu Falls

Also known as the Lakshmana Tirtha Falls, Iruppu Falls is a major crowd puller near Nagarhole National Park. It is a cascading waterfall gushing down the Bramhagiri hills, perched amidst the lush forests and woodlands in the Coorg. The best family tour or Coorg honeymoon package must include a visit to this waterfall.

Kabini Dam

Situated near Beechanahally village, the Kabini dam is one of the most favourite spots for travellers. Around 66 km from Nagarhole National Park, the dam attracts tourists with its lush forests, valleys, and lakes. The forest around the Kabini Dam is home to many avian species.

Bramhagiri Wildlife Sanctuary

The Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is parted from Nagarhole Park by the Kabini River. Surrounded by cardamom and coffee plantations and interlocked by streams and lakes, the Brahmagiri Sanctuary makes a perfect destination for wildlife photographers and environment enthusiasts. The park’s gorgeous setting is enhanced by the presence of the terrain landscape of hillocks and valleys. Standing over 1608 m high, Bramhagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is also trekkers’ delight.

One of the best national parks in India, Nagarhole is a must-visit for anyone looking forward to a perfect vacation amidst the natural wilderness. Explore the Coorg tour packages by Veena World and get ready for an experience of a lifetime!