Nagarhole National Park (Kannada ನಾಗರಹೊಳೆ ರಾಷ್ಟ್ರೀಯ ಉದ್ಯಾನವನ), also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, is in the Cauvery Basin in India's Karnataka State.
Nagarhole National Park is 93 km from Mysore. It is spread between Kodagu and Mysore districts. The national park has rich forest cover, little streams, valleys and waterfalls.
The place derives its name from Kannada - naga meaning snake and hole referring to streams.
The area was an exclusive hunting reserve of the former rulers of Mysore.
It was set up in 1955 and is one of the best-managed parks in the country. This park is located to the northwest of Bandipur National Park. In 1975 its area stretched to 575 km². Kabini reservoir separates this park from Bandipur National Park. The climate is tropical; summer is hot and winter is pleasant. The park boasts a healthy tiger-predator ratio. Tiger, gaur and elephant are much denser here than in Bandipur.
The office of the Deputy Conservator of Forests is in Hunsur, about 47 km away from Nagarhole.
Mostly moist mixed deciduous forest (Tectona grandis, Dalbergia latifolia) in the Southern parts, Dry tropical forest (Wrightia tinctoria, Acacia) towards east, i.e. Bandipur and Sub mountain hill valley swamp forest (Eugenia).
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- Mammals: elephant, jackal, tiger, panther, gaur, muntjac, sambar, Spotted deer, mongoose, Civet cat, hyena, and Sloth bear.
- Reptiles: King Cobra, krait, python, viper, tortoise, Monitor lizard, toads etc.
- The main trees found are rosewood, teak, sandalwood and silver oak.
Temperature during summer would be around 32°C. Winter is brief from November to January and has the temperature dipping to 12 °C and rains from June to October.
Entry to the national park is free & does not require any permits. You have to enter few details such as name, vehicle registration number, and number of visitors at the gate.
Many roads within Nagarhole national park travel (traffic) is allowed from 6 A.M. to 6 P.M. only. Confirm the timing at forest checkpost while entry.
- Dubare Elephant camp on the banks of river Kaveri ( Cauvery ) on Karnatak state highway 91 connecting Guddehosuru and Virajpete via Abyathmangala, Siddapura and Ammathi . Balle Elephant camp on SH 33.
- Bylakuppe near Kushalnagara, Tibetian resettlement colony in Kodagu district of Karnataka state.
- Taraka dam and reservoir near Heggadevankote ( H.D.Kote). Kabini dam at Beechanahalli. Nugu dam near Hediyala on SH -86 connecting Begur ( on NH 766) to HD Kote via Sarguru..
Take jungle safari ride conducted by Karnataka forest department to see wild animals.
Local fruits and vegetables grown .
Local food and snacks.
Buttermilk.
Do not get down from your vehicle while traveling through Nagarahole National Park. There are elephants, tigers, Indian bison and other wild animals which may pose danger. Do not litter the forest with plastic and other non bio degradable items. Forest fire is another hazard. Do not lit fire or throw inflammable things on the road or forests. Always carry torch, water, eatables, towels, clothes, whistle while entering the jungle.
- H.D.Kote
- Begur Wildlife Sanctuary