Nagarhole National Park: A Wildlife Paradise

Nagarhole National Park, located in the picturesque landscape of Karnataka, India, is a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts. This sanctuary is renowned for its diverse and abundant wildlife population that leaves visitors in awe. Here, you can witness a variety of important predators and carnivores, including the majestic tiger, elusive leopard, wild dog (dhole), sloth bear, and hyena.

The park is not only home to these magnificent creatures but also a rich habitat for numerous herbivores. Some of the commonly spotted species include the spotted deer, sambar, barking deer, four-horned antelope, gaur (jungle bison), wild boar, and elephants. Nagarhole is particularly known as one of the best places to see southern populations of Gaur, which are less common in other areas.

Elephants are a common sight in the park, especially in the luxuriant forests and bamboo thickets they love. With a population of approximately 6500, almost all elephants in southern India reside in the regions where Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala meet under the majestic Western Ghats.

Apart from these well-known species, Nagarhole National Park hosts an array of smaller mammals such as the Bonnet macaque, jungle cat, slender Loris, common langur, civet cat, leopard-cat, paradoxical squirrel, mongoose, common otter, giant flying squirrel, giant squirrel, porcupine, jackal, mouse-deer, hare, and pangolin.

Moreover, Nagarhole is a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 250 avian species identified in its vicinity. Some of the noteworthy woodland birds found here include the blue-bearded bee-eater, scarlet minivet, and Malabar whistling thrush. The Kabini River is home to various water fowl, such as ospreys, herons, and ducks. Additionally, you may come across more common bird species like egrets, crows, and mynas throughout the park.

Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary

Nagarhole National Park was declared as a tiger reserve in 1999 to highlight its rich forest cover, small streams, hills, valleys, and waterfalls. With a healthy tiger-predator ratio, the park is home to an impressive population of tigers, Indian bison, and elephants.

Wildlife

Some of the most commonly sighted wildlife species in Nagarhole National Park include

• Tigers
• Indian Bison (also known as Gaur)
• Elephants
• Sloth Bears
• Spotted Deer
• Sambar Deer
• Indian Muntjac (or Barking Deer)
• Indian Wild Dogs
• Jackals
• Hyenas
• Langurs and Hanuman Monkeys
• Malabar Giant Squirrels
• Elephant-shrews
• Various species of snakes, lizards, and crocodiles

The park also supports a thriving avian population, with over 270 bird species recorded. Some notable bird species include the Malabar Hornbill, Grey Junglefowl, Indian Pied Hornbill, and Indian Roller.

Reptiles

Several fascinating reptile species can be found in and around Nagarhole National Park, including the marsh crocodile, monitor lizard, rock python, and others. Aquatic and terrestrial tortoises, frogs, toads, tree frogs, and myriad insects, such as colorful butterflies, add to the richness of this lovely jungle.

Flora

The diverse vegetation in Nagarhole National Park is characterized by a mix of North Western Ghats moist deciduous forests (with teak and rosewood predominating) and dry deciduous forests (with crocodile bark, Lagerstroemia lanceolata, Indian Kino Tree, etc.). Sub-montane valleys, swamp forests with several Eugenia species, and various other tree genera create an intriguing topography.

Some of the primary trees found in this region are commercially important ones such as rosewood, teak, sandalwood, and silver oak. Additionally, you may come across trees like Lagerstroemia microcarpa (Crepe myrtle), Schleicheratrijuga, Kadam, cotton tree, and some species of Ficus. Other notable tree species can be found, such as Kydiacalycina, Indian gooseberry, Beachwood, and horse nettles.

Invasive species like lantana and bonesets are also present in the forests, but conspicuous tree species add to the wilderness experience, such as the golden shower tree, Flame of the Forest, and clumping bamboo.

Places Nearby to Nagarahole National Park

Kutta: Kutta is a nearby location with an intriguing history. Named after Kutta, the son of Goddess Kali, this place holds significant cultural significance for the local Kuruba community. According to legend, Goddess Kali came to reside here and had a son named Kutta. A festival honoring the goddess is still celebrated annually at this site.

Irppu Falls: Explore another captivating destination situated close to Nagarhole National Park. Here, the enchanting Irppu Falls are formed as water tumbles down from Brahmagiri hill. The scenic beauty of this location is a must-visit for every nature lover and photographer.

Ishwara Temple: A spiritual and tourist attraction worth mentioning near Nagarhole National Park is the Ishwara Temple. This temple holds significant importance in local legends as it’s believed that Lord Rama himself installed the Shivalinga. Devotees flock to this temple every morning, making it an essential pilgrimage site.

Bandipur National Park: A famous home to Bengal Tigers, Bandipur National Park boasts an extensive range of exotic flora and fauna. It is situated approximately 123 km from Nagarhole National Park, making it a perfect weekend getaway destination.

Wayanad National Park: Only 52 kms away from Nagarhole, Wayanad National Park is the second largest wildlife sanctuary in Kerala. This national park is renowned for hosting numerous endangered wildlife species and large herds of elephants. It falls under Project Elephant.

Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary: Located 80 km from Nagarhole, the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is a paradise for avian enthusiasts. This small sanctuary shelters various endemic and migratory birds such as wooly necked storks, common spoonbills, Asian open bill storks, and more. The sanctuary is also home to several floral and mammal species.

Bramhagiri Wildlife Sanctuary: Bramhagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, a popular wildlife haven, is situated separately from Nagarhole National Park by the Kabini River. This sanctuary showcases an extensive range of flora and fauna. Some common animals spotted in the park include jungle cats, sloth bears, tigers, elephants, gaur, etc. Title

Mudumalai National Park: Located in Tamil Nadu, India, is renowned for its rich and diverse wildlife population. The park is particularly famous for its large elephant herds and thriving tiger populations, making it a declared tiger reserve. Other fascinating species such as panther, sambar, spotted deer, blackbuck, common langur, and many more, can be observed in their natural habitat within the park. Surprisingly, 13% of all mammal species found in India are located in Mudumalai National Park.

A short 13 km journey from the national park takes you to another popular tourist attraction - Kabini Lake. Visitors can take a leisurely walk around the lake and enjoy some peaceful moments amidst nature’s beauty.

Coracle on the Kabini River

Nagarhole National Park in India is home to the traditional round boat, known as a Coracle. This unique watercraft offers visitors an opportunity to connect with the Kabini River in a way unlike any other. As you gently drift along the river, hugging the shoreline, prepare for an unforgettable adventure filled with fascinating insights about this captivating body of water.

How to reach Nagarhole National Park

Nagarhole National Park is easily accessible from neighboring areas in Karnataka. Major highways link the park to towns such as Madikere (90 km) and Mysore (96 km), with travel time approximating 2 hours each way. The closest well-connected railway station is Mysore, while Bangalore International Airport, located 220 km away, serves as the nearest international gateway. Many airlines offer direct flights to Bangalore from various parts of the country.

Best Time to Visit Nagarhole National Park

The ideal time to witness wildlife is during the dry season in April and May when animals gather around water sources. However, for more pleasant weather conditions, visit between November and February.

Travel Advisories

Arrive at the park gates prior to dusk to navigate the road leading to lodges before its 6:00 PM closure. Those seeking trekking experiences should avoid visiting during monsoons as floods damage dirt tracks and leeches hinder exploration.

Luxurious Stays in Nagarhole Tiger Reserve

The Nagarhole Tiger Reserve, renowned for its rich biodiversity and majestic tigers, offers visitors an unparalleled experience. To make your jungle tour even more thrilling and comfortable, several accommodations have emerged in the area.

One such option is the Nagarhole Forest Guest House, which can be booked in advance through the Wildlife Department in Mysore. For those seeking a more private experience, numerous lodges and guest houses are also available at Kutta. Located right at the entrance of the park, this area provides easy access to both nature and comfort.

Murkal, another popular destination nearby, boasts an impressive collection of private lodges and resorts for travelers. These accommodations not only provide comfortable stays but also offer additional amenities that add to your overall experience. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, Nagarhole Tiger Reserve has got you covered with its extensive range of staying options.