Nagarhole National Park, Karnataka – A treasure trove of the wildlife and nature lovers
Located at a distance of 94 kms away from Mysore, Nagarhole National Park, lies between the Kodagu and Mysore districts to the north-west of Bandipur National Park, with the Kabini reservoir separating the two Parks. The park has small streams, rich forest cover, valleys, and waterfalls. The forest was the favourite hunting ground of the Maharaja of Mysore. In 1955, Nagarhole was set up as a wildlife sanctuary and later its area was increased to 643.39 sq km. It became a national park in 1988 and ten years later, in 1999, it was declared a Project Tiger reserve. Along with the adjoining Bandipur National Park, Mudumalai National Park, and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Nagarhole National Park is part of the largest protected area in southern India, about 2,183 sq km of wilderness. Kabini’s beautiful surroundings make it an ideal holiday destination.
Places to see in Nagarhole National Park: The varied species of wild life are itself the attractions in Nagarhole national Park. The most famous residents of Nagarhole National Park are tigers, Indian bison, and elephants. Other mammals that reside here include leopards, Indian wild dogs, jackals, sloth bears, striped hyenas, spotted deer, sambar deer, barking deer, four-horned antelopes, and civets. Nagarhole National Park has been recognized as an Important Bird Area and has over 270 species of birds. You can find the “Critically endangered” Oriental white-backed vulture, and “Vulnerable” species like the lesser adjutant, greater spotted eagle, and the Nilgiri wood pigeon here. “Near threatened” species here include darters, Oriental white ibises, greater grey headed fish, and red headed vultures. Species endemic to this region include the blue winged parakeet, Malabar grey hornbill, and the white-bellied treepie. Reptile enthusiasts should look for mugger crocodiles, Indian rock pythons, Russell’s vipers, common kraits, rat snakes, and bamboo pit vipers among other species at Nagarhole National Park.
Nearby attractions around Nagarhole National Park: The park itself is a treasure trove of the wildlife and nature lovers. Apart from this you can make an itinerary to the;
Irupu Falls
Located at a distance of 20 kms from NagarholeNational Park, the Falls are also known as the Lakshmana Tirtha Falls, derived from the name of the tributary of Cauvery which starts from these falls, the Lakshmana Tirtha River. A narrow way from the forest leads from these falls to the BrahmagiriPeak in Southern Kodagu. Irupu falls, a major tourist attraction is also a pilgrimage spot. A famous Shiva temple, the RameshwaraTemple is situated on the banks of the Lakshmana Tirtha River, that falls on the way to the Falls. This temple attracts a large number of pilgrims during the festival of Shivaratri.
Things to do in Nagarhole National Park: Unwind yourself amidst the exotic natural beauty and enjoy catching the glimpse of the engendered wild life species.
Best time to visit the Nagarhole National Park: The best time to view the animals is during the heat of March and April, when the waterholes are dry and the animals come out and visit the lake. However, the weather is more pleasant from November to February.
How to go ?
By Air
The nearest airport for Nagarhole National Park is Mysore. Mysore Airport is 95 km from the park. Mysore in turn is connected by Bangalore by means of regular flights. Bangalore is an InternationalAirport and hence easily accessible by all national and international flights.
By Train
The nearest railway station for Nagarhole National Park is again Mysore, which is around 95 km from Nagarhole and is connected to Bangalore which in turn is connected to all the major cities in India.
By Road
Nagarhole National Park is connected to all the cities via Mysore and Coorg.
Where to stay ?
There are a number of accommodation options in Kabini. Some options are:
The Bison Resort (P) Ltd: +91-080 41278708, 65590271, 41125163 , 41278829 Website: www.thebisonresort.com
Waterwoods Lodges & Resorts Pvt. Ltd.: +91 99459-21303, +91 99727-43441 Website: www.waterwoods.in
Orange County Resorts & Hotels Ltd.: +91 -080 4191 1170, 71 Website: www.orangecounty.in
Kabini River Lodge: +91- 080 – 25597021, 24, 25 Website: www.kabiniriverlodge.com
Note : Phone numbers given above are according to the information available with us. If you find any contact number/s given above is/are incorrect or not in use, please let us know.
