One of the oldest national parks in India, Nagarhole literally means' serpent river' was created in 1955. Nagarhole was once maintained as an exclusive hunting grounds of Mysore royal family. It was just after independence Nagarhole was declared as National Park, and was managed by Indian Forest Department, which also constructed rest houses and guest houses. Situated at the side of Kabini River, Nagarhole National Park is separated by Bandipur and Nagarhole. Inundate by several, small and big, water bodies and streams Nagarhole National Park presents a green captivation to its inhabitants and visitors.

Wildlife Attractions at Nagarhole Park

Fauna : Elephants, Gaur, Sambar, Cheetal, Muntjac, Chousingha, Wild Pig, Leopards, Sloth Bear, Tiger.

Avifauna : Malabar trogon, the Malabar pied hornbill and the crested hawk-eagle, Malabar trogon, Malabar whistling thrush, crested serpent-eagle, crested hawk-eagle, Malabar pied-hornbill, Common Hawk Cuckoo, Changeable Hawk Eagle, Indian Roller, Indian reed, Woodpeckers, Warblers, Grey jungle fowl, water fowl, scarlet minivet, ospreys, ducks, herons, red vented bulbul, ring dove, common babbler, scinaitar babbler, loriekeet, red whiskered bulbul, biyth's myna

As Nagarhole forms a catchment area of three rivers Nagarhole, Lakshmana, Teertha and kabini, the altitudes vary between 600-900. The most accessible tourist entry point is Hunsur. The Forest Department office at Hunsur and at the park entrance facilities hiring of guides and jeeps, and offer mini-bus safaris and elephant rides. Safaris begin from the Range Office inside the park, 45 kms from Hunsur. Like any other parks the best way to begin is safaris.

Wildlife Safaris in Nagarhole Park

The forest deptt runs 45 mins mini bus safari in the park during morning and evenings . Safaris start with the Range Office at the entry point 25 kms inside the park. You might spot peacocks, jungle fowl and many other wild species. The Forest Dept maintains a well defined view lines, 10 mts long area on both the side of roads where shrubbery and trees are cleared so as to present unbridled view of the wildlife. Elephant safari is another option. Clearly not for avid wildlife lover, the joyride comprises tourists being taken around on an elephant for 30minutes.

How to reach Nagarhole National Park

The nearest airport is Bangalore (220 km) while the nearest railhead is Mysore (96 km). If you are travelling by road, take the Mysore Highway Bypass via Ranganathitu onto SH88 to Hunsur. The road journey from Mysore to the Nagarhole National Park takes around 2 hours.

Wildlife Resorts in Nagarhole National Park

Your trip to Nagarhole National Park would really be a wildly exciting experience and you have a number of wildlife resorts in Nagarhole Park to choose from. Preferred options of jungle lodges in Nagarhole are as follows.
» Forest Deptt Cottages
» Jungle Inn
» Kabini River Lodge