How to Plan a Trip to Nagarhole National Park – Travel & Stay Info

Situated in Karnataka’s South Western Part, Nagarhole National Park is a beautiful wildlife reserve near Coorg district. Spreading over 640 square kilometres it is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, amongst the 3 major national parks. In earlier times the forest area was a hunting ground for royal families in Mysore. Later in 1955, the forest reserve was declared a wildlife sanctuary and in 1988, it was designated as a national park. Being popular for its rich biodiversity, Nagarhole attracts many nature and wildlife lovers from all over the country. The wide variety of animals found in the park are sloth bears, spotted deer, sambar, wild dogs, and bird species. There are many more things to know about the Nagarhole National Park. Check out this comprehensive guide to help you plan a perfect trip to Nagarhole.

Being a part of the Western Ghats, the forest reserve is home to a variety of animals and plants. The southern part of Nagarhole’s forest is dominated by dry deciduous forest. Rosewood and Teakwood forests are commonly found in the region. Nagarhole’s Teak Forest is renowned for being the country’s oldest plantation.

These forests provide a perfect natural habitat for the animals in the park including, sloth bears, leopards, elephants, tigers, sambar deer, gaurs, barking deer, serpent eagles, and wild boars can be commonly seen in the park.

Nagarhole National Park is also famous for being a birdwatcher's paradise. Some of the common birds seen here are the Malabar whistling thrush, serpent eagle, crested hawk-eagle, Malabar pied-hornbill, Indian roller, woodpeckers, ducks, herons, and many others.

Nagarhole National Park has two main gates about 50 km away from each other. Veeranahosahalli Gate is the northern entrance of the park and a safari from here takes visitors deep into the heart of Nagarhole National Park. This gate is easily accessible for those travelling from Mysore.

The other entrance is Nanachi Gate near Coorg’s Kodagu district, making Nagarhole National Park easily accessible for those coming from Coorg. Jeep and bus safaris are available from both these gates.

1. Jeep Safari

A Safari tour is one of the common ways to explore Nagarhole National Park. Jeep safari is for those seeking the thrill and intimate safari experience of venturing through the wild. These jeeps can accommodate 6 passengers at a time. The safari routes are planned well to cover all the major areas where the chances of wildlife sightings are higher. Over a group of 6 to 8 people, there will be knowledgeable guides and experienced drivers to navigate inside the park and share insights about the local flora and fauna of Nagarhole National Park.

2. Canter Safari

A canter is an open-top bus that can accommodate around 15 to 20 people. During the safari tour, you’ll be accompanied by the forest department. A canter safari is more affordable as compared to a jeep safari. this open-vehicle safari is a must-do for those visiting with a large group of friends or family.

3. Bus Safari

A bus safari in Nagarhole National Park is also a budget-friendly option. Mini-buses are available to accommodate around 9 to 10 tourists. The buses operate on the designated route inside the park. This safari is safe and suitable for families and larger groups. But visibility might vary compared to jeep safaris. But it protects you from factors like rain and sun.

4. Boat Safari

The Boat Safari on the Kabini River is a unique way to wildlife spotting. This safari is perfect for those willing to water avian species and crocodiles on the banks of the Kabini River.

The ideal time to visit Nagarhole National Park for safari, wildlife sightings, and birdwatching is during the winter. From October to February the weather is cool and pleasant. Wildlife is also most active during this time. Tourists can also plan safari tours during the summer months, from March to May. the weather during this time may be hot but there are higher chances of spotting animals near the water sources. Avoid planning to visit between June and September as these are monsoon months and safaris might shut down temporarily due to heavy rain in the region. However, monsoons are perfect for those willing to witness nature’s beauty and lush greenery.

By Air: The closest airport to Nagarhole is in Mysore, around 98 km away from the park. You can fly from nearby cities like Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad. This airport is not very well-connected to prime Indian cities. So the best alternative is Bangalore International Airport, around 220 km away. Bangalore Airport is connected to major Indian and International cities and you can take a taxi or bus to Nagarhole from here.

By Train: Mysore Railway station is closest to Nagarhole National Park, around 94 km away. You can take a train from your city to Mysore Junction and then hire a taxi or bus to Nagarhole National Park.

By Road: Nagarhole National Park is connected by road from major cities like Bangalore, Mysore, and Coorg. People travelling from Mysore or Bangalore can choose Veeranahosahalli Gate and those coming from Coorg can choose Nanachi Gate. You can either self-drive, hire a taxi, or take a state bus for your road journey.

Conclusion

A visit to Nagarhole National Park promises a memorable journey for adventure junkies, nature lovers, and photography enthusiasts. With its scenic landscapes and rich biodiversity, this park has become one of the ideal wildlife destinations in India. Those looking for a weekend getaway can visit Nagarhole National Park with their family, and friends, or solo. Book your Nagarhole National Park Safari tickets now and get ready for an unforgettable experience of a lifetime.

FAQ’s

Q1. Are night safari tours available in Nagarhole National Park?

No, Nagarhole National Park does not provide night safari tours. This is for the safety of both visitors and animals.

Q2. What is the duration of the Safari tour?

The safari tours in Nagarhole National Park typically last for around 2 to 3 hours.