subject: Wildlife Nagarhole National Park,karnataka,india [print this page] Nagarhole National Park (Rajiv Gandhi National Park) is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve like its neighbour Bandipur. Stretching for 640 sq km north of the river Kabini, this park has all the resident wildlife of the Nilgiri area. The Tahr, langur, bison, leopard, Asian elephant, wild boar, deer, dhol (wild dog) and a variety of bird life enrich this moist deciduous forest and thrill the wildlife enthusiast. In fact, the name Nagarhole is derived from a local river Nagarhole, the word naga meaning snake and hole referring to water-body in the local language. Besides the Nagarhole River, Nagarhole has three rivers coursing though it - Kabini, Lakshmana and Teentha.
Historically Speaking
Nagarhole was originally the private hunting grounds for the royal family of Mysore. In 1955, in an attempt to protect the wildlife in the region, Nagarhole was declared a game sanctuary. In 1974, the Nagarhole wildlife sanctuary became a designated National Park. Though renamed as the Rajiv Gandhi
National Park after former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, most people refer to the area by its old name, Nagarhole National Park.
How to get there by Air
The closest airport is Bengaluru (224 km) which has both domestic and international flights. Taxis can be hired from the airport to Nagarhole.
How to get there by Rail
The nearest railway station with the maximum number of railway connections is Mysore 96 km away. Nanjangud railway station 55 km away is closer but offers limited train services.
How to get there by Bus
Nagarhole is connected by road to Mysore, Bangalore and a host of other cities in towns in Karnataka and the neighbouring states. You can either choose to drive down yourself or use the bus services. Both state transport and private bus services are available.
Best time to Visit
Winter is a good time to visit as the weather is pleasant. The summer months are good to spot the wildlife which comes to the watering holes but can be quite hot and uncomfortable. The rainy season is best avoided as there is dense undergrowth and few animals can be seen.
Where to Stay
Nagarhole offers quite a few options for staying comfortably if you want to get real close to the animals, you can choose to stay in the Forest Rest House. However, you must reserve 15 days in advance at the wardens office in Bangalore or Mysore if you want to stay in the Forest Rest House. There
are also a couple of resorts in the area which offer pricey but great accommodation. The Kabini River Lodge is a popular resort here. There are also other up market options in towns just outside the Park at Veerana Hosahalli and at Kodagu (75 km).
Nearby Places
Madikeri in Coorg, 93 km away is a charming town and is renowned for its coffee and orange plantations.
For more information for this Destination please check india Travel Guide
