Wildlife Sightings:
Nagarhole is one of the remaining habitats of the Asian elephant, which you can see in large herds here. Other animals to be seen are tiger, Nilgiri tahr, Nilgiri langur, bison, leopard, wild boar, deer, dhole (wild dog), sloth bear, jungle cat, civet, bonnet macaque, and pangolin, among others.
Nagarhole National Park is also home to over 250 bird species including the Malabar pied hornbill, crested hawk eagle, golden-back woodpecker and southern tree pie. Crocodiles, pythons, and several species of snakes and lizards are also found here. Wildlife watching is done by jeep or elephant safaris.
Other Activities:
Hiking is also allowed in some designated areas in the park. For adventure lovers, there are coracle rides or motorboat rides on the lake.
Trekking on Brahmagiri Mountains is allowed but with prior permission only.
Madikere, 93 Km from Nagarhole is famous for its coffee and orange plantations.
Tourism Info:
KSTDC Transport Wing
C/o Mayura Yatri Nivas
2, J.L.B. Road, Mysore -570 005
Karnataka
Telephone: 0821-423652.
Once an exclusive hunting ground for the rulers of Mysore, Nagarhole acquired the status of a national park in 1975. Spread over 643 sq. km of wilderness against the backdrop of the Brahmagiri Mountains, it is one of the best wildlife experiences in India. Recently, the park has been renamed Rajiv Gandhi National Park. Flanked by Bandipur National Park to the southeast and Kerala's Wynad Sanctuary to the southwest, Nagarhole is part of the larger Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
Nagarhole derives its name from the Kannada word, naga that means snake, and hole meaning streams. True to its name, the park is criss-crossed by serpentine rivers and streams. A perennial water reservoir is at the centre of the park, while a series of slopes and shallow valleys spread outwards, covered with bamboo, teak, and cassia forests, as well as marshy swamps. This varied habitat makes Nagarhole home to a diverse wildlife population. |
