In the Heart of Nature: Exploring Nagarhole National Park Wildlife Sanctuary

Overview 

Located in Karnataka, Nagarhole National Park also famous as Rajiv Gandhi National Park is a beautiful sanctuary known for rich biodiversity. This place is also a paradise for photographers, nature lovers, and wildlife enthusiasts. For those seeking adventure and tranquillity, this national park in India’s southern part is a must-visit. In this article, you’ll learn all the important things about the Nagarhole National Park wildlife sanctuary taking from its rich wildlife and key conservation initiatives. 

Nagarhole National Park overview 

Located between Mysore and Coorg, Nagarhole National Park covers a total area of 643 square kilometers. Established in 1955 and declared a national park in 1988, it is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. This place is home to a variety of ecosystems, including grasslands, waterfalls, and dense forests. Rivers like Teentha, Lakshmana, and Kabini flow through this national park. The Kabini River works as a borderline between Nagarhole National Park and Bandipur National Park. 

Nagarhole National Park’s Fauna 

Nagarhole National Park is also a wildlife lover’s paradise because of its diverse and rich ecosystem. The park is home to more than 60 mammals and over 250 bird species. visitors can explore them by taking a safari ride. In this national park, you can watch elephants playing near the bamboo groves and leopards and tigers in their natural habitat. 

Nagarhole National Park houses many other wildlife animals like sloth bears, sambar deer, Ussuri dholes, antelopes, and Malabar giant squirrels. This is also a great place for birdwatchers, here you can watch over 250 species of birds and capture them with your camera. Some popular bird species found at the park are white-backed vultures, Nilgiri wood pigeons, spotted eagles, and Malabar grey hornbill. 

Nagarhole National Park’s Flora

Nagarhole National Park has lush deciduous and dry deciduous forests. In the eastern area, visitors can see thorny wattle and Pala indigo and in the southern part rosewood and teak can be seen. Some plants including sandalwood, silver oak, teak and rosewood are commercially valuable. 

The dry deciduous forests have cotton trees, Indian Kino trees, crocodile bark, Kadam, and Lagerstroemia Lanceolata. Visitors can also see some shrubs including horse nettles, Helicteres species, and tick clover. And that’s not all; the park has several other flora like flames, clumping bamboo and golden shower trees. 

Nagarhole National Park Entry Fee and Timings 

Nagarhole National Park is one of the ideal parks for visitors seeking birdwatching opportunities and wildlife exploration. Timings of the National Park are from 6:00 in the morning till 8:45 in the morning and from 4 in the evening to 6 in the evening. There are two slots for the Safari, The morning safari takes place between 6 to 8 AM and the evening safari timings are 3 to 5 PM. 

The entry fee for Indians is INR 250 and for foreign nationals, the price is INR 1000. You will have to visit the park to book tickets. This entry fee does not include the camera fee, safari fee, and lenses, you’ll have to pay an extra amount for these. Parking charges are also excluded from the entry fee charges. 

Safari At Nagarhole National Park

Safaris at Nagarhole National Park is one of the most rejuvenating things one can do. There are 3 types of safaris available at the Nagarhole National Park including coracle ride, jeep safari, and boat safari. The duration of the safari is around 3 hours and will take you through the dense jungles of the National Park. Visitors may get a chance to spot some endangered species. 

Boat safaris in the Kabini River also take around 3 hours. This Boat Safari takes you closer to the boundary of Nagarhole and Bandipur National Park. water birds and marsh crocodiles can be seen on the banks of the Kabini River. This boat safari experience promises an exciting and thrilling experience. 

Things to do At the Nagarhole National Park 

There are many things to do at Nagarhole National Park that await you to immerse in its spectacular natural beauty. From birdwatching to wildlife spotting and photography, this park has numerous activities. Take a look at some of the top activities mentioned below:

1. Trekking

This is a perfect activity for thrill seekers which allows you to soak in lush wilderness, offering a memorable adventure through serene river banks, thick forests, and open grasslands. You can enjoy challenging treks or just stroll around the forest, both these provide a spectacular view of the park’s scenery and the beautiful Kabini River. The most suitable time for trekking in Nagarhole National Park is from November to April, during this time the weather is pleasant and the trails are not slippery. 

2. Birdwatching

Nagarhole National Park is home to over 100 bird species, making this place ideal for birdwatchers. The best time to spot these birds is during winter. Morning is the most suitable time of day when birds are active and there are more chances to spot birds. The lush green landscapes and beautiful waterways make this national park ideal for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers alike. 

3. Nature and Wildlife Photography

Click beautiful pictures of the park’s natural beauty, animals, and birds, and capture all the memories in your camera. The most suitable time for wildlife and nature photography is early morning or late afternoon. Clicking pictures of animals and scenery requires proper planning and patience. Don’t forget to carry a camera during your visit to the Nagarhole National Park. 

Nagarhole National Park Best Time 

The most suitable time to visit the Nagarhole National Park is during the winter season or early summer when the weather is cool and pleasant, making wildlife spotting easy. During winter, the animals come out to bask in the sun and it becomes easier to spot them during this time. It is recommended to book an early morning or evening safari slot for the best experience. In winter, the temperature ranges between 10 to 14 degrees Celcius. The months between November to January are perfect for safaris and other outdoor activities. 

Summer season, between March to May is also a good time to plan your visit. During these months, the temperature ranges around 33 degrees Celsius. These are the early summer months and the weather is pleasant for outdoors. Peak summers start in May, weather during May is humid and hot, so visitors planning to visit during this time should wear breathable cotton clothes and apply sunscreen. 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, Nagarhole National Park is a perfect destination for nature and wildlife lovers. With its lush greenery and exotic wildlife, this place will everyone fall in love with itself. This National Park has it all, whether you seek wildlife encounters, birdwatching opportunities, or want to showcase your photography skills. This beautiful National Park showcases the real beauty of Karnataka and gives everyone so many wonderful memories to cherish forever. So, plan a trip to Nagarhole National Park in Karnataka and enjoy your time with family and friends.