Nagarhole National Park: A Rich Ecosystem of Wildlife and Flora

Overview

Nagarhole National Park, also known as Rajiv Gandi National Park is popular for its spectacular beauty and rich wildlife population. This national Park covers an area of 642 square kilometers and has become a nature and wildlife lover’s paradise. Here visitors can spot heads of elephants, majestic royal Bengal tigers, and rare avian species. Nestled along the beautiful river Kabini, the park showcases India’s dedication towards Wildlife Conservation. The prime attraction of this park is the black panthers, but you can get a chance to spot a wide variety of flora and fauna of the world. This national park is an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of busy city life and enjoy the beauty of nature and the park’s rich wildlife.

Nagarhole National Park Popularity 

Nagarhole National Park is popular for its rich wildlife, picturesque landscapes, and well-organized safaris that promise an unforgettable experience of exploring the park. Located near Kabini and Coorg, the park is easily accessible for tourists and draws numerous wildlife and nature. This park has many more things beyond wildlife safaris, you can indulge in other activities like birdwatching, nature walks, and boat rides, guaranteeing a memorable experience for all the visitors. 

Nagarhole National Park is a wildlife paradise, giving visitors a chance to spot animals in their natural habitat. From the royal Bengal tigers and giant elephants to bird species and charming deer, this park has it all. So, if you are a nature or wildlife lover, Nagarhole National Park is a must-visit for an unforgettable experience. 

Wildlife At Nagarhole National Park 

• Royal Big Cats: Nagarhole National Park has become home to a healthy population of tigers, leopards, and wild dogs. Lush green meadows and dense forests of the park provide a natural habitat for these majestic creatures, allowing visitors to spot them in their natural habitat. You can explore different habitats of the park through an exhilarating jeep safari which also increases the chances to spot these animals. Wildlife of Nagarhole National Park is most active during evening and morning time and these are the time slots when the jeep safari operates. 

• Elephants in Nagarhole: Nagarhole National Park is famous for its population of giant elephants. Here you can spot the herds of elephants roaming around the park, bathing in the river, playing with each other, or grazing in the grasslands. 

• Nagarhole’s Birdlife: being home to over 270 bird species, Nagarhole National Park has become a birdwatcher’s Paradise. Here you can spot several rare bird species including eagles and kingfishers to sunbirds and hornbills. Nagarhole National Park is an ideal place for tourists who are interested in bird watching. 

• Nagarhole’s Antelopes and Deer: Visitors can also spot Antelopes and deer species including barking deer, spotted deer, sambar deer, and four-horned antelopes. These animals can be found grazing in the grasslands and enhance the entire wildlife safari experience at the Nagarhole National Park. 

Nagarhole National Park’s flora

On the northwestern ghats of the Nagarhole National Park, you’ll get to see lush deciduous forests and on the Central Deccan Plateau, dry deciduous forests can be seen. Park’s southern area is forests of teak and rosewood, while Pala indigo and thorny wattle can be seen in the eastern area.  

The dry Deciduous forests include trees and plants like Lagerstroemia lanceolate, crocodile bark, Kadam, Indian Kino Tree, and cotton tree. Visitors can also spot some shrubs including horse nettles, Helicteres species, and tick clover. That is not all; the park also includes golden shower trees and bamboo trees adding to the beauty of the national park. 

Entry Fee and Timings of the Nagarhole National Park 

Nagarhole National Park is one of the most loved places among nature and wildlife lovers. The park opens at 6 in the morning and closes at 9 at night. Safaris at the park operate from 6:45 to 8:45 in the morning and 4:00 to 6:00 in the evening. 

Usually, the entry fee for Indian visitors is INR 250 and for foreign nationals, it is INR 1000. You can buy the entry tickets after arriving there. This entry price does not include safari charges, camera charges, or any other extra charges. You will also have to pay extra for parking your vehicle. 

How is Nagarhole National Park Safari 

A safari through the Nagarhole National Park is a completely rejuvenating and thrilling experience. There are 3 main types of safaris available at the Nagarhole National Park, Jeep Safari, coracle ride, or Boat Safari. During these safaris, visitors are taken into the deep jungles of this National Park. Here you might get a chance to spot some elusive and endangered species as well. 

The total duration of the boat safari on the Kabini River is around 3 hours, this safari takes visitors closer to the borders of Nagarhole and Bandipur National Park. These parks are divided by the Kabini River. On the river’s bank, visitors can spot water birds and crocodiles. A coracle ride includes a round boat made for the water of the Indian River. All these safaris guarantee exciting and thrilling experiences that you will cherish forever. 

Top Things to Do in Nagarhole 

There are a lot of exciting and thrilling activities that await you at the Nagarhole National Park. here you can indulge in these activities and soak in the raw beauty of nature. Nagarhole National Park has something for everyone from wildlife photography to birdwatching and many more. Take a look at some of the things mentioned below and get an idea about the variety of activities available at the Nagarhole National Park. 

1. Indulge in Trekking Adventure

Trekking in Nagarhole National Park allows you to immerse in nature, offering a memorable adventure through the park’s diverse landscapes, thick forests, and serene river banks. This place has treks for all levels ranging from easy to challenging hikes. Each trek in the Nagarhole National Park provides picturesque views of the river and the entire park. The ideal time for trekking is during the cooler months between November and April, as the weather during this time is pleasant and trails are less slippery. 

2. Birdwatching

Nagarhole National Park has over 270 species of birds, making this place perfect for birdwatchers. In the winter season, you can spot unique types of birds. The most suitable time for birdwatching is early morning. The lush green landscapes and serene atmosphere make this place perfect for seasoned birdwatchers and nature lovers. 

3. Photography

Capture all the memories on your trip to Nagarhole National Park and take the beauty of nature and wildlife along with yourself. Evening and morning are the ideal time for capturing the best shots in soft light. The best shot can only be captured with patience and proper planning. Don’t forget to carry your camera while visiting the Nagarhole National Park. 

Best Time to Visit the Nagarhole National Park 

The most suitable time to visit the Nagarhole National Park is during winter or early summer. The weather during these seasons is pleasant and favorable for wildlife sightings. From March to May, in the summer season, the maximum temperature ranges up to 33 degrees Celsius. The weather can be hot but this time is perfect for wildlife sightings. You can plan for a morning or evening safari, during this time the weather is pleasant and the skies are clear. Make sure you apply sunscreen and wear cotton clothes during your visit. 

November to January (winter months) are also great for planning a trip to Nagarhole National Park. Wildlife is more active during these months and it is easier to spot them. The temperature during this time ranges from 10 to 14 degrees Celsius, which is ideal for outdoor activities and photography.  

Conclusion 

That’s all about the Nagarhole National Park; this is a wonderful spot for all the nature and wildlife lovers out there. The natural beauty and exotic wildlife will surely make all the visitors fall in love with it. This National Park offers everything including wildlife safaris, trekking, boat safaris, nature walks, and photography tours. Plan a trip to Nagarhole National Park in Karnataka now and enjoy the best moments of your life.