Nagarhole National Park Guide: History, Ideal Visiting Time, Travel Tips, & More

I recently visited the Nagarhole National Park, also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, in the southwestern part of Karnataka. This wildlife reserve covers an area of around 247 square kilometres. With a visit to Nagarhole National Park, you can learn about India’s dedication to conserving wildlife. I visited Nagarhole for its Black Panther sightings, but with that, I got an entire world of flora and fauna waiting to be explored. If you are someone like me, passionate about nature and wildlife, Nagarhole National Park is a must-visit and provides an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of busy city life. 

One of the best things I have tried here was the Nagarhole safari and according to my personal experience, I would say that this is probably the best jungle safari in Karnataka. The guides were knowledgeable and took us to the areas where we could spot wildlife easily. Nagarahole forest has many more things that will fascinate every nature and wildlife enthusiast. In this article, I will take you on a tour of this tiger reserve, also one of the most loved national parks in Karnataka. 

Nagarhole National Park’s History 

Nagarhole National Park is located in the southwestern part of Karnataka. This National Park became a wildlife sanctuary in 1955 and it was transformed into a tiger reserve in 1999. Sharing its boundary with Mysore and Kodagu district, this is one of Karnataka's most visited national parks. In earlier times, this national park served as a private hunting ground for the royal families of Mysore, and today this national park has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Lakshmana, Teentha, and Kabini are the three rivers flowing through Nagarhole National Park, and the Kabini River divides two national parks, Nagarhole and Bandipur. Kabini River flowing through the park makes the park even more beautiful. 

Best Time to Visit Nagarhole National Park 

The best time to visit Nagarhole National Park depends on the type of experience you seek. Although the park can be visited throughout the year, winter and early summer are considered the best time. During the early summer season, between March and May the temperature ranges around 33 degrees Celsius. 

Safari tours during the summer are not my thing because of the hot and humid weather. But if you are planning to visit, opt for early morning or evening safaris. Morning and evening are generally cool, and animals are most active during these time slots. You must wear a hat and sunglasses and apply sunscreen properly. 

I planned my trip for winter, between November and January. The temperature in this season ranges from 10 to 14 degrees Celsius. The weather was pleasant and I enjoyed my Nagarhole National Park safari without any hassle. This time is also great for other outdoor activities. I am also into nature and wildlife photography, so it was a win-win situation for me because Nagarhole is a perfect place for capturing animals in their natural habitat while enjoying thrilling safaris. There are many other things to do in Nagarhole National Park, allowing you to immerse yourself in the park’s natural beauty. 

Things I Enjoyed in Nagarhole National Park 

As I mentioned earlier, I visited the Nagarhole National Park, black panther sightings, but with that, I got an entire world of flora and fauna waiting to be explored. From jungle safari and photography tours to nature walks and boat safaris, this park offers many opportunities to explore the park. Let’s talk more about these things in detail. Do check out the things mentioned below. 

1. Exploring the Park’s Flora and Fauna with Bus Safari: 

Exploring Nagarhole National Park through a bus safari is one of the most common and thrilling things to do. Many tourists like me visit the park for a bus safari dedicated to wildlife activities. A bus safari is conducted in 2 shifts, morning and evening, and each shift has two slots. As I mentioned earlier, the best time to visit Nagarhole is between November and March, when you can easily enjoy outdoor activities like safari tours. This safari bus operates on designated paths and takes passengers to the deeper ends of the jungle, allowing you to encounter the national park’s raw and wild ambience. A bus safari is ideal for bigger groups, as it can accommodate around 18 to 20 people at a time. 

2. Boat Safari in Kabini 

The boat safari in the Kabini River is an exciting and tranquil way to explore the wildlife along the river. Kabini River serves as a border between two national parks, Nagarhole and Bandipur, and animals can be seen around the shore, particularly during the dry season. During the boat safari in Kabini, you can spot crocodiles, and elephants, including birds like kingfishers, herons, and cormorants. A boat safari in Kabini is a must-do for visitors seeking a peaceful safari experience. 

3. Coracle Ride

Coracle Ride in Kabini River is a unique experience. Made up of tar and Bamboo, a coracle is a round boat, and riding in it offers a very unique and immersive experience. You can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere with a coracle ride and spot animals near the banks of the river. This is just like a boat safari but more traditional. This activity can be enjoyed by 4 to 5 people at a time.

4. Birdwatching 

After safaris and wildlife activities, another thing that I liked the most about Nagarhole National Park was the birdwatching tours. This park is home to a wide variety of bird species. Here you can spot local and migratory birds and click their pictures with the camera. Also, don’t forget to carry a binocular for better and closer views. 

Nagarhole National Park Safari Timings and Entry Fee

Nagarhole National Park is a great place to be for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. You can visit the park throughout the year except during the monsoon season, but there are specific timings and entry fees. You can visit the park anytime between 6 in the morning and 6 in the evening. Safari tours in Nagarhole are operated during 2 shifts, morning and evening. The timings for the morning shift are 6 to 8 am and 3 to 5 pm for evening tours. 

You will also have to pay the Nagarhole National Park ticket fee, which is INR 250 for Indians and INR 1000 for foreign tourists. It is advised to book your safari tour in advance to secure your spot. This entry fee does not include the charges of safari tours, parking, and camera charges. You need to pay separately for the activities inside the park. 

How to Reach Nagarhole National Park 

Nagarhole National Park is connected to various south Indian cities, making it easily accessible by road, train, or air. Let’s learn about the modes of transport to reach Nagarhole in detail. 

By Air: Mysore airport is nearest to the Nagarhole National Park, and it operates regular flights from cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Chennai. Tourists travelling from these cities can take a direct flight to Mysore and hire a taxi or take a state bus to reach the Nagarhole National Park. Mysore Airport is not connected to major cities. Another nearest airport to Nagarhole is Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore, at a distance of 242 km from Nagarhole. This is an international airport that operates flights from major domestic and international cities. Upon reaching the airport, one can easily get a cab or bus to get to Nagarhole. 

By Train: The closest railway station to Nagarhole National Park is Mysore Junction, which is approximately 63 kilometres away. This junction is very well-connected to other South Indian cities. People travelling from cities like Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad can take a direct train to Mysore and hire a taxi or take a bus to Nagarhole National Park. Located just 63 kilometres from Mysore, one can reach Nagarhole in around 1.5 hours.

By Road: Nagarhole National Park is connected by state roads and highways, making it easily accessible from Karnataka’s towns and cities, including other states nearby. You can take a bus or self-drive from Bangalore, 206 kilometres away, and it takes almost 3 to 4 hours. The nearest city to Nagarhole in Karnataka is Mysore, located around 63 kilometres away, and one can easily get here in around 1 hour. People travelling from Cochin and other cities in Kerala reach in around 9 hours, covering a distance of around 287 kilometres. 

Nagarhole Safari Booking Tips 

• There are usually two shifts for Nagarhole Safari, the morning and the evening. 
• There is a limit for each safari vehicle. Jeeps can accommodate around 6 to 8 people at a time, buses can accommodate around 20 to 25 people, and boats can usually carry 3 to 4 people at a time. 
• Nagarhole National Park safari booking can be done online through the official website or tour operators. It is recommended to book in advance, especially during the peak tourist season. 

Conclusion

Being a popular nature and wildlife destination in India, Nagarhole National Park promises an ideal weekend getaway from the hustle and bustle of busy city life. Wildlife sightings being the top highlight makes safari tours in the park a most loved activity. But Nagarhole also offers a lot more than this: birdwatching, photography tours, boat safaris and many more. Explore the trails, witness the raw natural beauty, and capture the beauty through the lens. Wish you a fun-filled trip experience. 

FAQ’s 

Q1. Are permits required to visit the Nagarhole National Park?

Yes, visitors need to obtain permits to explore Nagarhole National Park. This protected wildlife reserve is easily accessible, and permits can be obtained at the park’s entrance or online through the official website of the Karnataka Forest Department or tour operators. 

Q2. Is Nagarhole National Park ideal for families with children?

Yes, Nagarhole National Park is an ideal place to visit with family, including children. Here, you can enjoy activities like nature walks and safaris. However, children must be supervised during these activities. 

Q3. What kind of flora and fauna can be seen in Nagarhole National Park?

Nagarhole National Park is home to a variety of flora and fauna. It's rich flora provides a perfect natural habitat for wildlife, including riverine forests, vast grasslands, and deciduous forests. 

Q4. Can I capture pictures in the Nagarhole National Park?

Yes, you can carry your camera to capture photos and videos of the park’s natural beauty and inhabitants. However, there are some restrictions, such as not using a flashlight and maintaining a safe distance from the animals. 

Q5. Can I spot lions in Nagarhole National Park?

Nagarhole National Park is famous for its wildlife sightings, including elephants, tigers, and leopards, but there are no signs of spotting a leopard at the park. 

Q6. What is the most suitable time to visit the Nagarhole National Park?

The most suitable time to visit the Nagarhole National Park is between November and February. These months are best for wildlife sightings and the animals are most active. You can also plan to visit between April and May. 

Q7. What are the most popular things to do in Nagarhole National Park?

The most popular things to do in Nagarhole National Park are bus safaris, jeep safaris, trekking, nature walks, and a few others. 

Q8. What are the duration and timings of safaris in Nagarhole National Park?

The duration of wildlife safaris in Nagarhole National Park is around 3 hours, and there are two shifts, morning and evening. The timings for the morning slot are from 6 am to 9 am and the timings for the evening slot are from 5 am to 7 pm.

Q9. Is a guided safari tour available in Nagarhole?

Yes, you can book a guided safari tour in Nagarhole National Park. These guides at the park are knowledgeable and trained to track the movement of animals in the park. 

Q10. Are there any resorts near Nagarhole?

Yes, there are many resorts near Nagarhole where you can stay during the trip. Make sure you book in advance because of limited availability, especially during the peak season. 

Author Bio

Shagun Sharma is a travel content and copywriter from India working with BanBanjara, one of the fastest-growing travel agencies, headquartered in Jaipur. She has a degree in mass communication and journalism from IIS University, Jaipur. With a passion for creating magic with his words, She embarked on her journey as a content writer with a small startup. Gradually, he started writing for lifestyle and travel-related niches and joined BanBanjara as a senior content writer to help travel aficionados find their next destination for a rejuvenating trip. 

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