Nagarhole National Park Travel Guide

Nagarhole gains its name from the snake like river that winds its way through it. The park is a place of unspoilt wilderness, with serene forest, bubbling streams, and a tranquil lake. It’s also officially known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park.

Nagarhole teems with over 250 types of birds, elephants, sloth bear, bison, tiger, leopards, deer, and wild boars.

In Karnataka state, 95 kilometers (60 miles) south west of Mysore and bordering the state of Kerala.The closest railway station is in Mysore, around 4 hours away from Nagarhole by road. Alternatively, there is an airport in Bangalore, around 6 hours away.The best time to view the animals is during the heat of March and April, when the waterholes are dry and the animals come out and visit the lake. However, the weather is more pleasant from November to February.The main road through the park is open from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m., all year round. Safaris take place in the early morning from 6 a.m to 9 a.m., and again in the afternoon from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.The park entrance fee is 200 rupees ($4.50) for foreigners. The forest department runs one hour safaris for 65 rupees ($1.50). Alternatively private vehicles can go on safari for 550 rupees ($12) per car or jeep, plus 200 rupees for the cost of a guide (required). Trekking costs 75 rupees ($1.80) for one day, plus 250 rupees ($6) for a guide. A 30 minute elephant ride costs 75 rupees. Jeeps can be hired for around 800 rupees ($18) per day from the forest department office in Hunsur, 45 kilometers before the park. Hotel operators also run safari tours and other activities.Nagarhole can be explored by jeep, elephant back, and boat. Visitors can also go trekking. The park offers the opportunity to see elephants close up in their natural habitat, and it’s not unusual to see herds of elephants on the river bank. However, the likelihood of seeing a tiger here is rare compared to parks such as Bandhavgarh in the north. A good thing about Nagarhole is that the main forest reserve office (where the safaris start from) is located right inside the park. This means that visitors can pass through quite a bit of the park area on their own.Kabini River Lodge, located on the river near the southern edge of the park, is a popular choice. The Jungle Inn, near the main Veeranahosahalli entrance to the park, provides more basic accommodations. Kings Sanctuary, set in 34 acres of mango orchards near the northern edge of the park, is a good luxury option.