Nagarhole National Park
Nagarhole National Park (Kannada ನಾಗರಹೊಳೆ ರಾಷ್ಟ್ರೀಯ ಉದ್ಯಾನವನ), also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, is in the Cauvery Basin in India's Karnataka State.
Understand
History
Nagarhole National Park is 93 km from Mysore. It is spread between Kodagu and Mysore districts. The national park has rich forest cover, little streams, valleys and waterfalls.
The place derives its name from Kannada - naga meaning snake and hole referring to streams.
The area was an exclusive hunting reserve of the former rulers of Mysore.
It was set up in 1955 and is one of the best-managed parks in the country. This park is located to the northwest of Bandipur National Park. In 1975 its area stretched to 575 km². Kabini reservoir separates this park from Bandipur National Park. The climate is tropical; summer is hot and winter is pleasant. The park boasts a healthy tiger-predator ratio. Tiger, gaur and elephant are much denser here than in Bandipur.
The office of the Deputy Conservator of Forests is in Hunsur, about 47 km away from Nagarhole.
Terrain
Mostly moist mixed deciduous forest (Tectona grandis, Dalbergia latifolia) in the Southern parts, Dry tropical forest (Wrightia tinctoria, Acacia) towards east, i.e. Bandipur and Sub mountain hill valley swamp forest (Eugenia).
Flora and fauna
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- Mammals: elephant, jackal, tiger, panther, gaur, muntjac, sambar, Spotted deer, mongoose, Civet cat, hyena, and Sloth bear.
- Reptiles: King Cobra, krait, python, viper, tortoise, Monitor lizard, toads etc.
- The main trees found are rosewood, teak, sandalwood and silver oak.
Climate
Temperature during summer would be around 32°C. Winter is brief from November to January and has the temperature dipping to 12 °C and rains from June to October.
Get in
- Nagarahole national park has multiple entry and exit points from both Karnataka and Kerala states.
- The simplest way to arrive in Nagarhole National Park is to hire a taxi from Mysore.
- There is many buses from Mysore to H.D. Kote which is 30 km before the park. The entry point from Heggadevanakote is through Antharasanthe village on Karnataka state highway 33 connecting Mysuru ( Karnataka ) to Kattikullam ( Kerala ) via Hampapura, Balle, D.B. Kuppe ( Bavali ).
- Also one can enter from Hunsur town which is on Mysuru- Madikeri-Mangaluru highway. A lot of KSRTC (Karnataka) buses ply on this road.
- If you are entering from Kerala, reach Mananthavadi Town, which is some 100 km from Calicut or Kozhikkod. It takes some 30 km to reach Nagerhole National Park. Round the clock KSRTC buses are available to Mananthavadi from Calicut.
- Anechowkooru is the entry point if you are coming from Periyapatna through Karnataka state highway 21 (SH-21) going to or from Hunsuru through SH-90 going to Gonikoppalu via Thitimathi. Anechoukur lies in northern part of the Rajiv Gandhi National Park.
- Veerahosanahalli village is another entry point from Hunsuru after deviation from Hunsuru - HD kote state highway 86. One can enter this national park from Kutta village which is in Kodagu district of Karnataka state. Motorbikes or Motorcycles ( Two wheelers ) are not allowed in this route.
- One can enter the northern part of Nagarahole national park from Siddapura ( Kodagu ) through a road going to Piriyapatna via Kallala.
Fees and permits
Entry to the national park is free & does not require any permits. You have to enter few details such as name, vehicle registration number, and number of visitors at the gate.
Many roads within Nagarhole national park travel (traffic) is allowed from 6 A.M. to 6 P.M. only. Confirm the timing at forest checkpost while entry.
Get around
See
- Dubare Elephant camp on the banks of river Kaveri ( Cauvery ) on Karnatak state highway 91 connecting Guddehosuru and Virajpete via Abyathmangala, Siddapura and Ammathi . Balle Elephant camp on SH 33.
- Bylakuppe near Kushalnagara, Tibetian resettlement colony in Kodagu district of Karnataka state.
- Taraka dam and reservoir near Heggadevankote ( H.D.Kote). Kabini dam at Beechanahalli. Nugu dam near Hediyala on SH -86 connecting Begur ( on NH 766) to HD Kote via Sarguru..
Do
Take jungle safari ride conducted by Karnataka forest department to see wild animals.
Buy
Local fruits and vegetables grown .
Eat
Local food and snacks.
Drink
Buttermilk.
Sleep
Lodging
You can stay in Nagarhole Forest Guest house with prior booking from Wildlife department in Mysore : Phone +91-821-2480902.
Private resorts & guest houses are available at Kutta just outside the park on the way to Irrupu Falls. There are Hotels and restaurants at Hunsur also.
You can also stay at Murkal which is within the Nagarhole Park.
Kabini River Lodge, Karapura (30 km after H.D. Kote), ☏ +91-8228264402, fax: +91-8228264405, info@junglelodge.com. Check-in: noon, check-out: 11AM. At the south of the park, between the Nagarhole Park and the Bandipur National Park, it is one of the state lodging. One of the best place to observe wild elephant specially from February to April when they converge to the lake. ₹3,500 and above for 24 hours and 2 safaris.
Outside but very close to the park
- Machaan Resorts, Churikad, K.Bagada Village (from Mysore move towards Hunsur, drive through Rajiv Gandhi National Park), ☏ +91-9686-13003. Check-in: 1PM, check-out: noon. Offers accommodation set amidst a lush coffee plantation near the boundary of Nagarhole National Park. The cottages have a tranquil view of an open stretch of a body of water that attracts a large variety of bird life. They have also been thoughtfully designed using green ideas and materials. The rooms have two single beds using hypoallergenic materials. A diwan is also placed in the room that can sleep a third person. A study table is provided. Also provided are in-room tea and coffee making facilities. The bathroom has hot and cold water supply and a set of eco-friendly toiletries. Each room comes with umbrella, torchlight, solar lamp, ceiling fan and electrical outlets.
Camping
Camping is not allowed inside the park since it has fairly good number of tigers and other such wild animals.
Backcountry
Stay safe
Do not get down from your vehicle while traveling through Nagarahole National Park. There are elephants, tigers, Indian bison and other wild animals which may pose danger. Do not litter the forest with plastic and other non bio degradable items. Forest fire is another hazard. Do not lit fire or throw inflammable things on the road or forests. Always carry torch, water, eatables, towels, clothes, whistle while entering the jungle.
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