Located in Karnataka, the Nagarhole National Park offers a thrilling experience for all wildlife and nature lovers. Whether you’re a birding enthusiast, a wildlife photographer, or an ordinary tourist who wants to be one with nature, Nagarhole has countless activities to captivate you. From thrilling wildlife jeep safaris, photographing, watching elephants up close, or taking a calming boat ride on the Kabini River, there are plenty of exciting things to do in Nagarhole National Park. Each adventure provides a unique experience. Prepare for an opportunity to witness one of India’s most pristine ecosystems at its best!
10 Things To Do In Nagarhole National Park
Nagarhole National Park in Karnataka offers diverse activities for nature lovers. From jungle safaris and birdwatching to river rides and photography, visitors can explore rich biodiversity and witness majestic wildlife in a pristine ecosystem.
1. Jungle Safari
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A Jeep or bus transfer through the central region of Nagarhole is provided to give a closer look at the region. A wildlife safari in Nagarhole National Park enables visitors to have a wonderful view of different animals like tigers, leopards, elephants, and others in their natural environment. Nature-oriented activities include morning and evening game drives, each of which takes approximately 2- 3 hours. Such performances provide spectators with beautiful opportunities to enjoy the variety and untouched external conditions of the wildlife of this pristine region.
Timings: 6:00 AM and 3:00 PM
Entry Fee: INR 300 – 1500 per person
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2. Bird Watching
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Nagarhole is also a paradise for bird watchers because it has more than two hundred and seventy species. Sighting of hard-to-find birds, such as the Malabar trogon and the Nilgiri flycatcher, can be easily achieved at a walk or during early morning safaris. The best views are viewed through binoculars and a high-powered zoom on a camera if you intend to take photographs. Various habitats in the park allow a chance to watch the savannah birds, including the resident breeds and the other birds that may migrate into the park.
Timings: Early morning walks and safaris are best for bird watching.
Entry Fee: Usually included in the park entry fee or safari charges.
3. Coracle Ride On Kabini River
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Savour the serene cruise aboard a coracle, a traditional boat of India, as it smoothly Floats on the Waters of the Kabini River. Visitors are provided with firsthand experience of the area at the park’s northern end and the variety of flora and fauna to be found there. The tours allow visitors to spot various faunas and avian species of the wetland, including crocodiles basking along the shoreline and water birds, to mention a few. The boat has been designed in a circular manner that enables tourists to get a circular view of the riverine scenery of Nagarhole.
Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Entry Fee: INR 500 – 1000 per person
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4. Nature Walks And Trekking
Image Credit: Timothy A. Gonsalves for Wikimedia Commons
Nature walks, or trekking can be organised to explore the buffer zones of the Nagarhole region. These close views allow visitors to understand the variety of plants within the park, notice fewer large animals, and enjoy the views of nature. Local guides are available and are always willing to offer their services during these 1-2 hour trips. Trekking is an even better method of connecting closely with nature than hiking.
Timings: Early morning and late afternoon are ideal.
Entry Fee: INR 200 – 500 per person
5. The Kabini Dam
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Observe and be fascinated by the scenic beauty of Kabini Dam and its backwater. This area is perfect for photographers as good pictures can be taken all day, especially early morning and evening. The area formerly known as the dam is endowed with bird nesting sites; therefore, many birds can be seen beside the water bodies. Some trails are also provided for jogging or any form of leisurely exercise.
Timings: Open throughout the day
Entry Fee: Free entry
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6. The Irpu Falls
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Visit the fascinating Irpu Falls, surrounded by the Brahmagiri mountain range. These waterfalls provide a calm and natural experience for visitors and are widely used for picnics by tourists. After just 0.7 km of walking, one arrives at the net base, where one has to foot the spray of the falls and green vegetation. The best time to visit the falls is from September to December since the falls will be full after the monsoon season.
Timings: Open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: INR 50 per person
7. Wildlife Photography
Image Credit: Timothy A. Gonsalves for Wikimedia Commons
Nagarhole is known for its diverse wildlife, allowing visitors to get up close to it through their lens. Due to the park’s geography and rich wildlife, the photographic opportunity is around the corner. From colossal elephant presence to the endangered tigers and marvellous birds, all that a keen photographer wants can be captured. Like in any photographic endeavour, it is recommended that tourists shoot in the early morning and late afternoon because of the good light and high animal activity.
Timings: Morning (6:00 AM – 9:00 AM) and Late Afternoon (3:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
Entry Fee: Included in the park entry or safari fee
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8. Night Camping At Nagarhole
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Participate in a night camping in Nagarhole National Park’s planned buffer areas. Safer camping sites near the forest, which include bonfires and snacks, are available in some resorts, but permission from the Forest Department is necessary in the case of core areas. Bison is a luxury, tented camp and India’s first boutique tented camp. The other hotel is the Peepal Tree Kabini, located at the Kabini backwater shot, which is an ideal place for photography. These experiences give a unique approach to the feeling of the park and are safe for everyone’s convenience.
Timings: 6:00 PM TO 6:00 AM
Entry Fee: INR 2,500 to INR 7,000 per person per night, including meals and activities.
9. The Interpretation Centre
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The Interpretation Centre will leave a richer impression of the Nagarhole ecosystem. The park features interactive and educative features depicting information on historical backgrounds, animals, and present-day preservation activities. This makes this stop educational in the sense that visitors gain a background to all their safari experiences and the need to conserve India’s wildlife for future generations.
Timings: Open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: INR 30 per person
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10. Spot The Asiatic Elephants
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See the royal Asiatic elephants in their breeding ground. Due to the abundant water sources in the park, large numbers of elephants visit Nagarhole in search of water, especially during the dry season. Watch these sensible animals playing, washing themselves and their young. Their existence influences the distribution of habitat in the park. Hence, visitors are likely to catch sight of elephants.
Timings: Early morning (6:00 AM – 9:00 AM) and Late Afternoon (3:00 PM – 6:00 PM) are best for elephant sightings.
Entry Fee: Included in the park entry or safari fee
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Your trip to Karnataka will not be complete if you miss the beauty of the Nagarhole National Park. From thrilling wildlife interactions to quiet moments cuddled in the arms of nature, the moments you spend here will stay in your memories forever. Just pick up your bag and camera, go explore, and discover how your soul and senses will be more whole after a time in the wilds. Your top things to do in Nagarhole National Park and Karnataka journey await!
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Cover Image Credit: Timothy A. Gonsalves for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Nagarhole National Park
Are there any specific rules or guidelines for visitors in Nagarhole National Park?
Visitors are required to follow park rules, such as maintaining silence during safaris, not littering, not feeding animals, and staying inside vehicles during wildlife tours to ensure safety and protect the environment.
When is the best time to visit Nagarhole National Park?
The best time to visit is from October to May because the climate is cool and dry while the animals can easily be spotted.
Is camping allowed inside the Nagarhole National Park?
It is strictly prohibited to camp in the core areas of the park. However, there are a few designated areas where you can set up camps.
How many days are ideal to visit Nagarhole National Park?
It is advised that the visit should last for 2-3 days so as not to miss out on the wildlife and other things in the park.
Is night safari allowed in Nagarhole National Park?
Night tours are not allowed but several lodges carry out night tours within the buffer area along with trained security guards for safety.
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