Spread across 65 acres, the Nisargadhama Deer Park is a peaceful retreat tucked away in the Scotland of India, Coorg. This Park is home to many species of deer and may be enjoyed by wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers and children. Situated on the island of Nisargadhama, created by the River Kaveri, this Park fascinates tourists with its verdant surroundings and serene atmosphere. It offers tourists a unique chance to see these sentient creatures in their environment. The Nisargadhama Deer Park is a must-try destination with its stunning foliage, calm ambience, and rustic bridges.
About Kaveri Nisargadhama
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Coorg is a natural wonder with unprecedented beauty, adventurous terrain, and a pleasant climate that promises refreshing days to all its visitors. From viewpoints, waterfalls, parks, and lakes to trekking trails and luxurious accommodations, Coorg offers everything required for a perfect holiday. Formed by the region’s main river, the River Kaveri, it is surrounded by dense forest.
A popular weekend getaway by itself, The Kaveri Nisargadhama is a breathtaking island just 3 km from Kushalnagar and around 30 kilometres from Madikeri. It is also home to the Nisargadhama Deer Park, Bird Park and Rabbit Park and contains various adventure activities for children, along with boating. It presents an excellent opportunity for tourists to interact closely with nature. Visitors can enter the reserve through the new hanging bridge, which is different from the old one, which is no longer functional.
Must Read: Homestays In Coorg
Ideal Timings To Visit Nisargadhama Deer Park
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The best time to visit the Nisargadhama Deer Park is October to April, as the lush greenery of the forest after the rains and the resulting coolness of the atmosphere make it ideal for visiting. During winter, the temperature drops considerably, making the Park quite cold. The rainy season is not a perfect time to visit the Park as the area witnesses moderate to heavy rainfall and, therefore, isn’t very advisable.
The Nisargadhama Deer Park is open all week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Suggested time to visit is in the evening after 03:00 PM, as it is not too sunny or dark.
Entrance Fee Nisargadhama Deer Park
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To enter the Nisargadhama Forest Park, visitors must pay a nominal entry charge of approximately Rs. 20 for adults and Rs. 10 for children. You must pay extra to take part in the activities within the Park. It will cost you Rs. 100 per person to take a boat ride down the river. When you enter the Park, you have to cross a bridge. Look down to the water under the bridge; if you are lucky enough, you may glimpse the variety of fish in the river. You may not go boating during peak rainy seasons as the water level will be high.
Swimming here has cost the lives of many, so please note the water level and ensure you have taken all safety measures before taking the plunge.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Coorg
How To Reach Nisargadhama Deer Park
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- By Air: The Mangalore International Airport is the closest International airport to Coorg, at 143 km. The nearest domestic airport, located 120 km from Coorg, is in Mysore. Rent a taxi or take a bus between Coorg and Mangalore, Mysore, or Bangalore.
- By Train: You can take a train to Mysore, Bangalore, or Mangalore, nearby cities with excellent train connections to almost every part of India. The closest station is Mysore Railway Station, located approximately 120 kilometres from Coorg.
- By Road: The last leg of the trip to Nisargadhama Deer Park is by road, regardless of whether you travel by rail or air. This tour takes four to five hours, and it will leave you with beautiful memories. You’ll come across amazing scenery, tall mountains, and great weather along the route.
Kaveri Nisargadhama Deer Park is located around 30 km from Madikeri town. It is also quite close to Kushalnagar, only 3 km away—almost all the buses to Madikeri from Kushalnagar stop at the highway near the Nisargadhama Deer Park.
From the bus stand, it takes tourists around 15 minutes to reach the Nisargadhama Deer Park, which is situated on the Mysore-Madikeri Highway. You can also hire a cab and travel directly to Kaveri Nisargadhama Forest Park.
Places To Visit Near Nisargadhama Deer Park
Discover mind-blowing places near Nisargadhama Deer Park for the best experience. Add these attractions to your itinerary for a wholesome experience.
1. Nisargadhama Exotic Bird Park
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Nisargadhama Bird Park is situated within the Kaveri Nisargadhama. It is only a minute’s walk away from the Deer Park. The Nisargadhama Bird Park is a vibrant and energetic place with various birds, some native and some migratory. This place is a haven for Bird lovers, enthusiasts and children. You can interact with the trained parrots, who will sit on your hand if you hold their feed. The natural beauty and surroundings of the Park provide a perfect setting for birdwatching. It is a learning experience which is also exciting for children.
Things To Do: Birdwatching
Best Time To Visit: September to March
Suggested Read: Coorg In Monsoon
2. Namdroling Monastery Or Golden Temple
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The Namdroling Monastery, famously known as ‘The Golden Temple’, is the largest Tibetan settlement outside Tibet. It is situated in Bylakuppe, around 7.8 km from the Nisargadhama Deer Park. The Golden Temple complex houses about 600 monks and 16000 refugees. The major attractions inside the temple are the statues of Lord Buddha in the centre, with statues of Lord Padmasambhava and Lord Amitayus on either side. Visitors can meditate, pray, give offerings, and rotate the prayer wheel. The Golden Temple is open for visitors from 9 AM to 6 PM. You will also come across various Tibetan restaurants that serve delicious authentic Tibetan food like Momos, Thukpa, etc.
Things To Do: Offer a prayer, spend some time in the temple’s tranquillity
Best Time To Visit: October to March
3. Dubare Elephant Camp
The Dubare elephant camp is home to many elephants, which offers tourists an exceptional opportunity to interact with the gentle giants. In ancient times, this is where Elephants were trained for the Mysore Dussehra, but now they are trained by naturalists for jungle rides. The visitors can learn about and observe elephant ecology and biology closely. The most popular activity in the Dubare Elephant camp is the elephant ride, where a three-hour interaction session is available. Visitors can also bathe the elephants in the River Cauvery and feed them jaggery, ragi, bananas, sugarcane and coconuts.
Things To Do: Bathe the elephants
Best Time To Visit: October to April
Further Read: Things To Do In Coorg
Now that you have information about Nisargadhama Deer Park and what to do around the area, it’s high time to gather your friends and family and book your tickets for your trip to Coorg before the season ends!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Nisargadhama Deer Park
What is the entry fee for Nisargadhama Deer Park?
The entry fee for adults is Rs.10 and for children is Rs. 5.
What has made Nisargadhama well known?
Nisargadhama is famous for its Deer Park, Bird Park, Rabbit Park and Boating.
How much time will you spend in Nisargadhama?
Ideally, you can spend around 3-4 hours in Nisargadhama.
Are there any Child-friendly activities in Nisargadhama?
Yes. There is a playground with swings, slides and other play types of equipment for children.
Do I need a guide for Nisargadhama Forest park?
Although no formal guides are required in the Park, local guides will be available at the entrance of the Park.
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