Nagarhole National Park In Coorg, Karnataka

History of Nagarhole National Park

In the Sanskrit language, the word ‘Naga’ means snake and ‘Hole’ means streams. Located on the boundaries of Kodagu district and Mysore district, Rajiv Gandhi National Park or Nagarhole National Park in Coorg is one of the most popular National Parks in India. Existing as a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve near Bandipur National Park, the park has been declared as one of the World Heritage Sites by the UNESCO World Heritage Community. There are three rivers that flow through this national park - Lakshmana, Teentha, and Kabini. River Kabini separates Nagarhole National Park in Coorg from Bandipur National Park. The park was an exclusive Hunting Reserve for Wadiyar Dynasty, who ruled Mysore and in 1955, it was turned into a Wildlife Sanctuary and in 1999, it was marked as a Tiger Reserve.

Area Wise Guide for Nagarhole National Park

Nagarhole National Park is divided into 4 areas and the altitude of the park changes from 680 meters to 1454 meters.

North: This part of the park is surrounded by the Kabini River which is the main source of water for the animals in the park. One can spot many wildlife animals near the shore of the river.

South East: This part of Nagarhole National Park is dry and is famous for discovering predators. The place is also visited by many migratory birds and is a famous spot for bird watchers.

Center: In this region, one can spot elephants, gaur, and deer. The place is popular for Kabini river backwaters.

West: The entire west region is dotted with mountains, waterfalls, valleys, and streams. The place is also famous for bamboo and sandalwood trees.

Flora of Nagarhole National Park

The prominent part of Nagarhole National Park in Coorg is covered in the deciduous forest. In the southern part of the park teakwood and rosewood are in abundance and the central part is covered in a dry deciduous forest. Other famous trees found here are pala indigo, Eugenie trees, silver oak, sandalwood, teak, crocodile bark, Indian kino tree, axle wood, Kadam, cotton tree, Indian gooseberry and many more.

Fauna of Nagarhole National Park

Having a variety of flora and fauna, it is a hub for various species of plants and animals. Nagarhole National Park in Coorg is home to animals like Tiger, Gaur (Indian Bison), Porcupine Bonnet macaque Jungle cat, and Giant Squirrel; birds like Honey Buzzards, Black-headed Cuckoo Shrikes, Malabar Trogons and a variety of Woodpeckers, along with elephants and ducks found in abundance.

Type of Safaris

In terms of accommodation, one can prefer to stay in Forest Rest Houses (five of them lie within the area of Nagarhole) or various Resorts or Lodges located nearby. The major attractions of this place include Nagarhole National Park Safari and they conduct

Boat Safaris: The boat safari is for 3 hours in Kabini River. One can spot many rare species of plants and animals on this Safari. One can see elephants, Indian Bison, jackals, tigers, leopards, and wild boars can be spotted on the river bank.

Road Safaris: The duration of road safari is also 3 hours, road safari takes you into deep jungles of Nagarhole National Park. You can spot many endangered animals. The best time to go for Road Safari is from October to May.

Nagarhole National Park, is thus, a pristine panorama of nature and adventure with enchanting species of plants and animals around and is a one of a kind experience.

Attractions near Nagarhole National Park

Kutta: The place is believed to belong to Goddess Kali, the Goddess resided in this place and stayed with low-caste Kurubas. A major festival is celebrated every year where one can witness the goddess.

Iruppu Falls: Another famous place to visit near Nagarhole National Park, the place is popular for its scenic beauty and is a popular picnic spot. Water coming from Brahmagiri forms a fall called Iruppu falls.

Ishwara Temple: An important pilgrimage center that is flocked by devotees is the Ishwara temple. It is believed that Shivakinga was laid down by Lord Rama himself here.

Bandipur National Park: The place is known for tigers and a great variety of flora and fauna. The area is protected under Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.

Wayanad National Park: It is the second-largest national park of Kerala and has a wide variety of endangered species of plants and animals.

Things To Carry

Warm clothes, if you are going for Jeep Safari

Don’t wear flashy and bright colored clothes, as it might disturb animals.

Carry sunscreen lotion.

Don’t forget to keep your camera, binoculars, and sunglasses with you

Carry a water bottle.