Nagarhole is spread over two districts of Karnataka, mainly Mysore and Kodagu. The name depicts the many wriggling streams that flow in the region passing through dense forests and deep gorges. The town is dotted with an umpteenth number of waterfalls, forest stretches, and temples which also form an integral part of this cultural town in the Kodagu districts of Karnataka. The rich history of Nagarhole describes the region to be a hunting ground of the rulers of Mysore.
Elephants and wild Bison is in abundance along with other jungle dwellers like tigers, four-horned antelope, jungle cat, civet, sloth bear, spotted deer, panther, sambhar, black-naped hare, bonnet macaque, pangolin and wild boar. The forests are inhabited by a primitive tribe known as Jenu Kurubas. Nagarhole National Park is also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park and it forms a major part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
Nagarhole National Park was established in the year 1955 is situated at a distance of 94 KM from Mysore and somewhat the same from Madikeri as well. It is spread over an area of 643 sq. KM. The unspoiled and uninterrupted park attracts environmentalists and nature enthusiasts from all over the country. The various safaris running in the park during morning and evening hours can be your best options to explore the flora and fauna of the region. Nagarhole encompasses lush hills, undulating green slopes, grassy swamps, slippery waterfalls and many lakes and streams.
Other than going on a safari in Nagarhole, you can also visit nearby attractions like Iruppu falls which originates from Lakshmana Tirtha River, Rameshwara temple which is closely located to the falls. Kutta is a small town that connects many other places of interest to Nagarhole National park. It is situated Northwest of Bandipur National Park and both are separated by river Kabini. From Jeep safaris to Elephant safaris and coracle and boat safaris; there is no dearth of greenery and wildlife. The exciting boat safaris row you through the river and keep you in the center so that you can watch the Crocodiles lazing by the bank.
Nagarhole experiences amazing weather throughout the year and you can tread on various trails for trekking and camping. It is advisable to avoid any kind of excursion during the monsoon season. As the region is quite close to Coorg, you must try the local filter coffee, it somewhat touches the benchmark. To have a local experience of living with such a vast array of flora and fauna, get enrolled in an Elephant training camp, the excitement and thrill of bathing the giant mammoths are incredible. Mysore is the nearest railway station. Take a bus or a cab to reach Nagarhole.
