Nagarhole National Park

Introducing Nagarhole National Park

West of the Kabini River is the 643-sq-km wildlife sanctuary of Nagarhole National Park (Rajiv Gandhi National Park; Indian/foreigner Rs 50/150, camera Rs 50), pronounced nag-ar-hole-eh. The lush forests here are home to around 60 tigers, as well as leopards, elephants, gaurs, muntjacs (barking deer), wild dogs, bonnet macaques and common langurs; animal sightings are more common here than in Bandipur.

The park’s main entrance is 93km southwest of Mysore. However, the best accommodation and the most beautiful views are at the Kabini Lake side of the reserve, near the village of Karapura, around 80km south of Mysore. Orange County (www.orangecounty.in) are building a resort on the far bank of the lake here. If heading to the park by taxi, make sure that your driver knows exactly which side of the park you’re staying, as it’s quite a distance between the two locations.

If you’re not staying at a lodge, the only way to see the park is on the bus tour (per person Rs 25; 6-8am & 4-5pm); the best time to view wildlife is the hot months (April to May), but the winter air (November to February) is kinder. Bookings can be made in advance with the Forest Department in Mysore, or you can just turn up.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009