Nagarhole National Park

Nagarahole National Park also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park is situated around Kodagu district and Mysore district in Karnataka state of South India. It is surrounded by shallow valleys and gentle slopes on all sides.

Nagarhole National Park is said to be the best habitat for Asian elephants and is also a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.


River Kabini flows along the southern boundary of the park, and forms a reservoir on the south-eastern edge. The reservoir separates Nagargole sanctuary from Bandipur sanctuary, which is also part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.   In addition to the vivid and vibrant wildlife range, the Western Ghats and Brahmagiri Hills add to the scenic beauty of the Nagarhole National Park.


Nagarhole is extraordinarily blessed with stunning and rare flora and fauna. One can find a diverse variety of trees and shrubs. Over 250 species of birds have been found in this place. There are observation towers in the park that offer a panoramic view of the undulating expanse, riotously coloured birds, wildlife, and the virgin greenery.

Attractions: 

Fauna: Asiatic elephants, jackal, tiger, panther, gaur, muntjac, sambar, spotted deer, mongoose, civet cat, hyena. Reptiles: king cobra, krait, python, viper, tortoise, monitor lizard, toads etc.

Avian-Fauna: Malabar trogon, malabar pied-hornbill, crested hawk-eagle and crested serpent-eagle, and more.

Wildlife: The Nagarhole National Park shelters a large number of rare and endangered animals. It has a higher population of tigers and one can spot huge elephant herds wandering here.

Safari: The jeep safari takes you around in a predefined forest route. You can spot, observe and discover wildlife in their best natural habitat.
Also you can take the river safari with the jetty. There are high chances of sighting Elephants and different species of birds as well as if you are lucky enough you can even sight tigers.


How to Reach: 

This place can be an ideal weekend getaway from Bangalore or Mysore.

Nagarhole is well connected by road with Bangalore and Mysore. The nearest airport is in Bangalore, and the closet railway station is in Mysore. There are also some trains from Nanjangud to Nagarhole.
Buses ply regularly between Bangalore and Nagarhole, and also between Mysore and Nagarhole. Taxi services are also available from Bangalore to Nagarhole.
Nagarhole National Park is situated around 100 km away from Mysore in Karnataka.
And distance from Bangalore is around 220Km.


Accommodation: 

There are many private as well as government forest resorts. My personal favorite is Kabini River Lodge because of their wonderful services towards guests.


Best Time to Visit: 

November to February

Now let me take you on a journey of this National Park through some amazing photographs. 

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Top 5 Road Trips from Delhi which you must take!

Top 5 road trips which you should definitely take at least once in your lifetime to cherish the beauty of these amazing places.

1. Delhi to Ladakh via Manali-Leh Highyway

Manali-Leh Highway

This trip is perhaps one of the most famous, challenging and most enthralling road trips in India that you can undertake on a bike or even a car. Ride through the stunning snow-clad hills and mountains, challenging terrains and through some of the high altitude passes like Khardung La Pass (World’s highest motorable road). The distance is about 1075 kilometers, that will take at least 3-4 days, but it is sure to be an experience you will cherish for life.

Post 1 and post 2 on Ladakh here!

2. The Golden Triangle, Delhi to Jaipur via Agra 

Agra- Taj and the Yamuna River (pic source- google)

This is indeed one of the best road trips in the country. From Delhi and drive to Agra via the Yamuna Expressway, one of the country’s finest roads. Once in Agra, visit the Taj, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. Travel to Jaipur the next day and explore the palaces and forts.

The overall distance is about 800km from Delhi to Jaipur. Offering prismatic views of India’s bygone history and confluence of many different traditions and cultures, it takes you to Agra, Jaipur and finally back to the origin point Delhi. On the way you can even visit Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary.

3. Delhi to Ranthambhore via Jaipur

 Jaigarh Fort of Jaipur

Ranthambhore Fort

Originating from the heritage capital of the country, this road trip takes you to the wilderness of the Ranthambhore National Park in Rajasthan. 

On the journey towards Jaipur watch the Aravallis bounce off as you drive along one of the well-maintained highways of India into one of the most colourful cultures of our land. From Jaipur to Ranthambhore take the State Highway 24. This highway that leads to Ranthambhore from the Pink City is as scenic as you want it to be. The distance is around 145 km which will not take more than 3 hours.

Here's our post on Ranthambhore!

4. Delhi to Dharamshala

On the way to Dharamshala

Though a bit far compared to other road locations, this quiet, peaceful hill station is a must for all road trip enthusiasts. Situated in the beautiful Kangra Valley, with dense pine and deodar forests, numerous streams, cool healthy air, attractive surroundings and the nearby snowline, Dharamsala has everything for a perfect holiday. 

The drive to Dharamshala from Delhi via Chandigarh, Kiratpur and Bilaspur should take around 12-13 hours through NH 1.

McLeod Ganj and the entire Dharamshala circuit  here!

5. Delhi to Lansdowne 

The best route by road to reach Lansdowne from Delhi is - Delhi - Ghaziabad - Meerut - Bijnor - Najibabad - Kotdwar – Lansdowne. Entire route is good overall though you might find traffic jam when crossing Meerut. The distance is approximately 280 kms from Delhi which will take around 6 hours. While crossing Kotdwar you can visit Siddhbali Temple and Durga Devi Temple. As you start from Kotdwar towards lansdowne the landscape changes dramatically. Road is exceptionally good, owing to the presence of the Garhwal Regiment. The Garhwall Himalyas begin to give glimpses of their majesty. 

More on Lansdowne here!

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