Nagarhole

State : Karnataka
Distance : 210 km SW of Bangalore. Journey time by road 5 hrs.
Location : Nagarhole or Rajiv Gandi National Park, is in south west Karnataka, contiguous with tholpetty. Sanctuary in Kerala. Both are part of the nilgiri biosphere reseve
Route : SH 17 to srirangapatna via maddur; bypass to coorg via ranganathittu; SH 88 to hunsur; state roads to Nagarhole via Veeranahosahalli and murkal

Once an exclusive hunting preserve of the maharajas of mysore, Nagarhole national park was renamed after the late Rajiv Gandi but faces the same fact as Delhi’s Connaught place and connaught circle which are still called by their popular old names. So it is with Nagarhole. The park situated in the Dcccan Plateau, forms an integral part of the Nilagiri River winds through it and finally meets the kabini the largest river draining the forest. A dam built on the kabini has created a splendid lake to south of the park, which separates it from bandipur tiger reserve. To the south east lies the west coffee plantation separate the park from brahmagiri wildlife Sanctuary

This entire stretch is one of the finest remaining habitats of the Asian Elephant. Huge herds hang about in Nagarhole and its side that summer is the best time to see them. It is held that Nagarhole is worth visiting in the dry season when wild animals are spotted in large numbers near the water bodies but don’t bet your money on it. Successive dry spell have shriveled the water sources so much that the animals feel content lying in the shade away from view.

Take A Safary Tour

Nagarhole spread over a luxurious 640 sq km ( combining core and buffer forest zones )
Offers great sighting opportunities along the tracks as a 1000-ft area around either side has been cleared of vegetation allowing an unobstructed view of the forest. The forest department maintains the view line by clearing it of weeds and foliage thrice a year. At no point of time must you get down from your vehicle a rule the department enforces with diligence. I am just taking a piss might well prove to be your famous last world

The tourism zone covers only 30 sq km. the Forest Department’s one-hour 17 seat Bus Safari is too short noisy and completely avoidable. The jeep safari though expensive
(Rs 350 ) is quieter and much more conducive to game viewing. For all rides and safari get to the RFO’s office

The is no fee to enter Nagarhole, but private vehicle may not enter at all.
Camera fees – Still Rs - 15. Video – 150.
Timings – 6 am to 6 pm.
Bus safari – adults Rs 30. children Rs 10. foreigner Rs – 200.
Vehicle hire for safari – Bus Rs 400. minibus / van Rs – 300. quails / jeep Rs – 150.
Plus Rs – 25 per adult. Rs 5per child and Rs 150 for compulsory guide.


Where to stay and eat

Tourist complex of Nagarhole
Phone no – 08274 – 444221
cauvery - tariff Indian – Rs - 1000. Foreigners Rs - 2000.

Jungle Inn
Phone No – 0821 646022 / 322094. Tariff – Rs 1500 – 1800.

Vana Arathi
Phone No : 08274 – 444228 / 888. Tariff Rs – 1500.

Home Stay
Phone no – 080 – 5272864 / 5210524. Tariff Rs – 1440 – 2070.

Chilligiri Estate
Phone no – 08274 – 444265. Tariff Rs – 200 – 300.