The
Nagarhaole National Park in Karnataka shares its boundaries with the famous
Bandipur National Park in Karanataka, which together form a part of the Mudumalai
Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu and the Wayanad Reserve in Kerala. About 643 kms in
area, Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuary is home to the tiger along with the other
wild life species and around 250 bird species. Located aside the river Kabini,
the dam and the reservoir of this mighty Kabini river acts as a natural barrier
separating the two wildlife sanctuaries - Bandipur and Nagarhole - in Karnataka.
The Nagarhole national park lies at a distance of 96 kms from Mysore. This
protected territory is the habitat of several endangered species. Nagarhole
derives its name from the root word `Naga' from Kannada language, which means
`snake' and `Hole' that means `streams'. Thus the term as a whole point towards
the numerous streams that leaps through the rich tropical forests of Nagarhole
like a snake.
Also bordering the state of Kerala, the Nagarhole National Park was designated
as a game sanctuary in 1955. In 1974, it was extended to its present size
combining the Mysore forests within the Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuary. The
deep valleys and the mesmerising landscapes in the sanctuary make it a picture
perfect destination in every manner. Apart from the largest Kabini river that
drains the Nagarhole national park, the other three important rivers include
Lakshmana, Teentha and Nagarhole. Several perennial and seasonal streams also
merge into the four rivers.
The
drier SE corner of Bandipur National Park has scrub forests. During the dry
months of March-May, Indian Elephants stay close to rivers and lakes. At this
time of year, Indian Elephant sightings are unsurpassed in Nagarhole National
Park, especially if you are staying at the Kabini River Lodge in Karapur. Nearby,
at Mastigudi large gatherings of 100 or so Indian Elephants on the banks of
the Kabini Lake are known, a sight unrivalled anywhere. Bandipur National Park
is probably the best place in the subcontinent for seeing Dhole, and the Indian
Giant Squirrel can be seen at Mudumalai, lying curled in trees holes or crooks
of brances during the day.
Season :
Open year round, the best period being October-May, especially April-May.
Access :
Fly to Bangalore and drive to Nagarhole (6 hours) or Bandipur (6-7 hours). The
nearest station railway station is Mysore. For Mudumalai National Park the nearest
airport is Coimbatore (160 km) and the nearest railway station Ooty or Udhagamandalam
(64 km).
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Here For Reservation/Booking
SUUGGESTED RESORTS
Kabini River Lodge
Kabini River Lodge, 80 kms from Mysore and 200 kms from Bangalore, is
a wildlife resort situated amid the tranquil green and the quite flowing
Kabini River. The resort promises all comforts, adventure and excitement
of visiting wildlife in its natural habitat. The resort offers colonial
styled fourteen well appointed private lodges with modern amenities. The
restaurant at the Resort offers Indian and Continental Cuisine. Best time
to visit is between September to May. |
SUGGESTED TOURS
Tiger
Tour with Best of India
Duration: 14 nights/ 15 days
Places to Visit: Delhi - Jaipur - Ranthmabhore - Bharatpur - Agra -
Bandhavgarh - Khajuraho - Varanasi - Delhi
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Nagarhole National Park