|
About Nagarhole National
Park
Nagarhole National park derives its name from the combination of two
Kannada words-'Nagar,' mea ning
snake, and 'hole,' meaning streams. True to its name, quite a few
serpentine streams fork through the rich tropical forests of the park.
Nagarhole Park was set up in 1955. In 1975, its area was increased to
include a greater expanse of forest reserve. The original forest was
once an exclusive hunting ground for the erstwhile Maharajas of Mysore.
The park has been recently renamed as Rajiv Gandhi National Park after
the late Prime Minister of India.
Nagarhole Park is counted among India's best wildlife parks. It has a
large elephant and bison population. It also hosts a variety of animal
species along with approximately 250 species of birds. On its northern
confines is the Kabini River and on its southern fringes is the
Bandipur national park. A dam on the Kabini River and its picturesque
reservoir demarcates the two national parks. During the dry season
(February-June), this artificial lake attracts a large number of
animals, making it an ideal spot for sighting wildlife.
Location
Nagaland is situated on the extreme northern east just below
Arunachal Pradesh. It has on its long eastern strip the neighboring
country Myanmar. The north is bounded by Arunachal Pradesh, while on
its west lies the state of Assam. It is bordered by Manipur on its
south.
Best Time to Visit
The summer (March-May) temperature does not cross the 33°C
mark. The brief winter, which lasts from November to January, has
temperature plummeting to 14°C. Monsoon is erratic, but it generally
rains from June to September.
Tourists Attractions
Today Nagarhole Park comprises of Arikeri, Hatgat and Nalkeri
reserve forests, along with adjoining Myso re
reserve forests. The topography is undulating with several permanent
and seasonal streams and tanks. The forest cover generally consists of
a moist deciduous thick jungle with a thirty-meter high top. The rich
tropical forests, flourishing green swamps and numerous water
resources make Nagarhole National Park an ideal habitat for wildlife.
The forest is home to animals like the four-horned antelope, sloth
bear, jungle cat, civet, spotted deer, elephant, wild dog, flying fox,
tiger, panther, gaur (Indian bison), sambhar, wild boar, black-naped
hare, bonnet macaque, and pangolin. Cobras, crocodiles, kraits,
pythons, vipers, and several species of lizards are also found here.
Among the 250 bird species found here, the prominent ones are the
common babbler, bee-eater, bulbul, dove, crested serpent, hornbill,
Malabar pied, alexandrine, peacock, woodpecker, warbler, great Indian
reed, eagle, crested hawk, golden-back parakeet, and the southern tree
pie. Nagarhole is worth visiting at the height of the dry season, when
wild animals can be spotted in large numbers near sources of water.
Vehicles and guides are available to take you around the Nagarhole
National Park. If this natural heaven awakens the 'spirit of
adventure' in you then consider heading for the Brahmagiri
Mountains-an inviting destination for those who wish to go trekking.
Prior permission is required from the authorities before embarking on
a trekking trail.
Places Around Nagarhole
Madikere, a place 93 km from Nagarhole, is a scenic locale famous for
its coffee and orange plantations. Madhumallii (also Mudumalai), Wynad
and Bandipur National Park lie near Nagarhole for est.
How to Reach
Nagarhole National park is well connected to adjoining areas of
Karnataka. Motorable highways link the park to the towns of Madikere
(90 km) and Mysore (96 km) where state transport buses and taxis are
freely available. The journey from both places lasts approximately 2
hours. The nearest well-connected railway junction is Mysore, while
the nearest international airport is Bangalore (220 km). Various
airlines link Bangalore to the rest of the nation.
Where to Stay
The Forest Department manages two rest houses, but reservation
has to be made well in advance through the Forest Department offices
in Mysore or Bangalore to stay here. The Kabini River Lodge near
Karapur on the Mysore-Manathavadi highway also has good accommodation
facilities. However, this lodge cannot be reached by public transport,
so you will need to rent a car to get there. It is situated 65 km from
the park's reception center. Another option is a lodge at Kutta, 10 km
from the reception center. Alongside the Nagarhole main road is
another resort-the Jungle Inn (at Veeranahosahalli)- that is right at
the main entrance of the park. It has colonial lodges, private rooms
and dormitories with modern amenities.
We offer excellent accommodation facilities in and around Nagarhole
National park |
