Nagarhole National Park

Nagarhole National Park, or Rajiv Gandhi National Park, is  in the Kodagu and Mysuru  districts of  Karnataka, India. The park stretches to  about 1,200 square kilometres due to its importance in biodiversity as it covers the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Because of beautiful landscapes, some of which change with wildlife and lush forests, there are several of the best wildlife sanctuaries in India. Therefore, they are among the most popular tourist attractions. Nagarhole was declared a game sanctuary in 1955 by the Maharaja of Mysore. The park, as such, was conceptualized as a safe hunting ground for the kings, hence a reserve for the royal family, at its inception. In 1988, it was upgraded to a national park and was subsequently named Rajiv Gandhi National Park after the former Prime Minister of India. This  sanctuary was  declared  a Tiger Reserve under the Tiger Project in  1999. This has been one of the significant habitats for India's critically endangered big cats. This falls under the Western Ghats, which have long been perceived to have high diversity levels in flora and fauna. Many species are listed as endangered and included in the more excellent Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, one of the South Indian biodiversity hotspots. 

Nagarhole is a place in the foothills of the Western Ghats. The region is densely covered with tropical forests, beautiful valleys, and rolling hills. The park is drained by the Kabini River, which makes it even more attractive. The tropical climate here experiences hot summer seasons, moderate monsoon rains from June to September, and cold winters; the park suits many plant and animal species. It has an extremely high  biodiversity, so it's also a photographer's haven and a refuge for wildlife enthusiasts.

With 270 species of birds on the list of  rare sightings, including the white-backed vulture, crested serpent eagle, and Indian roller , this place has much to see and gawk at. Beyond the shy Bengal tiger of this region, other species of this genre- the leopards and wild dogs - are easily visible. Hence, this park's forests support enormous elephant populations, one of the chief tourist attractions. Other than elephants, mammals within the park's boundaries fall into different categories: the Indian bison or gaur, sambar, spotted deer, and the lesser-known Nilgiri langur. The park supports diverse reptile, amphibian, and insect life, including the King Cobra and numerous other species of frogs and lizards. Moist deciduous and semi-evergreen forest dominates this park, which explains the high diversity in tree species such as rosewood, sandalwood, teak, and bamboo. Medicinal plants abound in this park, which will quickly assume the status of a site of importance for being targeted to preserve this species. 

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The Indian Government has taken this initiative to save the fast-vanishing population of tigers by initiating Project Tiger, which comprises Nagarhole. It is, in fact, one of the best-preserved tiger reserves in the country, and initiatives have been taken to remain relatively untouched with pug marks of poaching and habitat demolition. In addition to this, there is  pertinent monitoring and research at the park level , too. Anti-poaching has , to a  great extent, lightened the crisis in the park. Nagarhole represents one of the most stable populations in India and hence forms a site of  great importance for  national and international wildlife conservation. 

KEY ATTRACTION:

There is much that enthralls the nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts at Nagarhole National Park: 

• Safari Rides: Jeep and boat safaris are also available in the park. Visitors can see many species, such as tigers, elephants, leopards, and avifauna. A boat safari on the Kabini River is terrific for watching elephants and crocodiles. 

• Birding: There are more than 270 species of birds, and thus , birding is one of the main activities carried out within the park. Some other species involve the Malabar trogon, great hornbill, and Indian eagle owl. 

• Photography: For greeneries and wildlife, the parks appear heaven for photographers, particularly wildlife photographers. 

• Nature Treks:  Tourists may take a trek with park rangers to see  the park's flora and fauna. These treks expose and explain the park's ecosystem more closely. 

• Fishing: Kabini River fishes are very famous, though fishing is permitted only in certain areas with a permit. 

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS:

1. Kabini: The River flows parallel to the park and is often used for a boat safari at specific points; this provides clear views of animals like elephants and crocodiles. 

2. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: This is the second protected area in the Western Ghats, west of Nagarhole. Fauna - tigers, elephants, and wild boars are found  here. 

3. Mysore: This is an old town positioned at 80 km from Nagarhole. The town has royal palaces, including the famous Mysore Palace and the Chamundeshwari Temple. 

4. Coorg: This name is vulgarly known as Kodagu, and it is one of the most popular hill stations, 90 kilometers from Nagarhole. Coorg is also renowned for its coffee plantations, pleasant climate, and picture-perfect beauty, which make it ideal for spending some time in an easy-going manner. 

5. Biligiri Ranganath Hills (BR Hills): BR Hills is approximately 100 km from Nagarhole. It is a wildlife sanctuary and an important religious place for the Soliga people, as the Biligiri Ranganathaswamy Temple is here. 

6. Iruppu Falls: This beautiful waterfall is approximately 90 kilometers from Nagarhole and is part of the Brahmagiri Range. 

7. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary: One of the most fascinating bird sanctuaries in the country, it is located near the Kaveri River. Thousands of birds from all over  the world, migratory and habitual, find refuge there to face the pangs of winter. 

8. Kushalnagar: 85 km from Nagarhole. The center is excellent for visiting Tibetan settlements, monasteries, and the world-famous Namdroling Monastery. 

9. Tadiandamol Peak: This is Coorg's summit . One can trek to the top and get panoramic views of the surroundings. 

10. Harangi Dam: About 75 km from Nagarhole, Harangi Dam is a sylphide where tourists can enjoy nature walks and bask in the reservoir's still waters. 

HOW TO REACH NAGARHOLE NATIONAL PARK:

• By Air: The nearest airport is Mysore Airport (MYQ), 80 km from the destination. However, there are very few flights, and one may easily opt for Bengaluru International Airport (BLR), about 220 km away. You can hire a cab from the city of Bengaluru or take a bus to the park. 

• By Train: The nearest major railhead is available at Mysore Railway Station, 80 Km from the park. Mysore is well connected to Bengaluru, Chennai, and Coimbatore. Taxis and buses are available at Mysore to take the visitors to the park. 

• Road: All roads lead to Nagarhole. It can be accessed from Mysore, 80 km, Coorg, 90 km, and other areas of Karnataka. Visitors can drive or hire taxis from these cities to reach the park. The roads to the park are good, and there are quite a few routes to different places. 

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