About Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuary
One
of the prominent wildlife parks in the country, Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuary
is situated in the south Indian state of Karnataka. A former hunting reserve
for the maharajas of Mysore, the park was set up in 1955 with the prime
objective of providing a protective habitat to the wild animals of the area.
The major wildlife attractions of the sanctuary include the gigantic Indian
Elephant and the mighty Indian Bison along with a variety of other animals.
Over 250 species of beautiful avians also adorn the park with their
chirpings. River Kabini, which flows along the southern fringes of the park
seperates it from the Bandipur National Park.
The climate of the area generally remains equable with temperatures
hovering around 33 degrees during the summers and 20 degrees during the
winters. The monsoon season which lasts from June to September is a period
when the heavens open and the area is lashed by heavy rains. The sanctuary
is worth a visit during the dry months when animals come out in large
numbers near whatever water is left in the water bodies.
Wildlife Attractions in Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuary
The topography of the park is extremely varied which makes it an ideal
habitat for the wild animals. The flora consists mainly of moist deciduous
thick forests that rise up to the skies allowing very little sunlight to
penetrate through. The lush tropical forests, swamps and numerous water
bodies make it one of the most attractive national parks in the country.
Fauna
A number of rare animals inhabit the picturesque wildlife sanctuary,
prominent among those are 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. The crawlers include cobras, crocodiles, kraits, pythons, vipers
and several species of lizards.
Avians
More than 250 species of birds are among the registered residents of the
park, the prominent ones being 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.
Safaris
The
forest department offers mini bus safaris into the park. Jeep safaris are
allowed if you can take in your own jeep with the permission of the forest
department. However, it is mandatory to take along a guide on a jeep safari.
Safaris begin from the range office inside the park, 45 km from Hunsur via
Veeranahosahalli. Elephant rides lasting for 30 minutes are also organised
by the forest department. The joyride comprises of tourists being taken
around on an elephant around the park.
Other Attractions
The area is also known for the Brahmgiri Mountains. An ideal spot for
adventure tourists, the place is a paradise for trekkers and mountain
climbers. Prior permisiion is required before embarking upon a trekking
trail.
Rabgyaling
Rabgyaling is a little town, just 5 km from Hunsur. The place was set up in
1971 with the primary purpose of resettling the Tibbetan refugees. The place
has become a vibrant settlement in recent years with over 3000 people living
there at present. Major attractions of the area include the buddhist
monasteries and traditional handicraft centres.
How to Get There
By Air : Bangalore is the nearest airport, connected by
daily Indian Airlines flight from Delhi (6:15, 16:30 & 19:55) from
Mumbai (6:15, 9:30, 13:30, 17:30 & 20:45) from Kolkata (19:55) and from
Chennai (7:00)
By Rail : Mysore is the nearest railhead. It is
connected to Delhi through the Swarna Jayanti Exp. (6:00, Mon), Mumbai is
connected through the Sharavathi Exp. (21:30, Tue). Bangalore is well
connected through a number of daily trains including Mysore Pass (23:55),
Mysore Exp.(4:10), Mysore Exp. (6:13) & Mysore Pass (6:30) while Chennai
is connected through the Mysore Exp. (21:45).
By Road : To reach by road from Bangalore, take the
state highway 17 to Shrirangapatna via Maddur, bypass to Coorg via
Ranganathittu. From there take SH88 to Hunsur and state roads to Nagarhole
via Veeranahosahalli and Murkal. Regular buses are available from all the
major cities. State transport buses from Mysore charge a fair of around Rs.
50-60/head.
Distances from Major Cities
Bangalore : 235 km (SW)/5 hrs.
Mysore : 95 km (SW)/2 hrs.
Delhi : 1830 km
Mumbai : 850 km
Travel Tips/Important Information
- The park charges are : Entry fee is Rs. 50 (Indians) & Rs. 150
(foreigners), Guide Fee Rs. 150, Camera : Rs. 15 (still) & Rs. 200
(video), Mini Bus safari : Rs. 75/head, Private jeep entry : Rs.
400/day, Elephant ride : Rs 50 .
- Most tourists enter the park from Hunsur (north of the park). Forest
deptt. Accommodation is located at Nagarhole (south-west), Sunkadkatte
(south-east) and Murkal (centre of the park)
- Tourists can hire jeeps and guides as well as book mini bus safaris
and elephant rides from the forest department office at Hunsur.
- Park and safari timings are : Morning 6 to 8, Evening 3 to 5:30
- Be sure to reach the sanctuary before dusk as the roads leading to
the place closes down at 6 PM.
- Avoid visiting the sanctuary during monsoons as heavy rains often
flood the area.
- Before leaving on a trekking expedition in the nearby areas, be sure
to get prior permission from the authorities.
We call Nagarhole, the paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.
To experience it yourselves come with Wildlife Tour India on a wild
encounter.
Click Here!
Jungle
Resorts in Nagarhole
| Kabini
River Lodge |
Jungle
Inn |
A
heritage building, the lodge was the erstwhile property of the maharajah
of Mysore. Situated on the banks of river Kabini, the lodge is located
very close to Nagarhole National Park.
|
The
luxury hotel is located at Veeranahosahalli, at the northern end of the
park. Accommodation at the hotel is in the form of 4 swiss tents, 5
double bedded rooms and three dormitories.
|
