Nagarhole National Park (Kannada ನಾಗರಹೊಳೆ ರಾಷ್ಟ್ರೀಯ ಉದ್ಯಾನವನ)(also known as 'Rajiv Gandhi National Park') is located 94 km away from Mysore. It is spread between Kodagu and Mysore districts. The national park has rich forest cover, little streams, valleys and waterfalls. Nagarhole National Park is in the Cauvery Basin. The area was an exclusive hunting reserve of the former rulers of Mysore.

The place derives its name from Kannada - Naga meaning snake and hole referring to streams.

It was set up in 1955 and is one of the best-managed parks in the country. This park is located to the northwest of Bandipur National Park. In 1975 its area stretched to 575 km². Kabini reservoir separates this park from Bandipur National Park. The climate is tropical; summer is hot and winter is pleasant. The park boasts a healthy Tiger-predator ratio. Tiger, Bison and Elephant are much denser here than in Bandipur. The office of the Deputy Conservator of Forests is situated in Hunsur, about 47 km away from Nagarhole.

Nagarhole Terrain:

Mostly moist mixed deciduous forest (Tectona grandis, Dalbergia latifolia) in the Southern parts, Dry tropical forest (Wrightia tinctoria, Acacia) towards east, i.e. Bandipur and Sub mountain hill valley swamp forest (Eugenia)

Flora and fauna in Nagarahole National Park:

Mammals: Elephant, Jackal ,Tiger, Panther, Gaur, Muntjac, Sambar, Spotted deer, Elephant, Mongoose, Civet cat, Hyena, Bison etc.

Reptiles: King Cobra, Krait, Python, Viper, Tortoise, Monitor Lizard ,Toads etc.

The main trees found are Rosewood, Teak, Sandalwood and Silver oak.

Climate in Nagarahole National park:

Temperature during summer would be around 32°C. Winter is brief from November to January and has the temperature dipping to 12 °C and rains from June to October.

Lodging & Camping in Nagarhole National park:

No private lodging or accommodation is available. However, you can stay in Nagarhole Forest Guest house with prior booking from Wildlife department either in Bangalore or Mysore. A number of private resorts & Guest houses are available at Kutta just outside the park on the way to Irrupu Falls.

Camping is not allowed inside the park since it has fairly good number of tigers and other such wild animals.

How to reach there:

By Train: The closest railway station is Mysore at the distance of 80 km.

By Air: The nearest airports are Mysore and Bangalore. From these two airports, the tourists can board a flight to their desired destination. The Bangalore airport is well connected with all the major cities in India.

By Road: Nagarhole National Park is well connected by road with the major towns like Madikeri(93 km), Mysore (96 km) and Bangalore (236 km).

Dos & Don't s while in Nagarhole park:

• Check on the timings and reach half an hour early before park gates open to complete the required formalities.

• Respect the rules of the park and do not venture into restricted areas.

• Do not try and feed the animals and avoid wearing flashy colors that could attract or irritate the wild animals.

•Follow the rules written on the Information boards, literature provided.

• Do not litter, carry all the garbage outside the park and dispose off in a suitable area.

• Maintain silence in & around the park.