Nagarhole National Park
National Park Karnataka national park and tiger reserve
Nagarhole National Park in Karnataka (Rajiv Gandhi National Park) contains teak forests, rivers and grasslands; tourists take jeep safaris and boat trips seeking elephants, tigers and birdlife.
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Nagarhole National Park (also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park) is a protected area in Karnataka, India, covering roughly 643 square kilometers within the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot. It is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and is noted for its populations of tiger, Asian elephant, gaur and dhole.
The park comprises dense moist-deciduous forest, teak and other mixed forest types with grassland clearings and perennial streams. Access is commonly from the Kabini area on the park’s southern edge, where boat safaris and jeep safaris operate.
Nagarhole was designated a national park in 1988 and later included in regional conservation initiatives to protect large mammals and their habitats. Management focuses on habitat protection, anti-poaching and regulated tourism through zoned entry points.
The park lies in southern Karnataka in the districts bordering the Nilgiri foothills and is accessible by road from cities such as Mysore and the town of Kodagu; Kabini serves as a popular visitor base.
- Size and status: The park covers roughly 643 square kilometers and is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, recognized for high wildlife density and biodiversity.
- Best time to visit: Wildlife viewing is often best in the dry season when animals gather near water bodies such as the Kabini reservoir; organized safaris are the main way to see large mammals.
What to See #
- Kabini area: The Kabini backwaters and reservoir along the park's southern boundary concentrate wildlife during the dry season and are primary sites for boat and jeep safaris.
- Core forest ranges: Core forest ranges and grassland clearings within the park provide habitat for tigers, elephants, gaur and other large mammals, serviced by several entry points for safaris.
How to Get to Nagarhole National Park #
Nagarhole National Park (Rajiv Gandhi National Park) in Karnataka is commonly accessed from Mysore or Bangalore. From Mysore there are regular road connections (by car or bus) to the park’s gateway towns such as Hunsur or the Kabini area; from Bangalore travelers typically drive or take a train/bus to Mysore and continue by road. Many resorts and lodges in the Kabini/Hosahalli areas arrange pickup and guided safaris from their properties and the park’s public entry gates.
Tips for Visiting Nagarhole National Park #
- Base yourself in the Kabini area or book a forest lodge on the park's periphery and reserve jeep and boat safaris in advance-Kabini is a convenient hub for Nagarhole game drives and water safaris.
- Plan safaris in the dry season (October-May) and choose early-morning or late-afternoon slots for the best chance of seeing elephants, tigers, and other wildlife; mid-day drives are much less productive.
- If you want fewer vehicles on your drive, ask lodges about lesser-used gates or private jeep departures rather than the busiest park gates; many visitors also miss the Kabini backwaters boat safaris, which offer a different angle for wildlife viewing.
Best Time to Visit Nagarhole National Park #
Best visited in the dry season (October-May), when roads are passable and wildlife sightings are most reliable.
Weather & Climate near Nagarhole National Park #
Nagarhole National Park's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with hot summers (peaking in April) and warm winters (coldest in December). Temperatures range from 15°C to 31°C. Abundant rainfall (1562 mm/year), wettest in July with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 15°C. The driest month with just 2 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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February
February is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 17°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 19°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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April
April is the warmest month with highs of 31°C and lows of 20°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).
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May
May is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (151 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 19°C. Heavy rain (206 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 18°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (485 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 19°C. Heavy rain (240 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (120 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (181 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C. Light rainfall.
