|
There are plenty of activity options opened for you within the Indian
Wild life Sanctuaries and they are not just restricted to watching
the animals and birds. |
|
Home >> Wildlife National Parks India >> Nagarhole National Park
Nagarhole National Park
The Nagarhaole National Park in Karnataka shares its boundaries with the
famous Bandipur National Park in Karanataka, which together form a part
of the Mudumalai Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu and the Wayanad Reserve in Kerala.
About 643 kms in area, Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuary is home to the tiger
along with the other wild life species and around 250 bird species. Located
aside the river Kabini, the dam and the reservoir of this mighty Kabini
river acts as a natural barrier separating the two wildlife sanctuaries
- Bandipur and Nagarhole - in Karnataka.
The Nagarhole national park lies at a distance of 96 kms from Mysore. This
protected territory is the habitat of several endangered species. Nagarhole
derives its name from the root word `Naga' from Kannada language, which
means `snake' and `Hole' that means `streams'. Thus the term as a whole
point towards the numerous streams that leaps through the rich tropical
forests of Nagarhole like a snake.
Also bordering the state of Kerala, the Nagarhole National Park was designated
as a game sanctuary in 1955. In 1974, it was extended to its present size
combining the Mysore forests within the Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuary. The
deep valleys and the mesmerising landscapes in the sanctuary make it a picture
perfect destination in every manner. Apart from the largest Kabini river
that drains the Nagarhole national park, the other three important rivers
include Lakshmana, Teentha and Nagarhole. Several perennial and seasonal
streams also merge into the four rivers.
Flora in the Nagarhole National Park
Due to the high rainfall in the region, the National Park consists of numerous
open grassy swamps known as the 'hadlus' in the local language, which remain
green perennially. The dry as well as the moist deciduous forests cover
the whole area mainly consisting of the floral species like teak and eucalyptus.
Wildlife at Nagarhole National Park
The animals that are commonly seen in the national park are: tiger, leopard,
panther, sloth bear, gaur, elephant, sambhar, chital and other mammals like
muntjac, the tiny mouse deer, giant squirrel, slender loris, langurs, wild
boar, pangolin and macaques. The Park has about 250 bird species like Malabar
trogan, the Indian Pitta, green imperial pigeon the Malabar pied hornbill
and the great black woodpecker. The jungle cat, leopard cat and rusty spotted
cat are also the other wildlife species within the national park.
When to Visit Nagarhole National Park
Though the park is open all through the year, the best time to visit the
national park is from October to April. The monsoon season is from June
to September; followed by winters till January; and then summer from February
to May.
How To Reach Nagarhole National Park
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).
The tourists can board a flight or catch a train from these towns and cities.
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.
General Information
The tourists have to move in the jeeps or vans run by the forest department
within the Nagarhole National Park, as the local transport is not available
in the park. The visitors have to compulsorily take the veteran guides along
with them while their park tour. The observation towers offer a panoramic
view of the greenery in the park and also a close view of the wildlife in
the park. The best time to use the watchtowers is during the early hours
(6-9 AM) and late afternoon (4-7 PM). The nearest and short excursions to
be enjoyed by the tourists in the park are: Bandipur National Park (100
km), Madikeri (93 km) and Mysore (96 km).
|
