Rajiv Gandhi National Park which is also known as Nagarhole National Park is located in the Western Ghats region of Mysore and Kodagu districts of Karnataka. This park has rich forest cover along with many valleys, Waterfalls, hills and Small streams. Rajiv Gandhi National Park is an integral part of larger Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. This park stretches across a vast area of 643.39sq.km.

Naga in Kannada means Snake and hole refers to streams, this park was named as Nagarhole because of many meandering rivers in this park. This park serves as the hunting grounds for the rulers of Wadayar Dynasty, who ruled the kingdom of Mysore. Initially it was setup as a wildlife Sanctuary in 1955 and later in 1988 it was declared as National Park. This park is dedicated for the project Tiger Reserve in 1999.

Rajiv Gandhi National Park

This park stretches across piedmont region of Western Ghats to Brahmagiri hill and towards south ot enters Kerala. To the South of this park – Bandipur national Park is located. Kabini reservoir passes between Nagarhole National park and Bandipur National Park. The region to the North and western parts of Nagarhole National Park receives an annual rainfall of above 1200cm. Therefore the vegetation here characterized is mostly moist deciduous forests. This park is located at an altitude of 850m above sea mean level.

Nearly 4 Perennial and 47 Seasonal streams run through this park. And there are several Lakes, Tanks and Swamps located within the National Park. Therefore this park attracts a large number of animal species from adjoining forest areas. Some of the rivers which pass throughout this National Park are Lakshmmantirtha River, Kabini River, Nagarhole River and Sarathi Hole River.

The soil in this park is clayey and porous, therefore it holds good amount of moisture even during some season. It is also rich in humus content. Because of abundant grass growth, many herbivores animals migrate to this park, making it as one of the rich bio-diversity hotspot.

Rajiv Gandhi National Park Safari

Park Officials are providing safari services to explore the wildlife beauty. Visitors need to contact forest officials prior to booking safari as they can inform you about the availability of Safari services on whichever day you are planning to go. For Indian citizens it costs around 300 Rs and for foreigners it is 1100 Rs to go for a Safari ride.

Rajiv Gandhi National Park Safari Timings

6.30 A.M to 8.330 A.M in the Morning Hours

3.30 P.M to .30 P.M in the Evening Hours

Dominant Flora

Rajiv Gandhi National Park is endowed with a wide range of plant species which includes Golden shower tree , Rosewood, Teak, Clumping bamboo , Sandalwood, Mathi, Tadasalu , Crocodile bark, Indian kino tree, Kadam, Horse nettles, Grewia tilaefolia, Axle-wood, Crepe myrtle, Cotton tree, India gooseberry, Ficus, Tick clover, Lantana, Bonesets, Nandi, and Silver oak etc.

Dominant Fauna

The park is well known for preserving Asiatic Elephants. Besides it there are large number of animal species found in this region which it includes- Tiger, Leopard, Asiatic Wild dog, Sloth bear, Hyena, Jackal, Elephant, Spotted deer, Sambar, Four-horned antelope, Gaur (Bos gaurus), Wild boar, Common Langur, Bonnet macaque Jungle cat, Slender loris, Civet cat, Mongoose, Giant flying squirrel,  Porcupine, Giant Squirrel etc.

Avi-Fauna

Grey Jungle Fowl, Common Peafowl , Racket Tailed Drongo, Pied Kingfisher, Malabar Trogon,  Woodpeckers, , Crested Serpent Eagles, Peregrine, Honey Buzzards, Scarlet Minivets, River Terns, Stork Billed Cuckoo , Black-headed Cuckoo Shrikes, numerous species of Barbets, Cuckoos, Owls,  Flycatchers, Ducks, Waders, Teals, Painted stork, Herons, Ibis, Common Kingfishers, Blyth’s Baza etc.

How to Reach Rajiv Gandhi National Park

Airways

Mysore Airport is the nearest airport located at a distance of 98 km away from the Rajiv Gandhi National Park.

Railways

Mysore Railway station is the nearest Railway station. From here you can reach park by a private cab or government operated bus.

Roadways

This Park is well connected to major towns in the region through road network. A good number of government and private travels are present in the region which will take you to the National Park.

Rajiv Gandhi National Park Accommodation

There are number of resorts located near Nagarhole National Park. Even Featured resorts were available which offers best services to its customers.

Featured Resorts – Kabini River Lodge, The Serai Kabini, The Red Earth, Kaav Safari Lodge, Orange County, Kabini Springs Resort, King’s Sanctuary, Jungle Inn, The Bison and The Peepal Tree Kabini.

Rajiv Gandhi National Park Entry Fee

For Indians – 50

For Foreigners – 150

For Carrying Still Camera into the Park – 50

Also Read:

Kanger Ghati National Park

Valley of Flowers National Park

Madhav National Park

Hemis National Park

Orang National Park

Bannerghatta National Park

Kaziranga National Park

Sanjay Gandhi National Park

Kanha National Park

Betla National Park

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