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Nagarhole National Park

Nagarhole National Park

wildlife park · Karnataka

Nagarhole National Park (Rajiv Gandhi National Park), in Karnataka's Kodagu and Mysuru districts, is a lush tiger reserve within the Nilgiri Biosphere.

State
Karnataka
Type
Wildlife Park

Nagarhole National Park (Rajiv Gandhi National Park), in Karnataka's Kodagu and Mysuru districts, is a lush tiger reserve within the Nilgiri Biosphere. Its rivers, teak forests and the Kabini backwaters support tigers, leopards, elephants and dholes, and the Kabini zone is famous among wildlife photographers for rare sightings of the black panther.

When to go

October to May is ideal; summer concentrates wildlife around the Kabini river, while the monsoon greens the forest.

Why visit

Cruise the Kabini backwaters and take jeep safaris for tigers, elephants and the region's celebrated black panther, in one of India's most photogenic wildlife settings.

Cultural notes

Nagarhole adjoins Bandipur, Mudumalai and Wayanad to form the Nilgiri Biosphere, one of India's largest protected wildlife landscapes and a stronghold for tigers and elephants.

How to reach

By Road: Nagarhole is about 90 km from Mysuru and 230 km from Bengaluru; the Kabini zone is a common base. By Air and Train: Mysuru is the nearest airport and railhead.

Nagarhole National Park guide & itineraries

Shopping

Kodagu (Coorg) nearby is known for coffee, honey and spices; Mysuru sells silk and sandalwood.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Nagarhole famous for the black panther?
The Kabini zone has repeatedly produced sightings and photographs of a melanistic leopard (black panther), making it a favourite of wildlife photographers.
What is the best zone in Nagarhole?
The Kabini (southern) zone is best known for photography and big-cat sightings, while the Nagarhole zone is generally quieter.

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