Nagarhole National Park

Nagarhole National Park in Coorg (celebrated across global conservation biology as Rajiv Gandhi National Park and a cornerstone of the UNESCO Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, spanning 643 square kilometers of dense moist deciduous teak forests, bamboo thickets, and meandering streams harboring one of the highest predator densities in Asia), located in the southern Kodagu and Mysuru districts in Coorg in Karnataka, stands as South India's premier tiger and elephant sanctuary.

Deriving its name from the Kannada words 'Nagara' (snake) and 'Hole' (stream) in reference to the winding serpentine streams carving through the dense jungle canopy, this former exclusive hunting preserve of the Wodeyar Maharajas of Mysore was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1955 and upgraded to a national park and Project Tiger Reserve in 1999.

It's the home of the world's largest concentration of Asiatic wild Asian elephants roaming freely across bamboo filled jungle corridors, the powerful Royal Bengal Tigers and elusive Indian leopards (including the legendary Black Panther melanistic leopards of the Kabini backwater zone), the rare packs of Asiatic wild dogs (dholes) hunting along forest clearings, the colossal Indian Gaur (bison) herds grazing in grassy swamps (hadlus), the thrilling 4x4 open top jeep safaris and boat safaris traversing the scenic Kabini River reservoir, the rich wetland birdlife featuring over 270 avian species (including Malabar pied hornbills, crested serpent eagles, and river terns), and an intensely thrilling, raw wilderness atmosphere where alarm calls of spotted deer and langurs announce the presence of big cats stalking through the shadows.

It represents a rich 70 year-old Project Tiger conservation triumph, Nilgiri biosphere biodiversity, and big game ecotourism where Royal Bengal Tigers, Asiatic elephants, Kabini boat safaris, and teak forests unite in Nagarhole National Park Coorg.

Located with major entry safari gates at Kutta / Nanachi (Kodagu entrance, 80 km south of Madikeri) and Antharasanthe / Dammanakatte (Kabini safari entrance, 70 km southwest of Mysuru), it sits 220 km from Bengaluru, 80 km from Madikeri, and 75 km from Mysuru, easily accessible by road via Kutta, Gonikoppal, or H.D. Kote with forest department reception centers.

643 Sq-Km Teak Sanctuary & Nilgiri Biosphere

Contiguous with Bandipur Tiger Reserve in Karnataka, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala, and Mudumalai National Park in Tamil Nadu, Nagarhole forms India's single largest contiguous protected forest block.

The park landscape is dominated by lofty rosewood, teak, and silver oak trees intermingled with natural marshy swamps known as 'hadlus' that provide perennial water for herbivores.

Truth is, locking eyes with a wild Royal Bengal Tiger as it emerges silently from the bamboo thicket onto the safari road is a spine tingling moment.

Jeep Safari, Kabini Boat Safari & Black Panther

4x4 Jeep Safari (Kutta & Kabini): Forest department 4x4 open jeeps and 20 seater canters operate morning and afternoon safaris into deep tiger corridors.

Kabini River Boat Safari: Motorized river cruises glide along the backwaters, offering close views of hundreds of elephants congregating to drink and bathe at sunset.

South Coorg & Wayanad Wildlife Circuit

South Coorg Wildlife Loop: Nagarhole (Kutta gate) connects effortlessly with Iruppu Falls (18 km), Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary (22 km), and Gonikoppal.

Tri State Circuit: Nagarhole pairs smoothly with Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala, 30 km), Bandipur National Park (80 km), and Madikeri (80 km).

After completing your thrilling tiger safari in Nagarhole National Park, visit the cascading Iruppu Falls, explore Brahmagiri peak, or journey into misty Coorg.