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Nagarhole!

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Population

Various

schedule

Best Time

September to May

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Time Needed

2-3 days minimum

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Currency

Rupee (₹)

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location_on Karnataka map South India 🦁 Wildlife Wildlife Tourism Nagarhole Nagarhole National Park Karnataka Wildlife Safari Tiger Reserve Kabini

Nagarhole National Park, also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, is a prominent tiger reserve in Karnataka. It's renowned for its rich wildlife, including tigers, elephants, and diverse bird species, set against the backdrop of lush forests and the Kabini River.

Nagarhole offers incredible wildlife sightings and luxurious stays, making it ideal for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a premium safari experience. However, safaris can be expensive, and tiger sightings are not guaranteed. The park's popularity also means it can get crowded during peak season.

Visiting Nagarhole requires planning, especially for safaris and accommodation. Allocate at least two to three days to maximize your chances of spotting wildlife. The nearest major airport is Bengaluru, from where you can hire a car or take a bus.

When To Visit

Best Time

September to May

20-35 degrees C

Pleasant and dry weather makes it ideal for wildlife viewing. The post-monsoon months are particularly good as the vegetation is lush and the animals are easier to spot.

Why Visit:

Wildlife sightings are at their peak, with animals congregating around water sources. Birdwatching is also excellent during this period. The weather is comfortable for outdoor activities.

Tip: Book safaris and accommodation well in advance, as this is the peak season. Prices for accommodation tend to be higher.

Shoulder Season

June

25-38 degrees C

Hot and humid, with occasional pre-monsoon showers.

Why Visit:

Fewer crowds than the peak season, and potentially lower prices for accommodation. The landscape is still green from the previous months' rainfall.

Tip: The heat can be intense, making wildlife spotting more challenging during the day. Some safari routes might be temporarily closed due to weather conditions.

Avoid

July to August

22-30 degrees C

Heavy monsoon rains flood parts of the park, making it difficult to access and limiting wildlife sightings.

Why Avoid:

The park is often partially or fully closed during the monsoon season due to heavy rainfall and poor road conditions. Wildlife sightings are significantly reduced as animals take shelter.

Note: It's best to avoid visiting during these months unless you are specifically interested in experiencing the monsoon landscape, and even then, accessibility is a major issue.

Top Sights - Top Attractions!

Nagarhole National Park Safari

⏱ 3-4 hours ₹150 (Indians), ₹1500 (foreigners)

The core attraction is the jeep safari into the national park. These are organized by the forest department and private lodges, offering a chance to s...

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Kabini Backwaters

⏱ 2-3 hours ₹50 (Indians), ₹500 (foreigners)

The Kabini backwaters, formed by the Kabini dam, are a scenic area known for its large elephant herds and diverse birdlife. Boat safaris on the Kabini...

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Iruppu Falls

⏱ 2 hours ₹50 (Indians), ₹500 (foreigners)

Iruppu Falls, also known as Lakshmana Tirtha Falls, is a sacred waterfall cascading down the Brahmagiri Hills. It's a popular pilgrimage site and a sc...

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Nagarhole Forest Department Interpretation Center

⏱ 1 hour ₹20 (Indians), ₹200 (foreigners)

This center provides information about the flora and fauna of Nagarhole National Park. It's a good place to learn about the park's ecosystem and conse...

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Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary

⏱ Half-day trip ₹40 (Indians), ₹400 (foreigners)

Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area known for its diverse flora and fauna, including elephants, tigers, and various bird species. It's a...

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Dubare Elephant Camp

⏱ 3-4 hours ₹900 per person (includes elephant interaction)

Dubare Elephant Camp is a rehabilitation center where you can interact with elephants. You can participate in activities like bathing, feeding, and le...

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Things To Do

attractions

Jeep Safari

⏱ 3-4 hours 💰 ₹2500-4000 per person

Explore Nagarhole National Park in an open-top jeep, accompanied by an experienced guide. This is the most common way to...

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attractions

Boat Safari

⏱ 2-3 hours 💰 ₹1500-2500 per person

Take a boat ride on the Kabini backwaters to observe wildlife from a different perspective. This is a great way to spot ...

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attractions

Nature Walk

⏱ 2-3 hours 💰 ₹500-1000 per person

Explore the forests surrounding Nagarhole on foot, accompanied by a local guide. This is a great way to appreciate the p...

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attractions

Bird Watching

⏱ 2-4 hours 💰 ₹500-1500 per person (guide fees)

Nagarhole is a haven for birdwatchers, with a wide variety of species to be spotted. Hire a local guide to help you iden...

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Cultural Experiences

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Visit a Local Village

2-3 hours | ₹200-500 per person (donation to the village)

Experience the traditional way of life in a local village near Nagarhole. Interact with the villager...

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Attend a Local Festival

Varies depending on the festival | Free

Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Karnataka by attending a local festival. These festivals ...

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celebration

Learn Traditional Cooking

3-4 hours | ₹500-1000 per person

Learn to prepare traditional Karnataka dishes from a local cook. This is a great way to experience t...

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celebration

Visit a Coffee Plantation

2-3 hours | ₹200-500 per person

Visit a coffee plantation and learn about the process of growing and harvesting coffee. This is a gr...

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celebration

Tribal Dance Performance

1-2 hours | ₹300-700 per person

Experience the vibrant culture of the local tribes through a traditional dance performance. These da...

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Temple Visit

1-2 hours | Free

Visit one of the many temples in the region to experience the local religious culture. These temples...

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Eat This!

Must-Try Dishes

Bisi Bele Bath
Bisi Bele Bath

A flavorful rice and lentil dish (try at local restaurants).

Masala Dosa
Masala Dosa

Crispy crepe filled with spiced potatoes (try at roadside stalls).

Mysore Pak
Mysore Pak

A sweet fudge-like dessert (try at local sweet shops).

Filter Coffee
Filter Coffee

Strong and aromatic coffee (try at local cafes).

Thatte Idli
Thatte Idli

Large, fluffy idlis served with chutney and sambar (try at local restaurants).

Where to Eat

Machan

Machan

₹₹

Multi-cuisine

📍 Near Nagarhole

Offers a pleasant dining experience with a variety of dishes. Good ambiance and decent service.

Indian and Continental dishes

₹800-1200 for two

Kabini River Lodge Restaurant

Kabini River Lodge Restaurant

₹₹₹

Indian, Continental

📍 Kabini

Provides a fine dining experience with scenic views of the Kabini River. Known for its fresh ingredients and flavorful dishes.

Local Karnataka cuisine

₹1500-2000 for two

Street Food Spots

Gundlupet Market

Gundlupet Market

💰 Budget: ₹50-150 per person

⚠️ Tips: Go during the day for the freshest food. Be mindful of hygiene.

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Foodie Finder: Nagarhole

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Where To Stay ?

Best Neighborhoods

Kabini Backwaters

Ideal for those seeking a luxurious and immersive wildlife experience. Offers stunning views, boat safaris, and high-end resorts, but can be more expensive.

Best For: Luxury travelers, wildlife enthusiasts

Near Nagarhole National Park Entrance

Convenient for early morning safaris and exploring the park. Offers a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly to mid-range.

Best For: Wildlife enthusiasts, budget travelers

Accommodation Options

Budget

💰

₹3000-4000/night

The Serai Bandipur

📍 Bandipur, near Nagarhole

Offers comfortable rooms and basic amenities. Good option for budget travelers looking to explore the area.

₹3000-4000/night

MC Resorts

📍 Near Nagarhole National Park

Provides simple and clean accommodations. It's a convenient base for exploring the park and surrounding areas.

₹2500-3500/night

Mid-Range

🏨

₹5000-7000/night

Gundlupet Stay

📍 Gundlupet

Offers comfortable rooms, on-site dining, and easy access to Nagarhole National Park. Known for its good service and value.

₹5000-7000/night

Safari Land Resorts

📍 Near Nagarhole

Features well-appointed rooms, a swimming pool, and safari arrangements. Provides a comfortable and convenient stay for wildlife enthusiasts.

₹6000-8000/night

Luxury

₹15000+/night

The Bison Resort

📍 Kabini Backwaters

Offers luxurious tents and cottages with stunning views of the Kabini River. Known for its exceptional service, wildlife experiences, and serene atmosphere.

₹15000+/night

Evolve Back, Kabini

📍 Kabini Backwaters

Features lavish villas with private pools and exceptional amenities. Provides an unparalleled luxury experience with a focus on wildlife and nature.

₹20000+/night

View all stay & eat options

How To Get There ?

flight

By Air

Airport: Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR), 220km from Nagarhole

train

By Train

Stations:

Mysore Junction (MYS)

Major railway station with frequent trains from major cities, about 80km from Nagarhole.

Routes:
  • From Delhi: 36 hours (₹1500-4000)
  • From Mumbai: 24 hours (₹1200-3500)

Booking: IRCTC or 12Go.asia

directions_bus

By Bus

Terminals:
  • Gundlupet Bus Stand
  • Mysore Bus Stand
Routes:
  • From Mysore: 3 hours (₹200-400)

Note: Trains more comfortable

Getting Around

directions

Private Car/Jeep

💰 ₹2500-4000 per day

Best for: Exploring the park and surrounding areas

Hire a car with a driver for convenience. Negotiate the price beforehand.

Practical Tips

checkroom

What To Wear

Wear comfortable and lightweight clothing. Neutral colors are best for wildlife viewing. Bring a hat and sunscreen for protection from the sun.

payments

Money

Daily Budget: Budget: ₹1500, Mid: ₹3000, Luxury: ₹5000+

ATMs: ATMs are available in Gundlupet and Mysore.

Cash vs Card: Cash is useful for small purchases and street food. Cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants.

Bargaining: Bargaining is expected in local markets and with auto-rickshaw drivers.

health_and_safety

Health

Water: Drink bottled water or filtered water to avoid stomach problems.

Food: Eat at reputable restaurants and avoid street food that looks unhygienic.

Common Issues: Pack insect repellent to protect against mosquito bites. Consult your doctor about necessary vaccinations.

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Communication

SIM Cards: Airtel and Jio offer good coverage. A local SIM card costs around ₹300.

WiFi: Wi-Fi is available at most hotels and resorts.

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Language & Tipping

Language: English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Learning a few basic Kannada phrases can be helpful.

Tipping: Restaurant: 5-10%, drivers: ₹100-200

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