Nagarhole (extension) Tiger Reserve (Timings, Entry Fee, Safari Online Booking & How to Reach)
Nagarhole (extension) Tiger Reserve is located in the state of Karnataka as a part of the largest bio reserve of the country-Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Nagarhole was established as a wildlife sanctuary in the year of 1955 and a national park in the year of 1975. Nagarhole National Park was previously a private hunting reserve of Maharaja’s of Mysore.
In the year 1999-2000, it was declared as the tiger reserve. Spread across an area of 664 sq. km, the Nagarhole (extension) Tiger Reserve lies in the area across Coorg and Mysore district of Karnataka. Along with various kinds of safaris such as bus safaris and jeep safaris, tourists can also go for elephant rides as well as boat rides.
Flora @ Nagarhole Tiger Reserve
The landscape in Nagarhole is comprised of slopes and shallow valleys along with swamps. Trees species like teak, Rosewood, Bamboo, Sandal, Silver Oak Trees, Eucalyptus, Terminalia tomentosa grow in large numbers here. Along with these in the dry areas, one can find species of trees such as bamboos, Dindalu (Anogeissus Latifolia), Flame of the Forest, Indian Laburnum, etc.
Fauna @ Nagarhole Tiger Reserve
The fauna of the area comprises of mammals such as Tiger, Elephant, gaur, sambar, cheetal, barking deer, mouse deer, four horned antelope, wild pig, black-naped hare, pangolin, Indian porcupine, giant squirrel, flying squirrel, slender loris, sloth bear, tiger, leopard, wild dog, striped hyena, jungle cat, leopard cat, rusty spotted cat, small Indian civet, otter, etc.
The place offers amazing bird watching opportunities as well. Some of the avian species that tourists can spot are cormorants, teals, ducks, waders, herons, ospreys, grey-headed fishing eagles, crested hawk eagle, vulture, grey jungle fowl, red spurfowl, grey partridge Malabar trogon, Malabar pied hornbill, fairy bluebird, Indian pitta, scarlet minivet, paradise flycatcher, Malabar whistling thrush, Imperial pigeon, serpent eagle, honey buzzard, shahin falcon, hobby, king, etc.
Best time to visit Nagarhole Tiger Reserve
The ideal time to visit the reserve is during the months of October to June.
Reaching Nagarhole (extension) Tiger Reserve
- By air: The Nearest airport is Bangalore which is at a distance of 236 km. It enjoys good connectivity with the rest of the world and many important international cities. One can hire a taxi or take a bus from here to the reserve.
- By rail: The nearest railhead to Nagarhole is Mysore which is at a distance of 80 km. Taxis are available from here to the park.
- By road: It is well connected to various cities and towns via road such as Madikeri (93 km), Mysore (80 km), Bangalore (236 km), etc. The nearest town to the reserve is Kutta which is just 7 km way. There are many public and private buses as well as taxis running to the reserve from nearby towns and cities.
Accommodation @ Nagarhole Tiger Reserve
Tourists have the options to choose from Government owned forest rest houses, private lodges and cottages. Kabini River Lodge is the one of the options available.