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Nagarhole is among a few wildlife sanctuaries in India, which are considered to be safe haven for elephants. If there is anything you would enjoy watching (besides other things) in the park is the great elephant show. You may see this giant creature ambling lazily with its herd in the lush forests. One of the most social animals in the jungle, elephants roam in heard. They play, frolic, chase each other or simply swim in the river.

It is not only elephant that draws tourists to the park but a variety of other animals as well. The Nagarhole National Park is also home to tiger, sloth bear and hyena, leopard, wild dog, spotted deer, sambar, barking deer, four-horned antelope, wild boar and gaur. The big cat may be as elusive as it is in many national parks across the country but you can certainly get a glimpse of other animals like sambar, wild boar, gaur, wild dog and spotted deer. Other common animals that make wildlife tour to the Nagarhole National Park exciting are the common langur, mongoose, giant squirrel hare and mouse-deer.

The Nagarhole National Park has a sizeable population of birds and is a great place for people who enjoy bird-watching. Among the 250 bird species found in the park, the most common are the common bulbul, babbler, bee-eater, crested serpent, dove, hornbill, alexandrine, peacock, woodpecker, Malabar pied, warbler, great Indian reed, crested hawk, eagle, golden-back parakeet, and the southern tree pie.

Brahmagiri Sanctuary: Just 19 km away is Brahmagir Sanctuary, which is spread over 181 sq km. The sanctuary is home to gaur, sloth bear, elephant, barking deer and a host of felines like tiger, leopard, jungle cat, leopard cat and primates like bonnet macaque lion-tailed macaque and the Nilgiri langur. The sanctuary is also a good place for bird watching and if it is your passion then don’t miss the trail to Pakshipathalam. The best time to visit the sanctuary is between October and May.

Kutta:  Located 7 km south of Nagarhole is the town of Kutta, which is named after Kutta, the son of the Goddess Kali. According to a legend that the Goddess Kali came and settled with the low-caste Kurubas, where she had a child. She called him Kutta and the place where he was born was named after him. A festival in their honour is celebrated every year from mid-April to May.

Irpu Falls: Another nearby place worth visiting from the Nagarhole National Park is the Irpu Falls, 14 km away. The waterfalls lie at the base of the Brahmagiri Range that forms the boundary between Karnataka and Kerala. Irpu acts as a gateway to the range and looks stunning during the monsoons. From Nagarhole, head for Irpu via Kutta.

The Ishwara Temple is another place that you should not miss. It is here Lord Rama himself is believed to have consecrated the shivaling. It is customary to pay your respects here before you take a dip in the Lakshmana Tirtha.  A large numbers of people visit the temple during Shivaratri. The temple gates remain closed in the afternoon.

Places to Stay in Nagarhole
Nagarhole is a popular tourist destination and there are a number of hotels and lodges that suit every budget. One can opt for a budget accommodation or can choose a luxury hotel. There are a number of lodges, resorts and guest houses in Nagarhole where one can stay. Hotels in Nagarhole.(Details)

By Air: The nearest airport to the Nagarhole National Park is at Bangalore, 235 km away. You can hire a taxi or catch a bus from Bangalore.

By Rail: Mysore 95 km is the nearest railhead.

By Road: Nagarhole National Park is well connected by road with the major towns like Madikeri (93 km), Mysore (96 km) and Bangalore (236 km).

Check Driving Directions from Bangalore to Nagarhole National Park
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