Nagarhole National Park (Kannada ನಾಗರಹೊಳೆ ರಾಷ್ಟ್ರೀಯ ಉದ್ಯಾನವನ)(also known as 'Rajiv Gandhi National Park') is located 93 km away from [wiki=405bb63965c183867d9e4bb78aeb5a3b]Mysore[/wiki]. It is spread between Kodagu and Mysore districts. The national park has rich forest cover, little streams, valleys and waterfalls.
The place derives its name from Kannada - Naga meaning snake and hole referring to streams.
The area was an exclusive hunting reserve of the former rulers of Mysore.
It was set up in 1955 and is one of the best-managed parks in the country. This park is located to the northwest of [wiki=2950a050f20ec54b871b839bdca3926d]Bandipur National Park[/wiki]. In 1975 its area stretched to 575 km². Kabini reservoir separates this park from Bandipur National Park. The climate is tropical; summer is hot and winter is pleasant. The park boasts a healthy Tiger-predator ratio. Tiger, Gaur and Elephant are much denser here than in Bandipur.
The office of the Deputy Conservator of Forests is situated in [wiki=1a49be8647107b3d2f938db0deb3cdd4]Hunsur[/wiki], about 47 km away from Nagarhole.
Mostly moist mixed deciduous forest (Tectona grandis, Dalbergia latifolia) in the Southern parts, Dry tropical forest (Wrightia tinctoria, Acacia) towards east, i.e. Bandipur and Sub mountain hill valley swamp forest (Eugenia).
Mammals: Elephant, Jackal, Tiger, Panther, Gaur, Muntjac, Sambar, Spotted deer, Mongoose, Civet cat, Hyena, and Sloth Bear.
*Reptiles: King Cobra, Krait, Python, Viper, Tortoise, Monitor Lizard ,Toads etc.
*The main trees found are Rosewood, Teak, Sandalwood and Silver oak.
Temperature during summer would be around 32°C. Winter is brief from November to January and has the temperature dipping to 12 °C and rains from June to October.
You can stay in Nagarhole Forest Guest house with prior booking from Wildlife department in [wiki=405bb63965c183867d9e4bb78aeb5a3b]Mysore[/wiki] : Phone +91-821-2480902.
A number of private resorts & Guest houses are available at Kutta just outside the park on the way to Irrupu Falls.
You can also stay at Murkal which is situated within the Nagarhole Park.
Situated at the south of the park, between the Nagarhole Park and the Bandipur National Park, it is one of the state Lodging. One of the best place to observe wild elephant specially from Febuary to April when they converge to the lake.
Camping is not allowed inside the park since it has fairly good number of tigers,elephants and other such wild animals. Also there is possibility of fire catching the reserved forests from the camp fire and other activities of the camp.