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Description
The Nagarhole
National Park in Karnataka shares its boundaries with the
famous Bandipur National Park in Karanataka, which
together form a part of the Mudumalai Sanctuary in Tamil
Nadu and the Wayanad Reserve in Kerala. About 643 kms in
area, Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuary is home to the tiger
along with the other wild life species and around 250 bird
species. Located aside the river Kabini, the dam and the
reservoir of this mighty Kabini river acts as a natural
barrier separating the two wildlife sanctuaries - Bandipur
and Nagarhole - in Karnataka.
The Nagarhole national park lies at a distance of 96 kms
from Mysore. This protected territory is the habitat of
several endangered species. Nagarhole derives its name
from the root word `Naga' from Kannada language, which
means `snake' and `Hole' that means `streams'. Thus the
term as a whole point towards the numerous streams that
leaps through the rich tropical forests of Nagarhole like
a snake.
Also bordering the state of Kerala, the Nagarhole National
Park was designated as a game sanctuary in 1955. In 1974,
it was extended to its present size combining the Mysore
forests within the Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuary. The deep
valleys and the mesmerising landscapes in the sanctuary
make it a picture perfect destination in every manner.
Apart from the largest Kabini river that drains the
Nagarhole national park, the other three important rivers
include Lakshmana, Teentha and Nagarhole. Several
perennial and seasonal streams also merge into the four
rivers.
The drier SE corner of Bandipur National Park has scrub
forests. During the dry months of March-May, Indian
Elephants stay close to rivers and lakes. At this time of
year, Indian Elephant sightings are unsurpassed in
Nagarhole National Park, especially if you are staying at
the Kabini River Lodge in Karapur. Nearby, at Mastigudi
large gatherings of 100 or so Indian Elephants on the
banks of the Kabini Lake are known, a sight unrivalled
anywhere. Bandipur National Park is probably the best
place in the subcontinent for seeing Dhole, and the Indian
Giant Squirrel can be seen at Mudumalai, lying curled in
trees holes or crooks of brances during the day.
Season :
Open year
round, the best period being October-May, especially
April-May.
Access :
Fly to
Bangalore and drive to Nagarhole (6 hours) or Bandipur
(6-7 hours). The nearest station railway station is Mysore.
For Mudumalai National Park the nearest airport is
Coimbatore (160 km) and the nearest railway station Ooty
or Udhagamandalam (64 km).
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