Nagarahole (check spelling please) is derived from the combination of
two Kannada words-'nagar' meaning snake and 'hole' meaning streams and
true to its name a number of streams snake through its rich tropical
forests.
Once an exclusive hunting preserve of the erstwhile rulers of Mysore,
the terrain of this Park is gently undulating with lush green
vegetation, swamps and numerous water resources, rendering it an ideal
habitat for a wide variety of wildlife.
Nagarahole is situated in the picturesque districts of Kodagu and
Mysore in southern Karnataka. The Nagarahole National Park was first set
up in 1955. In 1975 its area was increased to include a greater expanse
of forest reserve.
The Wild Population of Nagarhole National Park
The forest is home to animals like the four-horned antelope, sloth
bear, jungle cat, civet, spotted deer, elephant, wild dog, flying fox,
tiger, panther, gaur (Indian bison), sambhar, wild boar, black-naped
hare, bonnet macaque, and pangolin.
Cobras, crocodiles, kraits, pythons, vipers, and several
species
of lizards are also found here. Among the 250 bird species found here,
the prominent ones are the common babbler, bee-eater, bulbul, dove,
crested serpent, hornbill, Malabar pied, alexandrine, peacock,
woodpecker, warbler, great Indian reed, eagle, crested hawk, golden-back
parakeet, and the southern tree pie.
Nagarhole is worth visiting at the height of the dry season, when wild
animals can be spotted in large numbers near sources of water.
Viewing The Wild
At Nagarhole, there are excellent facilities for viewing wildlife and
large groups of gaur, elephant, sambar, chital and even the occasional
tiger or leopard are seen. Vehicles and guides are available to take you
around the Nagarhole National Park.
If this natural heaven awakens the 'spirit of adventure' in you then
consider heading for the Brahmagiri Mountains-an inviting destination
for those who wish to go trekking. Prior permission is required from the
authorities before embarking on a trekking trail.
How to Get There
Air : Bangalore (220 kms) is the nearesrtnearest
airport.
Rail : Mysore 80 kms away is the nearest railhead.
For more information, contact: Jungle Lodges and Resorts Ltd., 2nd
floor, Srungar Shopping Centre, MG Road, Bangalore-560001.
