Rajiv Gandhi National Park-

About Rajiv Gandhi National Park-

Renamed as the “Rajiv Gandhi National Park”, Nagarhole National Park, 643.30 sq. km, is part of the 5500 sq km Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It is located in the districts of Kodagu & Mysore. This is easily the best habitat for the Asian Elephant. Tigers & leopards roam in this forest. Over 250 species of birds have been identified in this park which lies at the foothills of the towering Western Ghats Mountain Range.

The park is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Nagarhole, in the Coffee land of Coorg was declared a National park in 1974. It has recently been renamed ‘Rajiv Gandhi National Park.’ Gentle slopes and shallow valleys surround it on all sides. You find a variety of trees and shrubs often making it a sanctuary for illegal timber traders. Huge herds of Asian Elephants flock here together and it is blessed with wildlife abundance Among reptiles, the marsh crocodile, monitor lizard, rock python and several other species can be found. Aquatic and terrestrial tortoises, frogs, toads and tree frogs and a myriad insects, including some very colourful butterflies, adorn this lovely southern jungle of India.

To the south-east lies the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary while to the west, coffee plantations separate the park from Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary. This entire stretch is one of the finest remaining habitats of the Asian Elephant. Huge herds hang about in Nagarhole, and it’s said that summer is the best time to see them. It is held that Nagarhole is worth visiting in the dry season, when wild animals are spotted in large numbers near the water bodies but don’t bet your money on it. Successive dry spells have shrivelled the water sources so much that the animals feel content lying in the shade, away from view.

Interesting things to Visit

Other animals in Rajiva,Gandhi National Park:
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.

Flora in Rajiva,Gandhi National Park:
The predominant vegetation in the Nagarhole National Park is of southern tropical, moist, mixed deciduous type with a substantial eastern portion intergrading into dry deciduous type. The upper tree canpy is dominated by Terminalia tomentosa is association with Tectonia grandis, Dalbergia latifolia, Pterocarpus marsupium, Lagerstroemia lanceolata, Anogeissus latifolia, Adina cordifolia, Boambax malabaricum, Schleichera trijuga, Ficus sp. and others. The lower canopy has Kydia calycina, Emblica officinalis, Gmelina arborea etc. Several shrubs belonging to Solanum, Desmodium and Helicteres sp. etc. are abundantly found but weedy shrubs like Eupatorium and Lantana now dominate.

Nearest Visiting places

Irpu Falls:
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:
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.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

**Hotel &Lodge:**Rajiva,Gandhi National Park ,Karnataka,India

**Hotel Bharath:**Virarajendrapet,Kodagu,Karnataka,India

Location info

karnataka.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Karnataka. 4G is reliable in Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, Hubli, and along highways. Coverage may be weaker in deep forest areas of Bandipur, Nagarhole, and certain Western Ghats sections. Most hotels, resorts, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Karnataka cuisine ranges from coastal seafood to Udupi vegetarian to Coorg’s pandi curry. Dosa, idli, bisi bele bath, and filter coffee are iconic.

Climate & weather

Karnataka has a varied climate from the humid coast to the dry Deccan plateau and cool Western Ghats. The best time to visit is October to March, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C depending on region. April–May is hot across most of the state (up to 38°C). The southwest monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rain to the coast and ghats but transforms the landscape — this is the best time for Jog Falls and Coorg’s lush greenery. Hill stations (Coorg, Chikmagalur) remain pleasant year-round. Bangalore has a moderate climate throughout.

Helpline & emergency contacts

Tourist Helpline: 1364 (toll-free, 24×7). Police: 112 (all-India emergency). Ambulance: 108. Women’s Helpline: 1091. Karnataka Police Tourist Helpline: 112.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are available in the nearest town or on the approach road — check locally for the closest option.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not currently available for this site. Contact the venue directly or check with your accommodation for the latest accessibility details.

Rules & restrictions

Standard visitor rules apply. Check locally for any specific restrictions at this site.

Best photography spots

The best photography spots are typically during the golden hours (early morning and late afternoon). Scout the location first to identify the best angles, and consider the direction of light at different times of day.

Best time to visit Rajiv Gandhi National Park-

October to May is the safari season. October-February: pleasant weather, good sightings. March-May: excellent sightings as animals concentrate near water sources, hotter temperatures. Park remains closed July-October during monsoon.

How to reach Rajiv Gandhi National Park-

Rajiv Gandhi National Park- is accessible by road from nearby cities. KSRTC buses connect to gateway towns. Private vehicles and taxis available from major cities. The nearest town has transport connections. Karnataka is well-connected by air (Kempegowda International Airport Bangalore, Mangalore International Airport, Hubli Airport), rail (extensive network with major junctions at Bangalore, Mysore, Hubli, Mangalore), and road (NH 44, NH 48, NH 75, NH 66). State buses (KSRTC) and private operators connect all towns regularly.

Timings & opening hours

Safari timings: Morning 6:00-9:00 AM, Evening 3:00-5:30 PM (seasonal variation). Park remains closed during monsoon (typically July-October). Entry gate timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Entry fee & tickets

Entry fee: INR 50-100 per person (Indians), INR 400-600 (foreigners). Jeep safari: INR 1,500-3,000 per person. Canter safari: INR 500-1,000 per person. Guide fee: included in most safari packages. Camera fee: INR 50-200. Still camera free; video cameras charged extra.

Duration needed

Half day for a single safari. Full day for both morning and evening safaris with rest between. 2-3 days recommended for comprehensive wildlife experience.

Safety tips

Stay inside the safari vehicle at all times. Do not get out unless specifically instructed by your naturalist/guide. No loud noises, smoking, or littering inside the park. Do not feed animals. Maintain safe distance from wildlife. Follow all forest department rules strictly. No mobile phone use during safaris (may disturb animals).

Things to carry

Carry drinking water, snacks, comfortable walking shoes, hat/cap, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, power bank, and personal medications. A light jacket or umbrella is recommended during monsoon season (June-September). Binoculars are essential. Wear earth-toned clothing (olive, khaki, brown). Carry a wildlife field guide and camera with zoom lens (200mm+ recommended). Insect repellent and sunscreen are important for open jeep safaris.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest railway station in the closest major town. Nearest airport: typically Kempegowda International Airport Bangalore or Hubli Airport. Road transport from nearest town to park gate.

History of Rajiv Gandhi National Park-

Rajiv Gandhi National Park- is a premier national park in Karnataka, protecting the state’s rich wildlife heritage. Karnataka’s national parks are part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and the Western Ghats, both UNESCO-designated biodiversity hotspots. These parks have been critical to India’s Project Tiger and Project Elephant conservation efforts, and continue to be global models for wildlife conservation and eco-tourism.

Things to do at Rajiv Gandhi National Park-

Wildlife safaris (jeep/canter), birdwatching, nature photography, visiting interpretation centres, guided nature walks (in designated areas), and learning about conservation programs.

Frequently asked questions

Q: What is the best time for tiger sightings? A: March-May (dry season) when animals gather at water sources. Q: Can I do a day trip? A: Yes, day trips are possible but overnight stays offer a much better experience. Q: Is accommodation available inside the park? A: Forest lodges and resorts are available at buffer zones. Book in advance.

Visitor information

Please check locally for current visitor information.

Photo gallery of Rajiv Gandhi National Park-

Photos coming soon. In the meantime, you can find images of Rajiv Gandhi National Park- on popular travel photography sites and social media.