The park is home to significant populations of endangered species, including Bengal tigers, Indian elephants, and Indian leopards. Other notable mammals include gaur (Indian bison), sambar deer, spotted deer, wild boar, and sloth bears. The park hosts over 250 species of birds, including critically endangered species like the Oriental white-backed vulture. Reptiles such as mugger crocodiles, monitor lizards, and various snake species are also found here. The park's diverse primate population includes bonnet macaques, gray langurs, and the rare lion-tailed macaque.
Nagarhole boasts a diverse array of vegetation types, including moist deciduous forests, dry deciduous forests, and small patches of semi-evergreen forests. The park features valuable timber species like teak, rosewood, and sandalwood. The understory is rich with bamboo thickets, particularly giant bamboo species. Other significant plant species include Terminalia, Lagerstroemia, Dalbergia, and various medicinal plants. The forest floor is covered with a variety of herbs, shrubs, and grasses that support the park's herbivorous wildlife population.
The park's terrain is characterized by gentle undulating hills and deep valleys formed by the Kabini River and its tributaries. The landscape varies in elevation from 687 to 960 meters above sea level, creating diverse micro-habitats. The soil composition is primarily red loam with patches of black cotton soil, supporting rich vegetation. The area features numerous water bodies and streams that originate in the Western Ghats, contributing to the park's unique ecosystem and maintaining its biodiversity.
Originally serving as the private hunting grounds for the Maharajas of Mysore, Nagarhole was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1955 and elevated to national park status in 1983. The park derives its name from 'Naga' meaning snake and 'hole' meaning streams in Kannada, referring to the numerous serpentine streams that flow through the forest. In 1999, it was integrated into the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and was later designated as a Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger. The park has since played a crucial role in wildlife conservation efforts in southern India.
The Kabini River, forming the southern boundary of the park, is a major attraction offering boat safaris and wildlife viewing opportunities. The park's watchtowers provide excellent vantage points for wildlife observation, particularly at dawn and dusk. The Nagarhole Anti-Poaching Camp showcases conservation efforts and educational programs. The park's unique combination of forest types and water bodies creates excellent wildlife corridors, making it one of India's premier wildlife viewing destinations. The King's Tank, an artificial reservoir, serves as a vital water source for wildlife and offers exceptional bird-watching opportunities.
Nagarhole National Park experiences a tropical monsoon climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The region receives an average annual rainfall of 1,000-1,500mm, primarily during the southwest monsoon from June to September. Winters (November to February) are mild and pleasant with temperatures ranging from 15-25°C, making it the ideal time for wildlife viewing. Summers (March to May) can be quite hot with temperatures reaching up to 35°C. The post-monsoon period from October to December offers comfortable conditions with moderate temperatures and lush green landscapes.
India
12.0500°, 76.1450°
1955
643.39
Nagarhole National Park is known for its pristine wilderness and rich wildlife. The park features moist deciduous forests and contains several artificial reservoirs. It supports high densities of Asian elephants, tigers, and various species of deer.