Nagarhole National Park Entry Fee, Timing, Best Season to visit | Nagarhole National Park Full Travel Information

Nagarhole National Park, also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, is one of the most beautiful and well-preserved wildlife sanctuaries in Karnataka. It is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and is famous for its rich biodiversity, pristine forests, and large population of wild animals, including the Royal Bengal Tiger, Asian Elephants, and many more species of mammals and birds.

If you’re planning to visit Nagarhole National Park, this guide will provide you with all the essential information, including the best time to visit, entry fee, safari timings, ticket booking details, and hidden tips to make the most of your trip.

About Nagarhole National Park

Nagarhole National Park is located in the Kodagu (Coorg) and Mysore districts of Karnataka. The park gets its name from two Kannada words Naga (snake) and Hole (stream) referring to the numerous streams that crisscross through the park.

The park was established in 1955 as a wildlife sanctuary and was later upgraded to a national park in 1988. It is home to over 250 species of birds, 96 species of mammals, and a large number of reptiles, amphibians, and insects.

Nagarhole National Park Timings

• Opening Days: Nagarhole National Park is open every day of the week.
• Opening Hours:
  • Morning: 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM
  • Evening: 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
• Road Timings: Roads through the national park are open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM for transit, but certain restricted areas are not accessible to visitors.

💡 Hidden Tip: Early morning safaris are the best time to spot tigers and elephants as they are most active during this time.

Best Time to Visit Nagarhole National Park

The best time to visit Nagarhole National Park is during the winter and early summer months from October to May.

Seasonal Breakdown:

• Summer (March to May): Good for spotting large mammals near water bodies.
• Monsoon (June to September): Lush greenery but difficult for wildlife spotting due to thick foliage and rainfall.
• Winter (October to February): Ideal weather and excellent visibility for wildlife spotting.

Best time to visit from Bangalore: The park is around 220 km from Bangalore, and a weekend trip during winter or early summer is ideal.

Wildlife at Nagarhole National Park

Nagarhole National Park is one of the best places in India to see the Royal Bengal Tiger and Indian Elephant.

🦁 Popular Animals Found Here:

• Bengal Tiger
• Indian Leopard
• Asiatic Wild Dog (Dhole)
• Sloth Bear
• Sambar Deer
• Spotted Deer
• Indian Gaur (Bison)

🦜 Birds:

• Malabar Pied Hornbill
• Crested Serpent Eagle
• Indian Pitta
• White-bellied Woodpecker

💡 Hidden Tip: Tigers are usually spotted near waterholes early in the morning during summer.

How to Visit Nagarhole National Park

• From Bangalore:
  Distance – 220 km (Approximately 5 hours by road)
  Best route – Bangalore → Mysore → Hunsur → Nagarhole

• From Mysore:
  Distance – 80 km (Approximately 2 hours by road)

• Public Transport:
  Government KSRTC buses are available from Bangalore and Mysore to Nagarhole.

✅ Hidden Tip: Book a cab or a private jeep from Mysore or Bangalore for a comfortable and flexible journey.

Nagarhole National Park Entry Fee & Ticket Booking

Ticket Booking:

• Tickets can be booked online through the Karnataka Forest Department website.
• Tickets are also available at the ticket counter at the park entrance.
• Advance booking is recommended, especially during weekends and peak seasons.

💡 Hidden Tip: Try booking the early morning safari as animals are more active during this time.

Nagarhole National Park Safari Timings and Price Details

Nagarhole National Park offers three main types of safaris – Jeep Safari, Canter Safari (Bus Safari), and Boat Safari. Each offers a unique wildlife experience:

1. Jeep Safari

• Timings:
  • Morning: 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM
  • Evening: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Duration: ~2 hours
• Capacity: Up to 6 people per jeep
• Price:
  • Indians: ₹500 per person
  • Foreigners: ₹1,500 per person
  • Private Jeep: ₹3,000 – ₹5,000 per jeep (for 6 people)

💡 Hidden Tip: Book the early morning jeep safari for the highest chances of spotting tigers and leopards.

2. Canter Safari (Bus Safari)

• Timings:
  • Morning: 6:30 AM – 8:30 AM
  • Evening: 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
• Duration: ~2 hours
• Capacity: Up to 20 people per bus
• Price:
  • Indians: ₹300 per person
  • Foreigners: ₹800 per person

💡 Hidden Tip: Opt for the front seat for better visibility and photography opportunities.

3. Boat Safari

• Timings:
  • Morning: 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM
  • Evening: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Duration: ~1.5 to 2 hours
• Capacity: Up to 15 people per boat
• Price:
  • Indians: ₹500 per person
  • Foreigners: ₹1,000 per person

💡 Hidden Tip: The best time for a boat safari is around sunrise – you’ll see crocodiles and elephants near the water.

Other Charges:

Booking Information:

• Advance Booking: Available online through the Karnataka Forest Department website
• On-the-Spot Booking: Tickets available at the Veeranahosahalli Gate and Antharasanthe Gate
• Private Jeep: Can be booked through private resorts and lodges

Nagarhole National Park Entry Gates

1. Veeranahosahalli Gate – Main entrance near Hunsur
2. Antharasanthe Gate – Best for safaris and wildlife spotting
3. Nanachi Gate – Provides access to the forest department lodges

💡 Hidden Tip: Use the Veeranahosahalli Gate for early morning safaris since it’s less crowded.

What to Do in Nagarhole National Park

• Wildlife Safari – Jeep, canter, and boat safaris
• Birdwatching – Over 250 bird species to spot
• Nature Walks – Guided forest walks available
• Photography – Ideal for capturing wildlife and landscapes

Nagarhole National Park is Famous For:

• High density of Bengal Tigers and Indian Elephants
• Part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
• Pristine forests and rivers
• Unique bird species and flora

Accommodation Near Nagarhole National Park

• Kabini River Lodge (Luxury)
• The Serai Kabini (Luxury)
• Jungle Inn (Mid-range)
• Forest Department Guesthouses (Budget)

💡 Hidden Tip: Book accommodation in advance during peak season as it gets filled up quickly.

Other Attractions Near Nagarhole National Park

If you’re planning to visit Nagarhole National Park, don’t miss out on the other amazing attractions located nearby. From scenic waterfalls to historic temples and wildlife sanctuaries, the region offers plenty of options for nature lovers, history buffs, and adventure seekers.

1. Kabini River

• Distance: ~15 km from Nagarhole National Park
• Timing: Open 24 hours
• Entry Fee: Free (Boat rides are chargeable – ₹500 to ₹1,000 per person)
• Location Specialty:
  • Home to a large population of elephants
  • Scenic boat rides
  • Excellent for birdwatching

💡 Hidden Tip: Take an early morning or sunset boat ride for the best chance to see elephants and crocodiles along the riverbank.

2. Irupu Falls

• Distance: ~20 km from Nagarhole National Park
• Timing: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Entry Fee: ₹50 per person
• Location Specialty:
  • Sacred site linked to Lord Rama
  • Surrounded by lush greenery
  • Popular spot for nature photography

💡 Hidden Tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the peaceful sound of the waterfall.

3. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

• Distance: ~50 km from Nagarhole National Park
• Timing: 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Entry Fee:
  • Indians: ₹100 per person
  • Foreigners: ₹300 per person
  • Jeep Safari: ₹500 – ₹700 per person
• Location Specialty:
  • Home to elephants, leopards, and gaur
  • Dense forests and open grasslands

💡 Hidden Tip: Book a guided safari for the best chance to spot elephants and leopards.

4. Mysore Palace

• Distance: ~80 km from Nagarhole National Park
• Timing: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
• Entry Fee:
  • Indians: ₹70
  • Foreigners: ₹200
• Location Specialty:
  • Magnificent Indo-Saracenic architecture
  • Illuminated with 100,000 lights on Sundays and special occasions

💡 Hidden Tip: Visit in the evening to see the palace lit up – it’s magical!

5. Chikkadevamma Hill

• Distance: ~45 km from Nagarhole National Park
• Timing: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Entry Fee: Free
• Location Specialty:
  • Sacred hilltop temple
  • Offers panoramic views of the valley below
  • Great spot for a short trek

💡 Hidden Tip: Visit during sunrise for the best views and a peaceful atmosphere.

6. Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary

• Distance: ~50 km from Nagarhole National Park
• Timing: 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Entry Fee: ₹300 per person (Jeep Safari)
• Location Specialty:
  • Part of the Wayanad Wildlife Reserve
  • Home to elephants, bison, and leopards

💡 Hidden Tip: Morning safaris are best for spotting big cats and elephants.

7. Brahmagiri Hills

• Distance: ~35 km from Nagarhole National Park
• Timing: Open 24 hours
• Entry Fee: Free
• Location Specialty:
  • Popular for trekking and nature walks
  • Houses the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Great for birdwatching

💡 Hidden Tip: Start your trek early in the morning to avoid the heat and enjoy peaceful views.

8. Rameshwara Temple

• Distance: ~20 km from Nagarhole National Park
• Timing: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Entry Fee: Free
• Location Specialty:
  • Ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva
  • Located near the banks of the Lakshmana Tirtha River
  • Historical significance tied to the Ramayana

💡 Hidden Tip: Visit during early morning prayers for a spiritual experience.

9. Bandipur National Park

• Distance: ~100 km from Nagarhole National Park
• Timing: 6:30 AM – 9:30 AM, 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM
• Entry Fee:
  • Indians: ₹250 per person
  • Foreigners: ₹1,000 per person
  • Jeep Safari: ₹500 – ₹800 per person
• Location Specialty:
  • Part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
  • High chances of spotting tigers and elephants

💡 Hidden Tip: Opt for the morning safari – you’ll have a higher chance of seeing tigers.

10. Dubare Elephant Camp

• Distance: ~50 km from Nagarhole National Park
• Timing: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Entry Fee: ₹800 per person (Elephant bathing and interaction)
• Location Specialty:
  • Interact with and bathe elephants
  • Learn about elephant care and conservation

💡 Hidden Tip: The best time to visit is in the morning when the elephants are most active.

Tourist Places near Nagarhole National Park Map

Travel Tips for Nagarhole National Park

✔️ Wear comfortable clothes and shoes – many places require walking or trekking.
✔️ Keep cash on hand – some rural locations might not accept cards or online payments.
✔️ Book safaris and tickets in advance during weekends and holidays.
✔️ Respect wildlife and avoid making loud noises during safaris.
✔️ Carry a camera and binoculars – you won’t want to miss the sights!

Summary of Nearby Tourist Places from Nagarhole National Park

Nagarhole National Park is a paradise for wildlife lovers and nature enthusiasts. From thrilling safaris to peaceful boat rides and nature walks, this park offers a complete wildlife experience. Plan your trip carefully using this guide to enjoy a hassle-free and unforgettable visit! 🐅🌳