Nagarhole National Park, also known as the Rajiv Gandhi National Park, lies across the Kodagu and Mysuru districts of Karnataka in the foothills of the Western Ghats. It covers about 848 sq km, rises to between roughly 700 and 960 metres, and forms part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The name is usually read as nagara, snake, and hole, stream. The forest was once the exclusive hunting reserve of the Wodeyar rulers of Mysore, became a wildlife sanctuary in 1955, a national park in 1983 and a tiger reserve in 2003.
Most visitors think first of Kabini, the reservoir on the southern edge, which already has its own Raahzo guide. This guide looks at the other ways in. The Veeranahosahalli gate in Hunsur taluk opens onto the drier teak and bamboo interior, and the Nanachi gate in Kodagu serves travellers coming from the Coorg side. Around them are the Lakshmanatirtha river, which rises in the Brahmagiri range and runs through the park, the Taraka reservoir on the eastern boundary, and Irpu Falls, the source of that river, a short drive into south Kodagu.
The trip suits people who are happy to be patient. Sightings of elephants, gaur and deer are common; tigers and leopards are present but cannot be promised. Safaris start early, tracks are rough and booking arrangements, timings and vehicle types have changed more than once, so confirm with the Karnataka Forest Department before you go. For older parents, the safari itself is seated and undemanding, while the early cold starts and winding approach roads need planning.
Before you plan
Nagarhole at a glance
- Best months
- November to February is the most…November to February is the most comfortable; March to May is hot but animals gather near water. June to October is monsoon, with patchy sightings and possible cancellations.
- Ideal trip length
- 2 days for two safaris and Irpu Falls2 days for two safaris and Irpu Falls; 3 days if you also cover a second gate or Coorg
- Airport
- Mysuru AirportMysuru Airport (MYQ) is the nearest, roughly two hours by road; Bengaluru (BLR) is the main gateway, about five to six hours by road, traffic dependent
- Railway station
- Mysuru JunctionMysuru Junction (MYS) is the usual railhead, about 95 km from the Veeranahosahalli side; onward travel is by road
- Getting around
- No reliable public transport inside…No reliable public transport inside the area. Hunsur is the usual gateway town; hire a car and driver from Mysuru or arrange a lodge transfer.
- Daily budget
- Varies widely: lodges often sell…Varies widely: lodges often sell packages that include safaris and meals, so the property sets the cost. Check current safari fees with the Forest Department.
- Senior comfort
- Reasonable for the safari itselfReasonable for the safari itself, which is seated; early cold starts, bumpy tracks and the walk at Irpu Falls need planning
- Language
- Kannada locallyKannada locally; Kodava in Kodagu; English at lodges and with guides
Prices, opening hours and weather change. Recheck live details before booking.
Best time to visit Nagarhole: January, February, November, December. Month-by-month weather →
How many days do you have?
Nagarhole itinerary
One good day
1 day in Nagarhole
Drive from Mysuru to Hunsur early and reach the Veeranahosahalli gate at least 30 minutes before your booked morning slot, carrying photo ID. After the safari, take a late breakfast and a rest. If time allows, glance at the Lakshmanatirtha river from the bridges in Hunsur on the way back, and keep the evening for the return drive in daylight.
Day-by-day plan →Two days
2 days in Nagarhole
Reach the northern gate for a morning safari, with an hour on arrival for check-in. Rest through the midday heat, then join the late-afternoon slot if available, or use the time for birdwatching near your lodge.
Day-by-day plan →Three unhurried days
3 days in Nagarhole
Travel from Mysuru via Hunsur, settle in and take an afternoon safari from the Veeranahosahalli gate if slots allow.
Day-by-day plan →
