Discover India's Wild Heritage
Explore the diverse ecosystems and magnificent wildlife across India's national parks
Explore ParksExplore the diverse ecosystems and magnificent wildlife across India's national parks
Explore ParksThe Serpent River Wilderness
Karnataka
Image: Kandukuru Nagarjun / CC BY 2.0Welcome to Nagarahole National Park! Use the resources below to plan your adventure in one of India's most treasured wild spaces.
Safaris, bird watching, nature walks, and more
Safari timings, open seasons, and park schedules
Entry fees, safari charges, and camera fees
How to reach by air, rail, and road
Official booking links, permits, and offline reservation guidance
Nearby stays, forest rest houses, and booking resources
Book Nagarahole safari seats through Karnataka's ecotourism booking channels where inventory is available.
Jeep safaris on maintained forest roads are the primary experience. The Kabini boat safari is accessible for most visitors. The park gates and surrounding resorts are generally accessible. Bus safaris can accommodate visitors with limited mobility. Inform the resort or park office about any special needs.
Nagarahole National Park (officially Rajiv Gandhi National Park) lies in the western part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve in Karnataka, separated from Bandipur by the Kabini River. The name 'Nagarahole' means 'Serpent River' in the local Kannada language. The park is contiguous with Bandipur to the southeast, Mudumalai to the south, and Wayanad to the southwest, forming one of the largest protected forest blocks in southern India. Nagarahole is particularly famous for the Kabini backwaters — where large herds of elephants, gaur, and deer gather at the water's edge, and tigers and leopards emerge from the forest. The black leopard sightings at Kabini have made it globally famous in recent years.
| Season | Morning Safari | Evening Safari |
|---|---|---|
| Year-round | 6:00 AM - 8:30 AM | 3:30 PM - 6:00 PM |
Safaris depart from Kabini and Nagarahole gates. The Karnataka Forest Department runs bus safaris. Private jeep safaris also available. Kabini boat safaris at the reservoir are offered by Jungle Lodges & Resorts.
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Entry Fee (Indian) | INR 80 per person |
| Entry Fee (Foreigner) | INR 720 per person |
| Jeep Safari (Indian) | INR 3,500 - 5,000 per trip |
| Bus Safari | INR 400 per person |
| Boat Safari (Kabini) | INR 600 - 1,200 per person |
| Guide Fee | INR 350 per trip (mandatory) |
Kabini is the premium entry with higher prices but better wildlife viewing. The Nagarahole gate offers good forest safaris at lower cost. Weekend safaris are crowded — weekday visits recommended.
Nagarahole National Park, Kodagu/Mysore District, Karnataka 571114
12.0724° N, 76.1505° E
Nearest airports: Mysore Mandakalli (96 km from Kabini), Bangalore Kempegowda International (235 km). Kannur Airport (150 km) is another option for the Nagarahole gate.
Nearest railway station is Mysore Junction (80 km from Kabini). Well-connected to Bangalore, Chennai, and other cities.
Kabini gate: 80 km from Mysore via Nanjangud, 235 km from Bangalore. Nagarahole gate: 95 km from Mysore via Hunsur. Well-maintained roads. KSRTC buses to Hunsur and HD Kote from Mysore.
Most resorts provide transfers from Mysore or Bangalore. Safari vehicles arranged through resorts or the park gate. Limited public transport near the park.
Moist deciduous forests (teak, rosewood), dry deciduous forests, and scrubland. The Kabini river floodplain supports swamp vegetation. Notable species: Teak, Rosewood, Silver Oak, Sandalwood, Bamboo.
Home to approximately 60-70 tigers, over 100 leopards (including rare melanistic/black leopards), over 3,000 elephants (as part of the Nilgiri population), Indian gaur, dholes, sloth bears, mouse deer, and giant squirrels. Kabini has become globally famous for its black leopard sightings.
Nagarahole was a private hunting reserve of the Mysore royals. It was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1955 and a national park in 1988. It became a Project Tiger reserve in 1999 and was renamed Rajiv Gandhi National Park. The Kabini area gained international fame in the 2010s when melanistic (black) leopards were frequently photographed here — the images went viral worldwide. The park is part of the Mysore Elephant Reserve and is a critical elephant corridor connecting populations across four states.
