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Nagarahole is named after Nagarahole (Cobra river in the local language, Kannada), a winding river which runs eastwards through its centre. It is located in the two districts of Mysore and Kodagu in the state of Karnataka. It was originally constituted into a sanctuary in the year 1955 covering an area of 258 sq. kms and subsequently enlarged to include the adjoining areas of Mysore district and now extends over an area of 643 sq. kms which was given the status of a National Park in 1983.Nagarahole National Park forms a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and together with Bandipur National Park (875 sq. kms) and Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary (325 sq. kms) to its South East and Wayanad (350 sq. kms) to the South-West.
Avi – Fauna
The park has over 270 species of birds including the ‘critically endangered’ Oriental white-backed vulture, ‘vulnerable’ lesser adjutant, greater spotted eagle and the Nilgiri wood-pigeon. ‘Near threatened’ species like darters, oriental white ibis, greater grey headed fish eagle and red headed vulture too can be found here. Endemics include the blue winged parakeet, Malabar grey hornbill and the white bellied treepie. Birds commonly seen in drier regions like painted bush quail, Sirkeer malkhoa, ashy prinia, Indian robin, Indian peafowl and yellow legged green pigeon can be found here.
Climate
Summers here, are hot and dry with maximum temperature of 33 º C. However it is the best time to spot tigers. Animals are easily found around the lake and enable good wild life sightings. The winters are cooler here but short spanned from November to January with temperature dipping to a minimum of 14 º C. This time is exceeding pleasant and best for those who do not wish to sweat much. From June to September due to the rains the roads are washed out and hence we do not recommend tourists to visit during these months.
Fauna
Species like tiger, Indian bison or gaur and Asian elephants are found in large numbers inside the park. It has three species of predators i.e. tiger, leopard and wild dogs present at an equivalent density. The park also has a healthy population of jackals, grey mongoose, sloth bears, striped hyena, spotted deer or chital, sambar, barking deer, four-horned antelopes and wild boar.
Other inhabitants include the common palm civet, various typed of mongoose, black-naped hare, mouse deer, Indian pangolin, red giant flying squirrel, Indian porcupine and Indian giant flying squirrel. Commonly found reptiles include the mugger, common vine snake, common wolf snake, rat snake, bamboo pit viper, Russell’s viper, common krait, Indian rock python, Indian monitor lizard and the common toad.
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