Nagarhole Tiger Reserve, also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, is a prominent wildlife sanctuary situated in the Kodagu (Coorg) and Mysore districts of Karnataka, India. Spanning an area of approximately 643 square kilometers, it forms a critical part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which also includes Bandipur National Park, Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.

Flora and Fauna
Nagarhole is renowned for its diverse and abundant wildlife. The reserve boasts a healthy population of Bengal tigers and is one of the premier tiger habitats in India. Additionally, it is home to Indian elephants, leopards, Indian gaur (bison), sloth bears, and various deer species, including sambar and spotted deer. The park's rich avian diversity includes over 270 species of birds, such as the Malabar trogon, Indian pitta, and great hornbill. Reptiles, including the Indian rock python and the king cobra, also inhabit the park.

The vegetation in Nagarhole includes moist deciduous forests, dry deciduous forests, and semi-evergreen forests, interspersed with grassy swamps. The Kabini River, which runs along the southern boundary, creates a lush riparian habitat that supports a variety of wildlife.

Conservation and Eco-Tourism
Nagarhole Tiger Reserve is part of Project Tiger, a conservation initiative launched by the Indian government to protect and increase the population of tigers in the country. The park's management focuses on anti-poaching measures, habitat improvement, and community involvement to ensure the protection of its diverse ecosystems.

Eco-tourism is a significant aspect of Nagarhole, contributing to both conservation and local economies. Visitors can experience the park through guided jeep safaris and boat safaris on the Kabini River, offering unique opportunities to observe wildlife in their natural habitat. The reserve's eco-tourism initiatives emphasize responsible tourism practices, ensuring minimal impact on the environment and wildlife.

Cultural and Historical Significance
Nagarhole has cultural importance, with several indigenous tribes, including the Jenu Kuruba and the Betta Kuruba, living in and around the park. These communities have a deep connection with the forest and play a crucial role in its conservation.

Accessibility
Nagarhole is easily accessible from major cities like Mysore and Bangalore. The main entry points are the Veeranahosahalli Gate and the Nanachi Gate, which lead to different zones of the park, each offering distinct wildlife viewing experiences.

In summary, Nagarhole Tiger Reserve is a vital sanctuary for wildlife conservation and a prime example of successful eco-tourism, offering visitors a chance to experience India's rich natural heritage while supporting the preservation of its diverse ecosystems.

Flora

The dry eastern limits of the reserve has dry deciduous forests. Towards the west, with the increase in rainfall, the vegetation changes to tropical moist and semi-evergreen forests. The forests are interspersed with swampy fallows called ‘hadlu’, which are dominated by grasses and sedges, favoured by wild herbivores.

Fauna

There is good faunal diversity and a large number of species occur, viz. mammals (32), birds (300), reptiles (32), amphibians (13) and fishes (10). The three endangered top carnivores, viz. tiger, leopard and wild dog (dholes) coexist at a higher density.

By Rail

To reach Nagarhole National Park by rail, one has to alight at the Mysore Station which is at a distance of 80 kilometres from the park. The train ride from Bangalore, Pune and Hyderabad to Coorg takes 2 hours, 21 hours and 16 hours respectively. While Mysore has a frequency of around 172 trains from across the country, there is another nearby railway station called Mahe which has a lesser frequency of trains. From Mysore Junction, a number of cabs and buses are available which go to the National Park. It takes around four hours to reach Nagarhole from Mysore Junction Railway Station.

By Road

If one wants to travel to the park by road, one can take a taxi from Bangalore which shall cost around Rs. 5000 or from Mysore which shall cost Rs. 2000. Jeeps and bikes could also be rented from Mysore or Hunsur.

By Bus

KSRTC (Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation) buses can be availed from Mysore which stops at a 30 km distance from the park, at HD Kote Bus station from where a cab can be taken to the park. Apart from this, there are buses available from Bangalore and Madikeri as well. Buses that are coming from Kerala and Karnataka halt at Kutta, which is also an entrance point to Nagarhole National Park and is 14 km away from the park.