Nagahole National Park, or Rajiv Gandhi National Park as it was previously known, is popular for its diverse wildlife. The biodiversity of Nagarhole is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. If you want to experience the thriving population of the Indian wilderness, heading here needs to be on your list. The natural splendor of the apex predator, the Royal Bengal Tiger hunting, or the herds of Asiatic elephants bathing, is quite memorable. There are many animals in Nagarhole, and the bird species here are gigantic, with both migratory and local birds at your disposal.
Before knowing which are the top 5 species you will see here, let's learn a bit more about Nagarhole National Park.
Overview
Nagarhole National Park is situated between Mysore and Kodagu (Coorg). Spanning over 640 sq kilometers, the dense forests, gushing streams, and open grasslands make it an ideal habitat for wildlife. The availability of jeep and bus safaris makes it easier for tourists to spot animals like the elusive leopards.
Top animals in Nagarhole National Park
Royal Bengal Tiger
No doubt, the king of the jungle and the apex predator for whom nature lovers come from far away is the Royal Bengal Tiger. The sighting of a tiger here is the most sought-after experience here. The park is home to over 100 tigers as part of India’s Project Tiger conservation initiative. These majestic predators are usually spotted near water bodies during the summer months, quenching their thirst. The black-striped and orange coats make them strikingly beautiful and stand out against the green backdrop of the park.
Best Time to Spot:
Early mornings and late evenings during the dry season (March to May) offer the best chances of spotting a tiger.
Indian Elephant
Nagarhole National Park is best known for a massive number of Indian elephants. These gentle giants roam freely in the forest, often found near lakes or rivers. As you see a family of elephants playing in the water or moving across the lakes gracefully, it is the most beautiful sight to behold in the Nagarhole National Park. They play a crucial role in maintaining the ecosystem of the park and can help see dispersal while creating pathways through the forest. Their rumbling and deep calls make for an unforgettable safari experience.
Best Time to Spot:
The best time to spot them is the summer months near the water holes. They love playing in the water!
Leopard
Leopards are known for being agile, elusive, and breathtakingly beautiful. Nagarhole is known for sightings of leopards, but you have to train your eyes to see these fast, big cats. They are adaptable, and you will find them mostly resting on tree branches or moving swiftly across branches towards their prey. They camouflage themselves to hunt better, and their rosette-patterned coats help them blend into the foliage, making hunting an easy game for them.
Best Time to Spot:
The elusive leopards are seen often during early morning safaris, leaving for hunting. They also can be seen at nights, while the best season for spotting them is summer and winter.
Indian Gaur (Bison)
The Indian gaur or bison is the largest bovine species in the world. They are known for their sheer size, strength, and muscular build. The male bison can easily weigh around 1,500 kgs. They have a distinctive dark coat with white stockings on their legs covering their curved horns.
Gaurs are herbivores and are seen grazing near water bodies or open meadows. They are agile even though they weigh a ton and can move across dense forests with ease. They are docile, but if threatened, they are a formidable enemy. It is best to engage them from a distance only!
Best Time to Spot:
Gaurs are spotted year-round, and you will see them most active in the morning.
Dhole (Indian Wild Dog)
Dhole, or Indian wild dogs, get overshadowed by predators like tigers or leopards in Nagarhole; however, they are not just social carnivores but also fascinating animals. These are reddish-brown canines, living and hunting in packs. Their excellent teamwork makes hunting so much easier for them. Their coordinated pack efforts make it easier for them to take down the prey, like deer or smaller mammals.
A unique thing about them is the way they communicate. They use high-pitched chirps and whistles, making them a unique predator of the wild. They are playful but also disciplined (a lesson for humans.
Best Time to Spot:
The winter months will give you more sightings of dholes, and evening or morning safaris are both optimal for sighting them.
Ending note…
These are just the most sighted or popular animals here. But there are many animals here, like the sloth bear or Malabar giant squirrel. Also, it is a paradise for bird lovers. So, if you want to be part of something magical, you will love being here. Just book an early morning or late afternoon safari to see the animals actively hunting or just lazing around in their home. Do not forget to bring binoculars to enjoy the untamed beauty of Nagarhole.
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