Rajiv Gandhi National Park Karnataka Safari Booking

Home

Tours

Rajiv Gandhi National Park Safari

Mysore, Karnataka, India

4.6 (9)

3Hour(s)

Show on map

BanBanjara Safe

Permits

Guide

BanBanjara Voucher

Rajiv Gandhi National Park Safari Highlights

Experience a thrilling wildlife safari at Rajiv Gandhi National Park, home to the apex predator, tigers.
Get a chance to spot the rare ‘black panther,’ elephants, jackals, hyenas, and other wildlife.
Take a jeep or bus safari and witness over 200 avian species, like the Indian Malabar Hornbill, kingfishers, and more.
Go on guided nature walks and learn about the diverse ecosystem here.

Rajiv Gandhi National Park Safari Overview

About Rajiv Gandhi National Park

Nagarhole National Park, also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, is located in the southern Indian state of Karnataka. Covering an area of about 643 square kilometers, it is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, spanning three states of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.

Lying at the foothills of the Western Ghats, Rajiv Gandhi National Park is known for its diverse ecosystems, including tropical dry forests, grasslands, pristine rivers, and lush deciduous forests. Due to the different variety of habitats here, it supports a diverse variety of wildlife. Thus, there is no doubt that Rajiv Gandhi is one of the most diverse national parks in India.

Rajiv Gandhi National Park is known for its massive number of tigers, but there is one more big cat, the leopard, who is found here in abundance. A wildlife safari booking at Nagarhole Rajiv Gandhi Park will let you witness these big cats in their natural habitat actively hunting. The other wildlife here also includes wild dogs, spotted deer, and sambar deer. The diversity of birds here also appeals to all, especially bird lovers. Amongst the 200+ species of birds, you will find Indian rollers, white-eyed eagles, and Malabar pied hornbills.

The Kabini River runs through the park, providing crucial water sources for the animals, especially during the dry season. Visitors can enjoy jeep safaris and boat rides on the river, offering the chance to spot tigers, elephants, and various other animals in their natural habitat. The best time to visit is during the dry months, from November to May.

Quick Facts About Rajiv Gandhi National Park

➔ Location: Karnataka, India.

➔ Timings: 6:30 am-9 pm; 3 pm-5:30 pm

➔ Distance from Bangalore: 200.8 km

➔ Wildlife of Rajiv Gandhi National Park: Tigers, leopards, Asiatic elephants, four-horned antelopes, diverse bird species, and more.

➔ Best Time to Visit: October to May.

➔ Area: 640 sq km

Best Time to Visit Nagarhole National Park

The best time to visit Rajiv Gandhi Nagarhole National Park is during the dry season from November to May. The weather during these months is ideal for safaris as the temperature is cooler and the humidity is less too. This makes it comfortable for both wildlife and visitors. Also, during this time, the water sources around the park are scarce, so the animals gather around the waterholes and rivers. This increases the chances of wildlife sightings, including elephants, tigers, and other mammals.

➔ Winter months November to February are popular because the temperature is mild, ranging between 15°C and 30°C. So, exploring the park is comfortable.

➔ Summer months March to May have warmer weather, with temperatures rising to 35° C. It is still the dry season, so wildlife sightings are frequent.

➔ The monsoon season from June to September is best to be avoided as the roads are not easy to commute on. Safaris are either limited or even canceled due to heavy rains. However, the park is green and lush during this time, but the sightings are rare as animals tend to stay hidden and comfortable.

➔ Pre-winter (October to November) is perfect for nature lovers and wildlife photographers, as you will see vibrant landscapes and fresh greenery. However, wildlife sightings will be rare.

Different Wildlife of Rajiv Gandhi National Park

Rajiv Gandhi Nagarhole National Park is known for its abundant and diverse wildlife. The park, part of the UNESCO World Heritage spot Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, is known for its diverse variety of fauna. Thus, it is a top destination for all wildlife lovers and enthusiasts. Here are the top animals found here:

The Big Cats

Nagarhole, or Rajiv Gandhi Park, is known for having a healthy population of leopards, wild dogs, and tigers. Recently, a sighting of the rare Black Panther was also reported. Nagarhole is known as the best spot for spotting these majestic creatures. The dense forests and grassy meadows make this a perfect habitat for the big cats. The ‘Royal Bengal Tigers appeal most to wildlife enthusiasts. But seeing the stealthy and elusive leopard here is also a game-changer. With a jeep safari, you can explore the diverse wildlife here. The late afternoon or early morning safaris are the best for exploring the wildlife here, especially the big cats.

Mammals

Apart from the big cats, there are many mammals here too for exploring. These include the Asiatic elephants, Indian bison, and more. These herbivores, especially the elephants, are quite popular as you witness these giants bathing in the water or grazing in the dense forest. The best place for spotting the Asiatic elephants in herds is near the river.

Birdlife at Nagarhole

Nagarhole is also known for its exotic birdlife and is a haven for bird lovers. There are over 270 bird species in the national park. While booking your Rajiv Gandhi National Park ticket, pay attention to the safaris ideal for spotting the beautiful birds like sunbirds, kingfishers, and eagles.

Antelopes and Deer

Rajiv Gandhi National Park is also home to many antelope and deer species. These include sambar deer, spotted deer, four-horned antelopes, and barking deer. Spotting these graceful animals near the park’s grassland or woodlands is the best experience ever.

Nearby Attractions of Rajiv Gandhi National Park

Kabini Dam

Rajiv Gandhi National Park's location is ideal as it is situated near the Kabini River. The river has a reservoir surrounded by valleys, forests, and lakes. The Dam is an ideal spot where tourists love to spend a quiet day and enjoy warm beverages. From the dam, you can see the nearby forests, home to many avian species. From Rajiv Gandhi National Park, the dam is only 66 km away.

Coorg

Coorg, or Kodagu, is only 90 km from Rajiv Gandhi National Park. It is known for its stunning landscapes, tranquil atmosphere, and coffee plantation. The most appealing thing about Coorg in Madikeri town is that it attracts people to see things like Raja’s seat, Talacauvery, and Abbey Falls.

Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary

Near Nagarhole Rajiv Gandhi National Park, there is another wildlife sanctuary, and that is Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary. Its landscape is made of valleys and hillocks with many lakes and streams interlocking it. You will find a diverse variety of flora and fauna surrounded by cardamom and coffee plantations. Apart from witnessing the sanctuary, tourists also love trekking to the top of Brahmagiri Peak.

Taraka Dam

Rajiv Gandhi National Park, or Nagarhole, houses a dam built on the Taraka River known as Taraka Dam. During monsoon, take a tour of Taraka reservoir to see the glorious rising water and the mist nearby. It is only 44 km away from the park.

Rameshwara Temple

Near the Iruppu Falls at Brahmagiri’s foothills is the ancient Rameshwara temple honoring Lord Shiva. The Shiva Linga here was installed by Lord Rama when he was returning to Ayodhya from his triumph over Ravana in Lanka. The temple also has shrines of Parvati, Ganesh, and the Gandharvas. It gets a flock of devotees during Shivratri and is quite a popular attraction near Rajiv Gandhi National Park.

Iruppu Falls

Iruppu Falls, or the Lakshmana Tirtha Falls, is 36 km away from Rajiv Gandhi Nagarhole National Park. It is one of the best places to spend quality time, and during monsoon, the glory of this fall is unmatched. It is also said that bathing in this fall can help a person get rid of his/her sins.

How to Reach Rajiv Gandhi National Park?

Rajiv Gandhi National Park's location is such that it connects well to the major cities of Karnataka and neighboring stations via rail, air, and road.

By Road

➔ Nagarhole is easy to access from Mysore, situated at a distance of 80 km, and Bangalore, situated at a distance of 210 km. The highways are well-connected and in the best condition.

➔ Take one of the many buses or taxis available from the nearby cities to reach Naghole. If you are staying in a resort near Kabini, then you will find accessing Nagarhole quite easy.

By Train

➔ Mysore railway station is the closest to Rajiv Gandhi National Park. You can reach Mysore station from Delhi or even Chennai. From the station, take a local bus or taxi to reach the park.

By Air

➔ The nearest airport to Nagarhole is the Mysore Airport, 90 km away but with limited flight connectivity. Thus, many people opt for Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore, 210 km.

➔ It is the best way to reach Nagarhole for international tourists. From Bangalore airport, take a train to Mysore and a road trip to Nagarhole or a direct cab.

The nearest town to Nagarhole is Kutta, with an entrance to the park. It is only 14 km from the park, so one of the many local transportation options is best for heading to your destination.

Starts From ₹2459.02

₹1500

39% Off

per Adult

Book Now

Send an Enquiry

Got a Question?

Our Destination expert will be happy to help you resolve your queries for this tour.

+91 9001504000

Why Choose Banbanjara

All in one platform
Never Settle for Average
Truly Unique Experiences

Select Package Options

Please select a tour date

Please select a tour package

Total Travellers

1 adults - 0 children

Select Passengers

Adults

Children

Ages 0 - 17

₹-

Complete all required fields to continue

Variant Description

Things to Carry

BanBanjara Voucher

Water bottle

Caps

Location Details about Rajiv Gandhi National Park Safari

Starting Point

Rajiv Gandhi National Park

End Point

Rajiv Gandhi National Park

Rajiv Gandhi National Park Safari Reviews

Anya Malhotra

A rare sighting

Our experience at Rajiv Gandhi Park was simply a memorable one. We saw a tiger and two leopards, and the number of birds and elephants we saw was impressive. The elephants move in herds, so it was such a fun experience.

Ishaan Khanna

Go in the summer season to enjoy a peaceful safari.

The wildlife safaris in the park are the prime reason for going here. But if you go in the peak season winters you will find it extremely crowded. I went in the pre-monsoon season, and I think it was the perfect time. There weren't many people or safaris happening and the weather was not extremely humid. So, our experience here was great.

Diya Sharma

Beautiful safari experience

Nagarhole has a huge number of tigers, and we took two safaris hoping to see one. But we didn't! Rest assured, the safari was incredible, as we saw many different and unique species here. Definitely planning a second visit here to spot the big cats.

Aaradhya Singh

A perfect weekend retreat

We live in Mysore and were looking for a short retreat when someone suggested Rajiv Gandhi National Park to us. It was such a good recommendation; we booked two safari rides here, enjoying sightings of the diverse wildlife and even getting a glimpse of a tiger. We also clubbed the visit by seeing the nearby Kabini National Park. All in all, a memorable and perfect weekend retreat.

Reyansh Desai

We saw two tigers!

Nagarhole Rajiv Gandhi National Park is known for its safaris and tiger sightings. We were told that tiger sightings are rare, but luckily, we not only saw one but two tigers. It was a surreal experience, and our guide gets all the credit, as he was super patient with us. Will definitely come here again.

Aanya Jain

A perfect family trip

Rajiv Gandhi National Park is the ideal place for a family trip. Our entire family, including the kids, enjoyed the safari, especially the jeep safari. Our guide was also super cool, fun, and knowledgeable, making the safari even more memorable. If you want to avoid crowds, book a summer safari.

Vedant Iyer

Find the right operator.

The national park is exceptional, and the safaris here provide quite an enjoyable experience. The wildlife here is exceptional, as you see elephants, tigers, and birds, which we saw. But the advice I would like to give is to find the right tour operator. If you are not careful with this, you will end up paying way too much. So, do your research and opt for a great tour operator like BanBanjara.

Vivaan Mehta

A perfect vacation for all wildlife enthusiasts

With Rajiv Gandhi National Park booking, you can enjoy diverse wildlife, which is ideal for all wildlife enthusiasts. Our safari guide was positive that we will see big cats and we did- both tigers and the elusive leopards. It was one of the best experiences of our trip to Karnataka.

Anika Gupta

Impressive wildlife

Nagarhole, or Rajiv Gandhi National Park, has incredible wildlife. But the weather is a bit harsh here, especially if you plan a trip here in the summer months. That's why you should plan in the dry season and increase your chances of a pleasant safari experience as you get to spot deer, birds, and elephants.

Your Mysore Travel itinerary is waiting.

Receive a curated itinerary featuring the most iconic experiences in Rajiv Gandhi National Park Safari, straight to your whatsapp.

Mobile Number

Rajiv Gandhi National Park Safari FAQs

Which National Park is known as Rajiv Gandhi?

Nagarhole National Park is known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park. It is situated in Karnataka and is known for its massive population of tigers. There are many other wildlife species here, making it one of the best places for a wildlife enthusiast. Nagarhole is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site, a protected land, and a haven for many wildlife species. There are many other national parks that go by Rajiv Gandhi National Park, like Rameshwaram National Park in Assam and Mukundra Hills National Park in Rajasthan.

Which animal is famous in Rajiv Gandhi National Park?

Nagarhole National Park has diverse wildlife, but it is known best for its high density of tigers. There are over 100 ‘Royal Bengal Tigers’ here, appealing to all nature and wildlife lovers. After Kaziranga and Corbett, the highest population of tigers is in Rajiv Gandhi National Park, Karnataka. There are other wildlife here too, like Asian elephants, 250+ bird species, Gaur, and more.

How many tigers are there in Rajiv Gandhi National Park?

Rajiv Gandhi National Park's location makes it an ideal haven for tigers to thrive. The number of tigers here is approximately 60 as per the last census. However, the number increases to 100 due to the presence of tigers in the nearby reserves of Bandipur and Kabini.

What is the flora like in Rajiv Gandhi Nagarhole National Park?

With a Rajiv Gandhi National Park ticket, you can explore the different species of flora. The total number is 1339 species of plants with 16 subspecies and 31 diverse species of angiosperms. These include a few cultivated species distributed over 757 genera and 152 families. Here you will also find 30 species of Pteridophytes and three Gymnosperms species.

Is Rajiv Gandhi National Park and Nagarhole the same?

Yes, Nagarhole National Park was formerly called Rajiv Gandhi National Park and is still known by this name among the wildlife enthusiast community. The park, along with Bandipur National Park, is one of the largest tiger reserves in Karnataka.

Confirmation Policy

Upon booking, the traveller will receive a confirmation voucher via email, within 24 hours.
In the special cases of slots not being available, feasible alternatives will be provided to the customer, in regards to the customer’s preference. In such cases, a new voucher would be sent via email, consisting of the new travel details.

Cancellation Policy

Any cancellation made 20 days prior to the date of departure, would levy a 30% of total tour cost as cancellation charges.
Any cancellation made within 7-20 days prior to the date of departure, would levy a 60% of total tour cost as cancellation charges.
Any cancellation made within 0-7 days prior to the date of departure, would levy a 100% of total tour cost as cancellation charges.
Due to any restrictions such as sudden government policies or regulations, health hazards, medical emergencies, or unprecedented weather conditions, activities and tours may be nonoperational and be cancelled. In cases such as these, operators will attempt to cater to the traveller an alternate, which is feasible in nature. However, any refund would not be catered.