Wildlife

Nagarahole used to be the private hunting grounds of the Maharaja of Mysore and was converted to a 285 sq kms. wildlife sanctuary in 1955. It was expanded and achieved National Park status in 1983. The average elevation is between 800m and 850m with the highest point being Masalbetta Peak at 957m and the lowest being on the banks of the Kabini River at 701m. The forest cover is primarily tropical moist deciduous, dry deciduous and tropical semi evergreen with scrub brush and grassy swamplands. Teak trees and rosewood trees are abundant here. The forest around the northern part of the park where Jungle Inn is located is moist deciduous due to the higher rainfall in this area. The trees are tall and the forest is dense with the occasional open grassy swamps, locally known as hadlus. Nagarahole, meaning cobra river, is watered by several perennial and seasonal rivers including the Kabini River, a tributary of the Cauvery River, the Nagarahole River from which it derives its name, the Taraka River, the Lakshmanateertha River, the Hebballa River and the Sarathi River

Wildlife abounds in this national park. Scientific research discovered that ungulates and primates attain a density of 91 animals per sq kms. in this park Among the favorite sightings are those of wild Asian elephants, Gaur (Indian bison) - the largest wild oxen in the world, spotted deer, barking deer, mouse deer, Sambar, sloth-bears, marsh crocodiles, otters, dhole or Indian wild dogs, leopards and tigers. Interestingly, the mouse deer, found only in Sri Lanka and South India, is a solitary nocturnal animal that kills and eats other small animals. A 1997 census reported that approximately 60 tigers and 80 leopards reside here. The somewhat rare Malabar Squirrel also resides here and is relatively easy to spot in the park. The flying lizard, once thought to have gone the way of the dinosaur, is still alive and active in Nagarahole as is its wingless reptilian companion the flying snake and it is possible to spot them gliding from tree to tree. The Slender Loris, a shy primate also called the Ghost Walker of the jungle, is restricted to India and Sri Lanka and is a denizen of this park.

Nagarahole is one of the finest habitats for the Royal Bengal Tiger. Nagarahole boasts of the having the highest density of Bengal Tiger in the world. Some experts also believe that it is the best place in India to see the leopard. Leopard sightings are reported on a fairly regular basis.

Different species of Birds are also found in Nagarahole forests and the adjoining Kabini river. Nagarahole is also home to over 300 species of birds including the elusive Malabar trogon, the great black woodpecker, the Malabar pied hornbill, the fishing eagle Spotter Dove, Indian Roller, Grey Shrike, Blackheaded Myna, Indian Tree Pie, Scarlet Minivet, Jungle Babbler and the crescent serpent eagle are few among the birds found here.

Due to heavy restrictions to tourist vehicles inside Nagrahole park, we are prohibitted from taking our private vehicles inside the forest for safari. We take our guests till Nagarahole entry point from where guests can board the forest department vehicles for safari. For our guests who enjoy driving, can take their vehicles till Nagrahole forest office. Guests can spot a lot of wildlife during this ride itself. This by itself would be a memorable drive.

Tholpetty in Kerala is part of Wyanad Wildlife Sanctuary is adjacent to Nagarhole National park. Wyanad Wildlife Sanctuary was established in the year 1973 and is spread over 344 sq. km. It is nestled in the beautiful Western Ghats and the drive into the bamboo-lined roads takes your breath away. It is a part of Niligiri biosphere. The forest is an extension of the Nagarahole park. The national park is flanked between mountains on all sides. It is believed to have a floating population of 900 odd elephants.

Tholpetty is abundantly rich with flora and fauna. The richness in flora and fauna is a natural invitation to its animal wealth and bird’s species. One of the rarest species can also be seen here. A panoramic view with abundance of natural beauty is the best options that one would never wish to miss during his lifetime. Cheethals, Indian Gaur, Asiatic elephants, langoors etc. are commong sightings in this park. The elusive tigers, shy leopards and sloth bears are also usually spotted in this wonderful forest

Safaris within Tholpetty forests are conducted in our own vehicles. This also allows our guests to have a ride through the full length of Nagarahole forest through the road. Most of our best tiger and elephant sightings have been on this road.

Let us also remind you that wildlife sighting depends a lot on luck, weather, time of the day and patience. We have guests who have spotted the Bengal Tiger each and every time they visited us and we have guests who has not been so lucky. We feel satisfied when our guests get the best sighting possible on that given day and we put in our sincere efforts towards this. Some of the best practices while on a safari are:

1. Carry your cameras
2. Refrain from talking or making noise on spotting animals
3. Do not wear strong colognes or perfumes
4. Carry warm clothing during the evening safaris
5. During monsoon, carry rain gear and water proof bags for cameras

Jungle Inn, Veerana Hosahalli, Hunsur-Murkal-Nagarahole Road,
Hunsur Taluk, Mysore District, Karnataka.

Phone: +91-8222-246022, 246160, Mobile: +91-99023 63906/+91-94482 08687