Nagarhole National Park (also known as 'Rajiv Gandhi National Park') is located 94 km away from Mysore. It is spread between Kodagu and Mysore districts. The national park has rich forest cover, little streams, valleys and waterfalls. The place derives its name from Kannada - Naga meaning snake and hole referring to streams.
The area was an exclusive hunting reserve of the former rulers of Mysore
It was set up in 1955 and is one of the best-managed parks in the country .This park is located to the northwest of Bandipur National Park. In 1975 its area stretched to 575 km². Kabini reservoir that separates this park from Bandipur National Park. The climate is tropical summer is hot and winter is pleasant. The park boasts a healthy Tiger-predator ratio. Tiger, Bison and Elephant are much denser here than in Bandipur.
The office of the Deputy Conservator of Forests is situated in Hunsur, about 47 km away from Nagarhole.
Terrain Mostly moist mixed deciduous forest (Tectona grandis ,Dalbergia latifolia) in the Southern parts, Dry tropical forest (Wrightia tinctoria, Acacia) towards east i.e. Bandipur and Sub mountain hill valley swamp forest (Eugenia)
Fauna and flora Mammals: Elephant, Jackal ,Tiger, Panther, Gaur, Muntjac, Sambar, Spotted deer, Elephant, Mongoose, Civet cat, Hyena Reptiles: King Cobra, Krait, Python, Viper, Tortoise, Monitor Lizard ,Toads etc. The main trees found are Rosewood, Teak, Sandalwood and Silver oak.
Climate In summer temperature is usually is around 33 °C. Winter is brief from November to January has temperature dipping to 14 °C and rains from June to September.
Tribes like Jenu Kurubas (honey-gatherers), the Betta Kurubas (hill tribes) and the Hakki-Pikki (bird trappers) inhabit this park.