NAGARAHOLE WILDLIFE RANGES
Eco-tourism in Nagarahole is different from mass tourism — it focuses on nature protection and community welfare. Activities are managed in two wildlife ranges. Choose the right gate for your stay so reporting time and safari loops stay convenient.
Eco-Tourism Zones
Nagarahole National Park (Rajiv Gandhi National Park) spans Kodagu and Mysore. Eco-tourism is offered from the Nagarahole Wildlife Range and the Antharasanthe Wildlife Range, so visitors can enjoy wildlife while supporting conservation and nearby villages.
The park is not split into rigid tourist “core vs buffer†safari zones the way some reserves are. Forest officials allot jeeps and routes. Beginners often book two gates or both morning and evening slots to improve sighting chances.
Nagarahole Wildlife Range
Northern and western sections, bordering Kodagu coffee plantations. Moist deciduous forest and teak canopy. Good for dry-land mammals and nesting birds. Convenient from Kutta / Nanachi and Coorg stays.
Antharasanthe Wildlife Range
Southern and eastern Kabini backwaters. Marshy hadlus and waterbeds. In the dry season this range draws large elephant congregations, spotted deer and predators — the classic Kabini / Kakanakote landscape.
Safari Entry Gates
Kakanakote
Near Kabini. Morning 06:30–09:30 AM · Evening 03:00–06:00 PM. Best if you stay around Kabini / HD Kote.
Nanachi
Nagarahole near Kutta. Morning 07:00–09:00 AM · Evening 03:00–05:00 PM. Convenient for Coorg and Wayanad (Tholpetty) stays.
Veeranahosahally
Near Hunsur. Practical for travellers from Mysore and Bangalore via NH 275. Often used for jeep reporting on the northern approach.
History of the Reserve
- 1955 — Wildlife Sanctuary of 285 sq. km in Coorg district.
- 1983 — Upgraded to a National Park (571.55 sq. km).
- 1986 — Included in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve with Bandipur.
- 2000 — Brought under Project Elephant (Mysore Elephant Reserve).
- 2003–2007 — Project Tiger; declared an independent tiger reserve with 643.392 sq. km core habitat.
- 2012 — Buffer of 204.589 sq. km added; about 844 sq. km under tiger reserve administration.
Best Time to Visit
October to May is the most rewarding window — pleasant weather and better safari tracks. November–February is cooler; April–May concentrates animals at water. Heavy monsoon (June–September) can suspend safaris.
Conservation Focus
Projects protect Critical Tiger Habitat through anti-poaching camps, hadlu restoration and community eco-tourism so nearby villages gain livelihoods without mass tourism pressure.
Not sure which gate to book?
Tell us your resort location — we will match Kakanakote, Nanachi or Veeranahosahally.