Nagarhole, Karnataka
Overview
Nagarhole National Park is rich in wildlife which includes four-horned antelope, sloth bear, civet, spotted deer, elephant, flying fox, tiger, panther, gaur (Indian bison), sambhar, wild boar, black-naped hare, bonnet macaque and pangolin which makes it an ideal destination for the wildlife enthusiasts. It is situated in the northwest of the adjoining Bandipur National Park and both the parks are separated by the Kabini reservoir. The varied topography of Nagarhole National Park makes it an ideal habitat for wild animals and the reserve is frequently visited by tourists from all over the country and outside.
Best time to visit : April to May (Dawn & dusk being the best time to spot wildlife)
Nagarhole National Park is open for public entry all the way through the year but the best time to visit the Nagarhole National Park is from April to May, when the waterholes are dry and the animals come out to visit the lake. Nevertheless, the weather conditions are more pleasing from November to February.
Summer season : March to April presents temperate weather conditions making the climate hot, dry and stifling but it is ideal for experiencing close view of wildlife, because the animals cluster around water sources and the ground vegetation is thinned by nature.
It is a good time to do bird watching, as nesting activity would be at its peak.
Monsoon Season : June to September is accompanied by intermediate to profound rainfall. This recreational area is usually closed for trips during mating season of animals and during monsoon, when the forest is lush and verdant, but the roads are rain-soaked and muddy.
Winter Season : November to January has enjoyable and chilly environment, but not necessarily guarantees good view of wildlife.
Travel Options
Nearest airport is Mysore Airport, 80 kms from Nagarhole. One can also reach Nagarhole via Calicut & Bangalore, which are 160 kms & 220 kms respectively. Once you land, we would arrange a car for your pick up, which would drive you to Nagarhole.
The nearest railway station is at Mysore which is at a distance of 80 kms. Also Chamrajnagar and Hasan are pretty close by stations (120 kms and 156 kms respectively from Nagarhole). From the station, we will arrange transport for you to reach your destination.
It is a 4 hour bus ride from Mysore. A bus leaves twice daily from Central bus stand in Mysore at 0700 hrs and 1330 hrs. Motorable roads also connect Nagarhole to Bangalore, Madikere and Hunsur. From the bus depot, we would arrange a pick up to Nagarhole.
We will arrange commutation to/from your home to Nagarhole in a private vehicle driven by a trustworthy driver. However you always have an option to self drive. Nagarhole is an ex-Mysore / ex-Calicut / ex-Bangalore / ex-Mangalore getaway.
Itinerary - 2N/3D
Day 1 - Explore the jungle, seek the tiger
Nagarhole National Park is a 3-4 hours scenic drive from most of the nearby major cities. There are some nice view points like Bylakuppe monastery & coffee plantations on the way. So we suggest you to leave early in order to avoid the morning trafiic and to enjoy these pitstops. Early departure will ensure that you reach Nagarhole just before noon and have enough energy and composure to enjoy the evening safari.
Breakfast can be carried from home or you can have it on your way. If you are driving from Bangalore, then you can stop by Kamat Lokruchi, Ramanagara for breakfast. The restaurant has some of the most lipsmacking north karnataka delicacies.You can choose to have unlimited south indian buffet breakfast or order from the menu. The restaurant has ample parking space and is moderately priced.
Kadabu idli , Khotto / Moodo (idly variety steamed in specific leaves) are a must try.
One you reach Nagarhole, we will arrange for a pick up to the resort or guide you to the resort (incase of self drive). Once you reach the resort, you will be greeted with a refreshing non alcoholic welcome drink. You can then check in to your pre-booked water front luxury tents.
Post noon, you can head out for a sumptuous spread of buffet lunch arranged in the restaurant overlooking the Kabini & the mystic Nagarhole forest.
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After having a hearty lunch, you can prepare yourself for an exciting encounter of the wild in an afternoon jungle safari arranged by the resort.
Evening Safari Time : 03:00 PM | Duration : 3 Hrs | Price : Rs1700 (approx. per person)
You will surely have a breathtaking experience as you enter the wild. If you are silent and observe the alarm calls of sambar, spotted deer and peacocks who warn of a tiger presence, then you might just be lucky to spot a tiger.
Once you return from your adventure safari, you can go back to your rustic tents and relax or walk through the banks of river kabini / enjoy a sunset coracle ride.
In the evening, gather around a camp fire with your fellow wild life enthusiasts and hog on to some lipsmacking snacks and drinks.
For dinner, you can either choose to try out the lipsmacking spread of buffet dinner in the resort restaurant overlooking the jungle or head out for an exclusive bush dinner / pool side dinner experience.
In Bush dinner, you have 2 options -
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You can choose to embrace the true culture and nature of Nagarhole forest by sitting around a bonfire with the locals and listening to their stories and local songs. Food and drinks will be served around the fire adding up to the vibrant atmosphere.
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You can choose to have a more private and romantic affair surrounded by dimly lit lanterns and unending bush. This is the perfect setting for a quiet evening under the stars. Dinner will be served to you on a richly decorated table lit with candles. A personal butler with a minibar will accompany you, as you enjoy your tranquil night to the sounds of the wild.
Bush dinner - Price : Rs 700 (approx. per person)
If you choose to dine beside the pool, arrangements will be made to ensure complete privacy under a cozy pool-side shack. Fall in love again with your beloved as you soak in the romance of a candlelit dinner.
Poolside dinner - Price : Rs 400 (approx. per person)
Post dinner, you can stroll through the property and appreciate the wildlife or enjoy some backyard stargazing on the banks of the Kabini and learn a thing or two about Kabini’s sky. You can then make your way to the luxury tents for a good night sleep.
Stay overnight at the resort.
Day 2 - Enjoy the backwaters
Wake up to the sound of the jungle & the sight of sunrise on the sparking river. Get ready for a thrilling early morning trip into the jungle. The early morning drives are breathtaking and it's not unikely to see a herd of elephants gliding through the early morning mist even before you start your morning safari. The safari experience will be exclusively arranged by the resort. We are sure you will be thrilled by this experience.
The resort is situated in the heart of the man-animal conflict.
Early morning safari gives you a first hand opportunity to experience the wilderness. Due to the strategic location and the exclusivity of the safari , the probability of spotting a tiger/leopard is very high.
Morning Safari Time : 06:00 AM | Duration : 3 Hrs | Price : Rs1700 (approx. per person)
Once you return from your safari, share your experiences with each other over a spread of delicious breakfast buffet at the resort restaurant. If you wish we can arrange a private backwater breakfast for you and your beloved in a scenic spot on the banks of Kabini overlooking the jungle. This breakfast will feature the traditional south Indian cuisine made fresh on glowing charcoal fire along with a selection of exotic fruits.
Backwater Breakfast - Price : Rs 600 (approx. per person)
Post breakfast head back to your luxury tents and relax. Curl up in the cosy deck and gaze into the forests. A load of wilderness also moves around in and around the resort premises. Elephants, leopards, wild boar, spotted deer and bear can be seen quite often from the resort itself. Borrow a pair of binoculars and witness the wildlife from the comfort of your room.
Lipsmacking lunch will be served in the resort restaurant ovelooking the forest. You can head out for a sumptuous lunch at your ease.
Post lunch, you can either choose to go for another round of wildlife experience (arranged exclusively by the resort) / have an easy afternoon relaxing in your tents.
Evening Safari Time : 03:00 PM | Duration : 3 Hrs | Price : Rs1700 (approx. per person)
In the evening, you can walk beside the beautiful backwaters of Kabini reminiscing the memories of your trip / choose to have a special sunset experience. If you choose to have an exclusive sun downer experience then you will be taken to a breathtaking spot overlooking the beautiful landscape, usually dotted with elephants. You can enjoy a drink on the banks of the backwaters and watch the sun set over the forests. A campfire, bar, tables, chairs and personal staff will welcome you.
Sun downer experience - Price : Rs 500 (approx) per person.
For dinner, head back to the river side restaurant and enjoy a spread of mouthwatering delicacies. Dining in the wild at night is a unique experience & we are sure you would love it.
Post dinner, a lovely way to end a beautiful day out in the wild is to go on a starry romantic boat ride. You will head out late evening on a boat and anchor in the middle of the backwaters for an hour. A small bar will be set up for you on the boat. You can enjoy your drink with your beloved staring at the endless skies and the moonlit waves of Kabini's water.
Starry romantic boat ride - Price : Rs 500 (approx) per person.
Post romantic boat ride, you can make your way to the luxury tents for a good night sleep.We are sure you will be filled with overwhelming experience of tranquility and beauty of the Nagarhole forest.
Stay overnight at the resort.
Day 3 - Leave for your home destination
Have an easy morning. Wake up to the sound of the wild. Have a hearty breakfast in the resort restaurant & prepare to leave for your home destination with the wonderful memories you created during your short jungle holiday. If required, we will arrange for a drop from the resort to the nearest airport / railway station / bus stand.
Our special travel itinerary will definitely create memories for you which you can relish forever.
Resort to Stay
The Bison Resort - Serene and tranquil throughout the day while exciting and breathtaking at night, the Bison Resort is the first of its kind in India that offers rustic luxury at the very edge of adventure. ‘The Bison is situated at the confluence of the Bandipur and Nagarhole National Parks, on the shores of the Kabini River in Karnataka (West of Mysore). A mix between a rustic African wildlife tented camp and the old hunting lodges, the Bison offers a beautiful balance of luxury amidst wilderness.You can check more about the resort on their website.
Travel Tips
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One can enter Nagarhole from Karapura side, which is accessible straight from Mysore (80 km) via HD Kote and via Hunsur side.
- Karapura side is the closest to the area where Safari tracks are laid and therefore it is more convenient from the point of view of accessing the park area. The resorts here are set having a very scenic backdrop of reservoir formed over river Kabini.
- Hunsur side lies mid-way between Coorg (50-70 kms) and Mysore (50 km). Advantage of driving from Hunsur side is that from here Bykuppe monastery and coffee plantations around the area are more accessible. However disadvantage is that for park safaris the guests have to travel for 45 minutes to an hour before they get into safari tracks laid out for park safaris. Lodges / resorts on Hunsur side offer one safari per night stay while the Karapura side jungle lodges / resorts offer two safaris.
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Carry your cameras
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Refrain from talking or making noise on spotting animals
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Do not wear strong colognes or perfumes
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Carry warm clothing during the evening safaris
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During monsoon, carry rain gear and water proof bags for cameras
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Please carry insect repellents
Cost of Trip
Rs 34,999 approx. per couple ( All inclusive ) *
Add-ons - Customized Special Itinerary
You have the flexibility and freedom to add or remove whatever you like / dislike. If you have a higher budget you can choose to add more activities from the add-ons list below or if your budget is tight or would like more time to relax, you could remove a few activities from the itinerary above. Below are some of the add ons which can be added to your itinerary
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Camping - If you are looking for a memorable jungle experience, then a camp site can be set up with a personal cook, chauffer and security guard. Meals will be cooked on firewood and a small bar will be set up around a bonfire
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Photography Lessons - Learn the art of photography from an expert wild life photographer as you drive through the forest
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Treks - Discover the local tribes surrounding the backwaters and explore the virgin landscapes and its vivid wildlife with our local guide
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Bullock Cart Rides - Ride out into the valley in a bullock cart and explore the surroundings with some snacks and drinks
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Sunset Boating - Experience the beautiful red skies at sunset surrounded by elephants and crocodiles while having drink on the placid waters of Kabini
Inclusions *
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2N/3D stay in 'The Bison' resort with fullboard meal plan (Accommodation + breakfast + lunch + snacks + dinner). Special dinner arrangement for one night is also included
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Rates applicable for 2 persons staying together, sharing the same room
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Helputravel.in's service charge (15%) + Service Tax (as applicable)
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Local transportation (car) & parking charges (as per itinerary only)
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Wildlife safari (as per itinerary). Total 3 safaris during stay
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Activity fees for all experiences (as per itinerary only)
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Entrance fees of all sightseeing places to be visited (as per itinerary only)
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Guide services
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Coracle ride
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Bonfire with snacks
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Bush dinner
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Backwater breakfast
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Sun downer experience
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Starry romantic boat ride
Exclusions
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Transportation from your home / source destination to the holiday destination
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Video, film and professional camera fees
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Insurance, gratuities, telephone calls, laundry, mineral water, soft & hard drinks, porterage (coolie charges) or any personal expenses
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Any tour extensions unless specifically mentioned as part of the journeys
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Additional sightseeing or extra usage of vehicle, other than mentioned in the itinerary.
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Any cost arising due to natural calamities like landslides, road blockage, political disturbances (strikes), etc. (to be borne by the client, which is directly payable on the spot)
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Any increase in taxes or fuel price, leading to increase in cost on surface transportation & land arrangements, which may come into effect prior to departure.
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Any extra cost incurred on behalf of an individual due to illness, accident, hospitalisation, or any personal emergency.
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Anything which is not included in the inclusion
Terms & Conditions
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Refund on cancellation depends upon concerned hotel / service providers cancellation policy. Helputravel.in's service charge is Non-refundable
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Helputravel.in reserves the right to change / modify or terminate the offer any time at its own discretion and without any prior notice
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In case of unavailability in mentioned hotels, alternate accommodation will be arranged in a similar category hotel
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Package rates are valid for INDIAN NATIONALS only. Package rates for FOREIGN NATIONALS to be provided on request
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