This atlas is in beta. I am still checking facts, ranges, and species lists, so some of it may be wrong or incomplete. It is here early so these places get seen. If you spot an error, write to me.
Nagarahole National Park (Nagarahole Tiger Reserve)
BetaAlso known as Nagarhole National Park, Kabini National Park, Kabini and Rajiv Gandhi National Park
A Western Ghats tiger reserve on the Kabini, known for big herds of elephant and gaur.
Why this place matters
Key Western Ghats tiger reserve forming a core part of the Nilgiri landscape, supporting high densities of elephants, gaur and large carnivores and maintaining cross-state habitat connectivity.
The wildlife
TigerENEndangeredStrong tiger population in moist deciduous and riparian forest shared with the Bandipur and Wayanad landscape.
Asian ElephantENEndangeredLarge herds congregate around the Kabini backwaters and forest clearings.
GaurVUVulnerableAbundant along meadows and forest edges, especially near water.
LeopardNTNear ThreatenedCommon large carnivore using forest edges and rocky patches.
DholeENEndangeredWild dog packs regularly observed hunting deer in open forest and backwater edges.
The wider field list, with current IUCN Red List status.
Mammals
- Asian elephantElephas maximusENEndangered
- Bengal tigerPanthera tigris tigrisENEndangered
Bonnet macaqueMacaca radiataVUVulnerable- DholeCuon alpinusENEndangered
- Gaur (Indian bison)Bos gaurusVUVulnerable
Sambar deerRusa unicolorVUVulnerable
Sloth bearMelursus ursinusVUVulnerable
Chital (spotted deer)Axis axisLCLeast Concern- Indian leopardPanthera pardus fuscaNTNear Threatened
Birds
Great hornbillBuceros bicornisVUVulnerable
Crested serpent eagleSpilornis cheelaLCLeast Concern
Malabar trogonHarpactes fasciatusLCLeast Concern
Raptor
Reptiles
Mugger crocodileCrocodylus palustrisVUVulnerable
Bengal monitorVaranus bengalensisNTNear Threatened
Indian rock pythonPython molurusNTNear Threatened
Notable birds include Malabar Grey Hornbill, Malabar Trogon, Crested Serpent Eagle and Osprey. Reptiles include Marsh Crocodile, Indian Rock Python and Monitor Lizard.
Plan your visit
Post-monsoon forests are lush and support rich birdlife; the receding Kabini backwaters in the late dry season draw large herds of elephants and gaur into open sightlines.
- Zones
- Nagarahole, Veeranahosahalli and Antarasante ranges and Kabini backwater tourism zone
- Safari
- jeep, bus and boat (in designated Kabini stretches)
- Typical sightings
- Elephant and gaur herds at backwaters and meadows, tigers and leopards along forest tracks, wild dogs hunting deer, diverse woodland and waterbirds.
- Light and terrain
- Backwaters provide expansive low-angled light and reflections; forest interiors can be low-light and require higher ISO and fast lenses.
- Hides
- Viewing from vehicles and boats; no general public hides.
- Good to know
- Safari access limited to authorised vehicles and designated routes; some ranges closed or with reduced access during peak monsoon.