Nagarhole National Park and Tiger Reserve

Nagarhole National Park and Tiger Reserve, also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, is a protected wildlife reserve spanning Mysuru and Kodagu districts in Karnataka near Kutta. Part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, it covers about 643 sq km of moist deciduous and teak forests along the Kabini River. Notable for its high density of tigers, elephants, leopards and diverse birdlife, it is a major wildlife tourism destination in South India.

Visitors can expect dense moist deciduous forest, teak and rosewood groves, and the Kabini River reservoir landscape. Access is primarily through guided jeep and bus safaris from gates at Kutta, Veeranahosahalli and Nanachi. Sightings may include elephants, tigers, leopards, gaur, deer, and numerous bird species. Facilities are centered at safari booking counters, forest lodges and interpretation centres; private vehicles are not allowed inside core areas.

Originally established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1955 covering 258 sq km, later expanded and declared a National Park in 1988. Notified as a Tiger Reserve in 1999 under Project Tiger and renamed Rajiv Gandhi National Park. It forms part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, India's first biosphere reserve established in 1986, and is contiguous with Bandipur, Mudumalai and Wayanad reserves.

Located in the Western Ghats landscape traditionally inhabited by Jenu Kuruba and other forest-dwelling communities known for honey collection and forest knowledge. The park is recognized for its ecological and conservation significance within the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and is valued for nature education and wildlife conservation awareness.