Nagarahole National Park
Wildlife enthusiasts consider Nagarahole National Park in Karnataka to be one of its most favored national parks. Also known as the Rajiv Gandhi National Park, this national park is located in the Kodagu and Mysore districts. The park extends across forested land and the Kabini River area while being an essential part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
The wild environment of Nagarahole provides sanctuary to Bengal tigers while also preserving leopards, wild elephants, and numerous bird species. People can experience exciting jeep safaris while taking boat rides across the Kabini backwaters at this well-maintained national park.
When it comes to the list of national parks in Karnataka, Nagarahole always tops the charts. Whether you're a seasoned explorer or a first-timer, the adventure here is unmatched. If you want a luxurious stay close to the jungle, you must check out the Nagarahole jungle resort - Machaan Wilderness Lodge, Nagarahole. It offers not just comfort but also guided safaris, nature walks, and campfires under the stars, making your visit even more memorable.
Timings
- Morning Safari: 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM
- Evening Safari: 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
- Closed Days: Heavy monsoon months (July and August)
Bandipur National Park
The Mysore-Ooty highway houses Bandipur National Park which stands as a prestigious wildlife sanctuary of Karnataka. The hunting reserve of the Mysore Maharaja now operates as a Project Tiger sanctuary because it ranks high for both elephant and tiger sightings.
The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve contains Bandipur National Park, which maintains a perfect combination of dry deciduous forests with grasslands and moist mixed forests. The wildlife safaris in this location provide an extraordinary cinematographic experience. Visitors can see numerous species, including gaurs, dholes, leopards, and sloth bears.
Stay options at lodge facilities situated at the edge of the wilderness allow adventure enthusiasts to participate in morning and evening wildlife safaris. This nature experience combines exciting moments with tranquility which expresses itself as a perfect retreat for people seeking wilderness healing.
Timings
- Morning Safari: 6:15 AM to 9:00 AM
- Evening Safari: 2:15 PM to 5:00 PM
- Closed Days: During heavy monsoons (June to September)
Bannerghatta National Park
Bannerghatta National Park is the nearest national park in the state to its urban areas. It serves as a quick escape point from the city center as it exists at a 22 km distance from Bangalore. Bannerghatta differentiates itself from other Indian parks through its nested facilities that unite a local zoo, rescue center, butterfly park, and national park attraction suitable for families.
Visitors at this location can experience wildlife encounters with lions, tigers and bears roaming free in natural habitats. Among the Karnataka national parks, it stands comparatively small yet achieves outstanding ranking in wildlife observation and conservation work.
The main attraction of Bannerghatta, apart from safaris, is its butterfly park. Various pathways throughout the park allow visitors to view beautiful landscapes.
Timings
- Zoo: 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
- Safari: 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
- Butterfly Park: 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
Anshi National Park (Part of Kali Tiger Reserve)
Located within the Western Ghats in Uttara Kannada district, you will find the Anshi National Park, which is a part of the Kali Tiger Reserve. Visitors seek ecotourism activities in this park, which contains dark, dense forests and diverse wildlife species.
Visitors are primarily drawn to this park in pursuit of encountering the rarely seen black panther, tigers, leopards, and Indian bison. Bird watchers will find pleasure in observing multiple species of endemic and migratory birds that inhabit the area.
Thrill-seekers will find their perfect paradise at Anshi because they can enjoy activities such as rafting on the Kali River, forest trekking, and nighttime wildlife tours. Traditionally unknown to many visitors, Anshi stands independently as the top among Karnataka's national parks because it brings biodiversity treasures and adventure activities together.
Timings
- Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Closed Days: Monsoon months (June to September) are not ideal due to heavy rainfall
Kudremukh National Park
Located in the Chikkamagaluru district, Kudremukh is named after a peak that resembles a horse’s face. It’s one of the most scenic national parks in Karnataka, with misty mountains, dense shola forests, and sparkling streams.
Travelers who enjoy hiking must put the Kudremukh Peak Trail on their adventure list, as the park draws numerous trekking enthusiasts. Tigers, leopards, and wild dogs live in this territory, along with numerous flying species and butterfly populations.
Visitors experience pure magical moments from hiking between hills while they enjoy the misty weather. The park is a stunning destination known for its lush greenery and biodiversity.
Timings
- Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Closed Days: Monsoon months (June to September) due to heavy rainfall
Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary (soon to be a National Park)
The authorities recognize Dandeli as a wildlife sanctuary in official documents, yet locals refer to it as a national park because of its extensive forest zone, abundant wildlife population, and safari tourism options. The North Karnataka location of Dandeli attracts tourists through its adventurous sports and conservation of untamed wildlife.
At this location, visitors can enjoy white-water rafting and zip-lining. Kayak enthusiasts will also appreciate this site along with those who enjoy rappelling. Wildlife enthusiasts who visit Dandeli can spot black panthers, elephants, Malabar giant squirrels, and hornbills.
The Kali River acts as a natural beauty enhancement for the forest ecosystem, attracting many adventure-seeking tourists to Dandeli. The officials will eventually include this natural area in the list of national parks in Karnataka.
Timings
- Morning Safari: 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM
- Evening Safari: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
- Closed Days: Heavy monsoon months (June to September)
Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary
Bhimgad inside Belgaum district maintains dual importance because of its historical value and ecological worth. However, it remains unknown. Visitors who like nature and history will find enjoyment in Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary because it houses Vajrapoha Falls and Bhimgad Fort remains.
Multiple endangered species find their habitat at this site while the Wroughton’s free-tailed bat and black tiger maintain their presence. A stunning portion of the Western Ghats surrounds Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary as it shows off its lush greenery and fresh, unspoiled nature.
The sanctuary is expected to become the next national park in Karnataka because it possesses excellent ecological value and potential for adventure tourism. The main attractions at this location revolve around outdoor activities such as trekking and camping.
Timings
- 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, but specific timings for activities like trekking or exploring particular areas (e.g., Barapede Caves or Bhimgad Fort) might vary
Arabithittu Wildlife Sanctuary
Situated at a 30 km distance from Mysore, you will find the compact sanctuary of Arabithittu, which is famous for its dry deciduous forest and thorny scrub. This small sanctuary holds major importance for biodiversity while visitors can spot leopards, spotted deer and peacocks.
The park is perfect for half-day safaris or birdwatching. Its proximity to Mysore makes it easily accessible and ideal for families or school trips. It’s another sanctuary that complements the core national parks in Karnataka, contributing to the overall ecotourism scene.
Timings
- 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, but specific timings for activities like trekking or exploring particular areas (e.g., Barapede Caves or Bhimgad Fort) might vary
Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary
Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, situated in Kodagu district, attracts birdwatchers as a vital biodiversity area because of its famous status as a bird watcher's paradise. The wildlife sanctuary protects endangered and endemic bird populations, which makes it attractive to ornithologists and photography enthusiasts.
Kumara Parvatha Peak stands as one of the top trekking destinations within Karnataka. Visitors truly appreciate the arduous ascent, which grants beautiful perspectives over the Western Ghats. Although Pushpagiri fails to qualify as a national park, it is mentioned within the protected areas of Karnataka because of its exciting tourism value.
Timings
- Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Entry Fee: Rs.75 per person.
Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary
Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary belongs to the World Heritage Site in the Western Ghats region in Udupi district. The forest stretches through the evergreen wilderness, and the site contains flowing rivers as well as magnificent waterfalls, and an astounding collection of plants and animals.
The sanctuary provides natural habitats for tigers, leopards, lion-tailed macaques, and king cobras. Guests can enjoy two main ecotourism adventures in the area, taking advantage of the river through kayaking and coracle riding on the Sitanadi River. Due to its ample size and diverse richness, Someshwara maintains its status as a sanctuary but matches the level of national parks present in Karnataka.
Timings
- Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Entry Fee: Rs.200 for adults, Rs.100 for children.
