Nagarhole Tiger Reserve, also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, offered us one of the most professionally managed safari experiences in India. We visited this park in Oct 2025.

Located about two hours’ drive from Mysuru, this reserve forms part of the Nilgiri forest range, which also includes Bandipur, Mudumalai, and Wayanad sanctuaries.

Booking the Safari

We booked our Jeep Safari through the official government website for ₹1,000 per person.  The Kakanakote Gate at Kabini is particularly popular for its high tiger sighting rates and serves as one of the primary entry points to the reserve. Bus Safari is also available.

Online reservations for the Nagarhole safaris open a few minutes before 6:00 a.m. IST, exactly eight days in advance of the chosen date. For example, we booked our October 9th ride on October 1st. The Jeep safari slots fill up within minutes, especially during weekends and holidays.

The park has four safari gates, each offering a unique experience. However, one gate—operated by Jungle Lodges & Resorts (JLR) under the Tourism Department—is reserved for guests staying at select resorts. Bookings for this gate are handled directly by the resorts and are usually priced higher. This gate also operates safari drives in Kabini zone.

Our Stay and Safari Experience
We stayed at Fireflies Kabini, a nature resort located just 5 kilometers from the Kakanakote Safari Gate. Its proximity to the forest made it an ideal base for early morning drives. The resort offered comfortable rooms, delicious local cuisine, and a peaceful atmosphere amidst nature.

We went on two safari drives from the Kakanakote Gate—one in the evening and another the following morning. During these drives, we spotted deers (a lot), Wild boars, Indian gaurs, and Sloth bears. Unfortunately, the tiger eluded us, possibly due to the continuous rain, which our driver explained tends to reduce tiger movement and visibility.

According to the forest guides, the reserve is home to around 150 tigers, with approximately 25 residing in the Kabini region. The Kabini zone continues to be one of the best places to see tigers in the wild.

Tips for Visitors

Book early: Jeep safaris are limited and get sold out within minutes once the portal opens.

Choose Kabini Zone: For the best chances of tiger sightings, the Kakanakote Gate (or JLR) is a strong choice.

Stay nearby: Staying close to the gate saves travel time and ensures you can easily reach for early morning safaris.

If staying in Mysuru: Plan to book two back-to-back Jeep safaris to improve your chances of spotting a tiger, especially since sightings can be unpredictable. (When we boarded our jeep, a few guests from the earlier drive were still inside, enthusiastically sharing stories of their tiger sighting.)

Best time to visit: The dry season from February to May generally offers higher visibility for wildlife.