Nagarhole National Park, also known as 'Rajiv Gandhi National Park,' is located 94 kms from Mysore. It is spread between Kodagu and Mysore districts. The exclusive hunting reserve of the former rulers of Mysore, the park has rich forest cover, small streams, valleys, and waterfalls. In 1975 its area stretched to 575 km².

The place derives its name from Kannada - 'Naga' meaning snake and 'Hole' meaning stream. Set up in 1955, it is one of the best-managed parks in the country. The climate is tropical; summer is hot and winter is pleasant. The park boasts a healthy tiger-predator ratio, and tiger, bison, and elephant are much more populous here than in Bandipur.

The park is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The Western Ghats, Nilgiri Sub-Cluster (6,000+ km²), including all of Nagarhole National Park, is under consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for selection as a World Heritage Site.

Terrain 
Mostly moist mixed deciduous forest (Tectona grandis, Dalbergia latifolia) in the southern parts, dry tropical forest (Wrightia tinctoria, Acacia) towards the east, and Sub mountain hill valley swamp forest (Eugenia).

Fauna and flora
Mammals: Elephant, jackal , tiger, panther, gaur, muntjac, sambar, spotted deer, mongoose, civet cat, hyena

Reptiles: King cobra, krait, python, viper, tortoise, monitor lizard, toads etc.

The main trees found are rosewood, teak, sandalwood and silver oak.

Climate
In summer the temperature is usually around 33 °C. Winter lasts from November to January and has the temperature dipping to 14 °C. Generally, it rains from June to September.

Inhabitants
Tribes like Jenu Kurubas (honey-gatherers), the Betta Kurubas (hill tribes), and the Hakki-Pikki (bird trappers) inhabit this park.