Nagarhole National Park is located in the Kodagu and Mysore districts of Karnataka. It is a popular wildlife destination known for its rich biodiversity and tiger reserve. Bangalore, the capital city of Karnataka, serves as the main gateway for travelers heading to Nagarhole.

This route is commonly traveled by nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts seeking a quick escape from the city. This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Nagarhole from Bangalore using different transport modes, along with practical travel tips to make your journey smooth and enjoyable.

Getting from Bangalore to Nagarhole – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a comfortable and scenic option for those who prefer rail journeys. However, Nagarhole itself does not have a railway station, so you will need to combine train travel with road transport.

• The nearest major railway stations to Nagarhole are Mysore Junction and Hassan Railway Station, both well connected to Bangalore City Railway Station. The train journey takes about 2.5 to 3.5 hours depending on the train.

• From Mysore or Hassan, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Nagarhole, which is approximately 80 to 90 km away, taking around 2 to 3 hours by road.

• Trains from Bangalore to Mysore run frequently throughout the day, including Shatabdi Express and several passenger trains, with fares ranging from INR 150 to 600 depending on class.

• Booking tickets via IRCTC in advance is recommended, especially during weekends and holidays when trains can be crowded due to tourist traffic.

• Train travel is less affected by road traffic but be mindful of monsoon delays or fog in winter mornings that can affect punctuality.

Bus

Buses offer a budget-friendly and flexible way to reach Nagarhole, though no direct buses go to the park itself. You will need to combine bus travel with local transport.

• State-run buses operated by KSRTC run frequently from Bangalore’s Kempegowda Bus Station (Majestic) to Mysore, with journey times around 3 to 4 hours and fares between INR 150 and 300.

• From Mysore, you can catch local buses or hire taxis to Nagarhole; buses to Hunsur or Gonikoppal pass near Nagarhole and take about 2 hours from Mysore.

• Private Volvo and deluxe buses offer more comfort and run mostly in the evenings and mornings, suitable for overnight travel.

• During peak tourist seasons, buses can be crowded, so booking tickets in advance at KSRTC counters or online is advisable.

• Road conditions on NH275 and SH88 are generally good but expect slowdowns near toll plazas and small towns en route.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Bangalore to Nagarhole is one of the most popular options, offering flexibility and the chance to explore en route. The roads are mostly well maintained and scenic.

• The distance from Bangalore to Nagarhole is about 220 km via NH275 and SH88, taking approximately 5 to 6 hours depending on traffic and stops.

• Driving through Mysore and Hunsur towns is common; NH275 is a good highway with multiple toll plazas, so keep change handy.

• Self-drive cars or rental vehicles are widely available in Bangalore, with options from budget hatchbacks to SUVs suitable for forest terrain.

• Plan your drive to start early morning to avoid Bangalore city traffic and reach Nagarhole before dusk, as forest roads have limited lighting and wildlife activity increases at night.

• There are several rest stops and dhabas along the highway offering local Karnataka cuisine and refreshments.

Taxi / Cab

Hiring a taxi or cab is a convenient and comfortable way to travel directly from Bangalore to Nagarhole without transfers. This option suits groups or families.

• Prepaid taxis can be booked from Bangalore airport or city centers, with fares typically ranging from INR 4000 to 6000 one way depending on vehicle type and negotiation.

• App-based cabs like Ola and Uber may offer intercity rides but confirm availability and pricing in advance as Nagarhole is a remote area.

• Taxi drivers often wait for you during your park visit and return to Bangalore, which can be cost-effective for round trips.

• This mode avoids the hassle of changing transport and is ideal if you carry heavy luggage or travel with children.

• Ensure the taxi has valid permits for forest entry and confirm the driver’s knowledge of routes to avoid delays.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Bangalore to Nagarhole, helping you organize your journey smoothly.

• Book your train or bus tickets in advance using IRCTC or KSRTC websites to secure seats during busy seasons and avoid last-minute hassles.

• If traveling by train, choose Mysore as your arrival station and pre-arrange a taxi or local bus to Nagarhole to ensure timely pickup and avoid waiting.

• For self-drive, plan your route using GPS apps like Google Maps and check traffic updates early morning to avoid Bangalore’s rush hour.

• Pack essentials such as water, snacks, and insect repellent, as food options inside Nagarhole are limited and forest areas have few shops.

• On arrival at Nagarhole, use prepaid taxis or local jeep safaris arranged by the forest department for safe and guided exploration of the park.

• Keep your ID and permits handy, as forest entry requires documentation and sometimes advance booking for safaris.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry bottled water and avoid drinking tap water during the journey to prevent stomach issues common in Indian travel.

• Book tickets and accommodations well ahead, especially during peak tourist seasons like winter and school holidays, to avoid last-minute price hikes.

• Use prepaid taxi services or app-based cabs at Bangalore and Mysore stations to avoid scams and overcharging by local drivers.

• Pack light but include rain gear during monsoon months (June to September) as roads can be slippery and forest trails muddy.

• Respect local customs and forest rules; avoid littering and maintain silence inside the park to enhance wildlife sightings and safety.

• Carry a small first-aid kit and any personal medications, as medical facilities near Nagarhole are limited and distant from the park.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Nagarhole is from October to May when the weather is pleasant and wildlife sightings are frequent. Monsoon months bring heavy rains that can disrupt travel plans.

Winter mornings can be foggy, especially in December and January, which may delay trains and reduce visibility during safaris.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Dasara in Mysore when roads and trains are crowded, causing delays and higher fares.

• Monsoon rains from June to September can cause slippery roads and occasional landslides on forest routes, so plan accordingly.

• Early morning departures from Bangalore help avoid city traffic and reach Nagarhole before afternoon heat or evening darkness sets in.

• Late evening travel is not recommended due to limited street lighting and increased wildlife activity near roads.

Arrival at Nagarhole & What to Expect

Upon arrival near Nagarhole, you will find limited public transport options, so pre-arranged taxis or jeep safaris are the best way to enter the park. The main entry gates are at Balle and Veeranahosahalli.

Local commute inside the park is mostly by forest department jeeps or guided tours. Nearby towns like Hunsur and Gonikoppal offer accommodation ranging from budget lodges to forest resorts. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are rare here, so plan your onward travel carefully.

Conclusion

Traveling from Bangalore to Nagarhole is best done by combining train or bus travel with local taxis or by self-driving for maximum flexibility. Each mode has its advantages depending on your budget, comfort needs, and time constraints.

Plan your journey with advance bookings, start early to avoid traffic, and carry essential supplies for a safe and enjoyable trip. With proper preparation, you can confidently explore the beautiful wilderness of Nagarhole from Bangalore without stress.