One of the oldest National parks in the country the Nagarhole National park abounds in tigers, leopards, Indian wild dogs as well as the gentler breeds of chital, deer and four-horned antelope. It also has an impressive elephant and bison population. Home to around 250 species of avifauna, the park is a haven for bird lovers too. The park shares its boundaries with the famous Bandipur National Park in Karanataka, which together form part of the Mudumalai Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu and the Wayanad Reserve in Kerala. A host of serpentine streams that crisscross the land give it the name Nagarhole which means ‘snake streams’. Its landscape is truly impressive and makes for a perfect wildlife holiday spot.

• Wildlife: The foremost attraction in the park is its rich wildlife and the major crowd puller is undoubtedly the tiger. Other notable predators are panther, leopard, jungle cat, jackal, wild dog and sloth bear. The park has a sizeable number of elephants too and supports over 250 species of birds, which includes the Malabar trogon, Malabar pied-hornbill and the crested serpent-eagle.

• Kutta: Located near Nagarhole National Park, the place is named after Kutta, the son of Goddess Kali. It is believed that Goddess Kali came to this place and resided here with low-caste Kurubas. It is here that she had a son named Kutta. A major festival here honors the goddess.

• Irppu Falls: Another crowd puller near Nagarhole National Park, the spot is extremely scenic. As the water gushes down Brahmagiri, a fall is formed at this spot.

• Ishwara Temple: An important pilgrim and tourist center near Nagarhole, legends have it that a Shivalinga was placed by Lord Rama himself. The temple is flocked by devotees in the mornings and is closed during the afternoon.

• Boat Cruise: Along with wildlife safaris, a motor boat or paddle boat cruise across the Kabini River is a rewarding experience. Sail across the pristine waters and take a look at the life that thrives here. Watch out for the water creatures that dwell here and also the water birds that hover around. Keep your eyes wide open as a mighty crocodile might just swim past you or you could even spot one lazing on the banks.

• Nature Walk: There are certain tracks in the forest where walks are allowed. Hire a guide who would be able to lead you inside and point out the several varieties of birds that the forest has. Carry along a camera to capture these beautiful species.

Gol Ghar, the open restaurant of the Kabini River Lodge is probably the best dining option in the Nagarhole. It caters a number of cuisines suited to the tastes of its international guests. The excellent buffet meals served here have Indian and Continental menus. The restaurant attached to Cicada-Kabini Resort called Flames is another fine dining option. It serves delectable buffet meals with a fine combination of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. The Water Woods Kabini Hotel too has an excellent restaurant. It specializes in South Indian food and also serves Indian, Chinese and Continental. Gudara, the restaurant at The Jungle Inn is another nice eating option. It serves Indian, Chinese and Continental cuisine.