Nagarahole is derived from the combination of two Kannada words -- 'nagar' meaning snake and 'hole' meaning streams --- true to it's name a number of streams, snake through it's rich tropical forests. Nagarahole is situated in the picturesque districts of Kodagu and Mysore, in southern Karnataka.

The Nagarahole National Park was first set up in the year 1955. In 1975 it's area was increased to include a greater expanse of forest reserve. Once an exclusive hunting preserve of the erstwhile rulers of Mysore, the terrain of this park is gently undulating with lush green vegetation, swamps and numerous water resources, rendering it an ideal habitat for a wide variety of animals.

Wild-life that can be seen here are the: gaur, leopards, tigers, chital, sambar, elephants, snake, & 250 species of birds. The best season to visit the park is from Sept-May.