Nagarhole — also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park — covers about 850 square kilometres of moist deciduous forest along the eastern edge of Coorg. It is one of the best-managed reserves in southern India and a serious wildlife destination: tiger, leopard, elephant, gaur, sloth bear, and dhole are all present.
Most visitors enter from the Kabini side to the south, where lodges run morning and afternoon jeep safaris and boat trips on the reservoir. The park is open year-round, but the dry months (March to May) concentrate animals around the water and offer the best chances of seeing big cats. Book safari permits well in advance — they sell out.