A bridge separates the Rajiv Gandhi National Park, better known as Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuary from the Bandipur National Park. 'Nagarhole' means 'Snake River' in Kannada and has been so named because of the winding and twisting course of the river that flows through the forests. Asiatic Elephants are the chief attraction of the sanctuary situated at the foorhill of the blue Brahmagiri Mountains. Situated in the districts of Kodagu and Mysore in southern Karnataka, it was first set up in 1955. However, its area was increased in 1975 to include a greater stretch of forest reserve. This erstwhile hunting preserve of the Mysore royalty has swamps too besides the lush green vegetation and a wide variety of wildlife. The other highlights of the fauna of Nagarhole National Park are Four-horned Antelopes, Sloth Bears, Jungle Cats, Civets, Spotted Deers, Wild Dogs, Flying Foxes, Tigers, Panthers, Gaurs (Indian bisons), Sambhars, Wild Boars, Black-naped Hares, Bonnet Macaques and Pangolins.

One can also see reptiles such as Cobras, Crocodiles, Kraits, Pythons, Vipers, and numerous species of Lizards here. Besides these more than 250 bird species can be found here including Common Babblers, Bee-eaters, Bulbuls, Doves, Crested Serpents, Hornbills, Alexandrines, Peacocks, Warblers, Golden-back Parakeets and several more. Excellent facilities for jungle activities and wildlife viewing are available here and guides are available to help you track the tigers and the leopards. More adventurous can opt for trekking through these wilderness with prior permission from the authorities.