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Nagarahole National Park

At a distance of 62 km from Kalpetta, 88 km from Mysore and 218 km from Bangalore, Nagarhole National Park is one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in India. Also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, it is spread across Mysore and Kodagu districts in Karnataka. Originally the forest area was the private hunting ground for the Maharajas of Mysore. It was converted into a sanctuary in the year 1955 covering an area of 258 sq. km and subsequently enlarged to include the adjoining areas of Mysore district and now extends over an area of 643 sq. km. Nagarhole got National Park status in 1988 and declared as 37th Project Tiger Reserve in 1999.

Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary

Bandipur National Park is regarded as one of the most beautiful and better-managed national parks of India. Located amidst the picturesque surroundings of the towering Western Ghats on the Mysore-Ooty highway in Karnataka, it is an important part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve that constitutes Karnataka’s Rajiv Gandhi National Park (Nagarahole) to its Northwest, Tamil Nadu’s Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary to its South, and Kerala’s Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary to its Southwest. The total extent of Bandipur National Park is 872.24 sq km.

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Ooty

Ooty (short for Udhagamandalam) is a resort town in the Western Ghats mountains, in southern India's Tamil Nadu state. Founded as a British Raj summer resort, it retains a working steam railway line. Other reminders of its colonial past include Stone House, a 19th-century residence, and the circa-1829 St. Stephen’s Church. Its 55-acre Government Botanical Garden lies on the slopes of Doddabetta Peak. Doddabetta Peak, Botanical Garden, Pykara Waterfalls, Rose Garden, Stone House and Toda Mund are some of the major places to visit in Ooty.The famed town offers delightfully striking panoramas of serene lakes back dropped by forested hills and mist clad mountains.

Mysore

Famously known as The City of Palaces, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that Mysore, currently Mysuru, is one of the most important places in the country regarding ancient reigns. It is replete with the history of its dazzling royal heritage, intricate architecture, its famed silk sarees, yoga, and sandalwood, to name just a few. Located in the foothills of the Chamundi Hills, Mysore is the third most populated city in Karnataka, and its rich heritage draws millions of tourists all year round. The highlight is the majestic Mysore Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is a must-visit.

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Gundlupet

Gundlupet is known as the ‘Flower Pot’ of Karnataka and this gorgeous destination is known for its expansive sunflower and marigold fields. Here, one can witness a sea of yellow sunflowers blossoming on either side of the road with picturesque green hills as the backdrop. The flowers have bloomed amidst the slight drizzle and have brought cheer to the farmers who are hoping for a good yield if the rains continue at this pace. Fortunately for them, there is no dry spell this year lest the flowers wilt and die. June-July is when the flowers bloom and the fields turn bright yellow with giant flowers and it becomes a sight to behold.

Mananthavady

Once ruled by the great King Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja, the town of Mananthavady has played an integral role in the history of Kerala. It is located on the banks of Mananthavady River, a tributary of the Kabini. The Pazhassi tomb and museum, an important memorial built in honour of one of Kerala’s valiant heroes, is located here and was renowned for staying loyal to his subjects to the very end. The tomb was constructed where the King was cremated and is situated on the banks of the River Kabani. It was converted to a museum in 1996, and now houses a collection of memorabilia belonging to Pazhassi.

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Kakanote Safari Center

This is one of the better maintained forests. The dept has ensured water in the national park by drilling borewells that run on solar power to ensure that the animals stay within the forest even during the dry season. This is one of the places that any wildlife enthusiast can spend days without a crib, especially in the dry season as you get plenty of opportunity to see the big cats, birds, elephants, gaurs, etc. Be prepared to spend at least couple of days for good sightings. Overall, the dept makes sure there are limited people within these forest