Nisargadhama, Coorg 

Visitor Information

• Famous for: Tourism, Wildlife Sanctuary, Photography, Picnic-spots and Boating.
• Entrance Fee: No available entry free. The tariff for the cottages range from Rs 600 to Rs 1,000. Fee for boating rides and elephant rides vary depending upon the tourists and season. The boat rides however are free for children upto 5 years of age.
• Visit Timings: Open throughout the day, however one might need to rent a cottage to stay the night. The concerned forest authorities can be contacted for further information on the same.
• Visit Duration: Approximately two to three days. If you want to visit for a picnic or as a one-day stop, have approximately six to eight hours in your hand.

The Kaveri Nisargadhama or simply Nisargadhama is a beautiful island that couples as a famous tourist attraction in the Coorg region of Karnataka. The island has been formed by the extensive Kaveri River, the main water source of the region. This green town is located at a close proximity to the busy town of Kushalanagar, in the Kodagu district of the state. The 64-acre island garners a large number of tourists, flocking here for family picnics and for a weekend getaway.  Upon reaching here, one would be treated to a luscious view of dense bamboo groves, fragrant sandalwood trees and elaborate teak trees. Visitors are also allowed to step into the river waters however by adhering to the safety norms laid down by the authorities. Apart from the moderately comfortable weather, Nisargadhama is known for its pristine environment.

Traveler Tips

• Try to visit the Nisargadhama Ecological Park according to the given park timings. It is open throughout the day; however, one needs to rent a cottage to stay the night.
• Do not feed the animals in the Park. It is strictly prohibited.
• Do not carry or dispose of plastic bags inside the Ecological Park. Maintaining the cleanliness of the place is a top priority as it is a plastic-free zone.
• Do not get into the river except for the safe and shallow spots.
• Reserve the cottages beforehand by contacting the office of the conservator of forests, Kodagu circle, Madikeri.

Things to Do

• The walk across the hanging rope bridge to reach Nisargadhama is an absolute delight. The bridge connects the mainland to Nisargadhama.
• With a nominal fee of INR 500-800, one can enjoy boat rides and elephant rides. If you are coming in a large group, the pocket pinch will be less.
• There are also rabbit enclosures, a deer park, a children park and an orchid garden inside the forest resort.
• The perfect place to have the long pending picnic with your family and friends.
• There is a shopping complex near the parking spot outside the Nisargadhama Ecological Park.

Availability of Guides

There are local guides always available on-spot who will be more than happy to show you around. The forest department officials are helpful and tourists can always depend on them for guidance and directions.

Best Time to Visit

The winter months, November to February in the dense forest gets chilly. The temperature falls sharply but if you have a penchant for the cold weather and a bonfire experience, this is the perfect time to visit Nisargadhama.

During the months of March to May, the temperature is a little hot and humid but the abundance of trees make up for it.

The monsoon sees moderate to heavy rainfall and hence witnesses a dip in the number of tourists visiting the area. The ambience is however wonderful with fresh air and greenery all around.

How to Reach

The Nisargadhama is approximately 3 kilometers from Kushalanagara, the nearby connecting junction off the State Highway. The other major cities in close connecting proximity from the tourist destination are Madikeri, Mysore and Mangalore. Thus, Nisargadhama is easily accessible through roadways. So, you can hail a bus or rent a car or take your own car.  The nearby railway stations are The Mysore Railway Station and the Kanhangad Railway Station are the nearby railway stations.  Those availing the airways can drop down at Kozhikode Airport, Agatti Aerodrome and the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport.

Interesting Facts and Trivia about Nisargadhama

• Travelers who make the trip may be treated to a sight of elephants, deer, rabbits or peacocks.
• Medicinal plants are grown in the forest which are exported to neighboring countries.
• The Kaveri Nisargadhama has beautiful river-side cottages around the Kaveri River.A deluxe cottage on stilts can accommodate five persons.
• Tourists can also avail the snack house and the rest house managed by the Forest Department, made available for the tourists.
• Tourists often get confused between the Old Bridge and The Hanging Bridge, two separate entities altogether. The Old Bridge is yet another bridge inside the Nisargadhama, while the Hanging Bridge acts as the connecting point between the Coorg region and the tourist destination.

Nearby Attractions

• Kanive
• Suntikoppa
• Bylakuppe
• DubareElephant camp
• Kushalanagar
• Mandalpatti
• Madikeri
• Abbey Falls
• Mysore
• Hassan

Nearby Restaurants

• Shanthi Foodcourt
• Fish Curry Rice
• Annapurna Restaurant
• Crown Grand Restaurant
• Caravan Restaurant
• BSR Garden Family Restaurant
• Hotel White Wings, Veg Restaurant

If you are planning to visit Nisargadhama anytime soon, keep the Nisargadhama Ecological Park on the top of your list. This wildlife sanctuary cum ecological park garners a lot of tourists almost always throughout the year. Tourists pour in from all across the country to venture the luscious, pollution-free area. You would definitely not want to miss out on the island’s several attractions. Imagine waking up to the sound of myriad birds and animals, with a shimmering ray of the sun shining upon your happy face as you sip your favorite cuppa sitting in the forest cottage.