[Pics. by M.N. Lakshminarayana Yadav]

With steady pre-monsoon showers, the forests of Nagarahole Tiger Reserve have transformed into a lush green expanse, creating a vibrant and thriving habitat for wildlife. Tigers, elephants and other animals are freely roaming the landscape, much to the delight of tourists on safari.

Spread across Mysuru and Kodagu districts and bordering Kerala, Nagarahole benefits even from light rainfall in the neighbouring State. This year, since early last month, consistent pre-monsoon rains have drenched Kerala, Mysuru, and Kodagu regions. As a result, the forest, once parched from the intense summer heat, has now turned a vivid green.

The above-average pre-monsoon rainfall over the past month has blanketed the reserve in rich vegetation. The cool and refreshing climate has reinvigorated the ecosystem, supporting both herbivorous and carnivorous wildlife.

A treat for safari-goers

Nagarahole boasts three safari centres, attracting thousands of visitors every day. These include the Kakanakote Safari Centre in the Antharsanthe Range of H.D. Kote taluk, the Veeranahosahalli Safari Centre in Hunsur taluk, and the Nanachi Safari Centre near Kutta in Kodagu. All three centres offer morning and afternoon safari drives deep into the dense forest.

Although tourist footfall has risen significantly across all safari points, safaris continue to be conducted as per scheduled guidelines. Among them, Kakanakote Safari Centre sees highest demand.

Wildlife photographers from Mysuru, Bengaluru and even other States prefer Kakanakote for its ideal photographic conditions, making it the most sought-after safari base.

Flourishing wildlife

With the forest now teeming with greenery, wildlife is active and visible. During the scorching summer months, the forest’s vegetation had dried up, forcing herbivores to wander in search of fresh foliage and grass. Water too had become scarce, with many ponds dried up and only a few retaining enough water to sustain animals.

The recent rains have rejuvenated the forest floor with abundant food, while dried-up ponds are slowly refilling. With plentiful food and water now available, both herbivores and carnivores are thriving. Safari-goers have reported thrilling sightings of tigers, elephants, leopards, bears, and other wild species moving freely across the Tiger Reserve.

No forest fires this year

This summer, the Nagarahole Tiger Reserve remained free of forest fires, thanks to the proactive and coordinated efforts of the Forest Department.

Under the leadership of Director P.A. Seema, all Assistant Conservators of Forests (ACFs), Range Forest Officers (RFOs) and frontline staff worked in close coordination with villagers and local communities.

Their trust and cooperation, along with increased vigilance, ensured that not a single fire incident was reported this season. These efforts have helped preserve the forest’s natural wealth, even ahead of the official monsoon.

With schools and colleges closed for summer vacation, tourist numbers have surged, especially families from other States. Children accompanying their parents on safari have been particularly excited to see wildlife in its natural habitat — an experience that leaves a lasting impression.