Gandhi Park

Part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Nagarhole is a beautiful park with lush forests, waterfalls, and a healthy population of tigers, leopards, and...

Gandhi Park at a Glance

Location
Andaman & Nicobar Islands, India, South Asia
Coordinates
11.663470, 92.742650
Crowds
Moderate
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
October to March (cooler, dry months) for tiger safaris and wildlife.

Getting to Gandhi Park

Nearest airport: Naval Air Station, 2 km away.

Nearest international airport: Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ), 3 km away.

Weather & Climate in Gandhi Park

The warmest temperatures in Gandhi Park occur in April, averaging 28.9°C (up to 32.3°C). The coolest conditions are in October at 26.3°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in January with average rainfall of 23.9mm. Average humidity: 76.3%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 26.4°C (rainfall: 23.9mm)
  • February: 26.7°C (rainfall: 40.2mm)
  • March: 27.8°C (rainfall: 38.8mm)
  • April: 28.9°C (rainfall: 69.1mm)
  • May: 28.3°C (rainfall: 298.8mm)
  • June: 27.3°C (rainfall: 275.2mm)
  • July: 27.1°C (rainfall: 341.5mm)
  • August: 27.1°C (rainfall: 278.7mm)
  • September: 26.6°C (rainfall: 373.2mm)
  • October: 26.3°C (rainfall: 376.4mm)
  • November: 26.8°C (rainfall: 197.2mm)
  • December: 26.7°C (rainfall: 119.2mm)

Best Time to Visit Gandhi Park

The best months to visit Gandhi Park are January, February, March, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 26.42°C, rainfall 23.9mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 76.3%
  • February: Great, temperature 26.66°C, rainfall 40.2mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 76%
  • March: Great, temperature 27.8°C, rainfall 38.8mm, sunshine 11.5 hrs, humidity 76.3%
  • April: Great, temperature 28.86°C, rainfall 69.1mm, sunshine 11.6 hrs, humidity 76.5%
  • May: Good, temperature 28.26°C, rainfall 298.8mm, sunshine 9.1 hrs, humidity 83.1%
  • June: Good, temperature 27.34°C, rainfall 275.2mm, sunshine 8.4 hrs, humidity 85.6%
  • July: Good, temperature 27.07°C, rainfall 341.5mm, sunshine 7.5 hrs, humidity 86.5%
  • August: Good, temperature 27.08°C, rainfall 278.7mm, sunshine 8.5 hrs, humidity 85.5%
  • September: Good, temperature 26.6°C, rainfall 373.2mm, sunshine 7.6 hrs, humidity 87.4%
  • October: Good, temperature 26.29°C, rainfall 376.4mm, sunshine 8.4 hrs, humidity 88.7%
  • November: Good, temperature 26.83°C, rainfall 197.2mm, sunshine 9.6 hrs, humidity 83.7%
  • December: Great, temperature 26.7°C, rainfall 119.2mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 79.7%

Wildlife in Gandhi Park

Home to 68 recorded species including 34 waterbirds, 14 iconic birds, 14 birds of prey, 5 tropical birds, 1 reptiles.

Recommended Packing List for Gandhi Park

Based on average temperature of 27.2°C, typical conditions, humidity 82%.

  • Lightweight breathable clothing - warm 27°C weather calls for light fabrics
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Gandhi Park

25 safari lodges available.

Other

luxury

Similar Parks in Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Visitor Tips - Gandhi Park

Gandhi Park offers a peaceful respite from the city's bustle, a place where we love to observe local life unfold amidst serene greenery. We find its quiet corners perfect for reflection, a fitting tribute to its namesake and a true slice of authentic Indian daily life.

Gate Times

Gandhi Park is typically open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily, with slight variations during winter months when daylight is shorter. We recommend checking locally for precise timings if visiting during the cooler season. No specific permits or advance bookings are required for general entry; it is a public park.

Tipping

While not mandatory, we recommend offering a small gratuity of 100-200 INR to any local guide who provides a helpful tour or shares insights into the park's history. For general park staff who assist you, a polite 'thank you' is usually sufficient, though a small token of appreciation is always welcome.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for India

Travel advisory for India

Gandhi Park FAQs

What is the best time of year to visit Nagarhole National Park for optimal wildlife viewing, especially for the popular Kabini River boat safaris?

The dry season, from October to May, is ideal as animals congregate around water sources, making them easier to spot. Specifically, March to May offers excellent chances for tiger and elephant sightings, and the river levels are suitable for boat safaris.

How does the boat safari experience on the Kabini River at Nagarhole differ from typical jeep safaris in other Indian parks?

The Kabini boat safari provides a unique water-level perspective, allowing you to observe riparian wildlife like crocodiles, otters, and elephants bathing along the banks. It offers a tranquil way to spot diverse birdlife and even big cats coming to drink, often inaccessible by jeep.

What specific health precautions should I take regarding the moderate malaria risk when planning a trip to Nagarhole National Park?

It's highly recommended to consult your doctor about anti-malarial prophylaxis before your trip. Additionally, use insect repellent diligently, wear long-sleeved clothing and trousers, especially at dawn and dusk, and sleep under mosquito nets if available.

What are the typical costs and booking recommendations for safaris at Nagarhole National Park, particularly for securing a spot on the popular boat safaris?

Safari costs typically include park entry fees (around INR 200-300 for Indians, higher for foreigners) plus vehicle or boat charges (INR 1500-2500 per person for shared safaris). It's strongly advised to book both jeep and boat safaris well in advance, especially during peak season, as spots are limited and fill up quickly.

Beyond tigers and leopards, what other significant wildlife can visitors expect to encounter within Nagarhole's lush forests and near its waterfalls?

Nagarhole is home to a healthy population of Asiatic elephants and Indian gaurs (bison), which are frequently sighted. You might also spot dhole (Indian wild dogs), various deer species, and a rich diversity of birdlife, including hornbills and eagles, thriving amidst the Nilgiri Biosphere's unique ecosystem.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.