Also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, Nagarhole National Park forms part of the larger Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, a World Heritage Site stretching over 5000 square kilometres in southern India. The park is a place of unspoilt wilderness, with serene forest, bubbling streams and a tranquil lake. Elephants, tigers, sloth bears and gaurs can be found here as well as an impressive array of birdlife and ancient trees of teak, sandalwood and silver oak. The best time to visit is March through April when the waterholes are dry and the animals visit the lake to drink. However, the weather is more pleasant from November to February.