A beginner’s guide to Kabini

Kabini is what we call a true wildlife escape. This forest area gets its name from the Kabini river, and connects Nagarhole, Bandipur, Mudumalai. Needless to say, Kabini is one of the biggest and most vibrant forest areas in India.

Also read: Travel tips for your first visit to the Northeast India​

Kabini, the protected forest area, is also one of the most loved destinations for wildlife lovers. We are here to inspire you to plan a trip to Kabini.

Kabini has jeep, bus and elephant safaris but if you are interested in a more in-depth exploration of the place, jeep safari is the best option. The forest of Kabini is home to leopards, elephants, tigers, gaurs, bears and bison.

The safaris conducted by the forest department will cost you INR 500 per person. It’s INR 1700 per person for foreign nationals. Jeep and bus safaris are conducted twice a day: From 5:30 AM to 10 AM, and 3 PM to 7 PM for jeep safaris; from 6 AM to 9 AM, and 3 PM to 5 PM for bus safaris.

Kabini has a number of wildlife hotels and resorts. They range from budget to luxury. Some of the most popular ones are Kabini River Lodge, The Serai Resorts, Evolve Back Resorts, The Bison Resort, Red Earth Resort and Machaan Wilderness Lodge to name a few.

Your Kabini trip will be incomplete without a visit to the Kabini river. When in Kabini, do the traditional coracle boat ride.

Nagarhole is just an hour away from Kabini, approximately 35 km. A visit to the national park makes sense as Kabini is also a part of the Nagarhole Tiger Reserve.

Kabini is best during the dry seasons, that is, October to June. Do the early morning safaris for cooler expeditions and to witness more animal activities.

Mysore, located just 60 km from, is the nearest city. Bengaluru is approximately 210 km away from Kabini. Nearest rail head is Mysore Railway Station and there are regular bus and taxi services to Kabini from Mysore.