Kabini

Photo Credit : Ravigopal Kesari

Kabini is a place of breathtaking scenery and incredible wildlife. If you love nature, you absolutely have to visit Kabini at least once in your life. The rustling leaves, soft forest whispers, peaceful Kabini River, and thrilling wildlife make it an absolute must-see. Located in Karnataka state of India.

Kabini is also known as land of tigers. This is one of the largest forest areas in the state of Karnataka. The backwaters of reservoir near the Kabini dam is rich in it’s flora and fauna. When the summer arrives the water level decreases as a result grassy lands appears which invites the wild animals to the area which is a beautiful sight to see.

Located near the Rajeev Gandhi National Park, also known as Nagarhole, is like a bridge that links the Nagarhole and Bandipur forests, which are basically big natural parks. This special area, called the Kabini corridor, connects not only Nagarhole and Bandipur but also other places like Mudumalai, Wayanad, and many more. All of these places are part of the Nilgiris Biosphere, which is like a big natural network.

Things we see in Kabini

Wildlife

Designated as a National Park in 1974, Kabini covers an expansive area of 644 square kilometers. It has gained fame as a prime location for spotting wild elephants in India. Alongside these magnificent creatures, Kabini is also home to other fascinating animals like leopards, black panthers, deer, wild boars, Chital, Sambar, Four-horned antelope, Gaur, Wild pig, Asian Elephant, Common Langur, and the Bonnet Macaque. The skies above come alive with the vibrant presence of numerous birds including kingfishers, hornbills, larks, trogons, and many more. Notably, Kabini offers one of the finest opportunities in India to capture the elusive beauty of leopards in their natural habitat.

Safari

Jump aboard the jungle jeep or hop onto a boat ride in the morning or evening, and prepare to be amazed by the captivating scenes of the forest and the Kabini River. You’ll be treated to a delightful spectacle of lush jungles, serene waterfronts, vibrant wildlife, diverse birds, and beautiful plants. It’s almost certain that you’ll get to witness herds of elephants, crocodiles, various bird species, deer, Gaur, Chital, and Sambhar, which is always an exciting experience. And if luck is on your side and you’re patient enough, you might even be treated to the extraordinary sight of a leopard or a black panther. The heart-pounding Jeep safari through the dense forest is truly an adventure of a lifetime that you won’t forget.

Ways to reach Kabini

By Air: The closest airport to Kabini forests is Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore, situated around 200 km away. Additionally, for certain domestic flights, you can also consider Mysuru airport, which is a convenient 60 km distance from Kabini.
By Rail: Mysuru Junction stands as the largest and most proximate railway station for train travel, providing easy access. It’s located roughly 60 km from Kabini and offers connections to all major cities within Karnataka as well as across the nation.
By Road: It’s well connected by roads across all the parts of the state as well as the country.