Kabini Travel Guide

Kabini lies about 245 km from Bangalore, on the backwaters formed by a dam across the Kabini River, right on the northern edge of Nagarhole National Park. The reservoir's edge is regarded as one of Asia's best spots for elephant sightings, drawing large herds especially in the dry months from March to May, when they gather to drink, alongside regular tiger and leopard sightings on jeep and boat safaris. Kabini River Lodge, once the Maharaja of Mysore's hunting retreat, sits alongside a handful of newer luxury properties along the water, and the area has built its reputation almost entirely around this high-end wildlife-lodge experience rather than budget travel or standalone sightseeing. Most visitors come as a two- or three-night add-on to a Bangalore or Mysore trip built around the safari itself.

Once a private hunting area for the British, Kabini is a wildlife destination that is the largest place for Asiatic Elephants in the world. The Kabini Forest Reserve (which comprises the south-eastern part of Nagarhole National Park) is famous for its amazing wildlife and birdlife. Kabini is also home to the world's most famous living black panther "Saya". Even though it is not impossible to spot him, it is very rare.

Boat Safari and Jeep Safari in the Kabini jungle is the ideal way to spot the tiger, leopard, guars, elephants and other majestic species. Kabini is also one of the best places in India to photograph leopards.