Kabini Tour Packages
Kabini is a river and reservoir on the edge of Nagarhole National Park, known for large elephant herds in summer and the famous black panther. Lodges on the riverbank offer jeep and boat safaris in a quiet forest setting.
Kabini at a glance
- LocationKarnataka, India
- Time zoneIndian Standard Time (UTC+5:30)
- Driving sideLeft
- Calling code+91
- CurrencyIndian rupee (INR)
- LanguagesKannada
- Ideal stay2 days
- Getting thereMysore Airport (limited flights); Bengaluru…
Best time to visit: October to May
Top Kabini travel packages
A few of our Kabini itineraries in different travel styles. Every one is private and can be changed to suit you.
Essential tips for travelling to Kabini
UPI and cards are widely accepted in cities and hotels; keep some cash for small shops, rural areas, hill towns and tips.
Tipping is not compulsory; around 5–10% in restaurants and a small tip for drivers and guides is appreciated.
Drink bottled or filtered water; it is cheap and easy to find.
112 (all emergencies)
Languages spoken: Kannada.
Bengaluru is the main airport, with Mangaluru and Hubballi for the coast and north. Overnight trains reach Hospet (for Hampi) from Bengaluru.
Mysuru Palace is lit with nearly 100,000 bulbs on Sunday and public-holiday evenings for a short window.
Hampi is spread out; hire a guide for the first day and a bicycle or auto-rickshaw for the second.
Book lodges that include safaris; park safari slots are limited and sell out.
General guidance. Local rules and services change; we confirm details for your dates.
Where is Kabini?
Who should visit Kabini?
Plan your Kabini trip
Everything you need to know about Kabini
Kabini is a river and reservoir on the edge of Nagarhole National Park, known for large elephant herds in summer and the famous black panther. Lodges on the riverbank offer jeep and boat safaris in a quiet forest setting.
Highlights include Nagarhole jeep safari, Kabini river boat safari, Kabini reservoir and Kakanakote forest. Local food worth trying: Resort buffets and Coorgi and Mysuru dishes. Plan 2 days here; it suits wildlife lovers, families, photographers. Our Kabini itineraries run from 3 to 5 days and every one can be changed to suit you.
When to go
October to May. Summer (March–May) brings the biggest elephant gatherings.
How to reach Kabini
- By air: Mysore Airport (limited flights); Bengaluru (BLR), about 230 km
- By rail: Mysuru Junction, about 80 km
- By road: About 5 hours from Bengaluru
View all Kabini packages
Private, customisable itineraries with prices quoted for your dates, hotel category and group size.
3D / 2NKabiniKabini Wildlife Weekend
Two nights on the Kabini riverbank with jeep and boat safaris into Nagarhole, home of large elephant herds and the elusive black panther.
View itinerary →
5D / 4NCoorg · KabiniCoorg & Kabini Nature Holiday
Coffee hills and wildlife in one trip: Coorg's waterfalls and Dubare elephant camp, then safaris at Kabini.
View itinerary →2 itineraries
More places in Karnataka
Top things to see in Kabini
KabiniForest drives for elephants, tigers and leopards
KabiniWildlife along the backwaters
KarnatakaElephants gather on the shores in summer
KarnatakaHistoric elephant-capture site
Wildlife in Kabini
KabiniForest drives for elephants, tigers and leopards
KabiniWildlife along the backwaters
KarnatakaElephants gather on the shores in summer
KarnatakaHistoric elephant-capture site
Wildlife experiences
Sightings depend on season and luck and are never guaranteed. Keep your distance, stay with licensed guides and never feed wild animals.
Cultural experiences in Kabini
On the menuFood to try
- Resort buffets
- Coorgi and Mysuru dishes
Outdoor activities in Kabini
Many activities are seasonal. Best time for Kabini: October to May. We check operating seasons for your dates.
Kabini travel tips
Visa and entry
Indian citizens do not need a visa; carry a government photo ID such as Aadhaar or a passport for hotels and flights.
Health and safety
Travel insurance is a good idea, especially for adventure activities. Carry prescription medicines in their original packaging with a copy of the prescription.
Currency and tipping
The currency is the Indian rupee (INR). Tipping is not compulsory; around 5–10% in restaurants and a small tip for drivers and guides is appreciated.
Best time to visit
October to May. Summer (March–May) brings the biggest elephant gatherings.
Getting around
Bengaluru is the main airport, with Mangaluru and Hubballi for the coast and north. Overnight trains reach Hospet (for Hampi) from Bengaluru.
Local etiquette
- Dress modestly at temples, churches and mosques, and remove footwear where asked.
- Ask before photographing people, and follow photography rules at religious sites and museums.
What to pack
Pack a light jacket or sweater for cool evenings, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and swimwear, modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees for religious sites and comfortable walking shoes.
Phone and internet
Mobile data is good in towns and cities. Coverage can be patchy in remote, hill and forest areas, so download offline maps before you set off.
Budget
We don't publish fixed prices because the season, hotel category, flights and group size change the cost. Your written quote lists exactly what is included, so you can compare like for like.
Kabini FAQs
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Destinations near Kabini
KeralaWayanad
Wayanad is a green plateau in north Kerala of coffee estates, prehistoric caves, waterfalls and forest reserves that link to Karnataka's Bandipur and Nagarhole.
Tamil NaduOoty
Ooty (Udhagamandalam) is the queen of the Nilgiris, a colonial-era hill station at about 2,240 metres surrounded by tea estates, eucalyptus forests and grassy downs.
Tamil NaduCoonoor
Coonoor is Ooty's quieter neighbour, lower and warmer, with tea estates spilling down to the plains and viewpoints over the Nilgiri valleys.
KeralaKannur
Kannur, on Kerala's north Malabar coast, is the home of theyyam, the ritual dance in which performers become gods in village shrines, mostly from November to May.
Tamil NaduCoimbatore
Coimbatore is a textile and engineering hub and the gateway to the Nilgiris, but it is worth a stop for the Isha Yoga Centre's giant Adiyogi statue at the foot of the Velliangiri hills and the Marudhamalai temple.
KeralaGuruvayur
Guruvayur is home to the Sri Krishna Temple, one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage centres in Kerala, where thousands of weddings and first-rice ceremonies take place every year.
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