overview

Kabini Tiger Reserve in Karnataka used to be the British ruler’s hunting hub in ancient times. In today’s time, this place has become a well-known national park blessed with rich biodiversity. This Tiger Reserve covers a large area of land and apart from the tigers, you can spot many other animals, reptiles, and mammals. This national park is also famous for its rich flora, which includes teak trees, rosewood, sandalwood, and oak. With rich biodiversity, Kabini National Park attracts numerous tourists throughout the year.

About Kabini Tiger Reserve

Kabini Tiger Reserve houses many animals from Royal Bengal Tigers to Asiatic elephants. Photographers and Asiatic elephants have also spotted The elusive lone black panther which is also known as Kabini’s ghost. Apart from tigers and leopards, here you can spot some other animals like grey langurs, gaurs, civets, ussuri dhole, leopards, sambar deer, flying squirrels, wild boars, bears, antelopes and sloth bears.

The park also has more than 250 bird species which can be easily seen during the summer season. You can also spot some migratory birds at the Backwaters of the Kabini River. Some popular birds seen here are red-headed vultures, Malabar Grey Hornbill, white ibis, blue-winged parakeets, Nilgiri Wood pigeons, and many more.

Wildlife Safaris at Kabini Tiger Reserve

From Indian elephants to a group of tigers, you can have it all during your wildlife safari. The prime attractions of this park which attracts nature lovers are the sandalwood, teak trees, and Brahamagiri mountains. Here you can book a safari tour to spot these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Types of safaris available at the reserve are boat safari, jeep safari, and minibus safari.

1. Minibus Safari

After booking the minibus safari at Kabini Tiger Reserve, you will have to head towards the Veeranahosahalli entrance gate and then from here, you will start the safari. This will be a one-hour ride through the park, allowing visitors to spot a wide variety of flora and fauna.

2. Jeep Safari

To start the jeep safari, visitors need to report at the Veeranahosahalli or Nachi gates. Visitors can choose between zone A or B for their ride. In zone A area, you will pass through the dense forests of Kabini National Park. Here, the animals can be seen roaming around eating, sleeping, fighting, and hunting. The Zone B area safari will pass through the backwaters of Kabini. Here you can spot animals coming out of the water, like tigers, elephants, and birds. The total duration of a jeep safari is around 2 hours.

3. Boat Safari

This Boat Safari is conducted by the forest department of Karnataka in the Kabini River. The total duration of a boat safari is 2 hours and here visitors will get to animals that live here or come to drink water. Wildlife that can be seen near the river are snakes, elephants, deer, crocodiles, cranes, darters, and a few others. Boat safaris can not be done during the summer season because of low water levels.

Tickets of Kabini Tiger Reserve

Kabini Tiger Reserve booking process depends upon your type of trip. Whether you are staying in a hotel or resort nearby or willing to go on a day trip. Visitors willing to stay in resorts or hotels can book through their hotels/resorts. A few jungle lodges and resorts include jeep safaris at Kabini Tiger Reserve in their stay packages. Visitors going for a day trip can directly book their safari tickets after arriving at the entry gate.

• Entry Fee: For Indians – INR 50 per head and Foregion tourists – INR 1500 per head

• Fee for Bus Safari: For Indians – INR 700 per head and foreign nationals/tourists – INR 1200 per Head

• The fee for Jeep Safari: is INR 2,242 per head and INR 500 for a camera above 200m and charges for a video camera are INR 1000.

Timings for Kabini Tiger Reserve and Safari

Kabini Tiger Reserve remains open throughout the year. The timings of boat and jeep safaris may vary. You cannot enter this park in your private vehicle, so if you want to visit the park you will have to book a boat/minibus/jeep safari.

• Timings of Kabini Tiger Reserve: 6 in the morning till 6 in the evening

• Timings of bus safari: The Bus safari slots are – 6 am to 7:30 am, 7:30 am to 9 am, 2:30 to 4 pm, 4 pm and 5:30 pm.

• Jeep Safari timings: 6 to 8 am and 3 to 5 pm

• Timings of Boat Safari: 6:30 to 9:15 am and 3:30 to 6:15 pm

Best Time to Visit the Kabini Tiger Reserve

Kabini Tiger Reserve can be visited at any time of the year. If you plan to visit from March to May, the peak summer months, be prepared for hot weather. During this time, the forests are dry and offer great wildlife spotting opportunities and animals like tigers and elephants can be seen near the Kabini River. Monsoon months starting from june are also great to visit, as the temperature during this time ranges between 20 to 34 degrees Celsius and the weather is great for relaxation. If you are fond of birdwatching and want to witness migratory birds, then the most suitable time to visit is between October and March.

How to get to Kabini Tiger Reserve

The route and mode of transport to reach the Kabini Tiger Reserve depends on the start point. The closest airport to this park is the Mysore airport. You can also take a flight to Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore and take a cab to get to Mysore. Tourists willing to travel by railway can take a train to Mysuru Junction and then reach the park by taxi. If you choose to travel by road, then you can get directly to the Kabini Tiger Reserve from your start point.

Conclusion

Visit this beautiful Kabini Tiger Reserve on your Karnataka Trip and get a chance to spot a variety of flora along with wildlife in their natural habitat. Make sure you don’t miss the thrilling safari experience. With just a little patience and luck, you can get a chance to spot majestic animals and capture them with your camera. Have a safe journey!