Kabini National Park was a hunting hub for the British rulers, Mysore Maharaja, and Indian royalty at one time. Looking at the national park even today, it is easy to see what attracted all these people. Kabini National Park has been blessed with abundant biodiversity making it one of the best national parks in the country. Spread across acres of land, there is no dearth of what you can spot here regarding animals, mammals, and reptiles. The national park is also known for its rich flora, including rosewood, teak trees, silver oak, sandalwood, and more.
About Kabini National Park
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You can spot various animals at the Kabini National Park, from the mighty Bengal Tigers to the regal Asiatic elephants. The elusive lone black panther, adoringly named Saya or ‘the ghost of Kabini’, has been spotted by excited wildlife aficionados and photographers several times. It is at the centre of a documentary too! Other animals you spot at the national park include gaurs, civets, grey langurs, leopards, ussuri dhole, sambar deer, giant Indian flying squirrels, antelopes, bears, wild boars, and sloths at the national park.
The park is home to more than 250 bird species, which you can witness during the summer. Many migratory birds frequent the Kabini backwaters. You can see the white ibis, Malabar Grey Hornbill, white-backed vulture, red-headed vulture, blue-winged parakeet, Nilgiri Wood pigeon, and many more. The Kabini National Park is home to a large number of reptiles too. The park’s flora includes cotton, teak, sandalwood, crocodile bark, Kadam, and Indian Kino trees. Shrubs and conspicuous tree species can also be found that add depth to the park.
Must Read: Wildlife Experience India
Kabini National Park India Wildlife Safaris
From the congregation of Asiatic elephants to a herd of tigers, you can witness it all when you go on a wildlife safari. Teak trees, sandalwood trees, and Brahamagiri mountains are some of the prime attractions. Feel the richness of the flora and fauna where every living being thrives. You can opt for a minibus, jeep, boat safari, or all three!
1. Minibus Safari
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One of the entrance gates of the National Park is the Veeranahosahalli which is close to Hunsur on the North side. If you want a minibus safari, this is the gate that you need to reach after booking your tickets. The minibus safari takes one hour, and you can spot a range of flora and fauna. The Veeranahosahalli stretch is covered in the minibus safari.
2. Jeep Safari
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You need to report to the Nachi or Veeranahosahalli gates. You can choose Zone A and Zone B for a jeep safari. You will pass through the lush and dense forest area in Zone A. You can spot animals casually strolling, sleeping, fighting, eating, or hunting. In Zone B, you will pass near the Kabini backwaters. You can spot animals that come to the water, such as elephants, tigers, and birds. The jeep safari takes two hours.
3. Boat Safari
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Also known as the Kabini Backwaters Forest Safari, Karnataka’s Forest Department conducts this safari in the Kabini River. It takes over two hours, and you can spot the animals that come to the river to quench their thirst. You will spot snakes, deer, cranes, crocodiles, elephants, cormorants, darters, and more. The boat safari is unavailable during summer as the water level is shallow, and the waters overflow during the rainy season.
Kabini National Park Tickets
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The booking process depends on whether you are staying at a resort or hotel near the national park or have just come for a day tour. If you are staying in Kabini, you can book through the hotel or resort you are staying at. Some resorts, such as Jungle Lodges & Resorts, include the jeep safari price when you stay at their property. Otherwise, you can purchase the safari tickets at the national park’s entry gate.
Entry fee: INR 50 per person for Indian citizens, INR 1500 per person for foreign nationals/tourists
Bus safari fee: INR 700 per person for Indian citizens, INR 1200 per person for foreign nationals/tourists
Jeep safari fee: INR 2,242 per person, an additional INR 500 fee for a camera above 200m, an additional fee of INR 1000 for a video camera
Boat safari fee: Charges vary depending on nationals/tourists and weekday/weekend
Suggested Read: Erawan National Park
Kabini National Park Timings And Safari Timings
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Kabini National Park is open throughout the year. The jeep and boat safaris have specific timings that must be followed and respected. No private vehicle is allowed in the national park, so booking a safari (bus/jeep/boat) is a must if you want to visit the park. Here is a breakdown of Kabini National Park timings and safari timings.
National Park timings: 6 am to 6 pm
Bus safari timings: 6 am to 7:30 am, 7:30 am to 9 am, 2:30 pm to 4 pm, 4 pm to 5:30 pm
Jeep safari timings: 6 am to 8 am, 3 pm to 5 pm
Boat safari timings: 6:30 am to 9:15 am, 3:30 pm to 6:15 pm
Best Time To Visit Kabini National Park
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You can visit the Kabini National Park at any time during the year. If you visit during the summer, generally from March to May, you must be prepared for the scorching sun and heat. As the forests dry during this time, you have a better chance of a sighting. Elephants are mostly sighted here during this time as they come in herds.
If you visit Kabini National Park after the monsoon, generally from June onwards, you will see the water bodies full and overflowing. The weather is pleasant, and the land is cool so you will spot the most animals. It is a sight to behold the mighty creatures basking in the glory of the forest. This is the best time to visit Kabini National Park, India.
Suggested Read: National Parks In India
How To Reach Kabini National Park
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How to reach Kabini National Park depends on your starting point. The nearest airport is Mysuru Airport. You can take a cab from Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru to Mysuru. The nearest railway station is Mysuru Junction, and you can hire a taxi to go to the national park from there. If travelling by road, you can drive directly to the Kabini National Park location.
Further Read: Jungle Safari Tips
Visit the stunning Kabini National Park on your trip to Karnataka. Explore the wildlife in its natural habitat and flora you will not find anywhere else. Make sure you go on a safari. Who knows, you might spot Saya, the ghost of Kabini!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kabini National Park
When was the panther first spotted in Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary?
The panther was first seen in 2014.
Where to stay in Kabini?
You can choose a wide range of hotels and resorts in Kabini; from luxurious stays to rural cottages.
What is special about Kabini?
You have a higher probability of spotting wildlife.
Which city is closest to Kabini?
Mysuru is the closest major city, and you can easily get cabs to Kabini.
How much time to visit Kabini?
If you want to enjoy nature, spot more wildlife on various safaris and visit nearby attractions, you should stay for at least 3 to 4 days.
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