Kabini River Safari by Elephant and Boat

Kabini River Safari and Interesting Places nearby Kabini. Elephant and Boat Safari at Kabini.

The Kabani, also called Kabini or Kapila, is a river in southern India. It originates in the Wayanad District of Kerala state by the confluence of the Panamaram River and the Mananthavady River. It flows eastward to join the Kaveri River at Tirumakudalu Narasipura in Karnataka. The Kaveri river then irrigates Tamil Nadu and it is a significant drinking water source before emptying into the Bay of Bengal near Kaveripoompattinam. Close to the town of Sargur it forms the vast Kabani Reservoir. The backwaters of the Kabani reservoir are rich in wildlife especially in summer when the water level recedes to form rich grassy meadows. The Kabani dam is 2,284 ft (696 m) in length but that has been reduced considerably due to silt accumulation. The Kabani Dam is situated between villages Bichanahalli and Bidarahalli having distance of 17 km (11 mi) 6 km away from Sargur town in Heggadadevanakote taluk, Mysuru district.

Kapila River from Kabinigiri,Kerala

Kabini is an ideal recluse for nature lovers and travellers alike. Filled with a rich variety of flora and fauna, exquisite waterfalls and an abundance of wildlife ranging from carnivores to mammals to birds, Kabini has everything that a wildlife enthusiast aspires for. There is no dearth of places to visit in Kabini.

Once a famous hunting area for British viceroys and Maharaja of Mysore, Kabini is regarded as one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in Karnataka. The Kabini River is one of the most famous rivers in South India, originating in the Wayanad District of Kerala State, and flowing eastward to join the state of Karnataka. These gurgling water streams give birth to the most gorgeous reservoir and backwaters.

Endowed with an exquisite landscape and natural scenic beauty, Kabini is a year-round destination and attracts tourists from every nook and corner of the world. Jungle Safari is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Kabini to get a glimpse of different facets of wildlife and plant life species.

Top 10 Places to visit in Kabini

Elephant Safari at Kabini

Riding on an elephant’s back is a truly unique way of experiencing a jungle safari. Elephant safaris in India also happen to be safer and more reliable than other modes of transportation during jungle safaris. Be it mysteriously thick forests or dangerously deep valleys, choose to hop on to these gentle giants; riding on elephant-back gives you a never-before perspective of the breathtaking scenery and the thrilling chance to encounter wildlife at close quarters. Elephant safaris in India promise to be a unique experience that simply cannot be replicated through any other mode of travel.

Price: Rs 900 per person

Timings: 6:30 am to 3:30 pm

Jungle Safari at Kabini

Kabini jungle safari organised by jungle trail. The important predators and carnivores in Kabini National Park are the Bengal tiger, Indian leopard, dhole, sloth bear and the striped hyena. The herbivores are chital, sambar deer, barking deer, four-horned antelope, gaur, wild boar and Indian elephant. Kabini (Nagarhole) National Park provides an opportunity to see some of the southern population of gaur. Also, this national park in Karnataka is a good place to see elephants in the luxuriant forests and bamboo thickets which they most enjoy.

Other inhabitants include the common palm civet, various types of mongoose, black-naped hare, mouse deer, Indian pangolin, red giant flying squirrel, Indian porcupine and Indian giant flying squirrel. Commonly found reptiles include the mugger, common vine snake, common wolf snake, rat snake, bamboo pit viper, Russell’s viper, common krait, Indian rock python, Indian monitor lizard and the common road.

Price: Approximately Rs, 1,500 per person

Timings: All safaris take place between 5:30 in the morning and 7:00 at night

Kabini River Boat Safari

A trip out on the river has you floating in the midst of two National parks flanking the southern states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. With Nagarhole on one side and Bandipur on the other, their habitats step out onto these banks to quench their thirst. While herds of elephants, deer, bison and even the mighty cats come out for a drink, the reservoir’s most frequent visitors are marsh crocodiles and water birds like herons, kingfishers, cormorants, spot-billed ducks and many more.

Price: Approximately Rs: 2,000 per person

Timings: Usually takes 3 hours,

Safaris start at 6:30 in the morning. The last Kabini River safari usually returns by 6:30 in the evening

Nagarhole National Park

Nagarahole (Cobra river in the local language, Kannada), is a winding river which runs eastwards through its centre. Situated in the two districts of Mysore and Kodagu in the state of Karnataka.

Nagarahole Park is declared the thirty-seventh Tiger Reserve in India. It is also considered a World Heritage site by UNESCO. Three of the park namely Bandipur, Mudumalai& Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary are adjacent to the Nagarahole.

Bengal Tiger, Indian Leopard, Sloth Bear, and Striped Hyena are the predators that can be spotted in the park.

Herbivores like Elephants, Chital, Sambar Deer, and Barking Deer is also spotted around the national park.

Price: Rs: 250 per person

Timings: Daily 6.00 am to 9.00 am & 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Stay at Wildlife Resorts

Gushing through two states, being home to one of the lush forest reserves, and featuring a massive dam, Kabini is one of the famous rivers in South India. It originates from Wayanad in Kerala, flows into the state of Karnataka, and gives birth to the most beautiful reservoir and backwaters.

And it is on the banks of these backwaters, that travellers find peace and rest at the best Kabini resorts that surround the area of the famous Kabini Forest Reserve. Filled with natural beauty in abundance, and surrounded by rich flora and fauna, these best resorts in Kabini will leave your mind rejuvenated and your hearts enchanted forever.

Price: Range from below Rs: 1,000 to over Rs: 21,500 per night.

Kabini Dam

Kabini Dam was built in 1974 on River Kabini and is a tourist attraction for the enthralling nature that surrounds the structure. One can explore the dam, the flora and fauna and the river valley and immerse in its serene beauty. The dense forests around are home to a variety of birds, making the location an apt place for bird watching. This area was a hotspot for hunting for Maharajas and British Officers during the Colonial era. The dam, today, is a significant source of water for the Government of Karnataka and helps them supply an ample quantity of water to over 20 villages in the state.

Price: Rs: 20

Timings: Daily 6:30 am to 9:00 pm