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Wildlife & Safari

Kabini Wildlife Safari – Nagarhole National Park, Karnataka

Kabini is one of South India's finest wildlife sanctuaries — home to leopards, elephants, tigers, and the legendary black panther that has captivated wildlife photographers worldwide. Set on the banks of the Kabini River at the edge of Nagarhole National Park, every safari here is different: herds of elephants bathing at the river, a leopard melting into the undergrowth, or the extraordinary sight of a melanistic black panther slipping between the trees. Choose a budget-friendly Forest Department bus safari or a private jeep for an intimate, flexible experience.

Duration 2.5–3 Hours per safari shift
Reporting Time 30 minutes before safari shift
Departure Morning: 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM (hourly slots) | Afternoon: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM (hourly slots)
Starting From ₹850/per person
Highlights
Home of the famous Kabini black panther — one of the most photographed melanistic leopards in the world
Leopards, tigers, elephants, gaur, deer, crocodiles and over 250 bird species
Nagarhole National Park — part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Kabini River — elephants and wildlife congregate at the water's edge, especially October to May
Forest Department jeep and bus safaris bookable without resort accommodation
Wireless communication between safari vehicles to coordinate big cat sightings
Morning slots offer the highest probability of elephant herds and big cat activity
2.5–3 hour safari shifts — morning and afternoon
Inclusions & Exclusions
What's Included
  • Forest Department safari permit (jeep or bus as booked)
  • Registered forest guide
  • Driver and vehicle charges
  • Park entry fee
What's Not Included
  • Hotel accommodation (not required — day safaris available)
  • Transport to/from Kabini
  • Meals and beverages
  • Personal expenses
  • Professional camera/video charges (if applicable)
  • Anything not specifically mentioned under inclusions
Important Information
Park closes during monsoon season — safari operations typically suspended June to October; confirm exact dates before booking
Best season: November to May; March to May is ideal as wildlife congregates at the Kabini River
Advance booking strongly recommended — weekends and holidays fill quickly
Book online at tickets.nagaraholetigerreserve.com for Forest Department safaris
Original government-issued photo ID is mandatory at the gate
Neutral coloured clothing (brown, green, beige) recommended — avoid bright colours
Maintain silence during the safari; no littering inside the reserve
Jeep and bus safari prices listed are approximate Forest Department rates — verify at time of booking as they are subject to revision
Resort-operated private safaris (for lodge guests) are available at a premium — contact us for resort safari packages
Safari Options
2.5–3 hours
Budget-friendly group safari in a Forest Department van/canter. Operates on a fixed timed route with multiple wildlife stops. Suitable for families and budget-conscious travellers.
2.5–3 hours  •  Up to 6 persons
Private open-top jeep safari with a licensed guide and driver. Flexible route within the permitted zone. Ideal for photography and intimate wildlife encounters.
Ticket Pricing
Ticket / Attraction Adult Child (3–15 yrs)

Prices are approximate and subject to change. Confirm current rates at the time of booking.

Child Policy
  • No formal minimum age restriction for the safari
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult and remain seated during the safari
  • Child pricing may differ from adult rates — confirm at time of booking
Wildlife You May Spot
Animals
Indian Leopard (including melanistic black panther) Bengal Tiger Asian Elephant (large herds) Gaur (Indian Bison) Spotted Deer (Chital) Sambar Deer Barking Deer Mugger Crocodile Wild Boar Stripe-necked Mongoose Sloth Bear (occasional)
Birds
250+ species Malabar Trogon Crested Hawk-Eagle Changeable Hawk-Eagle Indian Roller Malabar Pied Hornbill Osprey Lesser Adjutant Stork Spot-billed Pelican
Zones
Kabini Range — riverside grassland and mixed forest Nagarhole core zone — dense teak and rosewood forest
Best Time to Visit
Good
November, December, January, February
Avoid
June, July, August, September, October

March to May is peak wildlife season — the Kabini River water level drops, forcing animals to gather at the water's edge in large numbers. November to February is pleasant and has consistent sightings. Park closes during monsoon (approximately June–October).

What to See
The Kabini reservoir and river attract large elephant herds, gaur, deer and crocodiles to the water's edge — especially breathtaking in the dry season (March–May).
On safari route
The Kabini range within Nagarhole is the home territory of a melanistic leopard (black panther) — one of the most sought-after wildlife sightings in India. Sightings are rare but possible.
On safari route
Dense mixed deciduous forest with teak, rosewood and terminalia — excellent habitat for leopards, tigers, and an extraordinary diversity of birdlife.
Included in safari permit
Suitable For
Wildlife and photography enthusiasts Families Couples Nature lovers Day trippers from Bengaluru and Mysuru
Book Now Check Availability Request Best Price
Suitable For
Wildlife and photography enthusiasts Families Couples Nature lovers Day trippers from Bengaluru and Mysuru
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