Your Ultimate Guide to Reaching Kabini National Park: Routes and Tips

Kabini National Park is the pride of Karnataka, showcasing its rich diversity. A renowned wildlife destination of India, it is nestled on the banks of the River Kabini. The sanctuary is perfect for birdwatchers, nature lovers, and wildlife enthusiasts. It is known for its abundant wildlife, landscapes, and unmatched safari experiences. If you are looking for a retreat into nature, Kabini is ideal for you. 

Are you planning a journey to Kabini National Park? Then, it will help to know everything related to the routes, transportation options, and more. This will make your journey smooth and without trouble, giving you the best memories. In this guide, we talk about the many routes to Kabini National Park while also talking about different tips to ensure an enjoyable and smooth trip.

Overview of Kabini National Park

Before we talk about the different routes for reaching Kabini, let’s learn more about the park.

Kabini National Park is situated on the riverbank of Kabini, spanning over 55 acres of land. It is a beautiful park surrounded by the Western Ghats and dense forests. The rich biodiversity of Kabini includes tigers, elephants, leopards, wild dogs, and deer (multiple species). Moreover, the national park is also known for its diverse species of birds (over 250), including hornbills, eagles, Indian rollers, and more. 

The appeal of Kabini lies in its safari. There is a jeep safari, an intimate experience allowing you to get up close with the animals here. Then, there is a boat safari allowing you to explore the animals from the riverside and see animals like crocodiles or otters. A boat safari also exposes you to a beautiful sunset over the rolling hills, a sight to behold. 

If you want to travel to Kabini, the best time is, of course, between October and March. During this time, the weather is pleasant, and the sightings of wildlife are abundant too. From March to June, waterholes in Kabini are the main places to see the animals gather to quench their thirst, making it again a good time to visit Kabini.

Different Routes to Kabini National Park

The beauty of Kabini is that it is located near many cities of Karnataka. So, to explore this biodiversity-rich park, all you have to do is reach the nearby states and head to Kabini. For instance, Kabini is 220 km from Bangalore, 80 km from Mysore, and 130 km from Coorg. Here are the different routes to take: 

By air:

Mysore airport is nearest to Kabini National Park—80 km away. However since it is a small airport, it does not connect to all cities. The convenient option is to reach Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore (BLR). This international gateway has better connectivity and is ideal for reaching Kabini from anywhere. 

From Bangalore and Mysore airports, this is how you can reach Kabini: 

Bangalore to Kabini:

• Distance: 220 km
• Duration: 4-5 hours
• Transport options: 
• Hiring a taxi or self-driving from Bangalore is best for reaching Kabini. 
• The scenic drive through lush green forests takes you via NH 44 from Bangalore to Mysore and then the State Highway of 33 from Mysore to Kabini.  

Mysore to Kabini: 

• Distance: 80 km
• Duration: 2-3 hours
• Transport options: From the airport, take a car or even a local bus to reach Kabini. Mysore runs daily buses to H.D. Kote and Sargur, near Kabini. Private cabs are ideal for commuting between Mysore and Kabini. 

Coorg to Kabini: 

If you are in Coorg, you can head to Kabini to enjoy the wildlife here.

• Distance: 130 km
• Duration: 3-4 hours
• Transport options: From Coorg, the drive is short and beautiful as you drive via the stunning Western Ghats. Take a private cab or rent a taxi for driving through picturesque views of forested hills and coffee plantations.  

By Train:

The nearest train station is Mysore Junction, which is near Kabini National Park with good connections to many cities. 

Bangalore-Mysore-Kabini

• Duration: 2-3 hours
• Train options: Shatabdi Express, Mysore, and Kaveri Express. Use apps like IRCTC (official railway app) or makemytrip.com to book a train ticket convenient to you.
• From Mysore: Take a local bus from the station or a private taxi to reach Kabini. 

Mysore to Kabini: 

• Distance: 80 km
• Duration: 2 hours
• Transport options: Take private taxis or a local cab from Mysore junctions to reach the resort or Kabini National Park.

By Bus: 

Bangalore to Kabini: 

No direct buses connect Bangalore and Kabini. From Bangalore, you have to take a bus to H.D. Kote or Mysore from the bus station (Majestic), and from these points, a local bus or private taxi can take you to the park. 

• Road distance from Bangalore to Mysore: 140 km
• Duration: 2-4 hours 

Mysore to Kabini: 

Many buses connect Kabini to Mysore. From Mysore, you reach H.D. Kote or Sargur, from where a short ride via a taxi can help you reach Kabini. If you book a luxury resort in Kabini, the hotel or resort will pick you up from Mysore.

• Distance: 60 km
• Duration: 1-2 hours

Road Conditions and Travel Tips

Assessing the road conditions 

The road conditions to reach Kabini from the nearby cities like Bangalore, Mysore, and Coorg are in tip-top condition. However, you will find certain stretches as you reach the Western Ghats to not be in the best conditions as they are narrow and winding. So, if driving for the first time in such conditions, drive a well-maintained vehicle and have snacks and water with you. 

Best time for road travel 

If you are traveling by road, knowing the perfect time for an ideal road trip is essential. So, early mornings or late afternoons are perfect as the traffic is lighter and the weather is also pleasant. 

Driving tips 

For anyone self-driving, be sure to be cautious while riding the winding roads. Avoid driving at night, and it is best to avoid driving completely at night during the monsoons.

Having a GPS device or a correct map is ideal to help you reach Kabini without any misadventures. Network coverage can be slow, so having a reading map is necessary. 

General tips for a memorable trip to Kabini

• It is best to book your safari in advance, especially if heading here in the peak seasons—October to March. It is best to book the safaris and accommodations in advance. Planning ahead, whether it is the route you will take or the lodge you will stay at, makes all the difference. 
• Kabini is a forested area, so you will experience a few temperature variations. Thus, pack light, breathable clothes for the day but also a layer of warm jackets or so for the night. Not to mention, packing insect repellent, comfortable shoes with good grip, and other toiletries are mandatory.  
• Take a day or two to explore Kabini perfectly by booking a lodge or resort. This will allow you to be comfortable in luxury camps while also indulging in any adventurous activities that these resorts and lodges offer. 
• You will find a few small shops near Kabini; ATM facilities are usually not available nearby. So, carry a decent amount of cash to ensure you can easily buy snacks or souvenirs.  
• The most important tool is to respect nature and wildlife here. Ensure you always follow the rules set by the forest department. Also, stay inside the vehicle during Kabini safari and do not fight with the driver or guide to change the routes. They are taking you on the best routes ideal for seeing different wildlife.  
• Carry binoculars and a camera with a strong zoom lens, as this makes taking pictures easy for you from a distance. 

Conclusion 

Reaching Kabini National Park is not a challenging task. There are several travel options from Bangalore to Coorg and Mysore. There is an option for you to reach the biodiversity-rich park via air, train, or even by taking a scenic road trip. Kabini is well-connected, and once you reach here, the unforgettable experience of spotting tigers and rare black panthers or looking at different bird species will simply keep you happy and engaged. Knowing all the routes and planning your journey is the best way to explore this national park in the best manner.