Once the private hunting grounds of the Wodeyar dynasty, the forests of Kabini today form one of India’s most vibrant and well-protected wildlife corridors. As part of the Nagarhole Tiger Reserve, this landscape supports an extraordinary range of species, including tigers, leopards, sloth bears, wild dogs, and the largest population of Asiatic elephants in the wild. Kabini’s terrain sets it apart. A mosaic of deciduous forest, open grassland, and seasonal backwaters makes it ideal for both land and boat safaris. This rich variety of habitats also draws over 300 bird species, from crested hawk-eagles and Malabar parakeets to migratory visitors like the bar-headed goose and Eurasian spoonbill.
Every journey through Kabini brings with it a sense of anticipation. Whether it’s a herd moving through the trees or the stillness before a sighting, the forest reveals itself slowly, rewarding those who move at its pace.
(Wildlife Safari is conducted by the Forest Department twice daily, from 6 AM to 9 AM and 3 PM to 6 PM. Please note that the safari seats are limited and subject to availability.)
Land safaris at Kaav are conducted in both open jeeps and canter vans, offering access to the Buffer zones of Nagarahole. The terrain winds through dense forest and open clearings where sightings are often at their most dramatic. Tigers, leopards, wild dogs, sloth bears, Indian gaurs, and elephants are frequently encountered, especially in the early morning or evening hours when the forest is most active.
The experience is immersive, with the forest revealing itself gradually. Alarm calls from langurs, a sudden hush in the canopy, or fresh pugmarks in the soil hint at something just beyond view. Each drive unfolds its own narrative, shaped by instinct, terrain and timing. In Nagarhole, no two journeys are ever the same.
(Wildlife Safari is conducted by the Forest Department twice daily, from 6 AM to 9 AM and 3 PM to 6 PM. Please note that the safari seats are limited and subject to availability.)
A boat safari along the Kabini Backwaters offers a unique opportunity to observe wildlife across two national parks. The river forms a natural boundary between Nagarahole
and Bandipur, creating a dynamic viewing experience where animals move freely between both reserves. During the dry season, large herds of elephants are often seen migrating across the banks, offering one of Kabini’s most iconic sights.
The stillness of the water also makes it easier to spot shy and elusive species. Marsh crocodiles bask on the banks, otters weave through the shallows, and waterbirds linger at the edge of the forest. Birdwatchers will find the boat safari particularly rewarding, with a chance to observe raptors and waders moving undisturbed through their element.
With its rare combination of dry deciduous forest, backwaters and grassland clearings, Kabini is one of South India’s richest birding habitats. Over 300 species have been recorded in the region, offering experienced birders the chance to observe both endemics and migratory species across seasons.
Key sightings include the Malabar trogon, white-bellied woodpecker, Indian pitta, Malabar grey hornbill and the forest owlet. The backwaters attract migratory waterbirds in winter, including bar-headed geese, woolly-necked storks and occasional appearances by the lesser adjutant. Raptors such as the crested hawk-eagle, white-eyed buzzard and grey-headed fish eagle are often seen gliding across the forest canopy or along the water’s edge.
Beyond the land and boat safaris, guided birding walks are available on request. These offer a slower-paced, focused experience that takes guests through forest edges and riverine patches, where more elusive and habitat-specific species can often be observed at close range.
