Kabini National Park is a dream place for every nature and wildlife lover. It is a hidden gem in Western Ghats, known for its rich biodiversity boasting stunning dense forests, serene backwaters and the calm Kabini River.
The Kabini River Safari is quite famous and the boat ride is a great way to explore the wildlife experience Kabini offers.
With the boat safari on River Kabini, you can enjoy a unique vantage point for observing the diverse wildlife of Kabini including the mugger crocodiles or the swans.
The park’s wildlife includes leopards, Royal Bengal Tigers, and even a Black Panther if you are lucky. The Asiatic animals are the most loved creatures of Kabini.
Kabini National Park, part of the larger Nagarhole National Park, is situated in Karnataka and spans over 55 acres of land. It was previously a hunting ground for the Maharajas of Mysore.
Catering to the hunting whims of Indian royalty and viceroys, it was transformed into a park to conserve wildlife. If you are planning to visit this diverse park to enjoy its rich biodiversity and indulge in a river safari, here are a few things you should know.
Best Time to Visit Kabini River Safari
A year-round destination, Kabini is open throughout the year for a safari experience. However, everyone wants to experience different things, so accordingly, finding a good time is important.
Summers: The months between March to May are one of the best times for visiting Kabini to enjoy a wildlife sighting and river safari. The water sources are mostly dried up inside the forest. You will find the animals around the riverbanks.
This offers excellent opportunities to spot mammals like elephants or deer or leopards and even the apex predator- Tiger. Do remember that the temperature goes up to 40°C, so be prepared for the heat.
Monsoons: Monsoon brings heavy rainfall and turns the place into a green paradise. The forest is dense, beautiful and simply alluring. But if your sole reason is to enjoy the Kabini River Safari, this may not be a good option.
The safaris get cancelled due to heavy rainfall and sighting any animals becomes challenging. The birdwatchers can, however, enjoy Kabini due to the excellent variety of migratory and local birds.
Winters: It is an excellent season for visiting Kabini and enjoying a river safari. The pleasant weather and good wildlife mean it is also the peak season, so make bookings in advance.
The temperature is cooler, so safari rides are comfortable and it is easy to see the animals as the vegetation is diverse. Winters also attract migratory birds and this allows bird lovers to enjoy this paradise beautifully.
Prices and timings of Kabini River Safari
Kabini River Safari is offered by many private resorts in Kabini and tour operators. It is a beautiful and adventurous experience as you get to witness crocodiles gliding in & out of water through your boat safari. You also get to enjoy a beautiful sunset if you take the evening safari.
With this safari, you get to enjoy watching the Asiatic elephants playing, feeding, and bathing. The price and timing details of the Kabini River Safari are below.
Timings
Morning safari timings: 6 am to 9 am
Evening safari timings: 3 pm to 6 pm.
Prices
INR 3,250 per person (adult)
INR 1,650 per person (child-6-10 years)
Choose any time to enjoy a 3-hour guided boat safari and witness beautiful and diverse wildlife.
Wildlife to Spot on a Kabini River Safari
On a river safari in Kabini, you will see many birds and animals. Known for its predators, Kabini is a blessing for anyone who loves the Indian wilderness.
Mammals
The Asiatic animals are found grazing or playing in rivers in herds and the elusive Royal Bengal Tigers are the most sought-after creatures here. The riverbank offers the highest chance of spotting the tigers.
The other mammals found here include leopards, Dholes, sloth bears, Indian Bison, sambar, and spotted deer- the latter two are found near the river mostly.
Birdlife
Kabini is known for its massive birdlife. These include fish eagles, grey-headed fish eagles, Ospreys and more. The other impressive bird species here include the Malabari Pied Hornbill- an iconic bird of the Western Ghats.
Other birds to enjoy include Malabar Torgan, Indian Pitta, painted storks, and Pelicans.
Reptiles & Amphibians
Kabini is also known for its reptiles and amphibians. These include marsh crocodiles, King Cobras, and Indian Rock Pythons.
How to book?
You can book a safari to the Kabini River from the official site of the Forest Department. Or you can book it as a package from the resort or lodge you are staying in.
There are private tour operators like BanBanjara offering the best packages for you to explore this national park. Their official site https://kabininationalpark.org/kabini-river-safari/ is dedicated to making your safari experience a memorable one here.
Travel Tips
- Dress well in earthy-colored clothes like browns, khakis, or greens as it lets you blend in with the surroundings. No bright-colored clothes.
- Ensure to choose resorts or eco-lodges supporting sustainable tourism and conservation.
- It is best to carry a good camera with a strong zoom lens, ideal for wildlife photography.
- Always stay hydrated and carry insect repellent, sunscreen and more.
- Do not litter in the park and avoid all loud noises.
Conclusion
Are you a nature lover or enthusiast looking for a quick break? Then, heading to Kabini National Park is perfect. The park is famous for being home to tigers, leopards and elephants.
However, a rare sighting of Black Panther is also possible here. The Kabini river safari is a unique way to explore the biodiversity here.
Riding the calm water, exploring the many species of birds or watching a crocodile basking in the sun is a memorable experience for sure. Book your river safari today and have the best time in the world.
