Elephant Safari
Riding on the back of an elephant is a thrill in itself but riding on its back while venturing into the jungle definitely has to be one of the best things to do in Kabini. The uneven terrain of the jungle makes riding on jeeps a challenge and also treacherous but getting to see the jungle while sitting on the back of one of its huge denizens is simply unforgettable.
You can ride on the tame elephants and venture into the jungle and truly be a part of the surroundings. The well-trained guides can take you into the parts where you have a better chance of observing the animals and birds without disrupting the flow of their day.
Price: Rs. 900 per person
Timings: 6.30 AM to 3.30 PM
Jungle Safari
A jungle safari through the Kabini region of the Nagarhole National Park will bring you to the heart of the dense foliage where some of the most majestic mammals of Asia live. You can spot herds of elephants, spotted deer, Indian Gaur, wild boar, sambar deer, tigers and even black leopards on a safari through Kabini. Apart from the fauna, the landscape itself is a spectacular one.
The riotous green foliage grows unchecked in these parts of the forest and offers a pleasant contrast to the city life. There are also a number of streams that pass through the wilderness, not only attracting more animals but also creating ideal photo opportunities.
Price: Approx. Rs. 1,500 per person
Timings: All safaris take place between 5:30 in the morning and 7:00 at night.
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Boat Safari at Kabini River
A boat safari on the Kabini River is an ideal way to bask in the beauty of the lush green surroundings as you are taken deeper into the jungle. The beginning of the safari takes you up-close to the rural life of the area as you are surrounded by local villages and people going about their everyday life.
Soon, the villages and the houses start to fade away and are replaced by dense forest cover. You can observe the marsh crocodiles in their natural habitat, smooth-coated otters playing in the water and a myriad of water birds dipping in and out of the water.
Price: Approximately Rs. 2,000 per person
Timings: Usually takes 3 hours; safaris start at 6:30 in the morning. The last safari usually returns by 6:30 in the evening.
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Visit Nagarhole National Park
Nagarhole National Park enjoys the status of a premier tiger reserve and is also under consideration by UNESCO for selection as a World Heritage Site. One of the top things to do in Kabini is to go visit Nagarhole National Park. The park falls under the Nilgiri biosphere reserve and is characterised by many streams, waterfalls, dense forest and even mountains.
It is also known to have the highest density of herbivores on the entire continent. From sighting birds to tigers, and from going on jungle safaris to visiting lakes, there are a plethora of things to do at the national park.
Price: Rs. 250 per person.
Timings: Daily; 6:00 AM - 9:00 AM & 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
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Stay at Wildlife Resorts
The picturesque surroundings and uninhibited reign of nature, make Kabini a hub of wildlife resorts and lodges. You can book a lodge bang in the heart of the forest like the Kaav Safari lodge or choose to stay by the banks of a river and book Kabini Springs Resort.
If you are interested in history, then you might want to stay at Kabini River Lodge as it once served as the hunting headquarters for the Maharaja of Mysore. For a truly luxurious experience in the wilderness, you can stay at Evolve Back Kabini or experience a truly rural experience at Orange County Kabini’s wildlife resorts are made to cater to a variety of guests.
Price: Range from below Rs. 1,000 to over Rs. 21,500 per night.
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Kabini Dam
The Kabini Dam sits on top of the Kabini River and has today become a major picnic destination for locals and tourists alike. The water collected in the reservoir offers dramatic views which are elevated by the surrounding jungles. You can sit at the dam site and see colourful birds flying in and out of the tree canopies and animals grazing on the edges of the forest.
The waters of the dam also offer excellent opportunities to enjoy colourful vistas of the sun as it sets into the horizon. Sitting at the Kabini Dam and enjoying a packed picnic with your family is surely a fun thing to do in Kabini.
Price: Rs. 20.
Timings: Daily: 6:30 AM - 9:00 PM
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Kabini Backwater View Point
Looking for quaint things to do in Kabini? Look no further. The Kabini Backwater viewpoint is situated in Kittur. Here, you can enjoy fantastic views of the river waters, especially during the sunset and sunrise. If you choose to camp here for the day, you might spot animals coming to the banks on the opposite side of the river. If you are lucky enough, you will also be able to spot a tiger. Sitting at the viewpoint, you can indulge in wildlife photography or simply take your binoculars out to spot smaller animals and birds as they sit in the higher reaches of the trees. It is also an excellent starting point for treks and hikes into the jungle.
Price: Free
Timings: Open throughout the day.
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Trekking
Apart from enjoying the thrill of trekking, you will also come one step closer to nature and its outstanding surreal beauty. If you are heading out on treks at Kabini, then it is at all times advisable to carry enough water and eatables with you so you don't break down yourself halfway. The trekking spots are located at The Tadiandamol, Kumara Parvatha, and Brahmagiri mountains.
Bike Riding
This adventure rich sport in the midst of the natural scenic beauty will thrill you and at the same time amaze you. If you love to take up challenges, then come over to Kabini with your bike and try out some stunts in the widespread trails located at Nagarhole National Park. Bike riding is ideal for friends and family vacationers.
City Shopping Tour
Shopping in the crowded markets is surely one of the most exciting things to do in Kabini. You can get wall hangings, wooden cutlery, chocolates, coin pouches, spices, coffee, and the list continues. If you are tired hopping from one shop to the other, then you can stopover in some eateries and re energize your soul. The best markets for souvenir shopping are located in Kodagu Region.
