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The Secrets of Budget Travel to Kabini

By Rahuldev Rajguru

Last Updated: 24 May 2023

I've always had a thing for wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. Kabini forest and backwaters is a place I have wanted to visit for quite some time now. Having visited several forests in south India and having knowledge about wildlife in general, I knew that the best time to visit Kabini is between February and May. While it is difficult to guarantee tiger sightings in the wild, Kabini has gained a reputation as a destination with significantly higher chances of spotting tigers. It is an ideal habitat for tigers. It consists of dense forests, open grasslands, and numerous water bodies, which support a thriving ecosystem and a healthy prey base. The combination of these factors makes it a suitable environment for tigers to thrive.

Without much ado, I discussed the plan with my family and a close family friend. It lit up their eyes, especially the kids, who were giddy with joy. Yet, a sense of apprehension still hung in the air, casting a shadow over our dreams of adventure. Kabini's daunting reputation as a "luxury destination" loomed large. As we crunched numbers together, we arrived at a jaw-dropping figure, which amounted to at least INR 1 lakh for a blissful 2-night stay and exhilarating 2-3 safaris for both families. The weight of the cost threatened to shatter our dreams, questioning the feasibility of splurging so lavishly on a mere three days of escapade.

Sighting a tiger in Kabini is real treat for wildlife lovers.

The majestic tiger catching a glimpse of us while we catch a glimpse of him


The decision was made that we would not splurge much. But we were not going to let go of our Kabini dreams that easily. I relish a challenge when someone claims that traveling to Kabini on a budget is an insurmountable feat! Undeterred, I delved deep into my network of resources. And lo and behold, a glimmer of hope emerged. The options included staying near Mysore or in homestays near Mananthwady (Kerala). Most homestays are located between Mysore and Kabini in Karnataka or in Kerala approximately 25-40 kilometers away. It would mean driving at least an hour to get to the safari point, which we were not prepared for.

It is not recommended to stay on the Kerala side if your primary objective is to do the wildlife safari in Kabini. From Kerala if you want to visit Kakanakote, you have to pass through the forest and two checkposts - one on the Kerala border and the other at Kabini. The forest is closed from 6 pm to 6 am. The evening safari ends at 6 pm so you will not be able to cross over the checkpost and morning safari starts at 6.30 am and they will not allow you in before 6 am. It is a one-hour drive once you cross the check post at Kerala-Karnataka border which does not allow you to reach by 6.30 am.



And thus, our quest continued, eliminating one option after another. There are several luxurious resorts and hotels in Kabini, but they did not align with the thrifty nature of our trip. Our determined gaze fell upon a handful of budget accommodations, seemingly tailored for intrepid backpackers, but ill-suited for a family holiday yearning for comfort and joy. Just as hope began to dwindle, a last-ditch effort beckoned me towards the realm of Internet. And there it was, a moment of sheer serendipity! Behold, I stumbled upon a gem that perfectly accommodated all seven of us, weaving seamlessly into the intricate tapestry of our budget. As they say, where there is a resolute will, a path unfailingly presents itself.

Kabini cost structure for budget travel and luxury resorts like Jungle Lodges

Cost comparison of staying in a luxury Kabini resort versus a local homestay


So began our odyssey to Kabini, a part of the Nagarhole forest. After a rather interesting drive from Bangalore to Kabini, we reached at the local farmhouse. It was perfect as we wanted to experience the local culture and flavor. It was also perfectly located, just 5 km from Kakanakote forest safari point, which is where we had to board the canter bus.

In Kabini, there are no independent fine-dining restaurants. There are, however, a few budget restaurants serving decent local cuisine. Having a built-in kitchen at the farmhouse enabled us to prepare tea, coffee, and heat the food we had brought with us. The caretaker can also cook food for you at a reasonable rate if you inform them in advance. Located just 2 km away is Shree Siddalingeswara Hotel, a small makeshift restaurant that serves local food.

Exceptional view of the Kabini backwaters from the Airbnb homestay

Exceptional view of the Kabini backwaters from the farmstay

The Kabini Magic

Obviously, you would know by now that I research the places I visit in detail. During our drive to Kabini, I was sharing these interesting facts with my family and what caught their attention more than anything else was the fact that Kabini has the highest density of tigers. They were super excited that the estimated density was approximately 12 tigers per 100 sq km, highest in South India and 3rd highest in India. The gang was especially elated because this meant a sure shot at sighting a tiger during the Kabini forest safari! As the forest becomes drier in summer, the water bodies inside it also dry out. This prompts animals to venture out in search of man-made water bodies and food, making sightings possible.

The dry forest canopies of Kabini Tiger Reserve.

The dry forest canopy permeable to incoming light creates a stunning view


Due to the Kabini River that meanders through Nagarhole Tiger Reserve, this portion of Nagrahole National Park is called Kabini. In recent years, Kabini has become synonymous with the majestic tiger. This was not the case in the years gone by when central Indian national parks were known to be tiger havens. In south India, Bandipur was known as the home of tigers. The last decade, however, has brought Kabini to the limelight because of the efforts of the Nagarhole Tiger Conservation Foundation. This jungle is a part of the incredible Western Ghats and is contiguous with Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala and Bandipur Tiger Reserve in Karnataka. This spectacular biodiversity hotspot extends across an extensive area of 847 sq km and is located in both the districts of Mysore and Coorg.

Bus safari in Kabini

Our trip was primarily focused on doing the safari, so we planned to do both the morning and evening safaris. I would advise booking the Kabini safaris online to avoid disappointment. There are safaris in the morning and afternoon everyday. On weekdays, the safaris are 2.5 hours long while on weekends they are 1.5 hours duration. The tickets are priced differently on weekdays and weekends with camera charges extra according to type of equipment.

Kakanakote wildlife safari boarding point and forest department office in Kabini

Safari boarding point and forest department office in Kabini

Bookings need to be made 2 days in advance so plan accordingly. We were not able to book one safari in advance but were informed by the staff that there is a walk in option provided seats are available. We took a chance and arrived at the boarding point early to try our luck and we were lucky. The entire system is well organized and the staff are very helpful. All the four buses quickly filled up with walk-in visitors and we were on our way into the forest for an exciting adventure.

Canter bus at Kakankote forest safari point in Nagarhole National Park

Me & my family all excited to board the Canter bus at Kakankote forest safari point


The network of guides and their internal coordination was truly fascinating. They understand the excitement of visitors to see wildlife and ensure that we sight as many animals as possible, especially the tiger sighting. They used walkie talkies and phones to stay connected with each other and inform each other of sightings. At any point there are around 14-15 vehicles doing safaris in the forest. Kabini Jungle Lodge Resort, a premium resort owned by the Karnataka government has jeeps that do safaris as well. While the buses had a few wildlife photographers, one of the jeeps had people from National Geographic with high end equipment hoping for some spectacular captures. Kabini is a hotspot for wildlife photography. At the end of the day, it all comes down to luck as far as sighting is concerned.

Inquisitive black-faced langur as seen from Kabini bus safari.

This inquisitive black-faced langur is one of the many animals we sighted during our Kabini bus safari

The wilderness wonder of Kabini

As we entered the forest, we started sighting several animals wandering around. Deer were the most common, like dogs on the streets in India. We also spotted sambar deer, mongoose and wild turtles.

You can spot plenty of Sambars in Kabini and Nagarhole during wildlife safari.

An animated capture of sambars entangled in each other


The most common sighting in Kabini wildlife sanctuary is that beautiful deer in large numbers

The most common sighting in Kabini wildlife sanctuary is that of these beautiful deer in large numbers

Meet the celebrities of Kabini

As we approached a water body, we spotted a large herd of elephants. It was a perfect sighting with adults and few babies among 14-15 of these mammoth creatures. The entire herd had come to the watering hole to refresh themselves and it was the most captivating sight. Our cameras were clicking non-stop as we wanted to capture as much of these gentle giants as possible.

Elephants are the real celebrities in Kabini and Nagahole national parks

This gentle giant herd made for a perfect family picture



The protective nature of elephants is beautifully captured in this photo


While sighting this magnificent herd of elephants was a splendid experience, we were slightly disappointed that we did not see a tusker. As we were driving further into the forest, I was telling my group that tuskers are usually seen solo. To our absolute delight we spotted a tusker crossing the road at a distance. It was a dream come true for all of us and we ensured that we got innumerable pictures of this rare visual of a tusker.

Spotting a lone Tusker in Kabini is exciting.

Spotting this lone tusker in Kabini was an exciting moment for all of us


Moving on, there was another pleasant surprise awaiting us in the tree nearby. Our guide pointed out to a giant squirrel busy chomping on some delicious snack perched on the tree. Normally, these creatures are so frisky and hyperactive that capturing them on camera is nearly impossible. Today was our lucky day as she was engrossed in her snack and we could get some amazing pictures from just 10 feet away.

Indian Malabar Giant Squirrel - the most difficult species to photograph in Kabini

This Indian Giant Squirrel is one of the most difficult species to photograph owing to his agility


Our guide did indicate that we may not see the tiger as the herd of elephants were at the spot where it usually comes around 5.30 pm everyday to refresh itself. Of course we were a tad disappointed but we were booked for the safari the next morning as well, so there was hope. A word of caution for travelers who are allergic, ensure you protect yourself adequately while on the safari as the vehicle movement on the mud paths makes it extremely dusty.


The dry landscape of Nagarhole Tiger Reserve embodies a treasure trove of wildlife

The CAT of Kabini

Safari vehicles are allowed only at particular times of day and the forest is otherwise closed to visitors. This also means that at a given time, everyone visiting gets to see the same animals. We arrived at the Kakanakote safari pick up point early the next morning to chilly weather due to the slight elevation. We had not anticipated this and were rather ill equipped. Thankfully, the excitement of sighting the prized treasure of Nagarhole, the tiger got the better of us and we weathered the cold. Other visitors gathered there were also in a similar situation. Either we were all going to get lucky or not, we had to wait and see. We kept reminding ourselves along the drive into the jungle that Kabini is a premier spot for tiger sighting in south India so today will be lucky. Lo and behold, soon we sighted the tigress! We had enough time to photograph the beautiful animal as she was just 100 meters away from us.

Sighting the tiger in Kabini is a special moment for every visitor

Sighting the tiger in Kabini is a special moment for every visitor and our day was made with sighting this majestic cat


Over the years, the tigers have gotten used to humans and are very comfortable and friendly as they know that they will not face any harm. We had a fantastic view of the tiger and of course captured some incredible photos as well. Mission accomplished!

I embarked on several more journeys to Kabini, and every time, the enchanting "Kabini Magic" unfolded. But oh, the magic truly sparkled during the monsoon when lush greenery envelops everything. A tiger sighting amidst this emerald backdrop is an experience beyond words. On one such occasion, I was incredibly fortunate to witness a jaw-dropping spectacle - six magnificent tigers gracing us with their presence.

It is rare to spot a group of Tigers in Kabini or any other forests

It is one of the rarest sights in any forest, not just Kabin, to see a large group of tigers. The challenge is to fit them all into your camera's frame.


It was the pinnacle of my Kabini experiences, and destiny smiled upon me further as our canter bus provided the ultimate vantage point. From just 30 to 100 meters away, I captured moments to treasure forever. The tigers lingered, time stood still, and Kabini's magic revealed itself in all its glory. As they say, Kabini never disappoints!

Mesmerizing view of three tigers together in Kabini

This is one of the many shots of the tigers that I captured during our safari in Kabini


Kabini is very famous for sighting leopards and black panthers as well. Kabini is home to the world famous Saya, "The Real Black Panther". Shaaz Jung who has been documenting Saya's life for over five years now says that Saya usually comes out once in a month and one has to be super lucky to spot her. Some visitors do get lucky, but lady luck was not with us. Our guide told us that two tigeresses had recently given birth. Sighting the cubs also is very rare because they usually bring them out only after visitors have left.

It is a treasure to take headshot of the tiger

This was one of my best shots because the tiger was only 30 meters away, allowing me to get the headshot


On our way back from the safari, we drove to the Belle Elephant Camp and to our surprise, we saw Arjun the celebrity tusker fooling around in the river and enjoying the water. He is one of the elephants that are used at the Dussehra celebrations in Mysore. The sight of this adorable pachyderm was a bonus and we spent some time watching him and also taking pictures. All in all, we had an amazing safari that morning and returned to our accommodation, exhilarated.

Arjun, the celebrity elephant of the Dussehra celebration

A bonus was spotting Arjun, the celebrity elephant of the Dussehra celebration cooling off near the Belle Elephant Camp

Beautiful flyzone of Kabini

The homestay itself was situated in beautiful settings on the banks of the backwaters. A huge orange berry tree on the premises attracts more than 30 species of birds every day. I could recognize some of them as I had spotted them in BR Hills Tiger Reserve. These birds have their own schedule and I spent a fascinating two hours sighting these stunning beauties and of course taking tons of pictures.

Kabini is also a paradise for bird lovers.

A visual feast of numerous birds that visited the farmhouse that we stayed in during our visit to Kabini

Kabini backwaters

The shore of the Kabini backwaters makes for a gorgeous location and picnic spot which we explored. Carrying our picnic basket, we headed to the backwaters (click here for the direction) for a leisurely time in the lap of nature. The natural surroundings were extraordinary and made for a perfect backdrop for a photo ops session that we all enjoyed.

The Kabini backwaters and surrounding greenery is perfect picnic spot

The backwaters, the surrounding greenery and the view made for a perfect picnic spot



Incredible surroundings and great company is the perfect combination - a fun time spent with family & friends at the backwaters


To our luck, we saw some local fishermen who live near the backwaters, fishing in their coracle boats. While some resorts offer short coracle rides, here was the opportunity for us to experience this in the authentic way, with the locals. It reminded us of our kayaking adventure in the Mangrove backwaters of Tamil Nadu. We requested them to take us for a ride and they happily obliged, accepting whatever goodwill fee we offered. All of us enjoyed the boat ride in Kabini backwaters which was again a unique experience.

A thrilling coracle ride with local fisherman in Kabini backwaters.

A thrilling coracle ride with the local fisherman added the extra zing to this fun day


The backwaters obviously attract many water birds and it was another fabulous opportunity for me to indulge in birding and photography. Being an offbeat place, there were no other tourists except us which made the experience that much more enjoyable.

Waterbirds at Kabini backwaters

These gorgeous visitors at the backwaters added to the charm of the place


One of the most beautiful and serene sights in nature is a sunset over a calm body of water. Our host had emphasized that we should not miss the sunset at Kabini backwaters view point. The colors of sky intensified as they reflected off of the water offering a majestic sight. It added another layer of beauty to an already stunning ambience.

Sunset at Kabini backwaters

The mesmerizing sky in a million shades of orange left us in awe of nature's extra

Kabini Dam

The Kabini Dam showcases the engineering prowess of the region. While visitors are not allowed inside due to security reasons, the dam offers a stunning view from the exterior. The route leading to the dam presents a picturesque journey through the lush landscapes. The area surrounding the dam is also a great spot for a peaceful stroll or a moment of relaxation.

Stunning scenery at Kabini Dam

Stunning scenery at Kabini Dam

A well rounded weekend getaway

As the sun set on our unforgettable journey, we couldn't help but reflect on our extraordinary trip to Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary, accomplished within the bounds of our budget. A symphony of nature's wonders and thrilling family-friendly activities greeted us from the moment we stepped into the mystical wilderness.

Exhilarating jungle safaris led us deep into the heart of the Nagarhole Forest, where we encountered awe-inspiring wildlife. With bated breath, we spotted graceful elephants, majestic tigers, and a myriad of captivating wildlife species. Each sighting served as a treasure trove of unforgettable moments that we will cherish for years to come.

But it wasn't just the untamed wilderness that captured our hearts. Kabini provided a variety of family-friendly attractions that delighted our senses. We discovered the tranquility of the Kabini River through boat rides, where the serenity of the waters mirrored that of our souls. Our eyes were awestruck by the vibrant hues of avian wonders gracefully fluttering through the sky.

And the best part is? We achieved all of this without breaking the bank. Our pursuit of affordable options led us to uncover hidden gems, cozy Kabini homestay nestled in the embrace of nature, providing comfort and warmth at a fraction of the cost.

As we bid farewell to Kabini, our hearts were filled with joy and contentment. Our objective is to encourage families to take part in affordable wildlife adventures. Let not the whispers of expense deter you, for within the labyrinth of possibilities lie treasures waiting to be discovered.

Frequently Asked Questions:

When is the best time to visit Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary?

Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary is a great place to see a variety of animals in their natural habitat. The best time to visit Kabini is between February and May, when it is a dry season and the animals are more active. During this time, you have a better chance of seeing tigers, elephants, leopards, and other predators. However, Kabini is also a beautiful place to visit during the monsoon season, when the forests are lush and green.

How many tigers are there in Kabini?

The population of tigers in Kabini is hard to ascertain as the animals are elusive and move about freely in the park's dense vegetation. However, according to a study conducted in 2018, there are at least 27 tigers living in Kabini.

Is Kabini the same as Nagarhole?

Kabini is situated within the Nagarhole Tiger Reserve and National Park, and forms part of the park's western boundary. The entire park covers an area of 643 square kilometers, and is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, tigers, leopards, and sloth bears.

Is Kabini better than Bandipur?

Kabini and Bandipur are both popular tiger reserves in India. Overall, Kabini is the better choice. The reserve has a higher density of tigers, and visitors are more likely to see tigers here than at Bandipur. In addition, Kabini is less crowded than Bandipur, so there's less chance of disturbing the tigers.

What are some low-cost things to do in Kabini?

Budget-conscious travelers will find several affordable activities in Kabini. A coracle boat ride along the tranquil backwaters is one such activity. In this traditional circular boat, you can enjoy the serenity of the surrounding scenery. Last but not least, you can enjoy nature walks and bird watching along the trails surrounding Kabini backwaters.

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Things To Consider

The best time to visit is March to May. It is the dry season when waterholes are dry forcing animals to come out to the lake. Sightings of Tiger are common at this time. Weather conditions are more favorable during the months of November to February.
The Kabini Forest is believed to have a remarkable culture & history. Set up as a wildlife sanctuary in 1955, it was declared a national park in the 1980s & a tiger reserve in 1999. The reserve has done remarkable conservation work to protect tiger.
There are not many eating options in this region. There are a few average restaurants in the vicinity that cater to visitors and the food served is basic but hygienic. It is good to carry snacks with you to manage hunger pangs while on the road.
Safaris in Kabini are managed by the government and are well organized. The whole experience is well curated and utmost safety & precautionary measures are adhered to. Visitors are advised to exercise caution and discipline while on a safari.
Our farmhouse offered an offbeat experience of the backwaters. We indulged in a picnic as well as a coracle ride with the local fishermen which was unique.
Comfortable clothes and footwear is important. Carry some snacks as there are not many eating options in and around the place. Carry protective accessories to stay safe from the dustiness of the jungle. Mosquito repellent is good to carry.

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Manaf
24 Jul 2024   07:08

Hi My wife and myself are interested in Kabini. When is the next tour you are organizing. Can you give details of the size of the group and other details please Regards Manaf

Rahuldev
24 Jul 2024   14:15

Hi Munaf, happy to plan a trip for your family. Please send me WhatsApp on +91 94498 55835 to discuss in detail.

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smaranik roy
24 Apr 2024   06:20

Nice Blog {Post I Love It.

Rahuldev
24 Apr 2024   11:29

Thank you

Reply
Sre
13 Dec 2023   02:50

Planning Kabini trip , can you give the contact of the homestay?

Reply
Yuvraj Patel
28 Nov 2023   02:54

Saw your post on Kabini, I am visiting on 4 Dec but not getting any keep booking, can you help with reliable source who can book a safari for me.

Rahuldev
28 Nov 2023   02:58

Thanks Yuvraj for stopping by. The safari can only be booked online. They do keep some slots for walk-in customers but it is too big a risk to take. Usually the queue starts 2-3 hours before the safari during the peak season and very few can get it. I regularly conduct personalized trips to Kabini with 3-4 liked-minded people. You may want to join me next time. Please visit https://turuhi.com/travelwithme to know more.

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Vishwajyoti Goswami
09 Nov 2023   17:31

What is the name of the farmhouse where you stayed? Is there a website or contact available?

Rahuldev
10 Nov 2023   00:03

There are only a handful of homestays in Kabini and none have websites. I organize personalized and curated trips to Kabini and you're welcome to join the next one. Please visit "Travel With Me" section in the website to know more.

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Natesh Mahadevan
02 Nov 2023   09:09

Hello ji Am keen for Kabini trip... Am in bangalore, how about you sir..

Rahuldev
02 Nov 2023   09:10

Thank you Natesh. I will connect with you personally. You are happy to join me in my upcoming trip to Kabini.

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Jayant Khanna
21 Oct 2023   09:40

We are not planning to stay in Kabini , will only visit for bus safari. Can we do boat safari or coracle ride?

Rahuldev
23 Oct 2023   03:47

Yes, you can.

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Sagar
09 Oct 2023   12:31

What is the recommended homestay at Kabini? Is mid Oct good time to go to Kabini?

Rahuldev
09 Oct 2023   16:01

Homestay details are mentioned in the blog, you can contact them directly. Kabini is a year round destination and it usually doesn't disappoint. However, tiger sighting probability reduces during the monsoon season.

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Pragna Dheeraj
20 Aug 2023   10:39

Thank you for such an informative and detailed blog. But jungle lodges and resort is closed comparatively in the cheaper end than the luxurious resorts nearby. We booked for one night stay there for 20k all inclusive ( couple and our child). What an amazing experience it was. And the food was to die for. Do stay there to enjoy their Jeep Safari which is not to be missed.

Rahuldev
20 Aug 2023   23:29

Thanks for reading, I'm glad you had nice time in Kabini.

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Renuka
11 Aug 2023   11:53

Thank you so much. your blog covers all my queries ,excellent photography

Rahuldev
11 Aug 2023   17:36

Thank you for stopping by. I am glad it helped you plan your travel to Kabini.

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M.Pavithra
28 Aug 2022   08:55

Very well written and informative & beautiful pictures.. just loved seeing animals in their natural element.

Paresh
30 Aug 2022   17:23

Thank you..

Reply
Jawaad
16 Apr 2022   14:29

Amazing article, sir! Also, can you please share the exact location of the backwaters where you had your "picnic"?

Rahuldev
16 Apr 2022   15:38

Thank you Jawaad for stopping by. I'm glad you liked my travel story on Kabini. Here's the location link for the backwaters https://goo.gl/maps/oekX5NdEqD4h8c1Z8.

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Mithilesh
13 Apr 2022   03:25

Very well written and informative & beautiful pictures.. just loved seeing animals in their natural element.

Rahuldev
13 Apr 2022   06:01

Thank you Mithilesh. I am glad you liked the pictures and the information. Kabini is a place where you can sight many animals in their natural habitat.

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Anand
11 Apr 2022   11:21

Its an amazing story with mindblowing photographs. To stay with wildlife and lovely nature is the best things. Very impressive.

Rahuldev
11 Apr 2022   11:34

Thank you Anand for stopping by and reading it.

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Aakash
11 Apr 2022   08:03

Beautiful it is. Can u share the budget for this trip?

Rahuldev
11 Apr 2022   08:11

Thank you Aakash. The safari cost is Rs. 600 per person on weekdays and Rs. 450 on weekend.

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