Kabini National Park is located in the southern Indian state of Karnataka, near the border with Kerala. It is famous for its rich wildlife, especially elephants and tigers, and is a popular destination for nature lovers and safari enthusiasts.

This route is commonly traveled by tourists coming from major cities like Bangalore, Mysore, and Coorg. This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Kabini National Park, including train, bus, car, and flight options, along with practical travel tips for a smooth journey.

Getting from Major Cities to Kabini National Park – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a comfortable and affordable option for reaching Kabini National Park, especially from Bangalore and Mysore. The nearest major railway stations are Mysore and Kozhikode.

• Mysore Railway Station is about 60 km from Kabini and well connected by frequent trains from Bangalore, with travel times around 2.5 to 3 hours and fares ranging from ₹150 to ₹500 depending on class.

• From Mysore, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Kabini, which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours on NH766, passing through scenic routes and forested areas.

• Kozhikode Railway Station in Kerala is another option, about 90 km from Kabini, with good train connectivity from southern cities; however, road travel from here is longer and less frequent.

• Train travel can be crowded during weekends and holidays, so booking tickets early on IRCTC is recommended to secure seats, especially in AC classes.

• Seasonal weather like monsoon can cause minor delays on train routes, so plan buffer time if traveling during June to September.

Bus

Buses are a popular and economical way to reach Kabini National Park from nearby cities like Mysore and Bangalore. State-run and private buses operate regularly.

• From Mysore, frequent MSRTC and private buses run to Gundlupet, the nearest town to Kabini, taking about 2 to 2.5 hours with fares between ₹50 and ₹150.

• From Gundlupet, local buses or shared jeeps are available to Kabini, but these may be infrequent; hiring a taxi is often more convenient for last-mile travel.

• Bangalore to Mysore buses are very frequent, including Volvo and non-AC options, taking about 3 to 4 hours; from Mysore, you can continue by bus or taxi to Kabini.

• Bus travel can be crowded during festival seasons like Dasara in Mysore, so plan accordingly and book tickets in advance if possible.

• Road conditions on NH766 are generally good, but monsoon rains can cause occasional delays and slippery patches, so travel cautiously during June to September.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving to Kabini National Park offers flexibility and the chance to enjoy scenic routes through Karnataka’s countryside and forests. It is ideal for groups or families.

• From Bangalore, the distance to Kabini is about 220 km via NH275 and NH766, taking approximately 5 to 6 hours depending on traffic and stops.

• From Mysore, the drive is shorter, about 60 km on NH766, taking 1.5 to 2 hours through well-maintained highways with toll plazas en route.

• Self-drive cars can be rented from Bangalore or Mysore with companies offering GPS and roadside assistance; ensure your vehicle is suitable for some forest road conditions near Kabini.

• Rest stops with food and fuel are available along NH275 and NH766, including popular spots near Mysore and Gundlupet; carry water and snacks for the forest stretch.

• Night driving is not recommended near Kabini due to wildlife crossings and limited street lighting, so plan to arrive before sunset.

Flight

The nearest airport to Kabini National Park is Mysore Airport, with limited domestic flights. Bangalore’s Kempegowda International Airport is the major hub for most travelers.

• Bangalore Airport is about 210 km from Kabini, with frequent domestic flights connecting major Indian cities, making it the preferred entry point for most visitors.

• From Bangalore Airport, you can hire a taxi or rent a car to drive to Kabini, which takes about 5 to 6 hours via NH275 and NH766.

• Mysore Airport has limited flights mainly from Bangalore and Chennai; from Mysore, road travel to Kabini is about 1.5 to 2 hours by taxi or bus.

• Prepaid airport taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are available at Bangalore Airport, but long-distance rides to Kabini may be costly; booking a private cab or self-drive car is often more economical.

• Flight schedules can be affected by weather conditions during monsoon, so check for updates and plan accordingly.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers to Kabini National Park to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.

• Book your train or flight tickets well in advance through IRCTC or airline websites to avoid last-minute hassles, especially during peak tourist seasons.

• If traveling by train, choose Mysore as your arrival station for easier last-mile connectivity; from there, arrange a taxi or local transport to Kabini.

• If you prefer road travel, rent a car or book a taxi from Bangalore or Mysore, ensuring the vehicle is comfortable and suitable for forest roads.

• Plan your departure early in the morning to avoid city traffic and reach Kabini before sunset, allowing time to check into your accommodation and relax.

• Carry sufficient water, snacks, and insect repellent for the journey, especially if traveling by bus or self-drive through forested areas.

• Upon arrival, confirm your safari bookings and local transport options with your lodge or resort to avoid last-minute confusion.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry a valid ID and booking confirmations for trains, flights, or accommodations, as these are often checked during travel and park entry.

• Drink only bottled or filtered water during your trip to avoid waterborne illnesses common in rural areas around Kabini.

• Book your safari and accommodation well in advance through official websites or trusted travel agents to secure spots during peak seasons.

• Use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber in cities; in rural areas near Kabini, negotiate fares beforehand as app services may be limited.

• Pack light but include essentials like sunscreen, hats, and comfortable walking shoes suitable for forest terrain and safari activities.

• During monsoon season, carry rain gear and check road conditions regularly, as some routes may be temporarily closed due to flooding or landslides.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Kabini National Park is from October to May when the weather is pleasant and wildlife sightings are frequent. The park is closed during the monsoon months for safety and conservation.

Travel conditions vary with seasons, so planning your trip outside the heavy rains ensures smoother roads and better safari experiences.

• Avoid traveling during the monsoon season (June to September) as heavy rains can cause roadblocks and slippery conditions on forest roads.

• Festival periods like Dasara and Christmas see increased tourist traffic, leading to crowded trains and buses; book early to avoid inconvenience.

• Early morning departures are best to avoid city traffic and reach Kabini before afternoon heat, improving comfort and wildlife viewing chances.

• Winter months (December to February) can be chilly in the mornings and evenings; carry warm clothing for safaris and night stays.

Arrival at Kabini National Park & What to Expect

Upon arrival at Kabini, you will find a calm and green environment surrounded by forested hills and the Kabini River. The main entry points are near the Kabini Dam and the Nagarhole National Park gate.

Local transport options include resort-arranged jeeps and taxis, as public transport within the park is limited. Most accommodations are located near the park entrance or on the riverbanks, offering easy access to safari vehicles.

Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are rare inside the park, so it is best to arrange transfers through your lodge. The park has clear signage, and guides are available for safaris and nature walks.

Conclusion

Traveling to Kabini National Park is best done by combining train or flight to Mysore or Bangalore with a road transfer to the park. This approach balances comfort, cost, and convenience for most travelers.

Planning ahead by booking tickets, accommodations, and safaris early ensures a hassle-free experience. With the right preparation and timing, you can enjoy the rich wildlife and serene beauty of Kabini with confidence and ease.