Kabini River

About Kabini River

Course : River Kabani originates from Pakramthalam hills at Kuttyadi-Mananthavady road. Makkiyad river and Periya river join it near Korome and Valad respectively. After flowing through Mananthavady town, Panamaram river joins Kabani near Payyampally. One branch of the Panamaram river starts from the Banasura Sagar reservoir near Padinjarethara and the other branch of the river start from Lakkidi hills. After traversing two more kilometers from the confluence of Panamaram river Kabani forms an island called Kuruva Island, spreading over 520 acres (2.1 km2) with diverse flora and fauna. Within 20 km it reach the Kabani reservoir bordering Kerala and Karnataka for some distance. Between Kabani reservoir and Kuruva island Kalindi river joins Kabani. Kalindi river originates from Brahmagiri hills which on reaching near Tirunelly temple the rivulet Papanasini joins it.

Dams : The Banasura Sagar Dam is built over a tributary of the Kabini River. There are 2 lovely luxury jungle resorts at the edge of the Kabini river- Cicada and Kabini river lodge The Karapura irrigation dam is built over a tributary of the Kabini River.

The best thing about Kabini is the sense of tranquility and solitude that envelops the forest reserve. Big city life and traffic seem so far away as you surrender yourself to jungle sounds and smells. The elephant rules here and if you are lucky, you may come across herds of tuskers splashing in the river or crashing through the wilderness. Crocodiles glare balefully at the antics of these jumbos and grin wicked thoughts. The tiger and leopard are much more elusive, while sloth bear, gaur (Indian bison), antelope, sambar, wild boar and any number of monkeys live here.

Kabini shelters the osprey, brown-headed fishing eagle, racket tailed drongo, goldenbacked woodpecker, stork and peafowl among almost 250 species of bird life. Spend some time in the watchtower near the river and spy on the wildlife as they venture out to the river. Experts from the lodge will guide you along nature walks and safe paths to tread. Besides jeep safaris and elephant rides, another interesting way to explore the jungles is by coracle. These are circular bamboo boats lined with buffalo hide, on which you float down the river. If this seems too daring, try cruising on a motorboat, sailboat or paddleboat. You may meet some interesting river creatures on the way!

Interesting things to Visit

The Banasura Sagar Dam is built over a tributary of the Kabini River. There are 2 lovely luxury jungle resorts at the edge of the Kabini river- Cicada and Kabini river lodge.

Kabini River Lodge on the banks of River Kabini, Karnataka, India is a Jungle Lodges Enterprise and was Once the hunting lodge of the erstwhile Maharaja of Mysore. Kabini is today rated among the top five wildlife resorts in the world by Tatler’s Travel Guide, a prestigious British Travel Magazine.
It is very close to Nagarhole National Park, Karnataka and is a paradise on the banks of the river Kabini.
Kabini River lodge is a favorite destination for International groups between September and March.
Kabini is a tributary of the River Cauvery that surrounds the River Lodge. It is located at Karapur near Nagarhole national park. The lodge is spread over 55 acres.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

Accommodation: Kabini River Lodge has colonial-style rooms, riverside cottages and tents with good amenities. Tariffs, which vary for Indian and foreign nationals, start at Rs2000 per person per night for tents and cottages, to Rs2750 for the luxury rooms, inclusive of wildlife tours, safaris, forest entry and elephant rides. For bookings contact Jungle Lodges and Resorts Ltd, Shrungar Shopping Centre, MG Road, Bangalore. Tel 080-5597021-24-25. Fax 5586163. You can also stay in Forest Lodges, Rest Houses and Cottages at Nagarhole - for more information contact Chief Conservator of Forests, Karnataka Forest Department.

Location info

• **Address:**River Kabani originates from Pakramthalam hills at Kuttyadi-Mananthavady road.

• District: Wayanad District

• **Nearest City:**Mysore

Best time to visit: You can come to Kabini at any time of the year, but the best season for wildlife sighting is from November to May. The forest turns a lush green between July and October, another good period for a visit.

Climate & weather

The climate is moderate throughout the year: winter temperatures do not fall below 16°C and summer temperatures do not exceed 32°C. When the monsoons arrive, the rain-washed forest turns a brighter green. This is the time when the excited twitter of the avian population gives way to the exuberant lyrics of songbirds. Once the monsoons recede, the wildlife is at its most visible from November till May. So choose any time of the year to come here for a wildly refreshing break.

Things to do at Kabini River

Today, Kabini is one of Karnataka’s best wildlife resorts, stretched over 55 acres of forest and river. The lodge organizes safaris and wildlife watching treks into the forest and even has an elephant-back safari to boot.

How to reach Kabini River

• **Nearest Railway Station:**Mysore

• **Nearest Airport:**Mysore

Road Transport: Kabini River Lodge is located at Karapur near Nagarhole National Park, 220 km from Bangalore and 80 km from Mysore. The best way to get here is by road via Mysore, on the Mysore-Manantawadi road - a drive of 5 hours. Buses and trains from Bangalore are available for Mysore, from where car rentals are possible. The River Lodge organizes transport on request from Bangalore and Mysore.

Nearest visiting places

• Mudukuthore Temples

Mudukuthore is located at a distance of 60 km from Mysore, 25 km from Somnathapur, 5 km from T.Narsipur and is close to Talakad. The place is known for the temple of Lord Mallikarjuna. During January-February, every year, a big festival fair is organized for a week where cattle and agricultural items are traded

• Nanjanagudu Temples

Located near the city of Mysore, the town of Nanjanagudu (a.k.a. Nanjangud) is a traditional and historical place known for the temple of Lord Shiva, and a variety of flavorful bananas that are grown in the region, called Rasabale

• T.Narasipura Temples

Tirumakudalu-Narasipura (Kannada: ) , officially known as T.Narasipura [1],is a panchayat town in Mysore district in the Indian state of Karnataka. The first letter “T” of the name (T.Narasipura) refers to Tirumakudalu,the peninsular town (Trimakuta in Sanskrit) at the confluence of the Kaveri, Kabini and Spatika Sarovar (a hidden mythical lake or spring, also named Gupta Gamini)

• Talakadu Temples

Talakad is a scenic and spiritual pilgrimage center located in near T. Narasipura, Mysore district. Talakad is also know as Talakadu in Kannada, state language of Karnataka. Talakad is situated on the banks of the Kapila Cauvery River. Talakad is about 130 Kms from Bangalore and 50 Kms from Mysore. River Cauvery makes a sharp turn here

• Mysore Historical

140 Kms from Bangalore lies the abode of untold grandeur and glory. Mysore,the capital city of the Wodeyars has always enchanted its admirers with its quaint charm,rich heritage, magnificent palaces,beautifully laid-out gardens, imposing buildings,broad shady avenues and sacred temples

• Arabithittu Wildlife Sanctuary

Spread across 14 sq km, Arabithittu Wildlife Sanctuary, established in 1985, is situated in Mysore District of Karnataka. The area has scrub forests and plantations and is surrounded by agricultural fields

• Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary

Holidaying in Karnataka has its advantages. Apart from the ancient and world heritage temples depicting artistic expertise of the dynasties that ruled here, Karnataka offers you a fabulous opportunity to enjoy its majestic natural beauty

• Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary

Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary is situated north of Bandipur National Park in Mysore District, Karnataka. It covers about 30 sq km and the northern part of the sanctuary is occupied by the Nugu Reservoir

• Nagarhole National Park

Nagarhole National Park also known as ‘Rajiv Gandhi National Park’ is located 94 km away from Mysore. It is spread between Kodagu and Mysore districts. The national park has rich forest cover, little streams, valleys and waterfalls

• Mysore Archeology

This was the capital of Mysore during British times. It was highly developed city with a population of 700,000. Chamaraja established it in 1640. Between 1760 and 1799 the Muslim Hyderali and Tippu Sultan, father and son duo, gained control and shifted the capital to Srirangapatnam in the north

• Somanathapur Archeology

“There is a stillness and everlastingness about the past, it changes not and has a touch of eternity,” wrote Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru in his “Discovery of India.” These words somehow hold true when one arrives at Somnathpur, a tiny village on the banks of the Kaveri, 140 kms, south-west of Bangalore

• Balamuri Falls

On the way to K.R.S. from Mysore, 3 Km away from the main road, there are two beautiful small waterfalls, which is the hot spot for students and nature lovers. You also come across an ancient Ganesh temple in the vicinity

• Chunchanakatte Falls

Chunchanakatte Falls is a waterfall on the Kaveri River, near the village of Chunchanakatte in Mysore district, Karnataka, India. Water cascades from a height of about 20 meters.It is in the Western Ghats. Here the river falls in two small cascades before joining again to flow as one

• Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary

Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, in the southern Indian state of Karnataka, is an important tourist destination from Mysore city orthe adjoining Vrindavan gardens, both of which are barely 20 km away

• Gundal Reservoir

This place is located in Western Ghats hill range starting from Kerala and ending in Tamilnadu. MM Hills also extends beyond B.R.Hills.In between these two hills there is a dam called Gundal dam constructed between two hills,is a picnic spot. In B.R. Hills and attracts lot of devotees from South India

Helpline & emergency contacts

• **Police Station:**Mysore

• **Nearest Hospital:**Mysore

• Society/Community Phone Number

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Karnataka. 4G is reliable in Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, Hubli, and along highways. Coverage may be weaker in deep forest areas of Bandipur, Nagarhole, and certain Western Ghats sections. Most hotels, resorts, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Karnataka cuisine ranges from coastal seafood to Udupi vegetarian to Coorg’s pandi curry. Dosa, idli, bisi bele bath, and filter coffee are iconic.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are available in the nearest town or on the approach road — check locally for the closest option.

Best time to visit Kabini River

October to March is the best time for river visits — pleasant weather and moderate water levels. Post-monsoon (October-November) offers full river flow without the danger of floods. Monsoon (June-September) brings high water levels — rafting and boating may be restricted. Summer sees reduced flow in some rivers.

Timings & opening hours

River access is open 24 hours. However, water activities are recommended during daylight hours only (6:00 AM to 6:00 PM).

Entry fee & tickets

Entry to the river bank is generally free. Some specific picnic spots or river resorts may charge entry fees. Coracle/boat rides: ₹200-₹500 per person depending on duration.

Duration needed

1-2 hours for a visit to the river bank. A half-day or full-day trip can be planned including picnicking, boating, and exploring the riverside.

Safety tips

Do not venture into deep or fast-flowing water. Many rivers have unpredictable currents. Avoid swimming alone. During monsoon, stay well away from river banks as water levels can rise suddenly. Do not attempt to cross the river when water levels are high. Watch for slippery rocks.

Things to carry

Water bottles, snacks for a riverside picnic, camera, sunscreen, hat, comfortable clothing, and water shoes/sandals if planning to enter the water. Raincoat during monsoon season.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest railway station depends on the river’s course — typically stations in the districts the river flows through. Nearest airport varies by location. The river is accessible by road from multiple points.

History of Kabini River

Kabini River is one of the important rivers of Karnataka, flowing through the state and supporting agriculture, ecosystems, and communities along its course. The river originates in the Western Ghats and flows through diverse landscapes before joining a larger river system or the Arabian Sea/Bay of Bengal. The river has cultural and religious significance in the region.

Frequently asked questions

Is river rafting available? White-water rafting is available on certain rivers during the post-monsoon season (October-February). The Kali River and Sharavathi River are popular rafting destinations.

Is fishing allowed? Fishing regulations vary — check with local authorities. Some rivers have designated fishing areas with permits.

What safety precautions should I take? Do not venture into deep or fast-flowing water. During monsoon, water levels can rise suddenly. Never swim alone.

Quick facts

• Type: Destination
• State: Karnataka
• Category: Rivers

Photo gallery of Kabini River

Photos coming soon. In the meantime, you can find images of Kabini River on popular travel photography sites and social media.