Geographical Location

Where Deccan Plateau integrates with the Western Ghats

Climatic Conditions

The weather is pleasant except during the rainy season.

March is a good month to visit Kabini. Don't miss the celebrations for Ugadi (Id-i-Milad  Jamshed-e-Navroz (Parsi festival) (from March 1st to 31th) 

Kabini can be visited any time in a year. For a closer peek at wildlife, the best season is November to June, keeping off heavy rainy period.

Quick Getaways from Kabini
Nagarhole National Park (1 km)

Once an exclusive hunting preserve of the Maharajas of Mysore, Nagarhole National Park was renamed after the late Rajiv Gandhi, but faces the same fate as Delhi’s Connaught Place and Connaught Circle which are still called by their popular old names. So it is with Nagarhole. The park, situated in the Deccan Plateau, forms an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The Nagarhole River winds through it and finally meets the Kabini, the largest river draining the forest. A dam built on the Kabini has created a splendid lake to the south of the park, which separates it from Bandipur Tiger Reserve.

To the south-east lies the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary while to the west, coffee plantations separate the park from Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary. This entire stretch is one of the finest remaining habitats of the Asian Elephant. Huge herds hang about in Nagarhole, and it’s said that summer is the best time to see them. It is held that Nagarhole is worth visiting in the dry season, when wild animals are spotted in large numbers near the water bodies but don’t bet your money on it. Successive dry spells have shrivelled the water sources so much that the animals feel content lying in the shade, away from view.

Then, as the pre-monsoon showers bring the forest alive with streams, the resident birds start their breeding activities and the air resounds with melodious calls. Sprouting grass in the meadows and view lines attract elephants and gaur in large numbers. As rains intensify, the river resuscitates and the grandeur of Nagarhole slowly begins to unfold.

Mysore to Kabini
Distance - 93 km
Driving time - (approx) 2 hours

Kabini is well connected by KSRTC buses to all neighboring cities including Bangalore. Bangalore and Mysore are connected to Kabini by many deluxe buses. Bangalore to Kabini costs about Rs 300 – Rs 400 by state bus and Rs 600 - Rs 800 by private deluxe A/C buses. Mysore - Kabini costs about Rs 125 for state bus and Rs 300 by deluxe bus.

Nearest railway station is Mysore, which is about 80 km away from Kabini. Mysore is well connected with other cities in India through Bangalore Majestic Terminal. Mysore railway station to Kabini costs about Rs 1500 by taxi car.

Bangalore is the nearest Airport, which is 208 km away from Kabini. Cab costs about Rs 4000 from Bangalore Airport to Kabini. Bangalore airport is well connected to almost all airports in India. International flights to major foreign cities are also operated from Bangalore.

Makara Shankranti is the harvest festival, a new year and the festival of rejoicing and celebrations embracing the entire household friends and neighbors, the servants and the poor, the cows, and then all other living creatures symbolizes universal love and kindness.

Dasara is the festival of celebrating women power. Chamundeshwari is the personification of courage, strength and power. Praying to her is believed to help one to be blessed with all these qualities, especially during Dasara. When the male gods failed to destroy the demon, it was the Devi who stood up to the occasion.


Vaikunta Ekadashi,  occurs in the Hindu calendar month of Marghazhi or Margashira or Margasirsa (corresponding to late December - January in English calendar). Vaishnavism (Worship of Lord Vishnu) culture believes that ‘Vaikunta Dwaram’ or ‘the gate to Lord's Inner Sanctum’ is opened on this day. The Margashirsha shukla paksha ekadashi in lunar calendar is known as a 'Mokshada Ekadashi'. People also know that as a vaikuntaekadashi.

Karnataka, the IT hub of Indian Subcontinent, like every other destination, has its own distinctive characteristics. Of all the characteristic features, the one which sets the state apart is the culture of Karnataka. The culture of Karnataka is so vibrant that it adds new flavor to its very existence. The local customs, dances and practices add new vibe to the state of Karnataka.

Dances in Karnataka:Dances are an essential part of any kind of a celebration in Karnataka. The most famous dance form of Karnataka is Bharatnatyam. Other common forms of Dance in Karnataka are Katthyak and Kuchipuri.
Music in Karnataka:The Vijayanagar Empire and the Wodeyars first saw the emerging of a new trend of local music in Karnatka. This new form of music has become as integral part of every celebration in Karnataka.

The Ramanavami celebrations are the best time to rear the cultural linkage of music into the lives of the natives. During this period music lovers flock to the city and participate in live music concerts.

Karnataka's pilgrim Centres are excellent examples of its rich cultural heritage and attract thousands of devotees all through the year. This has been a school of thought for many Philosophers and Philosophies.


Moodabidri : 391 Kms. from Bangalore.
Moodabidri is small town in the South Canara is famous for 1000 pillared Jain Shrine


Karkala : 376 Kms. from Bangalore
Karkala is an important Jain centre located in South Canara is known for a 12.8m high monolith of Gomateshwara.


Melkote : 155 Kms. from Bangalore.
Melkote is a sacred pilgrim centre known for the Vairamudi Festival held during March - April

Gol Gumbaz

gol gumbaz Karnataka's profusion of monuments are reflections of her rich history and cultural affluence. Karnataka's richness in culture and tradition, told time and again through the ruins of these monuments, has inspired the art lovers and philosophers for generations.

Gol Gumbaz is the mausoleum of Muhammad Adil Shah II (1627-57). He was from the Adil Shahi kingdoms. The tomb, located in the city of Bijapur in Karnataka was built in 1659 by the famous architect Yaqut of Dabul. The structure consists of a massive square chamber measuring nearly 50 m on each side and covered by a huge dome 37.9m in diameter making it the largest dome in the Islamic world. The dome is supported on giant squinches supported by groined pendentives while the outside building is supported by domed octagonal corner towers. Each tower consists of 7 storeys and the upper floor of each opens on to a round gallery, which surrounds the dome. In the center of the chamber is a square raised podium approached by steps in the center of each side. In the center of the podium are the tombs of Muhammad Ali Shah II and his relations. To the west of the podium in a large apse like projection is the mosque also raised slightly above the floor level of the chamber. 

Mysore Palace

Mysore
Karnataka's profusion of monuments are reflections of her rich history and cultural affluence. Karnataka's richness in culture and tradition, told time and again through the ruins of these monuments, has inspired the art lovers and philosophers for generations.

The Maharaja's Palace is one of the important sights in Mysore. Built in Indo-Saracenic style with domes, turrets, arches and colonnades, the palace is a treasure house of exquisite carvings and works of art from all over the world. Intricately carved doors open on to luxuriously furnished rooms. The majestic Durbar Hall has an ornate ceiling and many sculpted pillars. The magnificent jewel studded golden throne of the Wodeyars is displayed here during the Dusshera festival. Illuminated on Sundays and public holidays, the palace presents a spectacle of breathtaking beauty.

Unfolding its many surprises that seem to have been created just for the adventure seekers and nature lovers. Verdant forest, unexplored hill ranges, deep blue water....Come, venture into the unknown.

And experience a whole new world of excitement called "Karnatrekking" High spirits Slips into your sneakers, lug on your trek-sack and get ready for some non-stop excitement. The hills are all waiting patiently, to be conquered.

Kudremuch, the second highest peak in the Western Ghats, stands proudly amidst thick evergreen forests. Just 3-4 days of trekking and camping, and you'll discover how close you've grown tothis captivating place. To reach this range, you will need at least 8-10 hours of trekking from the nearest road head.

Tadiyendamol, the tallest peak in Kodagu, is another trekker's paradise. From the peak you can view the distant Arabian Sea and the spellbinding beauty of Kodagu all around.

The Kodachadri Range in Shimoga District, Kumaraparvath inDakshina Kannada, Mullayangiri of the Baba Budan Range, Brahmagiri, Jenukallubetta near Sakleshpur, B.R. Hills, Nandi Hills and Male Mahadeshwar Hills are all fascinating spots, with all the makings of a perfect holiday 60 kms from Karwar is Yana, famous for its unique rock formations. It is also a varourits rock-climbing haunt. The wild. And winsome.

Far away from the noise and pollution of the city are the undisturbed, unspoilt, unexplored forests of Karnataka. Home to a rich variety of flora and fauna. All waiting to share their secrets with you. Bandipur, Nagarhole, Bhadra, Bheemeshwari, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, B.R. Hills and kabini are some of Karnataka's most pristine wilderness areas . So go ahead. Head for some real excitement.

Trace the pug-marks, have an encounter with the wild beauties, sniff the fresh, pure air, skip, jump; play hide-and-seek with the birds, pitch a tent, dance around the bonfire...Forget all your worries. And relax. Because life was made to be that way. Now for some cool, refreshing moments Splash. Ripple. Revive your spirits. And feel the real gush of joy.

On the clear blue waters. Nothing could be more refreshing than windsurfing on a hot, lazy afternoon. Gurupu River, set amidst a spectacular locale, is a popular windsurfing haunt, about 8 kms from Manglore.

River rafting The azure waters of the Cauvery provide for some great river rafting. Set amidst lush greenery, the waters of this river are perfect rejuvenators - of the heart, mind and soul.

Devarayanadurga
This is a hill station of Tumkur road perched at a height of 3940 feet. A few kilometers from foot of the hills is a natural spring called "Namada Chilume". On the Bangalore / Mumbai National Highway near Dobbospet (50km) take a right turn and proceed to devarayanadurga.

Chowdaiah Memorial Hall
It is named after Karnataka's greatest violinist. This 1100 seated auditorium has a shape of a gigantic violin. It's architecture is marvelous.

Tipu Sultan Museum
Tipu Sultan Museum, Karnataka TravelThe Tipu Sultan Museum lies within the portals of the Daria Daulat Palace, once his summer palace and later appropriated by Arthur Wellesley. Constmcted mainly in wood, the structure rests on a vast plinth. The walls and ceilings are elaborately painted. The murals on the outer walls depict scenes from Tipu's wars while the interior walls are ornately painted with abstract designs and floral motifs. An open verandah surrounds the central edifice and green blinds protect the murals from the elements.


Archeological Museum
The Adil Shahi sultans ruled the Deccan from Bijapur between 1480 and 1680. The museum consequently houses antiquities from that period. These include armoury, porcelain, coins, Miniature paintings, manuscripts and carpets. On view are stone sculpture and inscriptions in Kannada, Devanagari, Arabic and Persian.


Karnataka Government Museum and Venkatappa Art Gallery
Established in 1865, the museum houses sculpture from the Hoysala, Nolamba and Gandhara periods. Also on view are antiquities from Mohenjodaro and terracotta from Mathura. The painting section includes miniature paintings from the Rajasthani and Pahari schools. there are also traditional paintings from the Among the miscellaneous items are ivory carvings and inlay work, sandal-wood caskets and other ohjeci-and arms and armoury.


Archeological Museum, Hampi
Hampi, the capital of the Vijayanagara empire, is a highly impressive complex of monuments. On view at the museum are stone sculpture, architectural panels and lintels. Also displayed are gold coins, copper plates and illustrated palm leaf manuscripts.

Bandipur National park includes rocky hills and valleys drained by rivers Kabini, Nugu, Moyar and numerous small streams. The enchanting Nilgiri Mountains and their cloud-covered peaks form a picturesque backdrop for the park. Bandipur National Park's altitude between 680-1454 metres and is situated south of the Kabini river at the foothills of the Western Ghats. Monsoon from June to September and best time to visit is open throughout the year but preferably in monsoon when wildlife is plenty and forest is green.


Brindavan Gardens

The Brindavan Gardens is a garden located in the state of Karnataka in India. It lies adjoining the Krishnarajasagara dam which is built across the river Kaveri. The work on laying out this garden was started in the year 1927 and completed in 1932. Visited by close to 2 million tourists per year, the garden is one of the major attractions near the city of Mysore. Krishna Raja Sagara, also popularly known as KRS is the name of both a lake and the dam that causes it. The dam is across Kaveri River, in Mandya District near Mysore in Karnataka state.

River Kabini flow along side which divides Bandipur and Naharahole Park and provides water of the rich wild life of both the National Park. It is also home to several rare species of Flora and fauna including the majestic Tiger, Leopard and the wild dogs. An Excellent network of motorable roads ensures good sighting of the diverse wildlife of Nagarahole. It is an experience that will leave you breathless with the sheer power of its beauty and magnificence.

Kabini is an all year visit destination with pleasant and warm climate all through the year. Summers (March - May) have a temperature band of 10°C during nights to 36°C during daytimes. Winters (December to February) have a maximum day temperature of 26°C. The minimum during this period touches to 6°C. Monsoons are heavy during June to September

Seasons

Wet - June to Sept
Cool - Oct to Jan
Dry - Feb to May

     
Tourist office(s):
       
Karnataka Tourism
No. 49, Khanija Bhavan Race Course Road, Bangalore-560001
 080-2352525
Website: karnatakatourism.org

KSTDC
Badami House, NR Square, Bangalore
 080-2275869, 2275883, 2212098 ; Fax: 2352626
Website: kstdc.nic.in

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