Outstation route
Bangalore to Kabini Cab
Kabini is the river and reservoir on the southern edge of Nagarhole National Park, one of south India’s most celebrated wildlife areas. A Bangalore to Kabini cab takes you through Mysuru and into quiet forest country, with your own car on hand for the drive to your lodge and back.
The route
From the city to the Kabini backwaters
The first half of the trip is the familiar run to Mysuru on NH 275, the access-controlled expressway. From Mysuru the route turns south-west onto SH 33 through H D Kote taluk, where the land becomes greener and the villages smaller as you near the forest.
| Road distance | About 200 km one way |
| Driving time (route planner) | About 3 h without traffic delays or stops |
| Main roads on the route | NH 275, SH 33 |
| Round trip | About 400 km of driving, plus any local sightseeing |
Measured from central Bengaluru (Vidhana Soudha) using OpenStreetMap route data. Your exact distance depends on the pickup point and the route the driver takes, and real journey times are usually longer once city traffic, ghat sections and breaks are added.
These are route-planner figures without traffic or stops; most travellers add a breakfast halt on the expressway and a short break in Mysuru. The last stretch passes close to protected forest, where rules on driving hours and stopping can apply and do change, so check current conditions locally and follow forest department signs. Kabini is in Karnataka, so no interstate permit applies; tolls are extra.
What to expect
Why people travel to Kabini
- Wildlife: the forests around the reservoir are known for large herds of Asian elephants, especially along the backwaters in the dry months, along with gaur, spotted deer and sambar. Tigers and leopards are present, though sightings are never certain.
- Birdlife: the river and reservoir attract a wide range of water birds, raptors and forest species, which makes Kabini popular with bird photographers.
- Backwater landscapes: drowned trees, open grassy banks and quiet evenings by the water are part of the appeal even without a safari.
- Forest stays: most visitors stay at lodges and resorts near the reservoir and spend the days on organised forest activities.
Safaris and boat rides are run or permitted by the forest department and licensed operators, and their arrangements, seasons and timings can change. Please book and confirm these directly with your lodge or the forest department; our cab takes you to your stay and back, not inside the park.
Plan your trip
Plan two days or more
At about 200 km each way and about 400 km for the full round trip, Kabini is best done as an overnight or a long weekend. A same-day return leaves almost no time at the reservoir and means driving forest-edge roads at dusk, which we do not recommend.
A common pattern is to leave Bengaluru in the morning, reach your lodge in time for the afternoon activities, stay one or two nights and drive back after the morning activity on the last day. The car and driver can stay with you for the whole trip or you can book separate drops; ask about a one-way taxi if you prefer.
Want more? Spend a night in Mysuru on the way, or continue towards Coorg. Kerala’s Wayanad lies beyond the forest; if you cross into Kerala, interstate permit charges and tolls are extra.
Fares and vehicles
Cars for a Kabini wildlife trip
Round trips are charged on actual kilometres with a minimum of 300 km per day, plus the driver allowance in the rate table. Tolls and parking are extra.
Camera bags, tripods and soft luggage fit easily in an Innova Crysta or Hycross, which most photographers and families prefer for this route. Couples travelling light are comfortable in a Dzire or Ciaz. For birding clubs or friends travelling together, a Tempo Traveller keeps the group and its gear in one vehicle.
Why book with us
Kabini at a glance
Expressway start
NH 275 to Mysuru, then SH 33 through H D Kote towards the reservoir.
Overnight trip
Plan at least one night by the backwaters to make the drive worthwhile.
Room for gear
SUVs carry long lenses, tripods and weekend bags with ease.
Vehicle options
Cabs for your Kabini trip
Vehicle availability depends on your travel date. Tell us your group size and luggage when booking and we will suggest a suitable option.
Tariff
Bangalore to Kabini round-trip rates
| Vehicle | Round-trip rate | Driver allowance |
|---|---|---|
| Maruti Suzuki Dzire (sedan) | ₹14 / km | ₹350 |
| Toyota Etios (sedan) | ₹14 / km | ₹350 |
| Maruti Suzuki Ciaz (sedan) | ₹14 / km | ₹350 |
| Toyota Innova | ₹16 / km | ₹400 |
| Toyota Innova Crysta | ₹22 / km | ₹400 |
| Toyota Innova Hycross | ₹25 / km | ₹400 |
| Tempo Traveller | On request | ₹600 |
| Mini bus (21 / 24 seater) | On request | ₹600 |
Round trip, minimum 300 km per day. Fares are inclusive of GST, and the final bill is based on the actual distance travelled. Hill-station charges, interstate permits, state permits, tolls and parking are extra. One-way drop fares are confirmed when you book.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
What is the Bangalore to Kabini distance by road?
About 200 km one way from central Bengaluru, which is about 3 h of driving without traffic or stops in route-planner data. The round trip is about 400 km. Allow extra time for breaks and slower forest-edge roads.
Can I do a Kabini one day trip from Bangalore?
It is possible to drive there and back in a day, but you would spend most of it in the car and miss the morning and evening wildlife hours. An overnight stay is far more rewarding.
Does the cab take us on safari inside the park?
No. Safaris and boat rides are run or permitted by the forest department and licensed operators. Our cab drops you at your lodge and brings you back; please confirm activity bookings with your lodge.
Are there restrictions on driving near the forest?
Roads near protected forests can have rules on travel hours, speed and stopping, and these can change. Check current rules locally; our driver will follow them.
How is a Bangalore to Kabini cab billed?
As a round trip on actual kilometres with a minimum of 300 km per day, plus the driver allowance. Tolls and parking are extra. See the rate table on this page.
How do I book?
Call or WhatsApp 99640 09999 with your pickup area, travel dates, lodge location and number of travellers. The fare is confirmed when you book.
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