Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary Safari

Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka's Nagarhole Tiger Reserve is celebrated for two extraordinary wildlife spectacles: the melanistic black panther, sighted here more reliably than almost anywhere in the world, and the dramatic elephant congregations at the Kabini backwaters during summer. Coracle rides on the Kabini River offer an extraordinary wildlife-viewing angle at water level. Beyond leopards and elephants, the sanctuary harbours tigers, wild dogs, gaur, and spectacular birdlife. Nearby Bandipur National Park (55 km) extends the safari into the Nilgiri Biosphere. Mysore (80 km) with its world-famous palace, Coorg (60 km) for coffee plantation stays, and Nagarhole village with its tribal homestays add depth to the itinerary. Best visited March to June for elephant and black panther encounters.