Located around 245 km from Bangalore, Kabini is primarily known for its handful of luxury resorts around the Kabini River and Nagarhole National Park in the vicinity.  Please note that there are not many budget-friendly accommodations near Kabini River. It is a popular weekend getaway from Bangalore, Mysore and Mangalore.

Once a private hunting area for the British, Kabini is a wildlife destination that is the largest place for Asiatic Elephants in the world. The Kabini Forest Reserve (which comprises the south-eastern part of Nagarhole National Park) is famous for its amazing wildlife and birdlife. Kabini is also home to the world's most famous living black panther "Saya". Even though it is not impossible to spot him, it is very rare.

Boat Safari and Jeep Safari in the Kabini jungle is the ideal way to spot the tiger, leopard, guars, elephants and other majestic species. Kabini is also one of the best places in India to photograph leopards.

Wildlife enthusiasts worldwide are enamoured with charismatic large cat species such as tigers and lions. Tigers have screamed loud and far in Nagarhole National Park in India’s southern state of Karnataka over the years, capturing the attention of many people. However, a separate huge cat species – the Kabini black panther – has established a ‘junglewood’ legend in recent years.

A leopard or a jaguar with a black body is usually referred to as a “black panther.” A black panther is a regular leopard or jaguar with a genetic mutation rather than a distinct species. Melanism is produced by a recessive trait in cats that causes them to have a dark coat that hides their rosettes.

The black panther of Kabini, Saya The black panther in Kabini, which translates to shadow in Hindi, attracts numerous tourists and wildlife enthusiasts to tour the dry deciduous forest. The majority of those who have been fortunate enough to see Saaya have been entranced.