The Wildlife
Both forests boast incredible biodiversity mainly consisting of tigers and leopards. These forests also serve as a habitat for elephants and wild dogs. Bandipur has always been popular for tiger sightings. Kabini has recently gained prominence for its jaw-dropping leopard sightings where one can see leopards resting on tree branches! The big cats have gotten accustomed to the safari rides and they can be seen walking freely on the grasslands unfazed by the vehicles that pass near them. Kabini has a denser wildlife population than Bandipur. This could be due to the absence of traffic and human intervention in these forests. Tiger families have been proliferating in these forests at an impressive rate. Some are even well-known in the area such as the Tiger Tank Family.
The Location
Both these forests are around 210-225 km from Bangalore and 60-70 km from Mysore. They are well-connected by roads and railways. If you are from Bangalore, we would recommend leaving early in the morning to get the most out of your trip. Even better, stay at The Serai Kabini or The Serai Bandipur and indulge in an eventful vacation exploring the wildlife paradise! We have cosy rooms and villas that will guarantee you and your family a restful stay. We also offer exciting activities such as safari and kayaking that help you experience nature in its rawest, most divine form.
The Forest Type
Both Bandipur and Kabini have noticeably different textures when it comes to foliage. The Bandipur forest is at a higher altitude and arid, mainly consisting of deciduous trees that lose leaves in the winter. It boasts rough, rocky terrain with thick vegetation akin to a thick green blanket that envelopes the area and allows wildlife to thrive in peace. Kabini, on the other hand, mainly consists of moist deciduous trees and eucalyptus plants. It rests on a lower attitude with less vegetation making the area seem more open and transparent. This is ideal for wildlife photographers who wish to capture magical moments on camera.
The Safaris
Both Bandipur and Kabini offer vehicle safaris which is a must-have experience for every visitor. Apart from the safaris provided by the Forest Department, The Serai Kabini and The Serai Bandipur also offer safari packages that you can easily avail for a quality nature retreat into the depth of the forests. Whether you choose to stay in Kabini or Bandipur, we guarantee that both places offer exciting wildlife sightings that will leave you on the edge of your seats as you marvel at the beautiful creatures. Tigers, leopards, panthers, Asiatic elephants and gaurs are some of the animals that you are likely to spot on the trip!