Private journey · 7–9 nights

Wildlife Triangle: Kabini, Bandipur and BR Hills

A week in three of Karnataka’s finest wildlife areas, paced around early-morning and late-afternoon outings with the middle of the day for rest. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

Duration

7–9 nights

Starts

Bengaluru

Ends

Bengaluru or Mysuru

Travel style

Private car with driver

Journey overview

Three forests, one unhurried week

This South India wildlife tour combines three protected areas within easy reach of Mysuru: Kabini, on the southern edge of Nagarhole National Park; Bandipur Tiger Reserve; and the BR Hills, on the forest corridor linking the Western and Eastern Ghats.

Days follow the rhythm of the forest, with early starts, quiet middays and evenings outdoors. Safaris and forest drives are subject to availability and park rules, and wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but the landscapes and birdlife are part of every outing.

Route summary

  1. Bengaluru — 1 night
  2. Mysuru — 1 night
  3. Kabini — 2 nights
  4. Bandipur or Nagarhole — 2 nights
  5. BR Hills or Coorg — 2 nights

The day-by-day plan below is the recommended 8-night version, finishing back in Bengaluru. Anywhere from 7 to 9 nights can be planned, depending on how many safari nights you want, your pacing and your preferences.

Who it suits

Who this journey suits

A focused wildlife holiday without long drives between parks.

  • Wildlife enthusiasts and keen photographers
  • Families with teenagers
  • Birdwatchers and nature lovers
  • Travellers adding a wildlife week to a longer trip in India

Highlights

Wildlife Triangle highlights

Kabini

Forest drives through teak and bamboo, and evenings beside the Kabini river.

Kabini backwaters

Boat outings on the reservoir, where permitted, for birds and riverside wildlife.

Bandipur

Dry deciduous forest in one of India’s first tiger reserves.

BR Hills

Wooded hills on the forest corridor linking the Western and Eastern Ghats, rich in birdlife.

Mysuru

A palace afternoon on the way into the forests.

Unhurried pacing

Morning and afternoon outings, with time to rest in between.

Day by day

The recommended 8-night plan, day by day

Drive times are approximate and depend on traffic and stops. Every day can be adjusted to your flights and pace.

Day 1 · Arrive in Bengaluru

Your driver meets you at Kempegowda International Airport for the transfer to your hotel. Rest and recover from the journey; nothing else is scheduled today.

Overnight: Bengaluru

Day 2 · Bengaluru to Mysuru

Drive to Mysuru (approximately 3–4 hours, depending on traffic and stops). Visit Mysuru Palace in the afternoon and enjoy a quiet evening.

Overnight: Mysuru

Day 3 · Mysuru to Kabini

A short drive to Kabini (approximately 2–3 hours). Check in, rest after lunch and head out on your first afternoon forest drive, subject to availability and park rules.

Overnight: Kabini

Day 4 · Kabini

An early-morning forest drive, a long rest through the middle of the day and, where permitted, an afternoon boat outing on the Kabini backwaters.

Overnight: Kabini

Day 5 · Kabini to Bandipur

A short transfer to Bandipur (approximately 2–2.5 hours, depending on the lodges). Settle in, then join an afternoon safari, subject to availability and park rules.

Overnight: Bandipur

Day 6 · Bandipur

Another early start in the forest. Later, you could visit Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta, a hilltop temple inside the reserve with sweeping views (access rules apply).

Overnight: Bandipur

Day 7 · Bandipur to BR Hills

Drive east to the Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Tiger Reserve (approximately 3–4 hours, depending on traffic and stops). Spend the evening listening to the birds around your lodge.

Overnight: BR Hills

Day 8 · BR Hills

A morning forest drive where permitted, then a visit to the Biligiri Ranganatha temple on the hilltop. The afternoon is free for birdwatching or rest.

Overnight: BR Hills

Day 9 · BR Hills to Bengaluru

Drive back to Bengaluru (approximately 4–5 hours, depending on traffic and stops) for your onward flight or hotel, or finish in Mysuru instead.

End of journey

Vehicle options

Choose a vehicle for your group

Every journey is private, with your own chauffeur-driven vehicle throughout. We suggest a category based on the size of your party and how much you are carrying.

Sedan

A comfortable choice for couples and small families travelling light.

SUV / Innova-type

More space and a higher seat for families and small groups.

Urbania / Tempo Traveller

For larger families and small groups who want to travel together.

Minibus / coach

For bigger groups, celebrations and multi-family trips.

Vehicles are booked by category; the exact model or similar is confirmed subject to availability. Compare categories on our fleet page, or see car and coach rentals with driver if you only need transport.

Hotel options

Hotels are optional

Choose the arrangement that suits you. Both follow the same route and pace.

Vehicle and driver only

You book your own accommodation, and we plan the route, timings and daily driving around where you are staying.

Vehicle, driver and hotels

We suggest places to stay based on comfort level, location, budget and availability, and include them in one quotation.

For this journey we suggest vehicle, driver and hotels: staying close to the park gates makes early starts much easier.

Make it yours

Flexibility and customisation

Use this plan as a starting point. Common changes include:

  • Adding a third night at Kabini for more time in the forest
  • Choosing Nagarhole instead of Bandipur, or Coorg instead of the BR Hills
  • A shorter 7-night version that ends in Mysuru after Bandipur
  • Adding or removing nights at any stop
  • Swapping a stop for one that better suits your interests
  • Adding airport transfers at either end of your trip
  • Continuing to other parts of India, with ground services arranged through vetted partners

Private guides can be arranged for selected heritage, cultural and city visits.

Senior & family pacing

Travelling with seniors or young children

We can plan slower mornings, shorter driving days, fewer stops and an extra night where it helps. Tell us about any mobility needs when you enquire so we can suggest suitable stays and visits.

Safari vehicles can be bumpy, and the best outings start early. We can plan fewer drives and longer rests, and any age or health rules set by the parks apply.

Inclusions & exclusions

What your quotation covers

Inclusions and exclusions are confirmed in your quotation based on the selected route, vehicle, hotel option and travel plan.

Your quotation sets out:

  • The vehicle category and driver arrangements
  • Whether hotels are included and, if so, their comfort level and locations
  • Your day-by-day route and timings
  • Any safari, permit or activity arrangements you ask for, subject to availability and park rules

Pricing & payment

Pricing depends on route, vehicle category, dates and travel requirements, so every booking starts with a tailored quote. A booking is confirmed once the required advance payment is received and South Zone Holidays issues confirmation in accordance with the agreed quotation and service availability. The advance amount and balance terms are stated on your quotation. We accept international credit and debit cards, bank transfer and UPI.

5% GST applicable. GST invoice available.

FAQ

Questions about Wildlife Triangle

No. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. Kabini, Bandipur and the BR Hills are home to tigers, leopards, elephants, gaur, deer and many birds, but animals move freely and every outing is different.

Safari and forest-drive bookings are subject to availability and park rules, which can change at short notice. What is arranged for you, and how it is charged, is confirmed in your quotation.

Yes, with the right pacing. Families with older children often enjoy it most. Safari vehicles can be bumpy and starts are early, so we can plan fewer outings and more rest. Any age or health rules set by the parks apply.

Yes. An extra night at Kabini or Bandipur gives you more time in the forest. Additional outings are subject to availability and park rules.

Clothes in muted greens and browns, a warm layer for early mornings, a hat, sun protection, insect repellent and binoculars. A camera with a zoom lens is useful.

Yes. A wildlife week fits well before or after another journey, and we can help with ground travel elsewhere in India through vetted partners.

24/7 Guest Support

English-Speaking Drivers

Airport Meet & Greet

Private Guides on Request

Senior-Friendly Planning

Plan this journey

Plan your Wildlife Triangle journey

Tell us your dates, who is travelling and anything you would like to change. We will reply with a suggested plan and a tailored quote.

SZH — Private Tour Enquiry

Related journeys

Other journeys you may like

Or browse all private South India tours.

Karnataka Classic

10–12 nights from Bengaluru to Hampi: Mysuru, Kabini, Coorg, the Hoysala temples and the ruins of Hampi.

Ghats to Coast

13–14 nights from Bengaluru to Kochi: Mysuru, Nagarhole, Ooty, Fort Kochi, a houseboat night and Marari.

Coffee, Hills & Backwaters

12–13 nights from Bengaluru to Kochi: Coorg, Wayanad, Munnar, Thekkady and the Alleppey backwaters.

Planning a South India Trip or Need a Vehicle?

Tell us your dates, group size and where you want to go. We reply with a clear plan and quotation — no obligation.