Photo: Manu gangadhar · CC BY-SA 4.0
Bangalore to Kabini cab, quiet all the way to the water's edge
Kabini is about 218 km from Bangalore — down NH275 to Mysore, then through Nanjangud and H.D. Kote to the backwaters on the edge of Nagarhole. Four and a half to five hours, and the last stretch is genuinely beautiful.
An electric car suits this trip better than most. There is no engine note on the final forest road, which is the stretch where you are most likely to see something. The fare is fixed at booking and the chauffeur stays with you if you book a round trip.
Book this tripBangalore to Kabini distance and travel time
- Distance: 218 km one way
- Travel time: 4.5–5 hours
- Route: NH275 to Mysore, then via Nanjangud and H.D. Kote
- Charging stop: One stop, budget an hour
- Car: BYD e6 electric SUV, 4 seats, 4 large suitcases
Charging on the Bangalore to Kabini route
We leave Bangalore at 100%. The outbound 218 km needs no stop at all, but the round trip does, so we plan about an hour of charging at Srirangapatna on the Mysore expressway — on the way out or the way back, whichever suits your schedule. Charging near Kabini itself is limited, so we do not rely on it.
We are field-verifying the chargers on this route — our chauffeurs charge at each one and photograph it before we list it here. Until then, our operations team plans and confirms the charging stop for your specific booking.
What to know about this drive
- The last 30 km from H.D. Kote is narrow and passes close to the reserve. It is slow driving and best done in daylight.
- Kabini lodges sit on both the Karnataka and the river side of the backwaters, and the two are a long way apart by road. Confirm which property you are booked into so the chauffeur takes the right turn at H.D. Kote.
- Safari slots are early morning and late afternoon. If you want the evening safari on arrival day, we need to leave Bangalore by around 07:00.
Places to stop between Bangalore and Kabini
- Srirangapatna: Tipu Sultan's island fort and summer palace, where we usually charge.
- Mysore: Directly on the route — the Palace fits easily into an unhurried outbound leg.
- Nanjangud: The Srikanteshwara temple on the Kapila river, just south of Mysore.
- H.D. Kote: The last town before the reserve, and the turn-off for the lodges.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to reach Kabini from Bangalore?
Four and a half to five hours of driving for 218 km, plus about an hour of charging. Leave by 07:00 if you want to make an evening safari on arrival day.
Will the chauffeur stay for the safari?
On a round trip, yes — the car and chauffeur stay with you for the duration. Safaris themselves are run by the lodge or the forest department in their own vehicles.
Can we stop at Mysore on the way?
Yes, Mysore is directly on the route. The Palace or Chamundi Hills fits comfortably into the outbound leg if you are not chasing an evening safari slot.
Is the road to the lodges suitable for the car?
Yes. The final stretch is narrow but surfaced, and the e6 has enough ground clearance for it. Send the exact lodge pin when you book so the chauffeur plans the right approach.
Will an electric car make it to Kabini without running out of charge?
Yes. We depart at 100% charge and plan one charging stop on the way. The BYD e6 returns 380-420 km on a highway with the air conditioning running and a full load, and we never plan a route that depends on arriving with an empty battery.
What happens if the charging station is not working?
Every planned stop has at least one named alternative within reach, and our operations team checks charger status on the morning of departure. Charger downtime is a real problem on Indian highways, which is why we plan for it rather than hope.
Does the charging stop make the trip longer?
We budget a full hour for a charging stop, and we schedule it where you would want a break anyway - somewhere with a clean restroom and food. Often it takes less, but we plan the day on an hour so a busy charger does not put you behind schedule.
Which car will I get?
Every Shoffr outstation trip is a BYD e6 - a quiet, Innova-sized electric SUV that seats 4 adults and fits 4 large suitcases, with a 71.7 kWh battery.
Are fares fixed, or does the price change on the day?
The fare is fixed when you book. There is no surge pricing and no renegotiation with the driver. Tolls are payable separately on applicable routes.
Can I travel with my pet?
Yes - Shoffr is officially pet-friendly. Indicate pets while booking; a deep-cleaning fee of Rs 500 for cats and Rs 750 for dogs applies.