A Weekend trip to the Wild: Kabini, Karnataka, India

“The gladdest moment in human life, me thinks, is a departure into unknown lands.”

– Sir Richard Burton

My family and I visited Kabini in June 2017. Kabini has been in my bucket list for a long time and I had to wait for a couple of years to make it happen.

Route Map from Bangalore:

Kabini is a wildlife reserve near Mysore and is a part of the Nagarhole forest range. Nagarhole national park is popularly known as Rajiv Gandhi National park. These were once a private hunting ground for the royal family of Mysore. Kabini is a smaller part in this park, named after the Kabini river that flows through it. Kabini river originates in Kerala, flows eastwards to join the much larger River Cauvery, eventually discharging into Bay of Bengal at end of its journey, after passing though most of Tamil Nadu and Southern Karnataka.

We went for the Jungle safari. it is organized under the supervision and control of the government officials (Forest Department).

We took the Morning Safari in the Bus arranged by the Forest Department. I was told that many people visited this place mainly to see the Black Panther(BP). Across the whole safari, we were also eagerly waiting to see a Black Panther(BP). But unfortunately, we couldn’t see one. But we were indeed happy that we saw a lot of another wild animals. Don’t forget to take binoculars and camera while going for safaris.

I think the safari at this region happens in different zones. If you are planning multiple safaris, make sure you go to different zones each time. Talk to the naturalist in your resort and make sure he ensures that.

The river plays an important role in attracting the wild animals to this region. Elephants, tiger, deer and so on are a regular sight in this region.

For all the nature lovers, this is definitely a must-see place. It has everything a wild life enthusiast aspire for. Once we pass Mysore, we can feel the change in temperature.

Accomodation:

We stayed in Red Earth Resort. Would certainly recommend this resort to all my fellow travellers. I have also read and heard wonderful reviews about some other resorts in this region like Serai, Orange County, Jungle Lodge, Waterwoods, The Bison and so on.

All the accommodation options available in Kabini are quite costly. There is no way that you can find a cheaper option. But all are definitely worth the money that you pay. Many of the resorts are nearby the Kaveri river.

As it’s a wildlife reserve area, you might not see any restaurants nearby. So, you will have to eat your food at the resort itself.