From Bangalore
The Kabini River, a
tributary of the Kauvery, flows quietly through the Nagarhole National Park, encircling a
patch of green called Kabini. This exuberant jungle is home to leopard, gaur, antelope,
crocodile, tiger, cobra, python and herds of elephant among other animals. Kabini is a
delightful resort to get away to for a few days - or much longer, if you fancy!
Kabini River Lodge was
originally the private hunting lodge of the Maharaja of Mysore. It later became the
Viceregal lodge where British Viceroys and royalty from abroad were entertained. Today,
Kabini is one of Karnataka's best wildlife resorts, stretched over 55 acres of forest and
river. The lodge organizes safaris and wildlife watching treks into the forest and even
has an elephant-back safari to boot.
The best thing about Kabini
is the sense of tranquility and solitude that envelops the forest reserve. Big city life
and traffic seem so far away as you surrender yourself to jungle sounds and smells. The
elephant rules here and if you are lucky, you may come across herds of tuskers splashing
in the river or crashing through the wilderness. Crocodiles glare balefully at the antics
of these jumbos and grin wicked thoughts. The tiger and leopard are much more elusive,
while sloth bear, gaur (Indian bison), antelope, sambar, wild boar and any number of
monkeys live here.
Kabini shelters the osprey,
brown-headed fishing eagle, racket tailed drongo, goldenbacked woodpecker, stork and
peafowl among almost 250 species of bird life. Spend some time in the watchtower near the
river and spy on the wildlife as they venture out to the river. Experts from the lodge
will guide you along nature walks and safe paths to tread. Besides jeep safaris and
elephant rides, another interesting way to explore the jungles is by coracle. These are
circular bamboo boats lined with buffalo hide, on which you float down the river. If this
seems too daring, try cruising on a motorboat, sailboat or paddleboat. You may meet some
interesting river creatures on the way!
When the monsoons arrive,
the rain-washed forest turns a brighter green. This is the time when the excited twitter
of the avian population gives way to the exuberant lyrics of songbirds. Once the monsoons
recede, the wildlife is at its most visible from November till May. So choose any time of
the year to come here for a wildly refreshing break.
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