Kabini : Nagarhole National Park

Karnataka

Visitied in : Dec 2008
Distance from Bangalore : 210 km in the SW
Best way to reach there : By road - 5 to 6 hrs, By train - to Mysore (3 1/2 hrs) + 1/2 hrs by road
Good place to stay at : We stayed in one of the cottages at Kabini River Lodge (Jungle Resorts). There are some tented cottages and colonial style twin rooms too in the resort.
(Other options to stay are : Cicada Kabini and Water woods)

Kabini - also known as the Elephant Country or the home of Pachyderms, invites many pachyderm lovers from around the world throughout the year. The natural surroundings and the huge herds of elephants present a beautiful spectacle. This is one of the best places to see the big tuskers in their natural habitat with their raw magnetism.

During the Jeep safari inside the Nagarhole National Park, you get to spot many varieties of birds and wild animals like sambhar, deer, chital, gaur and even the majestic tiger (if you are that lucky). There are two Jeep Safaris - one early in the morning and one in the evening.

Before leaving the resort you can enjoy a refreshing boat ride in the Kabini river too.

A movie on wildlife was shown in the resort at night, which beautifully presented the nature's food cycle. No wildlife discussion can become complete without the mention of the unhumanly treatment of animals by us humans. Very true but very sad.

The beautiful cottages on the Kabini river bank with hammocks, complete the perfect picture of serenity and tranquility.

Image Courtesy : Junglelodges.com

The food is simple and delicious as in other Jungle Resorts.

Another beautiful getaway in the lap of nature for rejuvenation of spirits.

Important Tips:

1. Carry some woolens and jackets especially for the early morning Jeep Safari. It is usually very cold at that time.

2. Reach there on time so that there is sufficient time for lunch and a little relaxed time before the Safari begins at 4:30 pm

3. Allocate some extra time for the bad roads just before reaching the destination.