Kabini, located on the river Kabini banks is one of the most famous tourist places in Karnataka. It is a great place for people who appreciate nature as there are many things to see and do in and around Kabini. If you are looking for a place away from the busy city life then it is a must-visit destination as it is blessed with immense natural beauty.
History of Kabini
The Kabini forests located in the Nagarhole National Park on the Kabini river banks are home to many wildlife and birdlife. It has a rich history, the Kodagu Kings ruled Nagarhole until the British colonized this place in the 1850s. It was a popular spot for both the Indian and British royals for Shikar. In 1860, the British established the Forest Department which prevented agriculture and also ensured the forest is not burnt. After nearly 3 decades, these became reserved forests owned by the government. After the Indian government was formed in 1947, there was a greater emphasis on food production and settlement of tribes. The Nagarhole Sanctuary which was about 285 sq km was gazetted in 1955 and was extended to 644 sq km in 1974 by the Mysore district and also got the status of National Park. The Kabini forests stretch around 55 acres and have many wildlife species and endangered ones too.
Wilderness in Kabini
One of the best ways to indulge in the wilderness is to go on a Kabini safari. These safaris are conducted twice a day once in the morning and once in the evening on designated routes. The best time to enjoy it is in the morning as you get to see a lot of animals that are present in the forests. These wild animals come out for food and water before the temperature gets too hot.
If you are keen on watching Leopards, then evening safari is the best. The area has the largest congregation of these elephants and hence is called the ‘Pachyderm Palaces’. One can also spot tigers, crocodiles, antelopes, gaur, sloth bear chital, sambhar, barking deer and panther. The best time to visit this place is from November to June as the rainy season is unpleasant to visit. March is the ideal time to observe the wild elephants as they gather around the drying river beds. During summer which is the peak season with lots of visitors, elephant rides in the morning are offered which can be enjoyed by adults and kids alike.
Sightseeing in Kabini
Visiting Nagarhole National Park: The Kabini Reserve is part of the larger wilderness of the Bandipur Tiger Reserve, Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary and the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. The Nagarhole National Park is the abode of many wild animals and birds and is one of the best habitats for them due to the Sangam of Nagarhole and Kabini River. The main attraction among the Kabini Wildlife is the Asiatic elephants and it is the best remaining habitat for these elephants.
Nature walks: One of the most fun activities in the Kabini reserve is nature walks. Resorts like Discovery Village provide accommodation for these walks so that the visitors go with experts who know the terrain. During those walks, you can also interact with the local people to get to know their culture. Campfires in the evening make for a memorable experience and an unforgettable trip.
Bird Watching: The Kabini forest reserve is famous for Bird Watchers. They come here to identify birds of various species. The forest is home for about 350 species of birds and some of them include the Ospreys, Great Cormorants, the grey-headed fish eagles, the Indian Pitta, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Malabar Trogon and much more.
Boat rides: The calm waters of the Kabini river offer a great view of the Reserve and one can also view various birds present in the water bodies. It is also the best way to view the sunset paddling on the rafts, kayaks or pedal boats.
Accommodation in Kabini
There are many places to stay in Kabini ranging from the humble guesthouses to beautiful resorts. There are places where you can be totally cut off from the world with no electricity and offer some basic amenities. But if you want the best of everything which is getting the best of amenities and the scenic view of the forest, Discovery Village is the best one. It offers a host of activities that can be customized based on your needs.
Kabini is a paradise for nature lovers and the greatest advantage of this place is, it has great connectivity. It is less than 100 km from Mysore and 230 Kms from Bangalore. To rejuvenate yourself and feel refreshed, visit Kabini!
