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.

Getting there: Kabini River Lodge is located at Karapur near Nagarhole National Park, 220 km from Bangalore and 80 km from Mysore. The best way to get here is by road via Mysore, on the Mysore-Manantawadi road - a drive of 5 hours. Buses and trains from Bangalore are available for Mysore, from where car rentals are possible. The River Lodge organizes transport on request from Bangalore and Mysore.

Best time: You can come to Kabini at any time of the year, but the best season for wildlife sighting is from November to May. The forest turns a lush green between July and October, another good period for a visit. The climate is moderate throughout the year: winter temperatures do not fall below 16ºC and summer temperatures do not exceed 32ºC.

Accommodation: Kabini River Lodge has colonial-style rooms, riverside cottages and tents with good amenities. Tariffs, which vary for Indian and foreign nationals, start at Rs2000 per person per night for tents and cottages, to Rs2750 for the luxury rooms, inclusive of wildlife tours, safaris, forest entry and elephant rides. For bookings contact Jungle Lodges and Resorts Ltd, Shrungar Shopping Centre, MG Road, Bangalore. Tel 080-5597021-24-25. Fax 5586163. You can also stay in Forest Lodges, Rest Houses and Cottages at Nagarhole - for more information contact Chief Conservator of Forests, Karnataka Forest Department.

For country information, see India.
For detailed state and visitor information, see Karnataka.