Stargazing To Dining By The River : Five Things You HAVE To Do If You're Heading To Kabini

Be it on a coracle or a motor boat, a ride on Kabini’s eponymous river is essential. If you’re keen on photography, make sure to take to sit out the outside of the motorboat, and in the coracle, well, be a bit careful as it can get a bit wobbly. Animal and bird sightings are sometimes tough on the boat safari these days, but it’s totally worth it if you catch the evening ride, for the sunset. Just lovely. 

Part of the Karnataka government tourism board, the jeep safaris in the Nagarhole National Park and Tiger Reserve are a great way to explore the jungles. Apart from bird-sightings, the elephant, deer, gaur, peacocks and peahens, there’s always the hope of catching the big cats. So look out for those elusive tigers and leopards, they’re not always as rare as you think! The park is open from 6am - 6pm and the ticket of the safari tours in the bus costs INR 350. 

While you may not think of coffee and spices at Kabini, it’s really quite close to Coorg. Just on the border of the Kabini region is Kutta, a little hamlet that’s pretty as a picture. A stark change from the jungles and low-lying waters of the Kabini, this place is all about mountains, coffee plantations, pepper vines, and spice trails. Perfect for some rejuvenation. You can even take a drive through Gonikoppal in Coorg for some delectable Pandi curry. 

Our favourite resort in Kabini, though it’s a tad expensive, The Bison is for when you want to splurge a bit. Once you do though, you’ll never want to stay anywhere else. Apart from the luxury tents, the gorgeous views, fine service, sign up for the Theme Bush Dinner. Set up on the banks of the backwaters, you and your SO will be pampered silly by their staff who will make sure you’re cosy around a bonfire. Dining will take place in batches by means of a buffet system. Additional halls are arranged for the same. Soak up the romantic atmosphere with lanterns twinkling around you, and nothing but the grasslands and sounds of nature for company. They are now open but do remember to carry a negative RT-PCR test no older than 72 hours. 

Check them out here.

Now this one is just for you adventurists. Even if you’re not much into cycling, Unventured will sort you out with a two-day cycling trip around Kabini. They'll provide you with mountain bikes and a mechanic will accompany the group at all times. It will include riding and exploring little villages and biking through forested areas too.

If you're planning a little 1on1 with wilderness with a bunch of friends, we suggest you tick the right boxes by referring to this list.