Gift yourself and all your close ones the perfect start to a new year by planning a trip around our resort in Kabini. With Kabini being the perfect weekend getaway from Bangalore at only 250km, there’s a plethora of sights and things to do in Kabini ranging from wildlife to heritage to history to just having a fun weekend away from Bangalore and the bustle of the concrete jungle.
Here’s a guide to planning the best long weekend in Kabini that covers all major highlights of the region. Everything we mention in this post is located at a very convenient distance from our resort in Kabini to ensure that you focus your time on having a holistic experience instead of more commuting.
What Can You Do In Kabini?
Wildlife:
There’s no doubt that Kabini is revered as the wildlife destination of choice amongst travelers new and experienced. Adjourning the Nagarhole National Park, Kabini itself is part of a much larger forest that covers almost 640 sq km. With a forest of this stature, one can only guess as to the wide variety of wild residents that make their home in Kabini. The myriad of wildlife is second to none in Karnataka owing to the unique landscape of thick deciduous forests coupled with pristine backwaters that contain water even during hotter months.
With that being said, what does wildlife in Nagarhole look like? Nagarhole was established as one of South India’s first Project Tiger zones in 1999. No wonder then, that nearly 250 tigers now claim their home between Nagarhole and Bandipur. Thanks to efforts by Project Tiger, the numbers have seen steady growth too. So your chances of spotting a tiger on a safari in Kabini just got better! If the stars are in your favor, you may even get a glimpse into the life of a leopard as it lazes away atop an ancient temple within Kabini. And if you are truly lucky, you might just spot the most enigmatic animal of Nagarhole, the black panther!
Kabini is also host to one of Asia’s largest elephant congregations. These majestic guardians of the jungle move to Kabini via ancient elephant corridors from Bandipur and the surrounding parts of the Nilgiris when water levels are receding elsewhere. Ungulates are also plentiful in Kabini; Herds of Spotted Deer greet you as you drive down the winding roads of Nagarhole and the shy Sambar deer will give you a fleeting glance before running away into the undergrowth. Conditions willing, we may also come across the incredibly elusive Barking Deer at some point. But don’t think that Kabini is merely about megafauna. The lay of the land makes for prime avifauna territory. Watch out for Ospreys dive-bombing for fish in the backwaters, and the steady glare of the Crested Serpent Eagle as it soars across the forest canopy. The plaintive calls of Hornbills serenade you during evenings and come winter, flocks of Bar Headed Geese make their way to Kabini as well.
During your weekend getaway from Bangalore, go on multiple safaris (we recommend at least three) both via jeep and via river cruise, to get the best Kabini experience.
Heritage And History:
One would assume that being a region of wildlife, that Kabini has nothing to offer in terms of history. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Kabini and the surrounding region are swathed in the legacy of the Maharajas of yesteryear and then some. Kabini was the stronghold of the Punnatas, an ancient civilization that goes back as far as the 5th century. There are even certain accounts of the Egyptians using cotton from this region! The region was also a center of importance for Jainism.
Kabini is also one of the only regions in South India that served as a center for khedda, the cruel act of capturing and training wild elephants using tame ones. Balle Elephant Camp near our resort in Kabini was one such camp that practiced khedda, but today the practice is thankfully outlawed.
There is also an air of mysticism in Kabini. The backwaters are the grounds of Mastigudi, an ancient temple ruin. The neighboring district of HD Kote is the home of the Bheemana Kolli temple, another ancient abode that was constructed nearly 400 years ago. Its deities were moved to the adjacent villages for fear of floods damaging the temple, but they were never returned. Our resort in Kabini is also a short driving distance from Gurupura, a small village that harbors a collection of Tibetan monasteries and the Gyudmed Tantric Monastery School.
What A Long Weekend In Kabini Could Look Like:
With all this in mind, here’s a short itinerary to plan your weekend getaway from Bangalore.
Day 1: Start from Bangalore early in the morning and drive through verdant greenery and experience the rural side of Karnataka. As you step into our resort in Kabini, forget your worries and prepare yourself for the exciting days ahead. After a sumptuous lunch, you can either unwind in your room or hit the cycling routes around our resort in Kabini! Hop into the forest department canter for your first safari of the trip and with luck, spot a big cat on a hunt. Post the safari, you can unwind with a game of billiards at our Wetlands Bar with a drink in hand, regaling other patrons with stories of your sightings! Then a lively dinner awaits and you retire after an invigorating day of experiences.
Day 2: As birdsong awakens you early in the morning, you head out for a river safari that takes you close to the banks of the Kabini river. The perfect opportunity to spot muggers, birds of prey, elephants, and maybe even a big cat quenching its thirst at the backwaters. Post the safari, a freshly prepared breakfast awaits. You can then explore the region by driving to Bheemana Kolli and admiring the ancient temple and then stopping at Balle to get a glimpse of the royal elephants that are used in Mysore’s Dasara processions.
Day 3: During your final day at Kabini, take part in a chorus walk across our property to give you a finer glimpse at Kabini’s birdlife. Then it’s time for a final spot of exploring as we venture out to Gurupura, home to one of the few Tantric Buddhism schools in India. Feast on some authentic Tibetan food in the Buddhist settlement, then take this time to enjoy the beautiful rural settlements of the region that give you a glimpse of a slower-paced, relaxed life. For your final evening at Kabini, take part in an idyllic coracle ride on the river where you might finally spot some river otters on the banks, and come back to a high tea and dinner.
Day 4: It’s time to bid us goodbye after breakfast after the best weekend getaway from Bangalore has come to an end. But we’re sure you will be back once again to experience the magic of Kabini!
