Kabini is a wonderland with idyllic roads crisscrossing the entire region with changing landscapes from the expansive water body, the Kabini reservoir making its presence felt almost everywhere to undulating roads as you gently roll up and down the terrain, farmlands serenading your ride everywhere and the jungle cropping up at the distance with beautiful roads if you dare to ride there though. Here we will list out a few possible riding routes which are a favourite amongst our guests and patrons, cyclists of all proficiency.
Red Earth, the quintessential nature resort in Kabini is located on a peninsula of the Kabini Reservoir, with water on three sides, Red Earth Resort in Kabini is a wonderful location for cyclists. We provide cycles on hire and for the more seasoned and passionate bikers, you are welcome to bring your own bikes and we will ensure the safety of your gear in our well-guarded parking areas.
Ride 1: Hosamala Ride
Level: Easy
Terrain: Flat
Ride Time: 30 – 60 minutes
Hosamala is at the entrance to the peninsula, a quaint little village with farmlands beautifully sequestered on either side of the road with lovely views of the Kabini reservoir on either side. A relaxed ride, people of all ages can indulge in it. We would recommend riding up to Hosamala, turn left and explore Sogahalli, a slightly larger, bustling village or turn right and ride to Machhare for sweeping views of the entire reservoir and beyond. An easy and flat ride of about 6 miles or 10 km up to Hosamala and back, people of all ages can enjoy this ride in the slow rural settings. Sogahalli or Machhare ride would be slightly longer albeit flat ride doubling the ride distance. The beautiful idyllic settings around Red Earth Resort in Kabini is best enjoyed the slow way on a bike.
Ride 2: Rabgyaling Ride (Gurupura Ride)
Level: Intermediate
Terrain: Flat to rolling climbs
Ride Time: 4 – 5 hours
Explore the Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and traditional Buddhist hospitals and systems of medicine with beautiful Buddhist architecture galore at Rabgyaling. Yes, we are still talking about rides around Red Earth Resort in Kabini! One of the largest and lesser-known Tibetan settlements in Karnataka with a Buddhist University, Buddhist Hospitals practising the Tibetan School of Medicine. A few authentic Tibetan eateries around too, serving some piping hot momos and Thukpas, you could reload for the ride back. A round trip of 40 miles or 64 km takes you through many villages on a well-made state highway with beautiful little villages at regular intervals. With two alternative routes, the Gurupura ride is an exhilarating ride with rolling roads with not much in terms of climbs. Gentle slopes welcome you everywhere. Ideal for people in good shape owing to the length and duration of the ride, we recommend taking some pack lunch along as the Tibetan eateries may or may not be open at all hours. Long-distance cyclists will certainly love this ride from Red Earth Resort in Kabini. A road bike is ideal for such rides rather than a mountain bike.
Ride 3: Chikka Devamma Betta Ride – A 50 mile ride
Level: Advanced
Terrain: Flat to rolling climbs with a steep climb at the turnaround point
Ride Time: 5 – 6 hours
Red Earth Resort in Kabini is not just set in a land blessed with natural beauty but also steeped in ancient history. An ancient civilization called the Punnatta has existed here since the times of Egypt with cotton being traded with the Egyptians and Greeks. Historical references to the Punnatta Kingdom exist even in the writing of Ptolemy and others. A more recent historical significance, the temple of Chikka Devamma is believed to be the younger sister of Chamundi whose majestic shrine towers over Mysore. A serene place on the top of the eponymous hill, Chikka Devamma Temple provides a challenging ride and amazing panoramic views of the entire region of Kabini. Starting from Red Earth Resort in Kabini, head to Hosamala and turn right circumnavigating the Kabini reservoir till the Aggature cross where a left turn takes you along the right canal road of Kabini all the way to the towering hill of Chikka Devamma Betta. A 200 m steep climb takes you to the top of the hill where the ancient temple and beautiful vistas await. Perfect place to recuperate after the gruelling climb. Time to head back a mostly downhill and gentle ride back to your solace of tranquillity and luxury, Red Earth Resort in Kabini.
These are just a few of the rides for each level of proficiency. There are many more you could explore. Reach us or better still come over to Red Earth Resort in Kabini with your trusted bike and start riding.
