About the property:

The Kabini River Lodge is part of Jungle Lodges and Resorts (JLR), a group of luxury accommodations and incredibly wild nature camps run across the state of Karnataka. The Jungle Lodges and Resorts, Kabini is located on the banks of the Kabini River in the Nagarhole National Park of Karnataka, India. Of all the Jungle Resorts located on the backwaters of Kabini, the Kabini Jungle Lodges is the crown jewel. This forest resort is set in a picturesque location surrounded by lush forests and wildlife, offers a range of accommodations and activities for guests to enjoy and offers a unique wildlife experience like no other resort can.

This 54 acre jungle resort property located in Begur, with timeless South Indian architecture, spells idyllic charms and countless surprises, right from mystic mornings to the rare spotting of panthers and tigers. Besides its unmatchable jungle magnetism, it spoils its visitors with its charming accommodation to retire to after hours of jaw-dropping mesmerization, a well-stocked bar to soothe the excitement and keep the visitors warm and a fully-equipped conference room for meetings that spell business as usual.

The Kabini Jungle Lodge offers guests a unique opportunity to experience the beauty and wildlife of the region in a luxurious and comfortable setting. It has a rich history dating back to the 19th century when it was used as a hunting ground by the British, and even the Maharaja of Mysore. Since being taken over by the Government of Karnataka in the late 1900s, the Kabini Jungle Lodge has become one of the most popular destinations for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.

You can find the best prices for Kabini River Lodge here. Or call +91 89712 02915 to get help with your booking.

Kabini River Lodge, Jungle Lodges and Resorts

The forests here are magnetic, drawing in budding wildlife enthusiasts as well as veteran wildlife photographers. Besides the magic of the jungle, river and accommodation, the one aspect the guests can’t miss is the Gol Ghar, the resort’s river facing gazebo dining area, which serves meals at set timings and provides the perfect opportunity for the guests to share their stories and wild rendezvous with each other, over Indian, Continental and Chinese cuisines.

History of Jungle Lodges and Kabini River Lodge:

Over centuries, Karnataka's forests were a popular destination for hunters. Kings, queens, ministers, and even the British East India Company and Russian Grand Dukes came to these forests to hunt big game. Kabini's forests were especially beloved by these hunters. Today, these forests still hold a special allure, drawing people from across the globe for different reasons.

In 1978, the late Sri. Gundu Rao, the then Chief Minister of Karnataka attended a conference at the world-famous Tiger Tops Jungle Lodges in Nepal. The beautiful setting and international tourists impressed him, and he wrote to Tiger Tops inviting them to build a similar model in Nagarahole, Karnataka. The following year, the government of Karnataka partnered with Tiger Tops to launch the Jungle Lodges and Resorts, India's first eco-tourism destination. In 1980, the River Kabini Lodge opened its doors to the public, but faced challenges. Tiger Tops eventually sold its interest in the lodge to the government of Karnataka in 1987.

Jeep Safari, Nagarhole National Park

Today, Jungle Lodges and Resorts is a successful ecotourism brand with properties across Karnataka. Jungle Lodges Kabini in particular, has played a significant role in raising awareness about wildlife preservation in India.

About Nagarhole National Park:

Nagarhole National Park, also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, is a protected area in the southern Indian state of Karnataka. It covers an area of approximately 643 square kilometres and is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which also includes Bandipur National Park, Mudumalai National Park, and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. The National Park is located in the Kodagu and Mysore districts of Karnataka, India.

The history of Nagarhole National Park dates back to the early 20th century, when it was established as a game reserve by the Maharaja of Mysore. Over the years, the park has undergone several changes and expansions, and in 1988 it was declared a national park. Today, Nagarhole National Park is managed by the Karnataka Forest Department and is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts and tourists alike. The park is known for its rich biodiversity and abundant wildlife, and is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna including several species of endangered animals. The national park is renowned for its thriving population of tigers, elephants, and various species of deer, including the spotted deer, sambar, and barking deer. Other mammals that can be spotted in the park include bison, sloth bears, wild dogs, and leopards, including a black panther.

Kabini River Lodge, Jungle Lodges and Resorts

Nagarhole National Park is situated in the Western Ghats, a mountain range that is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna. The park's terrain includes forests, hills, valleys, and rivers, which provide a range of habitats for different species of plants and animals. The park is managed by the Forest Department of Karnataka, which is committed to protecting the park's natural resources and biodiversity. The department has implemented a range of conservation measures, including anti-poaching patrols, habitat restoration, and the creation of protected areas, which have helped to preserve the park's wildlife. The park's forests, rivers, and wetlands provide a plentiful supply of food and water for the park's plants and animals, which helps to support a diverse and healthy ecosystem.

Boat Safari, Kabini River, Nagarhole

The Kabini River flows through the park, and it is an important habitat for the wildlife in the area. The river is also a popular destination for activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife watching. The Rajiv Gandhi National Park and the Kabini River are closely connected, as the park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, and the river is an important habitat and recreational area within the park.

Things to do at Kabini River Lodge, Karapura

As a resort located on the banks of the Kabini River and near the Nagarhole National Park, the Kabini River Lodge Resort offers a range of activities and experiences for guests to enjoy. Some possible things to do at the resort include-

Wildlife safaris: Guests can take part in jeep safaris or boat rides to spot a variety of animals, including elephants, deer, bison, and possibly even tigers and leopards. Note: While the Kabini Wildlife Safari is accessible to guests staying in other luxury resorts, guests at Kabini Jungle Lodges get first preference. If you are a wildlife safari aficionado, skip the other resorts and stay at JLR Kabini.
Birdwatching: The Kabini River and its surrounding forests are home to a rich variety of bird species, making it a great spot for birdwatchers. With over 270 species of birds, Kabini is a paradise for bird watchers and photographers.
Coracle Ride: Experience a traditional round-shaped boat ride on the placid waters of the Kabini River, offering a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape.
Nature walks: The resort offers guided nature walks through the surrounding forests, providing a chance to explore the local flora and fauna. You can also take leisurely strolls around the property, soaking in the beauty of the lush greenery and listening to the symphony of nature.
Cultural and heritage experiences: The resort can arrange visits to local villages and temples, as well as other cultural and heritage experiences.
Relaxation and rejuvenation: The resort also offers a range of relaxation and rejuvenation options, such as Ayurvedic massages and spa treatments. Please check availability as Spa availability is not assured all the time.

Kabini River Lodge, Jungle Lodges and Resorts

You can spend the evening watching films on wildlife in the audio-visual hall. The Ghol Ghar's nighttime campfire will keep you entertained till you retire to bed. In addition to being a natural habitat for wildlife, Kabini Jungle Lodges provides the most serene setting for important seminars, meetings, or conferences. The Viceroy's bungalow's spacious room makes it the perfect location for uninterrupted business meetings. Meetings can take place between 9:00am and 4:00pm, and a wildlife tour could be arranged for afterwards. Along with the conference room, the Viceroy’s building also has a well equipped bar.

Overall, the Kabini River Resort offers a range of activities and experiences for guests to enjoy, from wildlife safaris and birdwatching to cultural and heritage experiences, as well as opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Things To Do in Kabini National Park

What to expect at the Kabini Jungle and River Safari

The Kabini Safari is one of the most popular wildlife safari experiences in India. During a Kabini Safari, guests can expect to take a canter(bus), jeep or boat ride through the national park and surrounding forests, with a trained guide who will help spot and identify the various animals and other wildlife. Depending on the time of year and the luck of the group, guests may have the opportunity to see a wide variety of animals, including elephants, deer, bison, dholes (wild dogs) and possibly even tigers, leopards and the Black Panther. The jeep safari is more intimate and exhilarating. If you want a jeep safari into the forest, stay in the Jungle Lodges and Resorts, Kabini. No other resort (including the prestigious Evolveback Kabini) can assure a jeep safari at Kabini. The jeep safari route is not the same each day. It is dependent on the officer’s advice for the day. The officers in charge look at the pugmarks and hints to take different routes every day.

Jeep Safari, Kabini , Nagarhole National Park

In addition to the wildlife sightings, the Kabini Safari also offers the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the national park and its surroundings, with views of the Kabini River and the surrounding forests. The safari may also include other activities, such as birdwatching, nature walks, and visits to local villages and temples.

One amazing aspect of the Kabini Jungle Resort is its location. Set right amidst one of the most scenic national parks in India, guests staying at this resort are most likely to see and experience wildlife in the most unique setting. Since it is situated on the banks of the Kabini river, animals are often seen bathing or drinking from these waters.

Boat Safari, Kabini River, Nagarhole National Park

Guests staying on the property are given preference for safaris around the national park, The Safari is included in the JLR stay package. For each night stay, guests get 1 jeep safari and 1 boat safari by default. Guests booking the Maharaja Package get too choose between 2 jeep safaris or 1 jeep and boat safari. On the other hand, if one stays in a property other than that of Jungle Lodges, they will have to book safaris separately on arrival, which works on a first come first serve basis. The number of safaris are not guaranteed in a private stay, even if the guest stays for a long period of time.

Kabini’s speciality: Wildlife sightings, Elephants, Leopards on trees

About 10 years ago, Kabini became known as the best place to photograph leopards in South India, with iconic images of leopards, including the black panther on trees, climbing, and even hunting becoming popular throughout the country. This may be due to the fact that around two dozen leopards became more accustomed to safari activity in the park and were bold enough to approach jeeps without running away.

A similar trend has been observed with the tigers of Nagarahole, as the past 10 years have seen a significant increase in tiger activity in the park, leading to an increase in tourism. The Kabini's grasslands, which are convenient for tracking wildlife, have become home to several popular tiger families, such as the Tiger Tank family, the Russell Line family, and the Backwater family, as well as well-known leopards like Scarface, Cleopatra, and the latest addition to the Kabini Hall of Fame, Saya - the phantom black panther.

Leopard, Kabini, Nagarhole, Rajiv Gandhi Tiger Reserive

Why you must stay at this JLR property

Jungle Lodges and Resorts (JLR) is a responsible wildlife and eco-tourism company with a strong commitment to use tourism as a genuine tool for conserving the environment and wildlife.It's quite improbable that you'll ever locate a JLR property with 100 rooms.They believe in having the best experience and redefined luxuries. The sounds, the sights, and the moments are all significant. Nothing stands between you and nature at this property. It also focuses on awakening a feeling of wonder that has lain dormant. A property of this kind offers you vistas and experiences that are unmatched by any other. Kabini River Lodge believes that these kinds of tales need to be told. Here, meals are communal events. With a few exceptions, all of the Jungle Lodges have no restaurants but instead have a group dining area called the Gol Ghar, where lunch and dinner buffets are served at set timings. Dinners around campfires feed the storyteller in each of us. Although other private stays may seem cheaper than what JLR offers, they are not inclusive of the safaris and location benefits. Visit Jungle Lodges and Resorts in Karnataka today to experience the rich wildlife in the state.

Kabini River Lodge, Jungle Lodges and Resorts, Rajiv Gandi National Park

Kabini River Lodge Packages and accomodation

The Kabini River Lodge Resort offers a range of amenities and facilities for guests to enjoy. The amenities at the Kabini Resort include:

Dining: The resort has a restaurant that serves a range of dishes, as well as a bar that offers a selection of beverages.
Wildlife safaris and nature walks: The resort offers guided safaris and nature walks through the surrounding forests, providing a chance to spot wildlife and explore the local flora and fauna.
Other activities: The resort can also arrange other activities for guests, such as boat rides on the Kabini River, birdwatching, and visits to local villages and temples.

Tiger spotting in a Jeep Safari, Kabini Tiger Reserive

The resort offers a range of accommodation options, including luxurious cottages and tents, all with private bathrooms, daily housekeeping, car parking and other modern amenities.

There are numerous economical residencies available in the forest that assures visitors the luxury of modern comforts in the lap of nature. From waking up with the chirping of birds to sleeping to the sounds of the forest, Kabini Jungle Lodges and Resorts promises to give you memories of the woods that would take you back repeatedly in time.

Maharaja Package: As the name suggests, your experience at Kabini Jungle Resort could feel as royal as it gets in one of the charming grand cottages of the Maharaja package, nestled amongst serene groves. This cottage accommodation package includes- Stay, Food (Lunch, Dinner & Breakfast), Two Safaris, Coracle Ride, Forest entry charges and GST 18%. Guests staying at the Maharaja Cottage can opt for 2 jeep safaris instead of 1 boat and 1 jeep safari. Some of the Maharaja cottages are river facing. This idyllic cottage is equipped with amenities like air conditioning, bathroom, housekeeping, parking, umbrella, torch, luggage assistance, wake-up call/ service, seating area and a coffee maker.

Check the inclusions, availability and prices for the Kabini River Lodge Maharaja Package.

Maharaja Room, Kabini River Lodge, Jungle Lodges and Resorts

Viceroy Package: If a classy stay is in your mind, then the Viceroy package is the way to go for you. This room accommodation in the North or East Bungalow includes- Stay, Food (Lunch, Dinner & Breakfast), Two jungle Safaris (One Boat safari or One Road Safari by Bus subject to availability & One jungle safari by Jeep into Nagarahole National park), Coracle Ride, Forest entry charges and GST 18%. This room type accommodation comes equipped with amenities like bathroom, housekeeping, parking, umbrella, torch, luggage assistance, wake-up call/ service, and a coffee maker.

Check the inclusions, availability and prices for the Kabini River Lodge Viceroy Package

Viceroy Bunglow, Kabini River Lodge, Jungle Lodges and Resorts

Vicerow Bungalow, Kabini River Lodge, Jungle Lodges and Resorts

Kabini Tent Package: This tented cottage accommodation includes- Stay, Food (Lunch, Dinner & Breakfast), Two jungle Safari One Boat safari or One Road Safari by Bus subject to availability & One jungle safari by Jeep into Nagarahole National park), Forest entry charges and GST 18%. This tented cottage comes equipped with a range of amenities such as bathroom, housekeeping, parking, umbrella, torch, luggage assistance, wake-up call/ service, seating area and a coffee maker.

Check the inclusions, availability and prices for the Kabini River Lodge Tent Package

Tent Package, Kabini River Lodge, Jungle Lodges and Resorts

Tent Interior, Kabini River Lodge, Jungle Lodges and Resorts

Dormitory Package: This shared accommodation includes- Stay, Food (Lunch, Dinner & Breakfast), Two jungle Safari (One Boat safari & One Road Safari by Van subject to availability into Nagarahole National park), Forest entry charges and GST 18%. Meals are available at additional cost. There are 10 beds in the dorm and have a common bathroom located outside the dorm. There may be other guests sharing the dorm.

Check the inclusions, availability and prices for the Kabini River Lodge Dormitory Package

Best season to visit Kabini

The Kabini Wildlife Reserve is located in the south of Karnataka, India, and it has a tropical climate with distinct dry and wet seasons. The dry season, which is also the peak tourist season, runs from October to May. This is the best time to visit Kabini if you are interested in activities such as safari tours, bird watching, and boat rides on the Kabini River. The weather is generally pleasant during this time, with warm days and cool nights. The wet season, which runs from June to September, is the monsoon season in Kabini. This is not the best time to visit if you are planning to do outdoor activities, as the weather can be unpredictable and the roads may be difficult to navigate. However, the wet season is a good time to visit if you are interested in seeing the lush greenery of the reserve and observing the wildlife.

Here's a quick overview of what to expect during each season:

Summer (March to May): This is the ideal time for wildlife sightings, as the animals congregate near water sources due to the dry conditions.
Monsoon (June to September): The forests come alive with the onset of the monsoon, making it a great time for nature lovers and photographers. However, wildlife sightings may be less frequent during this period.
Winter (October to February): With pleasant temperatures and lush greenery, winter is an excellent time to visit Kabini for a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

Coracle Ride, Kabini River

How to get there

Kabini River Lodge is well-connected by road, and can be easily accessed from various cities in India. The nearest airports are Mysore Airport (85 kilometers) and Bangalore International Airport (220 kilometers). From the airports, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the lodge. If you prefer to travel by train, the closest railway stations are Mysore (80 kilometers) and Bangalore (220 kilometers). From the railway stations, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the property.

There are several ways to travel from Bangalore to Kabini by rail, road, and air.

1. By rail:

Take the train from Bangalore to Mysore Railway Station, which is located about 90 kilometres from Kabini. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Kabini. The other railway stations connecting to Kabini are Mangalore Jn, Mysore Jn and Coorg.

2. By road:

From Bangalore, you can drive to Kabini via the NH275. The drive is about 220 kilometres and takes about 4-5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Bangalore to Kabini. There are several bus operators that offer regular services between these two locations. The journey takes about 5-6 hours, depending on the route and traffic conditions. The latest check in time for the Kabini property is 6pm as the forest check post at Karapura closes by then, keeping in mind the safety concerns of the wildlife. The roads from Mysore to Kabini are good past the Karapura check post.

Directions to Kabini River Lodge, Jungle Lodges and Resorts

3. By air:

Air travel would be the best choice for you if you are staying abroad or in a state of India far away from Kabini. However, as Kabini lacks a local airport, it is recommended to schedule a flight to Mysore, or Bangalore and then take a road trip to this beautiful vacation destination. Numerous transportation alternatives are available from Mysore (75 kms), Kannur (144 kms), Calicut (167 kms), Coimbatore (247 kms) and Bangalore (240 kms) to Kabini, including taxis, rental cars, and buses.

Directions to Kabini River Lodge, Jungle Lodges and Resorts