KABINI

KABINI BACK WATERS- GUNDRE RANGE

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The Kabini, also called Kabani and Kapila, is a river of southern India. It originates in Wayanad District of Kerala state, south India from the confluence of the Panamaram River and Mananthavady River, and flows eastward to join the Kaveri River at Tirumakudalu Narasipura in Karnataka, which empties into the Bay of Bengal.

Close to the town of sargur it forms the huge Kabini Reservoir. The backwaters of the Kabini reservoir are very rich in wildlife especially in summer when the water level recedes to form rich grassy meadows.

The Kabini dam is 2,284 ft (696 m) in height with a gross storage of 19.52tmcft but has reduced considerably due to silt accumulation. The Kabini Dam is situated between villages Bichanahalli and Bidarahalli having distance of 17 km (11 mi) 6km away from sargur town in Heggadadevana kote taluk, Mysore district.

 

Enroute to Gundre Camp

A Spectacular view of Bamboo Near Gundre Shed Camp

Kabini is one of the most popular wildlife destinations of Karnataka, probably because of its easy accessibility, lush green landscape surrounding a large picturesque lake, and fantastic sightings of large herds of elephants. It is 80 km (50 mi) away from Mysore and 205 km (127 mi) from Bangalore, and comprises the south-eastern part of Nagarahole National Park. Situated on the banks of the Kabini River, this forest reserve is spread over 55 acres (22 ha) of forestland, steep valleys, and water bodies. Once a private hunting lodge of the Maharaja of Mysore, Kabini was a popular shikar hotspot for British Viceroys and Indian royalty. Now it is considered to be one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in Karnataka, famous for its spectacular wildlife and bird life.

A view near Gundre Camp

Recently I with my family and Vishwanath family family planned a short trip to Kabini, Nagarhole, both the families are always loved the nature and wild life
 
We started our journey to Mysore from there we reached Handpost - HD Kote. 
 
From here we decided to move towards Gundre forest range near N.Beguru.

To visit the Gundre Range one has to get prior permission from the  Department of Forest. One thing for sure its very difficult to get persmission from the forest department - High influence required to get permission

These forests are one of the best forests i have ever seen, first of all i was totally astonished to see the change in landscape from the beautiful farm lands to thick forests all of a sudden. And the best thing is the amount of wildlife you get to see here roaming in the wild.. This place is heaven for elephants,deer,tiger,wild buffalo,cheeta,bear and lots of birds... We managed to find lots of elephants,deers,wild buffalo including spotting of a Tiger in Lake

Apart from these animals and birds, we also spotted Tiger (far away on the other side of the lake- only video had to shoot for record purpose and photo also for record purpose), Gaur (Indian Bison), wild boar, Ibis (both black as well as white), egrets (little  as well as great egret),  peacock, cormorants, kingfisher, painted stork, open billed stork, butterflies etc

Its an amazing place to watch for the wildlife in the evening coming in 100s to the back waters of river kabini, the possibility of finding animals is very high during the summer.... however since we had to go back before 6 we didnot get the oppurtunity to wait and enjoy the scenic beauty over here....

It was a busy afternoon in jeep a bit scary to chase the elephants in the wild you never know when they are gonna turn back on you. However once out of the forest we went towards the kabini dam and this was one of the beautiful place i had experienced, the cool breeze was the most pleasent thing

A REFLECTION OF A TREE near BANOOR GADDE

Sambhar Near Banoor Gadde

Tusker Near Hole Line, Kabini

Bannoor Gadde

A feel of staying close to wild animals in the wild is an experience i never had before and it was worth it.. This place is around 220 - 230 kms from bangalore. Inside the forest we visited bannur gadde, gundre camp and nayalla camp. Next time we would be trekking to these forests by walk hopefully that would be lot more thiller with lots of wild elephants all along :-)

The elephant attacked twice to our jeep we were all family, i instructed my family not to worry, it wont do anything, keep silent and watch, i clicked the below photographs which this came very close to my camera lens





Second Time it attacked like this



Finally Third time once again it attacked











Reached the Kabini Guest House (Irrigation Dept) and stayed back overnight over there

Pallavi - Neha

From Kabini we moved towards the Nagarahole


The Family at Nagarahole

When to Visit:

The best time to visit Kabini is between September - May and for wildlife sighting November –June.


How to Reach:
By Air: There is direct flight from all over to Bangalore which is the nearest airport about 205 km.
By Train: Mysore is the nearest railway station about 80 km
By Road: It is well connected to Mysore, Bangalore and Ooty

Private Accomodation:
(TOOOOO Costly)

1. Coffee Day’s, Cicada Kabini Resort-
Std Rooms (Rs.12138/-) Cottages (Rs. 13258/-) Villas (Rs. 15498/-)
2. Jungle Lodge’s Kabini River Lodge- 
Cottage(Rs.5000/-) Maharaja Cottage(Rs. 5500/-) Room(Rs. 4250/-) and Tented Cottage(Rs. 3500/-)
3. Water Woods Kabini Resort-
Standard AC: Rs 5500(Single) & Rs 6750(Double)
Suite AC: Rs 8000( Single and Double)
Standard/Suite: Rs 2650(Extra adult) and Rs 1650(Child between 3-10 yrs)
Tree House: Rs 4000 (Single) and Rs 5500(Double)
4. Orange County’s Kabini Resort-
Jacuzzi Hut (Between Rs. 15300- Rs. 18000)
Pool Hut (Between Rs. 18700- Rs. 22000)
Special Jacuzzi Hut (Between Rs 15300- Rs 18000)