Kabini reserve is part of Nagarhole and to the south of it and in in Mysore District (whereas the northern part is in Coorg District). This is where the backwaters of river Kabini (Kapila) flows and one can get to see amazing sightings of animals and bird be it inside the forest or on the riverbanks (especially during summer). Kabini is approx. 240 kms from Bangalore can be easily reached under 5 hours.

Bandipur is also approx. 240kms from Bangalore and can be easily reached under 5 hours. It is where the Deccan Plateau meets the Western Ghats and the altitude of the park ranges from 680 meters (2,230 ft) to 1,454 meters (4,770 ft). As a result, the park has a variety of biomes including dry deciduous forests, moist deciduous forests and shrublands. The wide range of habitats help support a diverse range of organisms. The park is flanked by the Kabini river in the north and the Moyar river in the south. The Nugu river runs through the park. The highest point in the park is on a hill called Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta, where there is a Hindu temple at the summit.

You can get more details of the animals/birds present there including number of various animals, their densities and lot more info About Bandipur National Park. 

In this article I will be discussing some of the top wilderness resorts of international standards which are nestled in the forests of Nagarhole Kabini and Bandipur and that are driving distance from Bangalore. In the first article I discussed the first three of this list which is Resorts And Homestays At Bandipur National Park, in the second article I have discussed the next 4 here, and now let me talk about the last four here and again all are of Bandip[ur (even though I say top 10, I had to put 11 because it was tough to remove any one of them to fit that 10 – all 11 are extremely good)

Bandipur Safari Lodges by Jungle Lodges & Resorts

TripAdvisor Rating: 4.0 out of 260 Reviews, 77 (30%) – Excellent. 114 (44%) – Very Good.  53 (20%)  Average.  10 (4%) – Poor. 6 (2%) – Terrible.**

** 5 stars – Excellent, 4 stars – Very Good, 3 stars – Average, 2 stars – Poor, 1 star – Terrible

Amazing place to stay for the wildlife enthusiasts, homely feeling, amazing service and hospitality by the staff. Food is nice. Neat and comfortable rooms, Nice food and also very friendly staff, Again the drivers and naturalists are good. Safari is part of the package and this resort is very close to the forest gates.

Only drawback is that this is located right on the main road of Mysore-Ooty and hence one don’t get the feel of forest unlike other JLR properties or unlike other properties which are discussed below. One cannot avoid of getting a feeling of a typical highway-side family resort for quick rest or a stop-over.

Serai Bandipur

TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5 out of 178 Reviews, 117 (66%) – Excellent. 47 (26%) – Very Good.  5 (3%)  Average.  5 (3%) – Poor 4 (2%) – Terrible.**

** 5 stars – Excellent, 4 stars – Very Good, 3 stars – Average, 2 stars – Poor, 1 star – Terrible

In the middle of the forest, Serai Bandipur is a very nice property with rooms are awesome with glass roof bathrooms and  with their own private balconies. Very Well maintained. Rooms are very spacious, Conference hall very elegant. Log huts are nice. Great Staff, superb service. Food is amazing and so is the view from the restaurant, the Bar and the pool.  The landscaping of the resort is praiseworthy and their spa is amazing and truly relaxing. Offers Safari and hence no sweat there.

The restaurant is just a place where you can keep staring at the “blue mountain” and the cloud top for hours together. The place also has some outdoor games such as Badminton, bow and arrow and some indoor games as well. You can lay your hands on them to kill that time in afternoon after heavy lunch and a morning Safari (until the evening Safari). Thanks to the nature and greenery within the property and forest adjoining, you get to see some amazing birds and also get to see a few deers & other animals from the property itself.

Windflower Tusker Trails

TripAdvisor Rating: 4.0 out of 375 Reviews, 174 (46%) – Excellent. 147 (39%) – Very Good.  37 (10%)  Average.  6 (2%) – Poor. 11 (3%) – Terrible.**

** 5 stars – Excellent, 4 stars – Very Good, 3 stars – Average, 2 stars – Poor, 1 star – Terrible

It is a very nice resort right in the middle of the bandipur forest. The facilities are basic but with neat huge clean rooms that are maintained very well. The pool is also nice. The buffet spread is good. Service is warm and friendly. Great Staff and are extremely cordial. Since it is located very close to the forest, you will have a pleasant stay. The place is quite, serene and peaceful.

The best part (or the worst part, depends on you) of the hotel was that there is no Tv or access to mobile network. Guests are advised to not step out of their rooms between 10 pm and 6 am to avoid close encounters with animals as it is located in the middle of the jungle

Dhole’s Den

TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5 out of 149 Reviews, 103 (69%) – Excellent. 35 (23%) – Very Good.  6 (4%)  Average.  3 (2%) – Poor. 2 (2%) – Terrible.**

** 5 stars – Excellent, 4 stars – Very Good, 3 stars – Average, 2 stars – Poor, 1 star – Terrible

A fabulous wildlife getaway with a difference, the owner and his wife actually stay there which is a nice experience but a great place with an excellent ambience. The food is outstanding and feels very home-cooked, and very courteous & friendly staff who will ensure your stay is pleasant. The staff will surprise you with their deep knowledge of the nature around them with almost complete knowledge  about the animals and birds.

You will get a splendid view of the mountains from this resort. Also the owner is really trying to make a difference to the environment by using renewable energy wherever possible, so although there is no swimming pool or spa, there will be plenty of time on your hands to admire nature, watch the stars and of course the safari. Safari is organized and you don’t have to worry about it. No TV, No AC but You absolutely don’t need one as you would be engrossed in the view, the nature and the safaris.

To get the detailed info of the place, best season & time to visit, how to get there, safari details / boating/ trekking details, list of animals/birds you can expect to see there , entry/camera fees, and of course all of the accommodations nearby, please download the app or send us an inquiry:

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PS: Please be a responsible wildlife tourist; No littering, No sounds, No feeding, no getting down from the safari jeep (when on safari), No phone calls. Remember that we are visiting their home and when we are there, let’s follow their rules.

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