Kabini reserve is part of Nagarhole and to the south of it and is 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 south west of Bangalore can be easily reached under 5 hours. Kabini is called the Leopard Lair due to high density of leopards there but off lately (from the analysis we have done over the sightings data of 2016 which got published in Sunday Times titled: Trailing the Big Cat) Tiger sightings has been extremely good off lately. Also the popular “Blackie” aka our Black Panther or Black Leopard started appearing very frequently during  safaris giving a pleasant surprise to the visitors. Black panthers are more common in Kali Tiger Reserve but they started popping up in Kabini too. Kabini is one of the places where you can complete the Big 5 of the South Jungles. As they say, “Kabini never disappoints you!!”

[You can get more details of the animals/birds present there including number of various animals, their densities and lot more info on WildTrails of India mobile App]

In this article we will showcase the top 5 Luxurious Resorts (from our experience and in our opinion) from Kabini.

PS: Please note that these are very expensive resorts costing approximately  of Rs 15,000 to  35,000 per night per room (inclusive of all meals and Safari cost)

Orange County Resort Kabini

TripAdvisor Rating: 5.0 out of 988 Reviews

869 (88%) – Excellent.  96 (10%) – Very Good. 18 (<2%) – Average. 2 (<1%) – Poor. 3 (<1%) – Terrible.**

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

A heavenly place in Kabini, the Orange County product offering on the whole is simply brilliant.  The accommodation is superb. hospitality was excellent and of course location is awesome and si river facing like all the Kabini resorts I have discussed. Customer service here is one of its best and comparable to what you might have seen anywhere across the world. The details that go into the quality of service and presentation is very superior and unmatched in this market segment. The staff are well informed, friendly and helpful. Food is simply amazing. The cottages are beautifully presented either with a private pool or jacuzzi in complete privacy. The infinity pool is so lovely looking out on to the great lake and the children’s pool and environs is excellent too. The peace and tranquility and the sunset viewed from the library and the pet elephant all add to this special place.

Even though Wildlife safari is conducted in association with JLR, they send their own very knowledgable and amazingly helpful naturalists / guides which makes a huge difference in the Safari, they make the safaris totally worth it. They will be extremely helpful in some key sightings at places where animals were well camouflaged. Dont miss the coracle ride. Do take a walk around the property as its as good as having modern living in the jungle with so many species of trees and wildlife.

The Serai Kabini

 TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5 out of 237 Reviews

 120 (50%) – Excellent.  85 (36%) – Very Good.  20 (8%) – Average.  4 (2%) – Poor. 8 (4%) – Terrible.**

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

Yet another amazing resort – a lap of luxury in the middle of the forest. Slightly expensive but if you can afford it, nothing like that!! Coming to the Stay, one word can sum it all EXCELLENT!! 🙂 Friendly and very helpful staff, especially the Manager. The food was great and lovely luxurious accommodation overlooking the backwaters of Kabini. All cottages have a view of the river which is simply beautiful. The sunset river safari is absolutely recommended. Nice pool and good outdoor activities – archery, pool, badminton, nature walk, bird watch walk, water activities including kayaking, speed boating, coracle ride, boating and lot more. Again no TVs in the room but there is in the lobby and they do have internet (payable) access. You also have a wildlife library in the lobby, referring a book on birds before the jungle walk is highly recommended and you will thoroughly enjoy the walk much more!! The spa is neat and compact. Good options too.

The Safari is arranged (& no need to worry about it) and is done in conjunction with JLR (like all other resorts in the area) and is not part of the package (& hence additional cost).

Waterwoods Lodge and Resorts Kabini

TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5 out of 181 Reviews, 119 (66%) – Excellent. 58 (32%) – Very Good.  1 (<1%)  Average.  2 (<1%) – Poor. 1 (<1%) – Terrible.**

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

If you are planning to visit Kabini and looking for a good stay option, this one tops without a doubt. This is built on the banks of the river Kabini and the views from the room are incredible!!!  It has been completely remodeled and you will feel the new fresh ambience. Excellent resort, immaculate and excellent friendly service, Super pool. Super shower room. Good food, there is WiFi in the reception area. You got NOT to miss the sunset view from the resort – simply amazing. Safari is taken care of in association with JLR and no worries on that (although is not part of the package).

Resort has good set of indoor and outdoor games. Tourist can also enjoy boat ride or kayaking. The only resort in Kabini which lends out ATBs and the rides are great. Evenings are interesting around the Bonfire which is by the lake, with a good collection of books and documentaries in the library.

Rooms 11 and 12 offer excellent views and seclusion.  Especially room number 11 had an wooden plank extension with a hammock there and the view of the kabini reservoir from there is breathtaking. We suggest you block these rooms during your booking if possible. The next best are 2 & 3 which have access to the swimming pool.

Red Earth Kabini

 TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5 out of 402 Reviews

 238 (59%) – Excellent. 130 (32%) – Very Good. 21 (6%) – Average. 8 (2%) – Poor. 5 (1%) – Terrible.**

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

It feels like a completely different country. Clean air, rustic surrounding, at the outskirts of the jungle, surrounded by water on 3 sides. Awesome view, amazing location (even though slightly far from the forest gates that is used by JLR for Safari – close to 15 kms+), great staff who are always with a smile, great tasty food, amazing & very clean pool, very spacious rooms. The cottages are set amidst a beautiful flower garden. The private jacuzzi in the cottage is the best.  The rooms are neat, air conditioned, huge beds, clean bathrooms, doors fitted with nets, so not to worry about insects inside the rooms (if you keep the net doors closed). ofcourse nice bar.  Great tasty food, An excellent mix of different cuisines – The common dining area has nice cool music to add to the ambience. The staff were very professional and courteous.

There are lot of activities to keep you busy round the clock. Don’t miss the Safari in the morning, Make sure you go for the boat ride, take the coracle ride, do the nature walk / bird watching walk, cycling, a dip in the pool in the afternoon or a game of pool in the evening and don’t miss the tribal dance in the evening.

The Safari is arranged (& no need to worry about it) and is done in conjunction with JLR (like all other resorts in the area) and is not part of the package (& hence additional cost).

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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