A weekend in Kabini can start your love affair with this quiet wildlife reserve somewhere between blue skies and a gentle river, 5 hours drive from Bangalore.

We set off to Kabini in chase of the elusive cats and the gigantic tuskers, baffled to make our first foray into the forest on a boat. Really? We thought jungle safaris meant cruising in the wild in open top rugged jeeps or canters. What will we see from a boat? A herd of elephants on the waterfront quenching their thirst? Or one of the big cats cooling off?

Maybe, but the world of winged creatures too. Many migratory birds who have flown a long distance, crossing high altitude ranges and daunting barriers, in search of food and nesting grounds. At Kabini, with the river and reservoir skirting the forest, the wilderness and its habitat extend onto the waters.

We witnessed birds posing on protruding branches, some making love, some taking flight, some swooping in to catch their prey and some just waddling about by the shore. Numerous sights etched in our mind while others magically caught on camera while on a moving boat.

A few Little Cormorants romancing while others flap around

A Grey Heron in deep contemplation

The Great Cormorant and the Little Egret soaking in the warm sunshine

At Kabini, there’s no to-do list, no major sights that need to be visited or restaurants that need mention. The area around is enchantingly rural with small villages at regular intervals marked by old temples that safeguard myths and legends from another time. For years, the people here have been farmers or cattle herders.

Cows grazing about on a cattle path along the Kabini river

And within this untouched landscape, you can choose to stay at one of the eco-sensitive luxury resorts available at various price points.

The infinity pool at one of the luxury resorts at Kabini

Left: A lounge area at the resort | Right: The living room in the villa

A luxurious private pool villa built in traditional style at the resort in Kabini

The next morning we hopped on a jeep and ventured into the forest — the hunting playground for the Maharajas of Mysore.

The jungle lakes sparkled as the sun rose

Little Ringed Plovers played around in the water

And we went deeper in search of the wild cats

Spotted deer at close quarters. Notice how the one on the right has been scarred — maybe it had managed to escape a hungry tiger!

Next up were the bisons, also known as the Indian Gaur. They’re shy and tough to observe for long periods but no so in Kabini. You don’t want to mess with them— they’re the other giants here, capable of knocking you and the vehicle down in no time!

Playful Plum Headed Parakeets

The safari was nearing its end. And just then, we saw spotted a pandemonium of plum headed parakeets flying about from one tree to the other — a marvellous spectacle that turned out to be the highlight of all our safaris!

Despite not having seen a tiger or a leopard, we returned satiated and in love, with reason to visit again.

By evening, as the sun set and the sky turned black, we retreated into our luxury tent. We spent some time out on the wooden deck, listening to the calls of the wild, while the bath tub filled up. A hot water soak then was perfect.

Just when we thought the day’s adventure was over, the manager invited us to peek into the world of planets, stars and constellations — the planets played hide and seek but the moon was at its best — the closest we’d ever been to it.

Kabini, is a mystical wildlife destination that we can’t wait to go back to.

Having experienced the best resorts to stay at in Kabini and having sampled a variety of experiences, we’ll be happy to recommend, guide and book a holiday for you according to the kind of experience you’re looking for.

You can explore these at leisure on www.myoki.in/karnataka or connect with us on team@myoki.in.