The excellence of nature can be seen around many places in Karnataka where it is preserved and protected by its inhabitants. Some of these places are open to visitors so that they too can hide away from the bustle of city life and get lost in the midst of nature.
The shrill silence of the River Kabini and the bustling wildlife along its banks creates a perfect harmony that attracts many tourists to this place. Originating from the Kozhikode district of Kerala, this river flows eastward through Wayanad district, entering Mysuru in Karnataka, to join the Kaveri River at Tirumakudalu Narasipura taluk. The river which is a major tributary of River Cauvery, has a wide variety of features ranging from National parks to wildlife resorts which gives the complete nature getaway experience.
One major tourist favourite of Kabini region of the Nagarhole National Park is the Jungle safari on Elephants. One can ride on the tamed elephants and venture into the jungle and truly be a part of the surroundings. There are other options like RVs, boats and Jeeps to enjoy the safari experience where tigers, leopards, elephants, crocodiles and many other wildlife can be spotted in their natural habitat. Apart from the wildlife, the landscape is also a breathtaking view to take in. The boat ride guarantees a view of the marsh crocodiles in their natural habitat, smooth-coated otters playing in the water and a myriad of water birds dipping in and out of the water.
Nagarhole National Park was once a private hunting lodge of the Maharaja of Mysuru. Kabini was a popular shikar hotspot for British Viceroys and Indian royalty. Now it is considered to be one of the best Wildlife National Parks in India, famous for its spectacular wildlife and bird life. Visiting this park is considered to be one of the top things to do in the region. With a population of more than 120 tigers, the location is known as a tiger reserve and has been marked by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
The park falls under the Nilgiri biosphere reserve and has a lot of streams, waterfalls, dense forest and even mountains. Among the plethora of things that stands out as a characteristic of the park, it is also known to have the highest density of herbivores on the entire continent. The landscape offers the option for trekking which is enjoyed by tourists and adventure enthusiasts. The experience of trekking through the mountainous paths of Kabini will surely be a great experience on its own. The trekking trails are surrounded by famous attractive mountain peaks and hillocks.
The Kabini Dam sits on top of the Kabini River and has today become a major picnic destination for locals and tourists alike. The water collected in the reservoir offers dramatic views which are elevated by the surrounding jungles.
Kabini is also a hub for many wildlife resorts and lodges which are situated in the middle of this paradise. Be it the glorious sunrises or the magical evenings by the Kabini Dam, one always leaves with a memorable experience from Kabini.
Image courtesy Namratha Aroor, Kiranmadhu.e, Shriya Palchaudhri from Wikimedia Commons.
