Situated close to the borders of the Kabini forest, Kabini River Lodge(also known as Jungle Lodges Kabini) is one of the first eco-tourism lodges of the country. It is the brainchild of R. Gundu Rao, former chief minister of Karnataka. The inception of Kabini River Lodge is an interesting story.

A brief history of Kabini River Lodge

When Gundu Rao was attending the Pacific Asia Travel Association in Nepal, he was lodged at the well known Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge situated in Royal Chitwan National Park. He was deeply inspired by the eco-tourism model of the resort and felt that similar ideas could be applied in his state. So he invited Tiger Tops to Nagarhole National Park to set up a similar resort.

A former hunting lodge of the Maharajas of Mysore was selected as the location where the Kabini River Lodge would be set up. After a few years of partnership with the government of Karnataka, Tiger tops withdrew from the alliance. Currently, Kabini River Lodge is completely owned by the government of Karnataka and is a pioneer in the field of eco-tourism.

Best time to visit Kabini River Lodge

When we read the blog “When is the best time to go to Kabini?”, we understand that Kabini offers the best experience, any time of the year. Jungle Lodges Kabini is operational throughout the year. It offers thrilling safaris in the wild, taking us close to the spectacular wildlife of Kabini.

With its 54 acre property, Kabini River Lodge offers state of the art accommodations. The erstwhile hunting lodge of the royals now carries with it the same degree of opulence, beckoning every tourist who wants to have an ideal holiday. So it goes without saying that Kabini River Lodge is a great place to visit any time of the year!

Packages offered in Jungle Lodges Kabini

Kabini River Lodge has captivated many wildlife enthusiasts and tourists’ hearts with its ideal eco-tourism model. The safaris into the heart of the jungle offer spectacular game viewing, which can make anyone fall in love with the splendid Wildlife of Kabini! Kabini River Lodge offers many spectacular packages, making the guests spoilt for choice! Let us now go through the various packages offered-

Maharaja Package

True to its name, this is the best of all the packages. It provides luxurious and spacious rooms, reminiscent of the royal opulence!  

The Maharaja package includes staying in air-conditioned rooms, food (lunch, dinner and breakfast), two jungle safaris (jeep safari), coracle ride and forest entry charges.

One of the main highlights of this package is that people who choose the Maharaja package get 2 jeep safaris, unlike the other packages.  

Viceroy Package

The Viceroy package provides luxurious rooms. The package includes stay, food (lunch, dinner and breakfast), two jungle safaris (one boat safari or one safari by bus which is subject to availability) & one jungle safari by jeep into Nagarahole National park, coracle ride and forest entry charges.

Note: This package provides only one jungle safari by jeep and one boat safari or jungle safari by bus, which is subject to availability.

Royal Kabini Package

The Royal Kabini package provides accommodation in a simple yet luxurious tented cottage. The package includes stay, food (lunch, dinner and breakfast), two jungle safaris (one boat safari or one road safari by bus subject to availability and one jungle safari by jeep into Nagarahole National park, coracle ride and forest entry charges. The safari options in this package are the same as the Viceroy package.

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Diwan Package

In the Diwan Package, the accommodations are in the dormitories of Jungle Lodges and Resorts Kabini. The amenities of this package include stay, food (lunch, dinner and breakfast), one boat safari & one jungle safari by bus, coracle ride and forest entry charges. It is important to note that jeep safaris are not provided in this package offered by Kabini Jungle Lodges.

Kabini River Lodge itinerary

There’s never a dull moment at the Kabini River Lodge. The stay is filled with interesting activities, which leaves the guests spellbound! Let us now go through the captivating itinerary of the Kabini River Lodge.

DAY 1

12:30 pm- The guests can check themselves in and take a stroll through the beautiful campus of Kabini River Lodge, after settling down.

1:30 pm-3:00 pm- A hearty lunch is served at the Gol Ghar. This is a place where new people meet and discuss their prior wildlife experiences! Newbies get to learn what to expect and their sense of admiration towards the jungles gets amplified!

3:00 pm-3:30 pm- Tea/coffee is served at the Gol Ghar. The guests get ready for their entrance into the national park!

3:30 pm-6:15 pm- The safari into the iconic jungles of Nagarahole National Park begins at 3:30 pm. The experienced naturalists take the guests into the national park and share their wealth of knowledge.

People opting for boat safari get to traverse the beautiful waters of Kabini and sight various species.

6:30 pm-7:15 pm- The guests assemble at the Gol Ghar to share their experiences over a cup of coffee or tea. The scheduled times at which the meals and refreshments are served ensure that people share their adventures in the forests, thereby enhancing their common love towards Kabini!

Our blog “10 reasons why we love Kabini” explains why people hold Kabini so close to their hearts!

7:45 pm-8:15 pm- A wildlife documentary is shown at the interpretation centre.  

8:30 pm-10:00 pm- The guests dine at the Gol Ghar, while the naturalists share their jungle tales with them by the campfire!

Day 2

6:00 am-6:30 am- The guests get ready for the exciting morning safari with a cup of warm coffee/tea!

6:30 am-9:15 am- Sailing through the tranquil waters of Kabini on a motorboat, the guests sight a plethora of wildlife which may include elephants going to the river for a drink, crocodiles and birds with their catch!

If the guests opted for a boat safari the previous day, they can go on a jeep/bus safari.

10:00 am-10:50 am- A sumptuous breakfast is served.

11:00 am- The guests check out, taking with them a plethora of great memories!

Summary

Unlike most of the commercial resorts, Jungle Lodges Kabini’s prime motive is to help their guests understand the importance of nature and appreciate the beauty of it. Many of the naturalists are reformed poachers, who use their deep understanding of the forests for a higher cause. More often than not, the guests of the Jungle Lodges leave as advocates of conservation!

Jungle Lodges Kabini has played a key role in developing a true appreciation of the natural world amongst thousands of people. With its beautiful objective of creating environmental awareness amongst the tourists, it has successfully created a huge number of wildlife lovers and conservationists over the last few generations.

The resort which was founded with a noble motive of making people fall in love with the wild continues to serve its purpose to this day! So what are you waiting for? Book your stay at the Kabini River Lodge and experience the natural world in all its glory!

Want to Travel to Kabini?

We would love to be the ones to take you to Kabini. Check out our Kabini travel offers and get in touch with us to plan your next trip!