Thursday 26 / December / 2024
In the enticing deciduous forest sheathed in greenery at Kabini, India’s premier eco-tourism destination, the intimate connection between the flora and the fauna at every turn is an awe-inspiring sight. And more astounding is the breathtaking sceneries, the unparalleled sighting of big cats and the elusive black panther in this wonderland.
About five hours drive from the state capital Bengaluru, situated on the southern fringes of Nagarhole National Park on the banks of River Kabini, this paradise on earth is a huge draw for explorers and tourists alike. It was once the hunting abode of the Maharaja of Mysore, and a taming ground for wild elephants.
As you set out for your safari ride, what hits you initially as the cool breeze touches your face would be the eerie silence and the wet earthy fragrance, which slowly give way to the therapeutic cacophony of crickets, birds, langurs and deer.
And as you get a glimpse of the stars of Kabini---the melanistic leopard, the reigning tigers, and several other animals just a few feet away from you, the rising mystery of not knowing what occurs next would set your heartbeat on the upswing. This. I believe, is the ultimate wildlife experience. Teeming with wildlife, Kabini is the perfect spot for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, eco-tourists, shutterbugs, and bird watchers.
The dense forest of Kabini, spread over 55 acres, offers you a splendid spread of barking deer, sloth bears, monkeys, gaurs, pangolin, and mugger crocodiles amidst vast grasslands and towering trees along with plenty of water bodies. The majesty of the glorious tigers showcasing their grace and power as they blaze through the deciduous forests is enough to set your pulse racing. Kabini houses some of the famous tiger families, including the Tiger Tank, Russell Line, and the Backwater family.
It is a haven for leopards as well. They have stood the test of time and can be spotted frequently on trees, fallen logs as well as on the forest floor. Some of the popular leopards here are Cleopatra, the Queen of Kabini; Link, who has fine white long whiskers; Marble whose eyes shine bright like an emerald jewel; and Scarface, the heartthrob of Kabini.
However, the spotlight in the past few years has been on Saaya, the first-ever Black Panther spotted in this region. This enigmatic animal’s melanistic fur coat makes him stand out against the green and brown of nature. He rose to fandom after his pictures went viral on social media, especially the one with his courting mate, Cleopatra. Saaya’s appearance makes the safari experience much more thrilling, but patience is the key. Interestingly, National Geographic has made a documentary on him titled The Black Panther.
Kabini also boasts one of the largest congregations of the majestic Asiatic wild elephants. The riveting sight which steals the show during the Kabini boat safari is the massive herds of elephants trudging down to the eponymous Kabini River to graze on the fresh pasture on its banks, specifically during the dry, harsh summer months. You can choose the regular motorboat, or for homely vibes, the traditional coracle that are made of bamboo and buffalo hide.
The evergreen forests of Kabini are home to about 250 species of birds as well. The avian wonders such as the Indian Rollers with their beautiful blue feathers, the Malabar Pied Hornbills, popularly known as the “farmers of the forests” as they disperse seeds of various trees in the forest; the ethereal orange-headed Ground Thrush, the ferocious Eagles, the critically endangered oriental white-backed Vultures, the adorable mottled Wood Owl, the charming Peafowls that look absolutely gorgeous in the lush green settings, the Asian Paradise Flycatchers dotting the forest, would provide you an enamoring experience.
You will also spot the long-legged Ibises, migratory bar-headed Goose, which is one of the world’s highest-flying birds; Egrets; red-wattled Lapwings along with scores of water birds near the backwaters of the placid Kabini River. These fluttering, winged beauties add more charm to Kabini.
The best time to visit Kabini is from October to March, although it is open throughout the year. The nearest airport is Mysore, which is about 62-km away, from where you can hire a cab. Kabini River Lodge, one of the projects of the Jungle Lodges and Resorts (a Government of Karnataka undertaking) promises to provide you comfort, adventure and excitement.
Very few places in the world have both the big cats and the magnificent elephants in their natural habitat, Kabini is one among them. Whether it is for seeking peace, exploring the marvels of nature, or simply wanting to rejuvenate your mind and soul---all roads lead to Kabini. Once explored, this place resembles a pastoral canvas. Rest assured that here you will form an eternal bond with nature and wildlife, in all its forms, for life.
( The author is a freelance writer based in India)
