Kabini, once a famous spot for Indian and British royalty for hunting is now one of the best places to visit for nature lovers. It houses one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in Karnataka, the Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary and also has many other places to visit. A trip to Kabini will help you get a breathtaking view of the scenic beauty of the flora and fauna. To help you explore this place and get the best of Kabini, here are a few offbeat things to do.
- Trekking
If you like to enjoy the natural beauty of Kabini there is no better activity than trekking. It is an ideal thing to do if you are vacationing with friends or family and an adventurous one too as climbing these hills is quite a challenge. The trekking area is beautiful as it gives a view of the Western Ghats. Some of the mountains where trekking is permitted are the Kumara Parvatha, Brahmgirie, and the Tadiandamol. There are many easy trekking trips conducted by resorts like Discovery Village which can be opted for if you are a first-timer.
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- Boating
Kabini also called Kapila is one of the major tributaries of the river Kaveri. Boating here gives you a unique experience that you cannot get in any other place. The backwaters are very clean and are known for their scenic beauty. If you are lucky, you can also spot a few animals while on a boat ride. But to spot animals, the best time to do this activity is at dawn or at dusk.
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- Cycling
It is another famous offbeat activity to do and makes for a great family outing in Kabini especially if you have young kids. There are many places to explore on a bicycle you can ride along the river to the Kabini dam, explore the small villages, taste the local food and drinks and spend your time at this place leisurely. There are many places that rent out cycles on an hourly basis near the dam. If you are staying in resorts like the Discovery Village, they conduct cycling trails which is a hassle-free way of doing this activity.
- Kabini Dam
The Kabini Dam is the major source of water for the villages and the wildlife around Kabini. This reservoir was built in 1974 is located near a small village called the Bichanahalli and is 58m in height and 2,284 ft in length. Spend an evening in this place and enjoy the scenery and the backdrop of gushing water and also spot some unique birds flying around.
- Bird watching
The Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary has more than 200 species of birds in various sizes and colors. It is a haven for bird lovers as there are many unique birds that fly in and out of this place. Some of the birds you can spot here are the various types of Kingfishers, Snakebird, Hornbill, Asian Openbill, Peregrine Falcon, Serpent Eagle, Cormorants and many more. Many guided bird watching trails are conducted with an expert providing information on the species. The ideal time for this activity is dawn between 6 and 9 Am and in the evening between 4 and 5:30 PM.
- Elephant Safari
This has to be one of the best things to do in Kabini as most people wish to ride on an elephant once in their life. Kabini is a place to fulfill that wish of riding on an elephant and make it a memorable experience. The Asiatic elephants here are strong, tall and majestic and unlike other elephant rides it takes you through the forest. That gives a panoramic view of many things in the forest. The terrain in which the elephant rides are conducted is otherwise not accessible through other vehicles. These rides are available in Nagarhole National Park, Bandipur National Park, and Sunkadakatte forest. Many Kabini resorts arrange for elephant rides you can check it out while making bookings for accommodations. The ideal time to do this activity is any time other than monsoon.
- Shopping
No trip is complete without checking out the shopping scene of that place. There are many nearby towns near Kodagu that you can explore. Small shops and stalls sell items like handicrafts, chocolates, spices, tea, coffee, cutlery, etc. Take any of these as a souvenir back home to gift to your family and friends.
Kabini has it all for people who are seeking adventurous activities and for those who want a relaxed time. So make time to visit this place and you are sure to fall in love with it.