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Kabini River Lodge (KaraPur)

Kapila Wilderness Retreat is located on the banks of the Kabini river in the vicinity of the Nagarahole and Bandipur wildlife reserves in Karnataka. The forests cover 1500 sq km (580 sq miles) and are a mix of tropical moist deciduous and dry deciduous types. The backwaters of the Kabini reservoir are now an important perennial water source where one can witness one of the largest and most spectacular congregations of Asiatic elephants in the dry summer months from February to May.

The monsoon typically arrives in early June and lasts till mid-September, with rainfall ranging from 1000 -1500 mm (40-60 inches). The region supports tree species like Teak, Mathi, Rose Wood and many more along with bamboo and other grasses. The fauna boasts over 300 species of birds, including water birds such as Osprey, River Terns and Great Cormorant and some spectacular birds like the Malabar Trogon, the Malabar Pied Hornbill and the Crested Hawk-eagle. You will also find an impressive assemblage of herbivores like the Elephant, the Gaur, the Sambar, and the Chital. The abundance of prey in the region, in turn, supports a large number of huge predators like the Tiger, the Leopard and the Indian Wild Dog.

Accommodation : We offer modestly appointed twin rooms with just enough creature comforts to make you feel at home without all those extra indulgences that only ruin the true jungle experience. Each room comes with a sit-out that offers you a panoramic view of the magnificent Kabini river. Not to mention a glimpse of our feathered friends who have also chosen to reside with us (our in-house naturalist will be happy to point out a few weaver bird nests).

An outdoor gazebo-styled restaurant rustles up a fine combination of vegetarian and non-vegetarian fare and serves as a community center where guests get a chance to interact with each other.

Wilderness Exploration : Wilderness Explorations: Jeep/bus safaris into the National Park and boat safaris along the backwaters of the Kabini river are conducted twice a day to give you the rare opportunity of getting up close with the exotic flora and fauna of the region. A qualified naturalist will accompany you on the trip (which, of course, will be on a path specified by the forest department). You also have the option of an elephant ride, which we highly recommend for the entire family.

Bird watching : Park yourself in a bird hide, lie very still, and very soon you'll be witnessing at close range, an amazing variety of plumes and feathers. To enjoy bird life at closer range, all you have to do is raise your binoculars (provided on request).

Fun on the River : Enjoy the river from the bank, but if you really wish to be part of it, get into a coracle and drift lazily past the bank. Alternatively, bob around in a sailboat or try your hand at rowing.

Bonfires and Bonhomie : Huddle round a campfire and let our naturalists entertain you with jungle yarns. Sip a drink. Greet your fellow guests. Make new friends. And let your children be enthralled by stories no fairytale book has ever captured.

Discover Yourself : Like we mentioned earlier, Kapila is not just about the jungle, it's also about tuning out and spending time with yourself. You may exercise this option from the comfort of a garden bench or perhaps by getting a little exercise instead. A cycle ramble is something we would love to set up for you.

There are many more things you could do at Kapila. For the complete basket of activities, check with any of our staff when you get there.

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