Kabini Jungle Lodges-Down the Memory lanes

If God's own abode is Kerala, then Karnataka will definitely vouch to give Him a dual citizenship. The jungles and the forested regions may be more than enough to attract the reclusive Lord into permanent residence in the land. The rich grandeur of nature is an ironic contrast to the lifestyle of the heggadadevanakote, the backward class taluka of Mysore in Kabini.

The drive from Mysore in a car or mini-bus will comb through lush greenery and vegetations. The numerous potholes will upset many a weak stomach. But you may take a break and have a meal among the wilderness, and when you are on a holiday journey through the wildest regions, even a frugal meal will appear tasty. On reaching Kabini, small cottages beckon you to spend your stay in these jungle lodges. They are more than 60 staff to attend to your needs and comforts. Most are village folks, who are glad enough to earn some extra cash by serving the tourist people in the cottage. You may engage a van service for a chilling night journey through the wild. This is included in the one-night package for those who wish to have an adventurous journey through the jungle with a support guide.

Some of my escaped in Kabini was in a safari vehicle. Rains had dampened the blackened soil near the Nagarahole national Park and the movement of the safari van was more so like a bullock-cart journey. We feasted our eyes on the wild elephants that roam the place. The main point is to maintain silence when you are in close proximity to these mighty giants. We were lucky enough to see an entire family consisting of bull, mother and calf elephants making a meal of the grassy foliage. A lonely tuckered bull elephant came into good view. We also spotted numerous deer of a marked variety. They are good game for the elusive tiger. But only an agile tiger can match the deer's ability to sprint. And though we combed the whole area, we were not lucky enough to spot the majestic jungle cat.

After a delicious dinner, we watched an hour-long reel on a documentary film on Nagarahole. But the only thing worthwhile was a scene where a lonely calf is prey to a pack of wild dogs. The cottage was a wonder with its well-equipped kitchen in these rural areas. The guide also told us that many of vegetables grown were organic and potassium permanganate was used to wash them thoroughly.

The main residual Director of the Jungles Lodges mentioned that it was a joint team effort by Karnataka Authorities and Tiger Tops from the past 15 to 20 years. He also suggested that the main pathway leading to Kabini was going to be constructively repaired for the convenience of tourists and other visitors who visited this natural retreat. No pamphlets or memorabilia was necessary for Kabini. From the immaculate bathtubs to the regal cottages that served the royalty, when they were out on a hunting voyage, all speak of the Royal era and the Maharajas and Maharanis of Mysore. And few may forget the unique experience. If not all these, then the bumpy safari ride was quite enough to last in our memories for ages to go.