I try to make myself comfortable in a coracle and can't help but notice the unusual mist over the Kabini River this morning. It's the perfect day to spot the rare, elusive black panther, I'm told. I try and pay attention to the jungle calls—something that I've learnt in the past two days at the KAAV Safari Lodge—but fail as soon as I spot the green bee eater.
Staffed by warm people, you won't feel out of place at Kaav. The house dogs present an opportunity for some furry love, while the in-house telescope awaits your interest to gaze up at the sky on a clear night.
Sharing a boundary with the Nagarhole National Park, KAAV is an escape—into the wilderness, and from the madness. Done tastefully and in harmony with nature, the safari lodge is one of a kind. Its accommodation units perfectly balance your privacy while making sure you have visual access to the jungle. And for a fuller view, the observation deck is only a staircase away.
The rooms are suite-like, with large spacious bedrooms and living areas, an outdoor balcony and powder rooms. The living area and bar serves guests living in the four main rooms in the building block. However, there are two luxury tents that offer more exclusivity to those who prefer it.
Twenty-four hours in a day seem less when you are at KAAV, and there is a constant internal conflict—whether to simply snooze around or engage in a series of activities that the lodge has to offer. I somehow manage to find the near- perfect balance, or so I'd like to assume.
As opposed to the grand entrance that one might expect, a narrow rustic path and two furry friends greet all guests here. At KAAV, luxury and day-to-day operations work in sync with environmental consciousness and sustainability. A non-chlorinated pool adds a pristine charm to the view from the patio. Enthusiasts can embark on a spider trail with in-house naturalist Sujith Surendran, where he explains the many varieties found in the forests of the Western Ghats and shows you the beautiful work of nature's architects up close.
As for the meals, they are fairly simple, comforting and wholesome, with most raw ingredients sourced from the villages nearby or form their own organic farm. From buffets to individual servings, the food here make for a colourful delight on your plate. Although not one with a sweet tooth, I do shyly help myself to another dessert serving, as I overlook the jungle and continue to be wooed by its mysticism.
Activities at KAAV range from nature walks, tiny safaris, sky gazing and wildlife safaris in the Nagarhole National Park to barbeque and bonfires, kayaking, cycling and riverside dining. You can plan your day at a pace you're comfortable with.
To reach Kaav Safari Lodge in Kabini, Karnataka, you can fly into Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore, then drive approximately 220 kilometers southwest via Mysore. Alternatively, take a train to Mysore Railway Station and drive 60 kilometers to Kabini. Private taxis or pre-arranged lodge transfers are convenient options. The scenic drive takes you through lush landscapes, leading to the serene wilderness of Kabini, making the journey an enjoyable prelude to your stay at the lodge.