Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Despite sharing the same wildlife, it sees much few-
er visitors than Bandipur, making it all the more appealing. Set over 643 sq km, Nagarhole
features a good blend of dense jungle and open sightlines along the river bank, which
makes for fantastic wildlife-watching. Its lush forests are home to tigers, leopards, ele-
phants, gaurs, barking deer, wild dogs, bonnet macaques and common langurs, plus 270
species of birds. The park can remain closed for long stretches between July and October,
when the rains transform the forests into a giant slush-pit.
The traditional inhabitants of the land, the hunter-gatherer Jenu Kuruba people, still live
in the park, despite government efforts to relocate them.
The best time to view wildlife is during summer (April to May), though winter
(November to February) is more comfortable.
Government-run
jeep safaris
(2½hr jeep safari ?1750)
and
boat trips
(?1750)
are conducted from
Kabini River Lodge between 6.30am and 9.30am and 4pm and 7pm, which are both good
ways to see animals.
Sleeping & Eating
Since the government banning of private vehicles in the park, most people stay in lodges
arond Kabini Lake. Unfortunately there's no genuine budget lodging; however, it's worth
touching base with Waterwoods Lodge to see if it offers camping on its property.
Bison Wilderness
( 80-41278708;
www.thebisonresort.com
;
Gundathur Village; s/d incl full board US$250/260; )
Inspired by
the luxury safari lodges in Africa, Bison succeeds in replicating the classic wilderness ex-
perience. It has a stunning location on the waterfront, with luxurious tents and stilted cot-
tages linked by a rickety wooden platform. Each is done out in decadent touches of pol-
ished timber floors, throw rugs and clawfoot baths. It has a swimming pool built into a
wooden decking, nightly bonfires and expert naturalists for safaris.
LODGE
$$$
Waterwoods Lodge
( 082-28264421;
www.waterwoods.in
; s/d incl full board ?5500/7800; )
A boutique guesthouse on the
grassy embarkment of the scenic lake, Waterwoods has a homely atmosphere that makes
for a relaxing stay. It's run by two likeable young, environmentally aware owners who are
very knowledgeable about the area. It's kid-friendly with trampoline, infinity pool and
GUESTHOUSE
$$$
