Kabini, Karnataka

Kabini - a name that is synonymous with elephants, dense forests and yes, a serene river. Yes, this is exactly what defines Kabini. On a more literary note, Kabini is a wildlife sanctuary that earlier used to be the hunting lodge of the Maharajas of Mysore. Nowadays it is better emerging as a weekend getaway from the nearby cities like Mysore and Bangalore, and probably it deserves all this due to its easy accessibility, lush green landscape, picturesque lake and amazing sights of herds of elephants.

Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary that had been a favorite hunting spot for the British Viceroys is, today, recognized as being one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in Karnataka. Spread over 55 acres of forestland, Kabini is 80 kms away from Mysore and 205 km from Bangalore. Kabini Forest Reserve is the abode of a rich variety of flora and fauna. Though particularly known for elephants, Kabini offers no less chance to spot sambar, langurs, chital, bison, sloth bear, crocodile, pythons, tiger and leopard. The Sanctuary also boasts of approx. 250 species of birds. 

Owing to spectacular waterfalls, gushing waters of the river Kabini, and acres of greenery, the forests of Kabini are highly enchanting. Ripple-filled waters of Kabini are soothing to the core; in fact, Kabini offers the right vacation to leave behind the mundane routine and spend some time with your own self. If you want to be a little adventurous, then you can indulge in wildlife spotting, bird-watching, boating at Kabini River, an Elephant Safari, or a Jungle Safari.

Transport

Places to See:

Elephants, elephants and more elephants - this is what we all know is mostly visible in Kabini. The naturally beautiful landscape and water brooks are some other good reasons which attract tourists to this wildlife sanctuary. The Mother Nature has been benevolent to Kabini where forests are blessed with rippling streams, rich flora, amazing fauna and avifauna, to name a few. As far as tourist attractions in Kabini are concerned, the sanctuary is an attraction in its own.

Flora

The rainfall influences the flora of Kabini Park to a great extent. Most parts contain dry-deciduous forests and moist-deciduous forests. Moist deciduous exist in the region where the annual rainfall usually exceeds 1000mm and dry-deciduous where the rainfall is lesser. The park is also home to assorted microhabitat types like hadlus, which are shallow clayey valley bottoms containing swamp savannas and short grass clearings or veiwlines, which are meant to help game viewing for the tourists. Trees offering flowers, such as Flame of the Forest, Indian Coral Tree, Red Silk Cotton, Indian Laburnum and the Padri, appear lovely and add color to the park. The Kabini River is marked by a dam, which creates a big lake dominated by Giant Bamboo on its banks. 

Fauna

The ecosystem of this region supports the highest density of herbivores anywhere in Asia. Studies reveal that the region has 108 animals per sq km. Large herbivores found here are Muntjak, Chital, Sambar, Four-horned antelope, Gaur, Wild pig, Asian Elephant, Common Langur and the Bonnet Macaque. Out of these herbivores, the Chital, Sambar, Gaur, Wild pig, Muntjak and Common Langur are hunted by the Tiger, Leopard and Wild Dog. Moreover, here the prey species are found in different sizes. Owing to the availability of prey in the appropriate size, there is an adequate balance of species. Some primary reasons for large carnivore population in Kabini are availability of appropriate sized prey, dense cover and tree density............
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