This wasn’t meant to be a drive through a forest and see
Tiger pugmarks. Unlike my previous experiences with wildlife, Kabini promised
the real thing, an immersion into the animal kingdom, a call to the wild! So
when, I saw a Tiger’s stripes pass stealthily behind the grass on my first
safari, it reconfirmed my notions about the place. Unfortunately, that was it
for the big cats – there were alarm calls, rushes to spots of sightings, but
the felines remained elusive. It was surprisingly, a bunch of wiry little
canines that gave me the wildlife experience. Wild dogs, who individually look
ever so innocuous, are actually as a pack the best hunters in the jungle with a
strike rate of 8/10, as I am later told by Vincent, the naturalist at the
Bison. Well it wasn’t really a hunt like I wished - just the pack pushing an
elephant out of their territory. It might seem dreary and boring, but it was
the real deal, all said and done. And to watch the puny little fellas push back
an elephant was quite the eye opener. Watch and enjoy!
TIPS:
- We stayed at the Bison which is the only resort with a view of the national park. You can get a more ‘luxurious’ tent or machan experience here as well (there will be insects but fewer)
- If convenience is more your style, try Jungle lodges, run by the government – they are the only ones who can run safaris (so wherever you stay, you have to do the safari through them) and they have built up rooms
- You have the option of the boat safari and the jeep safari – Boat safaris are better for birds and water animals like otter. The jeep safari scores on all others.
- Most people come to Kabini via Bangalore, but it given the option you should try Kozhikode – it’s a different scenery and a better one. Alternatively, if you are game for a slightly longer drive, try Coimbatore (you will pass through Mudumalai and Bandipur on the way). We went via Coimbatore-Coonoor (stopped here for 2 days)-Ooty and it was worth it – got quite a few animals before we reached Kabini.
