Safaris in Nagarhole
Jeep and canter safaris into Nagarhole National Park, operated by the Karnataka Forest Department on shared vehicles, plus boat safaris on the backwaters. Elephant, gaur, dhole, leopard and tiger share this landscape.
Kabini backwaters ยท Karnataka
Red Earth Kabini
Twenty cottages on the Kabini backwaters, at the edge of Nagarhole National Park.
SettingKabini backwaters, bordering Nagarhole
Stay20 cottages with private open-sky jacuzzis
Best forSafaris, birding, families
PlanAll meals included
Overview
A wildlife retreat built from its own land.
Red Earth Kabini sits on the backwaters of the Kabini reservoir, a short drive from the Nagarhole safari gates. The cottages are built from red earth excavated on site, with rammed earth walls and Athangudi tile floors handcrafted by artisans from Tamil Nadu.
Days are organised around the forest: safaris at dawn and dusk, with time by the water in between. Nearly all of our team comes from the surrounding villages, and the kitchen works with produce sourced locally.
The Cottages
Twenty cottages, each with its own courtyard.
Every cottage has a private open-sky jacuzzi and a large courtyard garden. Stays are full board, from lunch on the day of arrival to breakfast on the day of departure.
Experiences
What a day at Kabini holds.
From first light in Nagarhole to the evening bonfire, each day follows the water and the forest.
Nature walk
Walks with our resident naturalists, when birdsong is at its peak.
Coracle rides
Traditional round boats on the backwaters, available through the day.
Cookery classes
Morning or afternoon sessions with our kitchen team, using local ingredients and regional technique.
Night trail
A 7 PM walk with a naturalist along the edges of the forest.
Bonfire
Every evening at 8 PM.
The river sets the pace; the forest rewards those who move slowly.Red Earth Kabini
The Wetlands Bar
An island bar on Lily Lake.
The Wetlands Bar stands on an island within the property, reached by a small bridge. It is built in the same rammed earth as the cottages, with pillars salvaged from traditional Kerala nalukettu homes and furniture collected by the owners.
Old records, a snooker table, and Raja behind the bar, who will remember what you drank last time.
Life at Kabini
A retreat rooted in its region.
The animals, team and building traditions are all part of the life of the property.
The Animals
We share the property with a few residents: five dogs, a herd of bulls and cows, horses, sheep and a group of Egyptian pygmy goats. Kabini is pet-friendly; let us know in advance if you are bringing yours.
Community and Responsibility
Nearly all of our Kabini team is from surrounding villages, and we train in-house across every department. Our produce is sourced locally, and our buildings were made from the land they stand on.
Gallery
The water, the table, the wild.
Enquire
Plan your Kabini stay.
Tell us your dates and we will help you shape a wildlife-led retreat by the water.