I wanted to have a glimpse of “Saya” so packed my bags and started journey towards Kabini. Located 245km away from Bangalore surrounded by breathtaking Kabini river, this spot is a popular weekend and honeymoon spot of Karnataka.
Thick, lush forest area, home of black panther “Saya” history says this place was ruled by Punnata kingdom. Many inscriptions say, Kuruba clan lived in this area too. Centuries later during archeology survey, lot of Greek inscriptions were found, showing their rule and found lot of precious stones. Jainism prevailed all over this place, that belief is Punnata kingdom was submerged under Kabini river.
REACHING
From Bangalore or Mysore by road it takes about 5 hours to reach Kabini, the usual route is via Mandya, Mysore and Santhe that as you enter Kabini the cold wind, mist passing by and above all the mesmerising hill stations won’t miss your eyes. There are trains till Mysore then on by cab or bus you reach Kabini.
PLACES TO VISIT
1- Nagarhole National Park
Two hours away from Kabini surrounded by western ghats, home of black panther Saya, sambar deer, chital and bengal tiger. Naga means snake, while hole means streams. Built by Wodeyar dynasty, this park is declared as a tiger reserve too. Filled with teak and rosewood trees, it homes 250 species birds and reptiles. Jenu Kurubas are the first inhabitants of this place, followed by Kuraga Kurubas, Belta Kuruba and Kadu Kuruba. Another unique fact about this national park is, presence of elephants that this park is an elephant reserve too. Winters are ideal time to visit, while there is an entry fee, that pre booking and pre planning gives you the best time of this park.
2) Ravi Rameshwaram temple
From Kabini half an hour away is this 2500 year old temple. Located near Kittur village this village was the capital town of Punnata kingdom while King Ramaverma built this temple. Since every year floods used to hit, villages started moving out of the place, when the main idol was protected by a snake. Slowly temple went into ruins, that much much later it was renovated. Today it is a must visit spot in Kabini where Shivaratri is grandly celebrated.
3) Kutta Village
This village is two hours away from Kabini, which comes under Coorg
part of Karnataka. Filled with awesome plantations, especially the lush greenery during monsoons, it is a village filled with Coorg culture and traditions. This village is much near to Nagarhole national park, that it is a getaway spot from Kerala too. Home stay is popular in this village.
4) Bheemanakolli Mahadeshwar temple
Lord Mahaseshwara also known as Sage Mahadeshsara lived here during 15th century. He sang a song which is divided into seven parts, that each part is devoted to each part of life. The original temple went into ruins, that years later it was renovated and today is what we see as the temple. From Kabini city this temple is one hour away.
5) Kabini River
Kabini river is a part of river Kaveri, which flows as panamaran and Manashavady river in Kerala. This river originates from Pakramthalam hills and joins Kabini via Kuruva island. Kabini dam is where extra water from this river is stored, which supplies water to villages around Kabini. The Kabini overheard bridge is a heritage monument which is beautifully designed and renovated again. Boating in this river is popular besides, bird watching and nature walk.
6) Tadiandamol
It is the highest peak of Kabini, which is a place for trekkers. Surrounded by lush western ghats as you trek up you get to see different shades of green. From this mountain you get to view Kumara Parvatha and Brahmagiri mountains.
7) Adventure sports
Coming to adventure part, Kabini has lot of adventure to indulge into. Safari rides are famous in the national parks, that if you are lucky you could spot a tiger or black panther. Elephant safaris are the most popular adventure in Kabini, while cycling around the whole town is rejuvenating. Boating is yet another adventure part of the Kabini river. Stargazing is the latest addition to Kabini adventure which is clubbed with camping and boat ride.
8) Yum food
For foodies here is a list of yum food to try. Starting with Ragi mudde, jolada roti, belgaavi kund, masala dosa and popular Bisibela bath, Dharwad pedha and Mysore pak are some lip smacking dishes to taste. Kabini is not a shoppes paradise but is very famous for decorative items such as wall hangings and designer cutleries.
During British rule Kabini was called as hunting spot, that from a point of view if you deeply observe, it is a blend of wildlife, nature and adventure on the Kodagu terrain, located on the banks of River Kaveri which flows as Kabini river here.
