You will witness the beauty of the Kabini Forest Reserve. It is the pride of Karnataka and it is one of the best sanctuaries in the world. The Kabini River joins the Kaveri River in Karnataka, which is native of Wayanad. When filled with liquid gold, the Kabini reservoir makes the country fertile for the best sightings for wildlife and birds. Kabini is spread over 640 acres, and because of its wonderful habitat has a high density of animals, especially large cats. It offers the ideal “big escape” from the narrow strings of the concrete prison known as the area.

On the border of the Nagarhole National Park is a private safari lodge called Kav situated in the lap of green wonder (pronounced Kavu, meaning sacred grove). The lodge lies in the attentive comfort of its guests while maintaining the sacredness of the wilderness. Kaav Safari Lodge believes in the green luxury that provides the best comfort and services in a responsible manner to its guests. The property leaves a very minimal footprint on the sacred ground from annual planting of native plants to use sustainable solar and biogas plants for cooking.

Kaav is 220 km from Bangalore at an enviable distance. It was a real pleasure to drive to this property as we reached the city borders. We recommend an early morning or a night drive without restrictive gates in the forest for the rest and tranquility of the journey.

In the forest and serenity Kaav, decorated in elegant luxury, shines with a rustic charm and lights. On arrival, Mr.Pavithra Kumar (well named PK) charmed us with a courteous and personal greeting by the workers and management. The smiles and the hospitality stayed the best 24 hours a day. The warm love of Juliet, the in-house Labrador, was a great welcome. From the day you walk in, she really wins your heart.

Kaav features four superior rooms, each with a shared lounge, and two luxurious tents with a private balcony with picturesque views of the forest. The rooms are built to provide maximum comfort and luxury, with minimum effect on the surrounding wilderness. The rooms and the tents are spacious and carefully decorated with care. The decoration in the rooms and tents is luxuriously and comfortably designed to add to the natural environment.

The tents can become a romantic canopy from a rustic getaway. If you are a couple who enjoy peaceful romantic moments in the wild under the blanket of stars to the musical serenade of birds and livestock, I strongly suggest a luxury tent.

On the top of this room, you can see even a spacious and cozy deck where you can enjoy the sun or lounge under the stars and listen to the endless sounds of the jungle.

Kaav has a tiny but lovely pool where you can enjoy a relaxing swim. You can also relax in the hammocks as the cool shade and brisk become a kind of calming lullaby.

Our favorite is the dining room. Chef Sharath and his team will treat you to a range of local and traditional food. Fresh ingredients are cooked in every meal. The lack of cooling in Kaav ensures that the food is cooked warm and freshly cooked. The staff’s service is excellent and the real icing on the food experience.

Guests will enjoy a range of Kaav activities such as guided nature and a local village stroll, a cruise in the Kabini River on the coracle boat, and cycling along the beautiful Kabini roads to experience the unfolding of local life. The property also provides a boat safari, fee, and barbecue (subject to request) and a Jungle lodge & Resort Jungle Kabini jungle Safari (additional charges apply).

The jungle safari is Kaav’s most thrilling activity. When you gather at Jungle Lodges, you can see the electric mix of skilled and inexperienced photographers who, with camouflage clothing, are young and old, eager to witness the natural habitat of animals and birds. It is truly incredible to see the wild in their crude grandeur. When you enter the wild, you wake up to the crackling of leaves, swinging branches, rustling in brooks, slight screaming, a quick snort, or a low grouse—when you don’t expect anything you will be shocked by what you see.

In the heart of the pristine forest laid with outstanding service, the lodge has the true winners. When you leave, you will remember marvelous hospitality and a rejuvenated feeling. No better magic can cure and enhance the spirit like a jungle can, and Kaav has certainly dominated the magical spell!