VISWANATH S: November 2011

KABINI BACK WATERS- GUNDRE RANGE

The Kabini, also called Kabani and Kapila, is a river of southern India. It originates in Wayanad District of Kerala state, south India from the confluence of the Panamaram River and Mananthavady River, and flows eastward to join the Kaveri River at Tirumakudalu Narasipura in Karnataka, which empties into the Bay of Bengal.

Close to the town of sargur it forms the huge Kabini Reservoir. The backwaters of the Kabini reservoir are very rich in wildlife especially in summer when the water level recedes to form rich grassy meadows.

The Kabini dam is 2,284 ft (696 m) in height with a gross storage of 19.52tmcft but has reduced considerably due to silt accumulation. The Kabini Dam is situated between villages Bichanahalli and Bidarahalli having distance of 17 km (11 mi) 6km away from sargur town in Heggadadevana kote taluk, Mysore district.

Enroute to Gundre Camp

A Spectacular view of Bamboo Near Gundre Shed Camp

Kabini is one of the most popular wildlife destinations of Karnataka, probably because of its easy accessibility, lush green landscape surrounding a large picturesque lake, and fantastic sightings of large herds of elephants. It is 80 km (50 mi) away from Mysore and 205 km (127 mi) from Bangalore, and comprises the south-eastern part of Nagarahole National Park. Situated on the banks of the Kabini River, this forest reserve is spread over 55 acres (22 ha) of forestland, steep valleys, and water bodies. Once a private hunting lodge of the Maharaja of Mysore, Kabini was a popular shikar hotspot for British Viceroys and Indian royalty. Now it is considered to be one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in Karnataka, famous for its spectacular wildlife and bird life.

Recently I with my family and Sateesh family had been to HD Kote. From here we decided to move towards Gundre forest range near N.Beguru.

To visit the Gundre Range one has to get permission from the forest department.

These forests are one of the best forests i have ever seen, first of all i was totally astonished to see the change in landscape from the beautiful farm lands to thick forests all of a sudden. And the best thing is the amount of wildlife you get to see here roaming in the wild.. This place is haven for elephants, deer, tiger, wild buffalo, Lepord, bear and lots of birds... We managed to find lot of elephants, deers, wild buffalo including spotting of a Tiger in Lake

Its an amazing place to watch for the wildlife in the evening coming in 100s to the back waters of river kabini, the possibility of finding animals is very high during the summer.... however since we had to go back before 6 we did not get the oppurtunity to wait and enjoy the scenic beauty over here....

It was a busy afternoon in jeep a bit scary to chase the elephants in the wild you never know when they are gonna turn back on you. However once out of the forest we went towards the kabini dam and this was one of the beautiful place i had experienced, the cool breeze.

Bannoor Gadde

A feel of staying close to wild animals in the wild is an experience, and it was worth it.. This place is around 220 - 230 kms from bangalore. Inside the forest we visited bannur gadde, gundre camp and nayalla camp. Next time we would be trekking to these forests by walk, hopefully that would be lot more thiller with lots of wild elephants all along

This Calf which tried to attack us suddenly slipped and gave this pose as if in a circus. I instructed my family not to worry, and keep silent and watch, I clicked the below photographs which this came very close to my camera lens, before attacking.