Kabini River Lodge
Jungle Lodges & Resorts, Karnataka
Surrounded by vibrant wildlife and scenic views, Kabini River Lodge is Jungle Lodges and Resorts’ flagship property. Once the Maharaja’s hunting lodge, the property is a perfect weekend getaway from Bangalore and Mysore. At the intersection of a landscape and tranquil waters, the lodge offers earthy, comfortable accommodations with an old-world charm. The images below represent a tour of the property in the summer of 2025.
Maharaja cottages
Tented cottages
Viceroy bungalow
Historical significance
Naturalist and conservationist Colonel John Wakefield (Papa John) was pivotal in establishing the Kabini River Lodge. He introduced practices from renowned locales such as Tiger Tops in Nepal to curate a retreat for nature lovers
The lodge's historical significance intertwines with the 'Kheddah' operations: complex, traditional efforts focused on capturing and taming wild elephants. Visitors can connect with this past by viewing carefully preserved photographs from that generation. These images evoke a time when these grounds, the hunting lodge of the Mysore royalty, welcomed Viceroys and international dignitaries who gathered to observe the impressive spectacle of the Kheddahs.
HH The Yuvaraja of Mysore Shri Kanteerva Narasimha Wadiyar at the Viceregal Lodge Kharapur Camp - 23 January 1933
H.H. The Maharaja of Mysore Shri Krishnaraja Wadiyar with Lord and Lady Hardinge, The Yuvaraja of Mysore Shri Kanteerava Narasimharaja Wadiyar & The Maharaja Scindia of Gwalior Khedda Operations, Kharapur - 1913
H.H. The Yuvaraja of Mysore, Miss Hughes, Capt. Nabi Khan, Miss Wilson, Rana Lakshmansinghji, Mrs Hughes & Mr Mudraj Urs : Taraka - 23 January 1933 (Length: 9'10")
Mahseer caught by HH Jam Saheb Navnagar in the RIver Cauvery at Srirangapatna: 18 February 1927 (Weight: 75 lbs)
Crossing the Kabini River - Khedda Operation 1913
HH The Yuvaraja of Mysore with Miss Wilson, Rana Lakshmansinghji, Mrs Hughes & MIss Hughes at the Viceregal Lodge, Kharapur - 23 January 1933
H.R.H The Prince of Wales with H.H. The Maharaja of Mysore Shri Krishnaraja Wadiyar. Kharapur camp, January 1922
Shimoga Kheddas 1912
HH The Maharani of Baroda and HH The Yuvaraja of Mysore watching the Khedda Operations. Boodipadaga - 1917
HRH Prince Edward. The Prince of Wales with beaters. Keddah Operations - Kharapur 1921
Lord Hardinge watching the Khedda Operation at Kharapur - 1913
Activities
Beautiful, true-to-nature premises aside, the lodge offers a variety of activities - from nature walks to boat rides and game drives.
At the end of the day, unwind
Time in the outdoors can be exhausting. Kabini offers a well-stocked British Imperial bar and lounge area in its southern bungalow, so you can share a drink with friends and recount your experiences in the wilderness.
To book your stay at this excellent lodge, visit the Jungle Lodges’ website. Let the property and its patch of wilderness amaze you!