Kabini River, India

Origin And Course Of The Kabini River

The Kabini River also referred to as the Kapila, is a south Indian River that originates in Kerala’s Wayanad District. The headwaters of the river Pakramthalam hills at the confluence of the Mananthavady River and the Panamaram River. The origin of the river can be mapped to the Kuttyadi-Mananthavady road in the Keralian Wayanad District. As it flows eastwards, it is joined by the Makkiyad river near Korome and the Periyar river near Valad. As the river exits the town of 

Mananthavady, the Panamaram river joins it near Payyampally. The Kabini river forms a 520-acre island, the Kuruva Island at a distance of 2 km from its confluence with the Panamaram river. The river then flows further to form the Kabini Reservoir at the border between Kerala and Karnataka. On the way, it is joined by the Kalindi river. Taraka and Nugu are two other small tributaries that join the Kabini river. Finally, the Kabini river joins the Kaveri River at Karnataka’s Tirumakudalu Narasipura. The Kaveri then empties into the Bay Of Bengal.

Modern Significance Of The Kabini River

The Kabini Dam, built on the Kabini River in Mysore, Karnataka is 696 meters in length and has a catchment area of 2,141.90 km². It was constructed in 1974 and is located near the village of Beechanahally. 22 villages and 14 hamlets obtain their supply of water from the Kabini Dam. Two other smaller dams, the Sagaredoddakere and Upper Nugu Dams are also connected to the Kabini River Dam and excess water is discharged into these dams during the monsoon season.

The backwaters of the Kabini Reservoir houses a rich diversity of wild flora and fauna. Details are discussed below.

Habitat And Landscape Of The Kabini River Watershed

The area in and around the Kabini River is green and serene. As the waters recede during the summer months, vast stretches of green meadows become exposed. The water of the river supports a rich diversity of plant life which, in turn, supports diverse fauna. 80km away from Mysore and 205 km from Bangalore, the Kabini Forest Reserve, extending for 55 acres from the banks of the Kabini River, is one of the most popular wildlife destinations in the Indian state of Karnataka. The landscape of Kabini Forest Reserve features vast stretches of green, forested land, steep valleys, the Kabini River, various lakes, and other water bodies.

The region once housed the private hunting lodge of Mysore’s Maharaja. Indian royalties and British Viceroys treated it as a popular hunting spot in the past. Now, it 

Wildlife Of The Region

Wild elephants are primary attraction of the Kabini Forest Reserve and watching elephant herds socializing near the banks of the Kabini river is a treat for the eyes. Tigers are occasionally sighted in the forest if one is lucky enough to catch a glimpse of this endangered beast. Leopards, panthers, spotted deer, sambar deer, crocodiles, langurs, gaurs, wild boar, mongoose are only a few species of animals that call the region their home. The area in and around the Kabini river is also a bird watcher’s delight as 250 species of birds inhabit the region at different seasons of the year.

Tourism In The Kabini River Region

Jungle safari on a jeep or an elephant to watch the rare and unique wildlife of the region is the primary tourist activity here. A boat or coracle ride on the Kabini river also takes closer to the wildlife along the river’s banks. Crocodiles can be seen sunbathing on the banks and wild animals coming to drink water from the river. A number of birds might also be sighted during such rides. Nature walks and trails along permitted routes, cycling, touring the local villages, bonfire nights are some of the other activities to be enjoyed here.

Best Time To Visit

The period between November and June is ideal for a tour of the Kabini Forest Reserve. Elephants congregate in the area during the dry season between February to April from the neighbouring forests, exhibiting one of the biggest Asiatic wild elephant gatherings. The monsoon (July to September) is the ideal time to enjoy the greenery of the region.

How To Get There

Driving distances from the nearby cities or tourist destinations are as follows:

Bangalore (220km)

Mysore (80km)

Ooty (180km)

Calicut (160km)