About this hotel
General information
Evolve Back Kabini sits on the banks of the Kabini River, which wraps around the property on two sides, at the edge of Nagarhole National Park in Karnataka. The resort is laid out like a traditional forest hamlet, or hadi: huts with inner courtyards, and sweeping views across the wide Kabini backwaters. Craft and comfort meet without fuss — village-style floors, bottle-gourd lampshades, four-poster beds hung with lace.
Wildlife is the reason to come. Kabini lies where the Nagarhole and Bandipur national parks meet, in deciduous forest that forms part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Tigers, leopards and dholes live here alongside one of the largest gatherings of Asian elephants and the area’s celebrated black panther, and more than 300 bird species have been recorded. Breakfast and dinner are included in every stay, and the days are shaped around morning and afternoon safaris with naturalists.
Location
The resort lies on the south-western fringe of Nagarhole National Park in Mysuru district, with Bandipur National Park on the far bank of the Kabini. Bengaluru is about 225 km away, roughly four and a half hours by the Bengaluru–Mysuru expressway. Mysuru airport is 80 km away (about two hours by road), Bengaluru airport 265 km (about five hours) and Mysuru railway station 90 km. The concierge arranges chauffeur-driven transfers, including return transfers from Bengaluru.
Spa
The Vaidyasala Ayurveda centre offers traditional Ayurvedic therapies given by experienced masseurs and masseuses, with sessions for couples.
Sports & leisure
Safaris run in the morning and afternoon under the national park’s rules, in shared vehicles and boats; seats are limited and best reserved ahead, and children under two are not allowed on safari.
- Jeep safaris in eight-seat vehicles, or in a larger wildlife-viewing vehicle, into Nagarhole National Park, home to tigers, leopards and dholes.
- Boat safaris on the Kabini, the river that divides Nagarhole from Bandipur, taking in both parks at once.
- Birding by boat with expert guides aboard a purpose-built boat from the resort’s own jetty.
- Sunset cruises on the Kabini, coracle rides in the round woven boats traditional on South Indian rivers, and bullock-cart rides along the riverbank.
- A naturalist-led morning walk along the river and through farm lanes, a night trail in search of insects, amphibians and reptiles (children from six), evening tales from the naturalists and Indian wildlife films.
- An Interpretation Centre on the region’s nature and culture, the Reading Lounge above the backwaters and photo sessions with the resort’s photographer.
For children
An Activity Centre runs games and activities designed for young guests, and the Family Pool is reserved for families with children, with child-safe zones for toddlers. Children aged six and over can join the naturalist’s night trail.
Restaurants & bars
Two restaurants, a bar and several private riverside dining settings; the included breakfast and dinner can be taken at either restaurant.
- Honey Comb — international and regional cooking for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with sunsets over the Kabini.
- Kuruba Grill — kebabs and grills with river views, for lunch and dinner.
- Sundowner Deck — a secluded deck above the backwaters for sunset cocktails, also set for private campfire dinners.
- By the Kabini — a five-course dinner for two by the water, with a personal chef and butler.
- Candle Light Cruise — a candlelit dinner aboard a boat drifting on the river.
Swimming
The infinity pool, set right at the edge of the Kabini backwaters, is for adults only and comes into its own at sunset. Families with children have a separate Family Pool, and every hut has a private pool in its courtyard — from a shallow water-jet pool to the heated pool of the Pool Reserve.
Pets
Pets are not permitted.
Rooms
Three types of hut, each with a private courtyard, its own pool and a bathroom opening onto an open-to-sky garden. Interiors draw on the colours and textures of the landscape, with local-style furniture and traditionally patterned fabrics.
Separate living and dining areas, a bedroom, a bathroom with bathtub and separate shower, a private pool and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Safari Hut
A hut with separate living and dining areas and a bedroom whose four-poster bed faces windows onto a courtyard with a shallow, unheated water-jet pool. The bathroom has a bathtub and separate shower; sleeps two.
Pool Hut
A spacious hut with a large open courtyard, an unheated private pool, sit-outs and a generous living and dining area; the bedroom has a lace-draped four-poster bed and a separate dressing area. The bathroom, with twin showers, twin basins and an open-to-sky garden, leads straight to the pool; sleeps two.
Pool Reserve
The largest hut, with views of the Kabini: generous living and dining spaces, a bedroom with glass-fronted windows onto the pool, and a courtyard with a heated pool (heating off in April and May) and a Star Bed for nights under the sky. The bathroom has twin showers and twin basins; sleeps two.
Photos are for illustrative purposes only. Actual room layout, furnishings, décor, views and amenities may differ from those shown and may vary between rooms of the same category. Hotel and room descriptions are based on information provided by the property and are believed to be accurate at the time of publication, but are not guaranteed. The hotel may renovate or change its rooms, facilities, restaurants and services at any time without notice. The final details of your stay are confirmed at the time of booking. See our Terms of Use.