Kabini River

A view of Kabani River from Kabanigiri, Kerala

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.

Elephant family on the Kabini River bank, Karnataka, India.

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) 6 km away from sargur town in Heggadadevana kote taluk, Mysore district.

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.

Location

• State: Kerala and Karnataka
• Exact Location: It's situated at the south-eastern end of Nagarhole, by the backwaters of the Kabini River.
• Nearest Town: Mysore, 80 km (50 mi)
• Distance from Bangalore: 220 km (140 mi)

Course

Indian coracles are frequently used on the Kabini River.

The river originates from Pakramthalam hills at Kuttyadi-Mananthavady road. Makkiyad river and Periya river join it near Korome and Valad respectively. After flowing through Mananthavady town, Panamaram river joins Kabini near Payyampally. One branch of the Panamaram river starts from the Banasura Sagar reservoir near Padinjarethara and the other branch of the river start from Lakkidi hills. After traversing 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) from the confluence of Panamaram river Kabini forms an island called Kuruva Island, spreading over 520 acres (2.1 km²) with diverse flora and fauna. Within 20 km (12 mi) it reaches the Kabini reservoir bordering Kerala and Karnataka for some distance. Between Kabani reservoir and Kuruva island Kalindi river joins Kabini. Kalindi river originates from Brahmagiri hills which on reaching near Tirunelly temple the rivulet Papanasini joins it. Taraka and Nugu are the two small rivers in Heggadadevana kote taluk those joins Kapila (Kabini river).

Other attractions

Old Ganesha Temple on the Kabini River bank.

Kabini Dam: Built across Kabini River in 1974, the dam is located near Beechanahalli village. This dam is 58 m (190 ft) in height and 2,284 ft (696 m) long. You can access the dam from Heggadadevana kote.

Nagarahole National Park: Declared a national park in 1974, the part is said to be the best habitat for Asian elephants and one of the remaining one. It is surrounded by shallow valleys and gentle slopes on all sides.

Dams

The Banasura Sagar Dam is built over a tributary of the Kabini River. The Karapura irrigation dam is built over a tributary of the Kabini River. Chikkahole is one more small check Dam constructed near Nanjangud (Mysore district).