Feb 17th – 19th, 2025

A river runs alongside it!

Lush green sprawling lawns, multihued blossoms popping out startlingly from the monochromatic verdancy, glistening blue waters lapping the not-so-distant shores, all day long melodious background birdsong, tall shade trees with leaves softly rustling in the gentle breeze, fruit trees with literally low hanging fruit and of course the crisp fresh air (a rarity where I come from) … this is the idyllic Fireflies Resort where I had the pleasure of spending a couple of days in a bid to get away from the craziness of Bangalore (where the dust and digging never seem to end)!

Tucked away in a little village in Kabini, the popular wildlife and safari destination which lies in the Heggada Devana Kotey (HD Kotey) taluk of Mysore district in Karnataka, India, this resort offers comfortably luxurious options for those who arrive in the quest of adventure in the surrounding jungles and also those who merely seek tranquility and rejuvenation in the refreshing environs of unsullied nature.

So meander along its quaint gravel strewn trails with me and let us peep into its charming nooks and corners to discover what it has in store!

About Kabini – 

Named after the Kabini river, the Kabini region refers to a section in the south of the Nagarahole National Park, a forest which lies in the Mysore district of Karnataka state in India.

Nagarahole National Park (also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park), is one of South India’s premier forests and a major attraction for wildlife enthusiasts. It derives its name from the literal translation of serpentine stream, many of which flow through the forest (in Kannada, naga is serpent and holaey is stream).

Nagarahole has 2 main safari gates and the Kakanakote gate is the one used for safaris from Kabini. This is also referred to as Antharasanthe or Dammanakatte gate.

About The House of Shilton – 

Shilton hospitality was founded in 2004 and this hospitality brand operates hotels, resorts, gastropubs and catering companies. Spread over cities like Bangalore, Chennai and Kochi, it also runs the beautiful jungle resort Fireflies in Kabini.

About Fireflies Resort – 

Fireflies resort is named after the Firefly bug which is the species Lampyris noctiluca and belongs to the family Lampyridae, an appropriate name considering the lamp like glow that it emits.

The resort was launched in 2022 and is a serene and picturesque 4 acre space, the beauty of which is further embellished by the gorgeous blue of the Kabini backwaters gently flowing alongside. The strategic location and the alluring landscape of the resort, makes it a much sought after getaway in this region.

In order to retain the pristine aura, only 30 percent of the space is built up while the rest of it is dedicated to nature!

The cottages and tents are an amalgam of earthiness and elegance that blends seamlessly into the natural environment. All of them are designed to offer breathtaking views of the river, while at the same time providing privacy within the lush vegetation amidst which they are cleverly hidden.

Features and Amenities – 

A short video of the property 

View this post on Instagram

The reception – 

The reception is housed in a charming little thatched structure a few meters from the entrance.

Swimming pool – 

The jelly bean shaped pool is a small one and is a uniform 4 ft in depth. This lies to the left of the entrance and near the reception and is ensconced in the privacy of lush green bushes bearing colorful flowers. There are deck chairs for those who would rather lounge on land and chairs and tables in the covered porch for guests who opt to have their high tea by the poolside in the cool evening breeze.

Lawn – 

The sprawling lawn dominates most of the area at the resort and the verdant stretch of emerald green is dotted with flowering bushes, trees and even a couple of tiny ponds which is the dominion of the resident ducks. The property fence separates the lawn from the shore of the backwaters and though the water is visible from almost every part of the resort, the access to it is from outside the gate.

Fireflies Farm – 

Fireflies has an acre or so dedicated to farming and the local gardener tends to the organic and seasonal vegetables that they grow. This produce is used in their restaurant.

They have also planted fruit trees like ber (Indian jujube), mango, jamun (Indian java plum), gooseberry, figs, jackfruit etc and it is a treat to behold the branches laden with ripe fruit during each season.

Bonfire pit – 

At one end of the lawn is the bonfire pit and a semi circular bench where guests can relax and enjoy the fire and accompanying music. The bonfire is lit from 7.30 pm to 8.30 pm every night.

The Stay – 

Fireflies offers a total of 11 stay options consisting of luxury tents and cottages and these are named after the flora which fireflies are most attracted to.

So they have names like –

Akashmoni – Acacia auriculiformis/earleaf acacia

Errukam – Calotropis gigantea/milkweed

Manga – Mangifera indica/mango

Vishnukranti – Evolvulus alsinoides/dwarf morning glory

Kadamba – Neolamarckia cadamba/burflower tree

These plants and trees are also planted near each room/tent.

All the rooms are aligned to face the Kabini reservoir and thus offer scenic views of the water. The interiors are rustic with stone flooring, earthy color schemes, textured walls etc and the decor is said to represent the elements of the local indigenous tribes.

The private deck space in front of every dwelling is a small, cozy area with comfortable cushioned seating, perfect for lolling, gazing at the surrounding expanse and simply soaking in the quietude.

All the rooms and tents have similar features that include an ensuite bathroom with shower, geyser and toiletries, king sized beds, AC, mini fridge, lockers, cupboards, TV, intercom, mosquito bats, torch, umbrellas, camping stools etc.

All the options can accommodate a maximum of 3 adults or 2 adults with a child and a single bed is provided for the extra person if needed.

The Akashmoni Luxury suites – 

There are 2 suites in this class with an area of 560 sq ft each and these suites are the most spacious of all the categories, with bigger rooms, bathrooms and patios. They are also located closest to the swimming pool and dining area which makes them suited for the elderly or those with mobility issues, since the resort is not disabled friendly.

Errukam Luxury Tent –

These are 2 adjoining luxury twin tents which are each 460 sq ft in size. Set up under a magnificent banyan tree which is several decades old, these are located away from the rest of the rooms. Stone benches and a swing complete the picture under the tree.

Kadamba luxury tents –

This is the latest addition to the resort. There are 3 of these tents, each 510 sq ft in size and they have the best view of the backwaters.

Restaurant and dining –

Dining is at the on site restaurant which is very near the reception shack. While comfortable indoor seating is available, one can also opt to dine outside under the trees on the open deck which is furnished with eye-pleasing teal hued chairs and tables.

All the packages at the resort include all meals which are served buffet style. In addition they also offer a food and beverage menu which has chargeable items.

Breakfast is served from 8.30 am to 10.30 am, lunch from 1.30 pm to 3.00 pm, high tea from 2.00 pm to 6.00 pm and dinner from 8:30 pm to 10:30 pm.

Spanning across Indian and international cuisines, the food is fresh and homely and also incorporates the seasonal and organic produce that is available in their in-house farm, as well as vegetables procured from the farmers of the surrounding villages.

One can experience local, Chinese, South Indian, North Indian, Continental  and other such fare here.

Meals are also curated and customized at prior request, to accommodate dietary restrictions and also to cater to children and infants.

Here are pictures of some of the fare that we savored –

Activities – 

Activities within the resort – 

The resort offers many options to entertain guests within the premises. A few of the activities and games that one can indulge in are swimming, playing games like frisbee, badminton, volleyball and lawn football. Bonfires are also lit at nights.

Apart from this they can also organize trekking, camping, birdwatching etc. Please enquire at the reception for more details.

For guests who prefer indoor activities, there are choices like Jenga and a variety of boardgames and one can also try their hand at art and painting.

The various fruit and flowering trees ensure that there are many species of birds in the premises and I had an adventurous time trying to capture those tiny little jumpy and hyperactive creatures with my insufficiently large lens 😏

But I did struggle and trap a few of them including the Green bee eater, Purple rumpled sunbird, Magpie robin, Common Iora, Chestnut tailed starling, Tailor bird etc and even a Heron in the distant Kabini waters.

Some of my photographic conquests within the premises are as below –

Things to do in the Surroundings – 

Safaris – 

Kabini is basically a safari destination and that is the highlight of this region and the main reason why people would visit. The public (bus) safaris are conducted by the forest department.

Fireflies helps with booking the bus safaris and guests are required to indicate their requirements at the time of reservation.

The Kabini Wildlife Safari at Kakanakote gate, Dammanakatte, is just 4 km away. This is the bus/canter safari.

The other option for safaris are by Jeep and boat and these are exclusively conducted by Jungle Lodges and Resorts (JLR). Fireflies in association with JLR, can also arrange these for their guests and the requirement is that the booking should be done at least 24 hours prior.

Weekday safari timings are  6:00 AM – 10:00 AM and in the evening, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

Weekends (Saturday and Sunday) offer 4 safaris per day of 1.5 hour duration each.

Mornings – 6.00 am to 7.30 am and 7.30 am to 9 am

Evenings – 3.00 pm to 4.30 pm and 4.30 pm to 6 pm.

You can get more details from my earlier blog on Kabini.

While I had great sightings on my earlier safari, this time things were dull and I had to return empty handed apart from some commonly seen animals. The pictures and write-up on that will be shortly available in my Kabini – Part 2 blog post but in the meantime you can look at this picture to understand that it was such an unfruitful day where even the ubiquitous Spotted deer did not care to even look at us 😎

Boating near the resort – 

The resort can organize boating in the backwaters that adjoin the property. A short 100 meter dirt track leads from the gate to the water and while one can go on foot, it is also a motorable track for those who have mobility issues.

Safety equipment like life jackets are provided by the resort.

Check with them for the charges and duration of the coracle rides. It is a good idea to go in the evenings so that you can view the sunset from the waters.

Boating and High tea at the Boating point of Udbur village – 

Udbur boating point is situated 30 minutes away and the resort will organize the car transport, snacks and boat ride. This is a regular motor boat that takes you on a ride on the backwaters. One can also view the sunset here but the boats do not have permission to go near the shore which adjoins the forest. This is reserved only for the Safari boats from JLR where the visitors may be able to spot wildlife on the banks. I managed a very distant shot of the ubiquitous Spotted deer.

Visitor Profile – 

Guests of all ages are permitted with no restrictions.

The resort in its idyllic setting amidst nature, is ideal as a rejuvenating destination to get away from the mundane.

It is a great place for individuals, couples, families and groups of friends. Bear in mind however, that it is not accessible to guests who are differently abled.

It is also a perfect place for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers and also artists, photographers and those who just want a really quiet holiday!

Best time to visit – 

Kabini is a year round destination and is open through all seasons.

However, the peak time is considered to be during October to March weather wise and also for good sightings.

April and May are hot with temperatures reaching the late 30’s (deg c) but this is also a great time for sightings since the animals gravitate towards the waterbodies.

June to September is the monsoon period and while this is also a great time to be amidst the lush and verdant rain washed surroundings, there is a chance of safaris getting cancelled due to bad weather.

Phone and internet connectivity –

The property provides a free Wifi connection for its guests. Airtel and Jio signals are available but both the direct signal as well as WiFi are not very stable..

Environmental and Social initiatives – 

Most of the employees are from the local villages and a substantial percentage of the farm produce is procured from the local farmers for use in the restaurant.

Conscious effort is constantly made to use eco friendly material wherever possible, for example, the usage of glass water bottles in the rooms.

The kitchen waste is composted and used in their organic farm.

What is available and what you should carry –

There is a generator for power back up which can support all appliances, WiFi etc, in case of a power failure.

All standard toiletries and bed and bath linen are provided. Mosquito bats and mosquito repellant are available.

Considering the possible activities, carry a pair of walking shoes, a cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, a backpack, swimwear, binoculars, camera etc.

Since the resort is in a relatively remote location, make sure to carry your medication and other personal/baby supplies which you may need. The nearest pharmacy is 5 km away and the nearest hospital is the Government Hospital in Antharasanthe, which is 6 km away.

The type of clothing you need, is weather dependent but being in the midst of the jungle it  will probably be cool throughout the year between sunset and early morning, so it is always a good idea to carry at least 1 coat even if it is summer. Winters are quite chill, hence equip yourself accordingly.

Daytime is warm in summer, so carry light, cotton wear and carry raincoats in the monsoon.

And as always, carry your ID card with you.

Additional Information –

Open air parking is available.

The resort provides accommodation for drivers of their guests but it’s not on the property. It is in a hotel in a village 3 km away and the cost is on actuals. They also provide staff meals to drivers at an additional price.

This place does not permit pets.

It is not a disabled friendly property but the Akashmoni suites are the nearest to the dining and pool facilities.

Getting there – 

By air –  The nearest Airport is the Mysore Airport, which is around 65 km away. This airport has very limited flights.

Kozhikode (Calicut) airport is 159 km away.

The nearest major airport is the Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore which is 270 km away.

Train – The nearest major railway station is the Mysore Railway Station, 70 km away, followed by Kozhikode(Calicut) at 147 km and then Bangalore at 210 km.

Cabs or private vehicles are the best means of transport from the airports/stations.

Road – There are excellent roads leading to the resort from the surrounding major cities. The last stretch of 1 km is a mud road but accessible by all vehicles. Getting there by private vehicle or cab is the best way from Mysore (around 60 km) and Bangalore (around 220 km).

Fireflies also has service providers for transport and guests are required to indicate their requirements at the time of booking.

Booking and contact – 

Address –

Google maps to Fireflies Kabini

Phone –  

+91 9663709774

+91 9632094770

Email id – reservations.kabini@firefliesresorts.com 

Website of Fireflies Kabini

Instagram of Fireflies Kabini

FB Page of Fireflies Kabini

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Please Note –

This trip was in collaboration with Fireflies Kabini and I thank them for the hospitality. My narration is based on the inputs I received from various sources as well as my personal experiences.

For more pictures see My Facebook – Fireflies Kabini  

Also catch me on My Facebook, My Facebook page, My Twitter and My Instagram

This itinerary was specially curated hence some of the features might have been personalized accordingly. Before booking, please check the facilities offered in your package.

I would really appreciate your feedback and comments in the comment box below.

Feb 17th – 19th, 2025