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Inspiration
Set within 70 acres of grounds on the southwestern side of the Nargahole National Park, The Serai sits on the banks of the Kabini river and offers an unbeatable spot for watching the vast herds of elephants that come here to drink and bathe.
The 20 private villas here reflect a quiet luxury, with floor-to-ceiling windows, a soft colour palette and dark wooden furniture. Each boasts a secluded terrace area, some of which overlook the serenity of the river, but all of which offer a wonderful spot for relaxing to the surrounding sounds of the jungle and under the starry skies.
An impressive restaurant caters for all guests, offering both international and regional cuisine with views of the Kabini river from every table. The wide range of facilities nestled in the grounds range from a palm-fringed outdoor pool to the Oma spa, where 5,000-year-old Indian holistic-healing approaches offer deeply relaxing and rejuvenating treatments.
What we love
- We indulged in a private dining experience on the banks of the river, enjoying the crescendo of surrounding birdsong as the sun dipped slowly into the still waters of the Kabini
- A unique boat safari or gentle cruise down the Kabini river in a traditional ‘coracle’ boat allows you to enjoy both the neighbouring Nargahole and Bandipur National Parks, spotting anything from grazing elephants to crocodiles along the banks
- A guided walk through the verdant forest surrounding the property immerses you in the 300+ species of birds that call this place their home
Consider which season to visit in, during the wet season (from June to September) animals become harder to spot due to the density of the vegetation. However, the parks are at their most beautiful at this time of year, and the birdwatching is at its best Don’t expect jet-wash water pressure, the hotel places a strong focus on water management and conservationFamilies are welcomed at the lodge, and rooms can be adjusted on request to accommodate children. The range of activities on offer at the resort, from bird trail walks to traditional coracle rides, makes it the perfect place from which to explore this beautiful region with your childrenThe safaris run by the lodge are minimally disruptive to the wildlife, and the welfare of the animals in the park is the top priority. Rainwater harvesting systems are in place to reduce water consumption for non-potable purposes. Solar panels make up a large part of the energy needed for the resort. The ingredients predominantly featured in the restaurant meals are locally sourced and organic. Sustainable tourism is embraced by the hotel, and guests are actively encouraged to engage with the heritage of the area and immerse themselves in the culture of the nearby villages.The Nargahole National Park is bordered by both the Bandipur National Park and Wayanad Wild Life Sanctuary, with all three forming the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, one of the largest reserves in India. The lodge is located just outside of the park on the riverside, giving it the prime location for vehicle safaris, traditional boat rides, nature walks and even bullock cart rides. The nearest domestic airport is in Mysore, which is 75 km from the lodge.What our travellers say
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