The Bison

Our tryst with The Bison dates back to the summer of 2016. We were reading up several reviews on the Tripadvisor so that we could finalise on a stay option in the Kabini. Not a very difficult proposition going by the handful of resorts in that area. We studied in detail about each one but something about this rustic looking resort struck us. The photographs can be deceiving (in this case in a very positive way ); the place looks charming but in reality the place is far more than just charming. And the proof is our frequent visits. What attracted us to The Bison is its simple, rustic look; the thatched tents, the rooms built on stilts, giving us an elevated view of the forests at a distance and the backwaters of the river Kabini from the rooms. The planked pathway leading towards the tents, illumined by the olden day lanterns at night and a host of other things create a tranquil atmosphere. If we have to describe the place in one word, we'd say < peaceful >.

The Bison to us is synonymous with the Kabini river and the Nagerhole forests. We have fallen in love with both! I still remember our very first time at The Bison, as we drove through fields of sugarcane and ginger, following a bumpy, rough stretch of road with a very crudely written the Bush Betta camp as signage. The view was mesmerizing as we could see some hillocks at a distance against the dense forests and a bit of the thread-like river Kabini. It was summer so the river had dried up but still the backdrop was simply magnificent! The best part was the tranquility that prevailed all around. A short drive ahead brought us to the resort, neatly tucked away amidst fields of crops and splendid view of the forests. A rickety wooden flight of steps lead us to the reception that wore a colourful look; something that immediately made me fall in love with the place. The walls were adorned with brilliantly captured photographs of big cats, of wild dogs, of majestic elephants and of birds captured in flight. 

Now without further ado, let me take you through a tour of the place. Sit back and enjoy the charming place with its magnificent views.

Don't go by the rustic look of the thatched cottages. Looks can be deceptive. As you enter each, you will be surprised to see the luxurious interiors of the tents. Yes! These are actually tented accommodation.

The deck is one of my favourite places in the property. It is from here that I see the changing colours of the sky ; the silhouette of an elephant against the backdrop of the Nagerhole forests is still vivid in my memory.

The wooden pathway that leads upto the tents is another such versatile place. A place that gives me the opportunity to hear the conversations of the home-bound birds in the evening.

The setting sun dabs some paints on the sky above and the water below. Patches of yellow, orange, crimson and vermilion thrown carelessly on the canvas of the sky. And what a mesmerising view it is! 

The bright and colourful lounge with its collection of books and pretty knick knacks. Adorning the walls are some of the choicest life like photographs of our very own Bageera, Scarface, Kismat and a few more important members of their families.

The view from the dining area is simply superb! What I love best is to enjoy a delicious meal, mainly lunch and breakfast against this backdrop.

The view from the deck on a rainy morning....

An attached courtyard that is beautifully done up and doubles up as a place to chill.

The dining area.....the bamboo chiks are rolled up at meal times for an excellent view of the backwaters.

The pretty lounge that has a charm of its own. I was instantly attracted to this lounge done up in  bright and cheerful colours as we stepped into the property.

You would've seen many of these photographs in my Instagram account :-).... No expensive flower here ; a branch of gulmohar flowers brightens up the tea and coffee counter (on a summer afternoon).

Wildlife in our tent 😃😃

Another look of the courtyard I had mentioned earlier. This is how it is when the days are dry and not rainy.

And the comfort of a neatly made bed.......

The fanciest of wash rooms and powder rooms.....

The newest member of The Bison family, Masti, a perfectly behaved horse. It took me some persuading to finally pat her before clicking a photograph of her. 

Hope you have enjoyed The Bison through my eyes. The photographs have mostly been captured with my humble cell phone so they may not be the best. But I am sure they give enough proof of the beauty of the place. Many of my friends had wanted to know about this place and this was a post long, long pending. Finally, it is here!

  I would love to hear from you here on this post.