Evolve Back Kuruba Safari Lodge

Crossing the Kabini River by boat, guests reach both Nagarhole and Bandipur national parks from a single vantage point, a route unique to this stretch of water. Evolve Back Kabini sits where the river forms a natural border between the two parks, and its safari programme runs on both land and water. A redesigned vehicle takes guests into Nagarhole for game drives, while the boat safari is the lodge's signature outing. Birders can join a dedicated boat trip from the private jetty, guided by naturalists who know the banks well. It is a compact set of experiences, but a varied one. Beyond wildlife, a guided visit to a nearby Jenu Kuruba settlement offers coffee and conversation with a community indigenous to the region. Evenings bring naturalist-led jungle talks and night trails through the grounds, tracking insects, amphibians and reptiles by torchlight. The huts themselves draw on the design of Kadu Kuruba villages, and many rooms open onto private plunge pools and verandas facing the water or forest. Outdoor baths and work desks feature in the rooms, alongside plush bedding suited to long days outdoors. Two restaurants, Honey Comb and Kuruba Grill, serve local and international dishes. There is also an infinity pool, a reading lounge and an Ayurvedic spa for slower hours between safaris. Nights on the veranda carry the calls of the forest across the river.