Kabini - Where every moment matters

Day 1:15th Sep 2024

On my recent visit to Kabini, I wanted to practice Niksen, a Dutch concept that means doing nothing. As I entered the forest safari, I realized that embracing stillness can bring immense happiness to one's heart. I was fully present, feeling the breeze on my face and the scent of the forest. The forest air filled my lungs, as I took many deep breaths. I even prayed to the forest goddess to grant me the energy to live a purposeful life.

As I practiced Niksen, I observed the shapes of the trees and was mesmerized by their unique forms. Each tree seemed to have its own character - some resembled groups of people chatting, while others were entwined in loving embraces. One of the trees had a necklace. One tree stood tall gazing upwards, while another had its aerial roots deeply embedded in the earth. The backlighting on the leaves added a sense of brightness and joy to the moment.

In contrast to my earlier trips, where I focused solely on spotting animals and birds...this time, I am mature enough to focus on the present moment.

While I was practicing Niksen as a part of the journey we spotted various creatures, including terrapins, crested hawk eagles, lapwings, sambar, spotted deer, flame-back woodpeckers, monitor lizards, rose-ringed parakeets, peacock, Indian Gaur with its two adorable calves, and ultimately, the queen-The tigress.

Interestingly, during my first safari at KGudi in 2005, we spotted a tiger. After 19 long years, we spotted a tigress again, seemingly unbothered by the camera shutters or jeep sounds. I was struck by her calm demeanor. She was with us for 45 min long enough to take a few good pictures of this beautiful creature. 

After this, I have realized the difficulty in being in the present moment and allowing the mind to wonder at times. I am also rejuvenated. 

Day 2:16th Sep -Kabini River Lodge 

We didn't spot the big cat, and the leopard merely passed by, but I was soaked in Nature's warm embrace, basking in a forest bath. The dew drops on the grass and the mist created a surreal atmosphere. The dew sparkled on the grass like stars in daylight. The tandem effect of sunlight filtering through the tree canopy was like a ray of hope on Earth.

We were fortunate to spot the Malabar giant squirrel, wild dogs, and the Indian gaur. I also learned that the web-like structures on the grass, which appeared as a cottony mass due to the mist, are called sheet webs or funnel webs.

We had the privilege of interacting with Mithun, a wildlife photographer, who shared insights about Tanzania and Maasai Mara. According to him, the best time to visit Masai Mara is June/July, when the wild beast migration occurs, and Tanzania's calving season takes place from December to March.

Kapila's calling

After our long safari with limited luck, we sat by the riverbed of Kapila. I couldn't believe I was sitting by the river Kapila on a Monday morning. It was truly relaxing, and I felt a deep sense of belonging. 

Waiting for the evening safari 

The most exciting part of the evening safari was spotting a 2-day-old elephant calf. The little one resembled Ganesha, running around its mother with all its playfulness. We also spotted a mongoose and a sambar pair in a swamp. I was surprised to learn that the sore spot on the sambar's neck develops as it matures.

I learned a great deal on these nature safaris. Nature and wilderness never fail to teach you something new. 

Practising Niksen in the Pristine wilderness of the Kabini jungle lodges has rejuvenated and charged me for many months. 

Guess whom we met! 

We ran into actor Ramesh at Golghar during lunch. I proudly introduced myself as the current principal of Kumarans, his alma mater. He engaged in a lengthy conversation with Gautham about Entrupy.

As we know, few encounters have to end with a selfie to call it a “weekday with Ramesh"

Before we return back we still have a cherry the top boat safari. Looking forward to the same. 

Day 3

We spotted numerous birds and two majestic tuskers. Our naturalist had aptly named one of them 'Mr. Kabini' due to its impressive tusks. He explained that elephants are the engineers of the forest, creating pathways for other animals as they walk. With each step, they form puddles that become breeding grounds for frogs.

We saw various bird species, including:

            ⁠Brahmini kite (also known as Garuda)

            ⁠Fishing eagle

           ⁠ Cormorant with its breeding plumage of white feathers  around its neck

            ⁠Peregrine falcon

             Kingfisher (our naturalist shared that, according to the Rig     Veda, any fish caught by a kingfisher attains moksha)

An elderly Australian couple we met on a Kabini boat safari shared wise words with me:

 

She said "No one will remember you as a good worker after you're gone, but everyone will recall that you traveled the world and lived a happy life.'I've traveled to eight countries in the last year, enriching my experiences. I've planned my retirement, but also what I'll do afterward. A couple of years ago, I battled breast cancer, which made me reassess my life. Now, I live for today, knowing there's no guarantee of tomorrow. Their philosophy empowered them to live life to the fullest

 Through self-reflection after the Kabini trip, I have a profound realization 

 Life is about taking up the opportunities as it comes and also living every moment to the fullest. Seizing the life's moments, yet surrendering to stillness. In this life's musical note of high pitch and low pitch of pursuit and pause, I have found my serenity and happiness.