The Serai Kabini

Our stay at this resort was truly memorable. From the serene surroundings to the warm hospitality, everything exceeded our expectations. The atmosphere was peaceful and rejuvenating—perfect for a relaxing getaway. A special shoutout to Prabhakar from the restaurant staff, who took exceptional care of us throughout our stay. His attentiveness made every meal feel personal and comforting. We were pleasantly surprised with a complimentary birthday cake and a beautifully decorated room to celebrate my wife's birthday. It was a thoughtful gesture that added a personal touch to our experience. The safari was another highlight. Our guide, Shekar, was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the local wildlife. Thanks to him, we were lucky enough to spot a leopard, which was an unforgettable moment. What impressed us most was the resort’s commitment to the local community. Seeing local residents employed at the resort was heartwarming—it’s wonderful to see tourism supporting local livelihoods in such a meaningful way. Highly recommended for anyone seeking tranquility, authentic experiences, and genuine care.

I was looking for a quick getaway with my family — somewhere luxurious, peaceful, and surrounded by nature where both my child and elderly parent could relax comfortably. Based on Google’s recommendation, I chose The Serai Kabini for its reputation as being both child- and senior-friendly. The property is undoubtedly beautiful — serene waterfront views, lush greenery, and a tranquil connection with nature. The staff are exceptional and truly the highlight of the stay. From Renu, who handled our booking over the phone with efficiency and warmth, to the front desk team of Mahesha, Alesh, and Harshith, everyone went above and beyond to make us feel welcome. Our safari guide Shekhar and driver Lingaraju were knowledgeable and patient, making the safari experience an interesting one and the Wildgrass restaurant team — Chef Chelluva, Prabhakar, Neha, Pakirawa (Putti), Raghunath, Santosh, Siddaraju, Mithun and others — ensured every meal was delightful. The live music in the evenings adds a lovely touch to the ambience. The housekeeping team, especially Avinash and Sunil, were ever-smiling and eager to help, and boatman Krishna deserves special mention for sharing fascinating insights about the flora and fauna during our coracle ride. That said, a few aspects could be improved. The resort is quite expensive, and for the price point, the rooms are smaller than expected. If it rains, most outdoor activities — kayaking, coracle rides, and cycling — come to a halt, leaving limited options other than a few indoor games. The Wi-Fi connectivity is weak, and there are no TVs in the rooms (by design, to encourage guests to disconnect — fair enough, but worth knowing beforehand). The requirement for 100% advance payment before arrival is also inconvenient. Overall, The Serai Kabini is a lovely place to unwind and reconnect with nature, made truly special by its wonderful team and scenic setting. However, given the price, a few more thoughtfully planned indoor or all-weather activities would make the experience feel more commensurate with its cost.

Our stay at Serai Kabini was truly wonderful, made even better by the incredible hospitality of the team. A special mention to Mahesh, the manager, who is absolutely brilliant in client handling. His professionalism, warmth, and ability to make every guest feel valued set a high standard for hospitality. The way he ensures everything runs smoothly, while maintaining such a calm and friendly demeanor, really stood out. Also, a big appreciation to Putti, who took care of us during our meals with such grace and attentiveness. Her cheerful attitude, attention to detail, and genuine care made every dining experience memorable. Both Mahesh and Putti truly embody the spirit of Serai’s hospitality and made our stay unforgettable. Looking forward to visiting again soon! Warm regards, Vinay Shetty

Serai is location perfect, maintenance immaculate, service flawless and food delicious Located close to Bandipur , Nagerhole reserves on the banks of Kabini, wilderness at your doorstep, what more can one ask ? Spa services are a bonus ! Their Safari coordination is excellent

We were here as part of a small Discovery Gate 1 tour group. The facilities, and our room in particular, were spectacular. The property fronts on Lake Kabini. As part of our package, we had a safari ride in Nagerhole National Park and Tiger Reserve. A tiger sighting isn't promised and we were soooo lucky to see one quite close. We watched it for a good 20 minutes as it waiting for lunch at the watering hole. Unfortunately, it left hungry. Later that day, we had a wonderful naturalist-led cruise on Lake Kabini where we actually saw some elephants, croccodile, osprey, warthogs, otter, and numerous birds. The sunset was gorgeous. I can't say enough about the delicious food! And their presentation! All was a buffet with loads of dishes. There was always something with chicken but the vegetarian dishes are out of this world. Plus, there were beautiful desserts. Breakfast always had an omelet bar or eggs your way. The staff were outstanding, and we had the best naturalist with us on our safaris and boat ride. I can't recommend this resort enough. Thank you to the lovely staff!

We had an amazing experience at the Serai Kabini, the staff was very courteous and helpful especially Mr. Shekhar who assisted us to the Safari and Mr.Raghunath at the restaurant was very polite, Mr.Joy Figred of F&B helped us out of the way by taking care of our food preferences! This was beyond our expectations and we really appreciate their efforts and service.