The Serai Kabini

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.

Pathetic place for 30k price. Jugs a ancient and dirty , on complain usual reply will replace, room size is in 1 jump i will cover it's length and breadth. Cupboards are so old , we have to support and assemble instead putting clothes. They don't expect people to travel in family as no place to keep laugage. No privacy. Setups are like a chal of Mumbai. You are savior of your own life if u plan to board the boat.

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

An absolute stunning place with great views and trust me the photos don’t do justice to the location and rooms. You have the staff around the corner with a bright smile and always ready to help. Special shout out to the chef for the mutton Champaran he just knocked it out of the park. Would definitely suggest it for families with young kids too.

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.

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.