Loved the Kabini River lodge

This post should have come last year when i had been to the Kabini River lodge in September 2013. But time constrain is an excuse which is non questionable so i give that as mine to share this belatedly.
It was my first marriage anniversary on September 17 and we thought of finishing the southern part of India escapades with the Karnataka. Two days at the Nagarhole jungle, then Coorg, Mysore, Bangalore.
So the bookings began and emails between the Karnataka state tourism department and us began. They said they had the river facing rooms available for our schedule dates but wanted the money in advance. Being a mumbaikar i did not want my money to not earn me more money by allowing the tourism department to take it months in advance. So i resisted but they made it clear that it was their policy to take the full amount in advance and so we had to give in.
It was a package deal for us, including stay, food and safari's. So we were excited to spot some predators.
From Bangalore, to Kabini takes around 4 hours by road, passing Mysore on the way. Till the time you enter the Kabini forest area the road  is a delight but then for 8 km the road is under construction. So be prepared to puke if your a weak guy like me. As we reached the Kabini River Lodge a property of the Jungle Lodges and Resorts Limited of Government of Karnataka, we were welcomed by the naturalist Prasanna who told us there had been a tiger spotting in the morning safari. That lifted our spirits. Then the attendants gave a brief description of the Nagarhole forest and Kabini Lodges. After which we proceeded to our river facing room. It was lovely accommodation with a king size bed, divan and most important no television.
The afternoon safari was at 3.30 pm so after a great lunch buffet at the dining area which included veg and non-veg menu we took our first safari. After returning we were our tea vendor would be waiting outside our room to serve us tea and coffee. There he was with a huge umbrella waiting with a basket. The next day after morning safari which starts at 6 am, we were welcomed to a lovely spread of breakfast (They make best sheera). We ordered a anniversary cake which was got for us from a neighbouring private resort. The person was helpful and he clicked pictures for us while we cut the cake.
In the afternoon me and wifey proceeded to explore the place. The kabini lodge is actually a huge estate which was owned by the Nizam of Mysore and he along with the Britishers used to come to the forest for hunting. It a huge property including Maharaja Palace and several other cottage rooms. The most i liked though was their bar with an outdoor seating area overlooking the huge garden and the bungalows. Kabini river lodge is the only authorised resort in the forest to conduct safaris so it helps to stay with them as you get preference over others.
PS: We had an lovely anniversary in the forest with all the city amenities at a reasonable cost.