Among jungle resorts, Kabini River Lodge ensures steady cash flow

Hubballi: Despite being one of the most expensive jungle safari resorts in Karnataka, the Kabini River Lodge, located on the periphery of the Nagarahole Tiger Reserve, continues to attract the highest number of visitors among government-managed hospitality units.

Kabini, along with the Bandipur Safari Lodge and River Tern Lodge in Bhadra, contributes nearly 55 per cent of the total revenue of Jungle Lodges & Resorts (JLR). JLR is a state-owned enterprise under the Karnataka Tourism Department, operating 19 lodges and resorts, five nature camps, and one hotel across the state. Over the past three years, following the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, JLR has been generating an average annual revenue of Rs 120 crore, with expenditures around Rs 93 crore.

According to the documents provided by JLR, the eco-tourism provider is witnessing an average footfall of 1.72 lakh per year, which is 51 per cent of its total capacity.

Sources within the department note that of the 25 properties managed by JLR, six to seven are loss-making and unable to cover their operational costs. For instance, the Hemmadaga Nature Camp in Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary, Belagavi and Doddamakali Jungle Resort in Chamarajanagar district were handed back to forest department after they began incurring losses.

JLR is planning to start operating two new properties at Kappathgudda (Gadag) and Sashihitlu near Mangaluru.

JLR managing director Prashant Shankhinamath, the organisation has been consistently maintaining an annual profit of approximately Rs 25 crore.

Of the total Rs 113.81 crore generated last year, Kabini alone earned Rs 35.23 crore, followed by Bandipur with Rs 15.52 crore and Bhadra with Rs 8 crore. Kabini Resort charges between Rs 8,776 and Rs 18,821 per person per day, depending on the type of accommodation. Most visitors choose this premium resort for its jeep-based jungle safaris.

An analysis of 2023-24 revenue reveals that six properties, including the popular Devbagh Beach Resort in Karwar, Belagavi Nature Camp, Anejhari Nature Camp, Seethanadi Nature Camp, and Gopinatham Mystery Trails, reported financial losses.

This year, in addition to those previously mentioned several other properties—including the Kali Adventure Camp in Dandeli, Om Beach Resort in Gokarna, Sadashivgad Sea View Resort, and Kemmangundi Hill Resort—have failed to generate revenue exceeding their expenditures.

Prashant attributes the decline in tourist inflow in the Uttara Kannada district to excessive rainfall and landslides. “Devbagh Resort used to be a profit-making unit. However, after seven cottages were washed away due to sea erosion, the resort incurred losses,” he said.

Natural vagaries such as flooding, landslide, heavy rains in July and August resulted in less occupancy. Bheemeshwari, Galibore and Dubare camps had to be closed for few days due to flooding, while collapse of the Sadashivagad bridge on Kali rive resulted in poor footfalls at Sadashivgad Sea View Resort, Karwar. Frequent heavy rainfall meant that Om Beach resort, Sadashivagad, Kali Adventure Camp, Old Magazine House, Bhimghad resorts and Kemmannugundi remained closed for public for longer period, says Prashant.