Kabini Red Earth

Red Earth Kabini is a riverside lodge on the backwaters of the Kabini River, bordering Nagarhole National Park in Karnataka, India. The resort sits on the backwaters of the Kabini Dam, adjoining Nagarhole National Park, with water forming two of its boundaries. Twenty-two cottages, built from red earth excavated on site, sit among tropical gardens. Each has a private open-air jacuzzi and a patio looking over the reservoir. There's also a hotel spa to enjoy. Over 97 per cent of staff come from local communities, including the Jenu Kuruba and Kaadu Kuruba, who have lived on this land for generations.

Naturalist-led safaris run into Nagarhole in search of tiger, leopard and elephant, alongside dawn chorus walks for the reserve's 270-plus bird species, coracle rides and cycling along the backwaters. Evenings bring traditional tribal dance and folk performances.