Section 1 – Room Reservation
1. What is your phone number and what time should I call?
Reservation Office No.: +91 80 4115 2200
Reservation Hours: 9.30 am – 6.00 pm IST (Mon-Sat)
2. Is your office open on all days?
We are open on all days, except Sundays and Public Holidays
3. Whom should I call on a holiday?
In case you have an urgent enquiry, you can speak to the Resident Manager at the Resort at + 91 8228 264 444 or +91 99456 02305.
Else, leave your name and contact number on our answering machine at + 91 80 4115 2200 and we will get back to you at the earliest.
4. Can I take a last minute chance? Which number should I call?
Reservations at the Resort can be made in the last minute but is subject to room availability. For assistance, call +91 80 4115 2200 on working days OR our Resident Manager at + 91 8228 264 444 or +91 99456 02305 on Sundays, public holidays, or after business hours.
5. If I want to come to your office, where is your office? Any landmark?
We are based in Bangalore, Karnataka, India. The office is on 100 Feet Road in Indiranagar (a well known location). If you enter 100 Feet Road from the Airport Road side, look out for the ‘Food World’ supermarket signage on your right (almost a kilometer and a half away). We are in the same building on the first floor.
Address: 1133, First Floor, 100 Feet Road, HAL II Stage, Bangalore 560 038.
6. Do you accept credit cards? Can I pay by cash? Do you accept foreign currency in cash? Do you accept cheques?
A reservation is confirmed on receipt of 100% payment. You could pay us through the following ways:
- We accept cash, credit cards, debit cards and demand drafts drawn in favour of ‘Wilderness Resorts Pvt. Ltd.’ at our office.
- You can also make an online reservation through our website (www.cicadaresorts.com) which accepts Visa, AMEX, Citibank E-card, JCB and Diner’s Club International cards.
- To save time, you can block rooms with us verbally over the phone and then make the payment using our online payment gateway.
- You could also do an online bank transfer for which details will be provided by our Reservations team
- We do not accept foreign currency in cash
7. What is your cancellation policy?
- No refund if cancellation is effected within 10 days prior to the check-in date
- 75% refund will be issued if cancellation is effected between 11 and 15 days prior to the check-in date
- 90% refund will be issued for all cancellations effected beyond 16 days
8. Will I get a refund if I cancel due to unavoidable circumstances?
In cases of unavoidable circumstances such as a medical emergency or bad weather, we can allow postponement of the booking to a weekday, subject to room availability. This has to be availed within a period of 3 months, after which the booking lapses without any refund. However, you will need to bring the situation to our notice and not assume that a ‘no show’ situation will be given consideration.
9. Can I postpone my date of travel?
Postponement of a confirmed reservation is not allowed, unless the circumstances are unavoidable. Management will make decisions on a case-to-case basis.
10. Can I do triple occupancy?
Yes, the rooms at our resort can handle single, double and triple occupancies. We allow a maximum of 3 adults OR 2 adults and 2 children (below 12 yrs) in a room. All tariffs are mentioned at http://cicadaresorts.com/tariff_packages.html
Section 2 – The Journey
1. What is the direction to your resort?
The resort is located at Kabini, enroute Mysore to Mananthavadi, Kerala. It is 220 kms away from Bangalore and 80 kms from Mysore. For detailed driving directions, visit http://cicadaresorts.com/get_there.html
2. What is the mode of transport? Should I take my car or can you organize one?
The roads to Kabini are in good condition and quite picturesque. If you like driving, you should enjoy this stretch except for the last 15 kms of forest road which is riddled with potholes. Please ensure your spare wheel is in good condition and your tools are in place to change tyres in case of a flat.
If you wish to take a cab, we can recommend reliable service providers.
3. Can I go by train?
The nearest railway station to Kabini is in Mysore which is 80 kms away from the property. You will need to check with your local train stations for information on trains to Mysore. We could arrange for a pick-up from the station at an additional cost which will be provided on request.
4. Are there regular bus services to Kabini from Bangalore?
There are Volvo buses that are fairly comfortable and frequent from Bangalore to Mysore. These buses start from the bus stand at Majestic in Bangalore. Once you get into Mysore, you will have to depend on cab service to get to Kabini comfortably. We could arrange for the pick-up from Mysore at an additional cost.
5. Can you pick us up from Bangalore airport?
Yes of course. We could arrange for cab service and pick-up from the Bangalore airport at an additional cost
6. How do I go about the chopper service? How much does it cost?
Flying time on a chopper from the Jakkur Helipad in Bangalore to Kabini is 1 hr 30 mins (one way). We can provide you contact details of service providers on request.
A chopper can carry a maximum of 4 adults and costs approximately INR 80,000 per flying hour. In addition there will be hourly waiting charges, fuel transportation and overnight charges. Guests will also have to pay for the return flying time of the chopper, irrespective of whether he uses it or not.
7. What is the best time to leave Bangalore?
Try andleave Bangalore before 7.00 AM in the morning such that you can beat the city traffic.
8. How far is Cicada-Kabini from Bangalore and Mysore?
Bangalore is 220 kms away (Approximately 4 - 5 hrs, including a 30-minute stop for breakfast enroute)
Mysore is 80 kms away (1.5 hrs drive)
9. What should I do if I am lost and need proper road directions?
While we have taken every effort to give you a detailed driving direction on our website, you may need further help on the way. Remember to store our Resort Mobile No. +91 99456 02305 on your phone or diary and have it with you through your journey. Also, look out for our yellow road signages from HD Kote Junction to ensure you are on the right track
Section 3 : Cicada-Kabini
1. Are you the same as ‘Jungle Lodges and Resorts’ or the ‘Kabini River Lodge’?
No, Cicada is a privately owned resort chain whereas Jungle Lodges properties are government owned. Their property at Kabini is known as ‘Kabini River Lodge’ and our property is known as Cicada-Kabini
2. Why should I choose Cicada?
We at Cicada aim to be your perfect host in the Indian jungles. Being a premier brand, you will get the assurance of club-class comforts, impeccable services, elegant rooms and surroundings, meaningful nature activities. We strongly practice and promote responsible eco-tourism and by choosing to stay with us you make an indirect contribution towards our sustainable ecotourism model that helps conserve the forests, wildlife and local community around our resorts.
3. How far are you from Jungle Lodges?
We are a kilometer away from Jungle Lodges. Our road signage will lead you to our property from Jungle Lodges.
Facilities and Activities:
1. What facilities do you have at the resort?
- Cicada-Kabini is a 15 acre campus on the banks of the River Kabini with 19 rooms and a villa (all air-conditioned).
- Rooms: The rooms are spacious and have an attached bathroom and a deck offering a panoramic view of the river. Room amenities and facilities include: WC/hot/cold water showers; basic toiletries; hair dryer; electronic safe; kettle with coffee/tea sachets; umbrella; mosquito repellent.
- Activities at the Resort: Jungle safaris by jeep/boat; kayaking; pedal boating; nature walks and bird watching; cycling; star gazing; bonfires and more
- For children, we have a children’s swimming pool and a ‘Children’s Corner’ where they will find plenty of wildlife tales, board games and films. Our Naturalists can conduct some fun nature games for a group of children on request
- Besides sumptuous multi-cuisine buffets at the Restaurant (Flames), Cicada also offers indulgences such as a pool, gym, bar (Mist) and a therapy centre (Cloud 9)
2. Is Cicada-Kabini suitable for company offsite/workshops/team outings etc?
Cicada-Kabini can accommodate upto a maximum of 60 people per day on triple occupancy basis.
Our air-conditioned conference hall (Huddle), available from 9 am to 7 pm, seats 50 and is equipped with state-of-the-art conferencing facilities like a DVD player, LCD TV, Projector with White Screen, Cordless collar and hand mikes, PC Connectivity and DTH.
For corporate enquiries and bookings, write to sales@cicadaresorts.com.
We have hosted several corporate groups and you could refer to their feedback hosted on http://www.cicadaresorts.com/client_feedback.html
3. What is the kind of food you provide?
Food served at our restaurant FLAMES is more of the home-made varieties. Food is included in your room tariff and is a delectable buffet spread of vegetarian and non-vegetarian food. - - Breakfast is often a combination of Continental and Indian varieties.
- Lunch and dinner is Indian cuisine.
- Food can be made non-spicy on special request. Snacks can be ordered at the Restaurant and Bar as per the a-la-carte menu rates.
- Special children’s menu is served from 6.30 pm onwards keeping a child’s taste bud in mind
4. Do you have television and intercoms in the rooms?
Cicada-Kabini is a wilderness resort and we encourage our guests to spend more time outdoors, to connect with nature and learn more about it from our naturalists. To keep the ecotourism concept as pure as it can get, we have maintained the peace and tranquility of the environment by keeping it free of all city sounds – including the intercom. Instead you will have room attendants outside the room who will assist you with your needs.
5. Do cell phones work at the resort?
Airtel and BSNL phone network lines work at the Resort.
6. How about internet facility at the Resort?
We have low speed satellite connectivity at the Reception. Rates will be provided on request.
7. How do I pay for all extras at the resort?
Extra costs incurred by you on activities, food, bar etc can be paid at the time of checkout by means of cash or credit card (AMEX is not accepted)
8. What should I do in the case of medical emergency?
We recommend you carry your special medication since the nearest pharmacy is 30 kms away. We keep a first-aid kit at the Resort for minor injuries and health problems. In case of a medical emergency, immediately notify our senior staff at the reception at +91 99456 02305 for advice/help. However, we would also like to point out the risk of Kabini being a remote forest area and therefore lacking medical facilities.
9. If my friends, relatives or colleagues want to reach me on an emergency, whom should they call?
If you have an Airtel or BSNL line, they should be able to reach your number. You could alternatively give them the Resort Mobile No. + 91 99456 02305 which they can use only for emergencies
10. What is a recommended itinerary for Cicada-Kabini?
A 2N/3D stay is ideal for Kabini which gives you enough time to unwind after the long onward journey, soak in the tranquility of the place, take a relaxing massage as well as engage in some meaningful nature activities with the help of our naturalists
11. Can we explore more places in Karnataka alongside Kabini?
There are plenty of options perfect for a week to 10 days. You could take the help of our recommended travel agents on our website to tailor-make your holiday.
Some recommended itineraries are:
South Karnataka: Bangalore – Mysore (palaces/temples) – Kabini (wildlife) – Coorg (coffee plantation) – Chickmangalur (coffee country/heritage sites etc) – Bangalore
Best of Karnataka: Bangalore – Mysore – Kabini – Coorg – Hassan (Heritage) – Hospet (Heritage) – Badami (Heritage) – Dandeli (Adventure) – Goa (Beach)
Section 4: Wildlife
1.What are the main wildlife attractions at Kabini?
Kabini is the river that cuts between the Nagarahole and Bandipur National Parks of Karnataka and is the centre-stage for wildlife in the region. Kabini plays host to over 300 species of birds including the Malabar trogon, Malabar whistling thrush, Malabar pied-hornbill, crested serpent-eagle, crested hawk-eagle, common hawk cuckoo, changeable hawk eagle, Indian Roller, Indian reed, woodpeckers, warblers, grey jungle fowl, water fowl, scarlet minivet, ospreys, ducks, herons, red vented bulbul, ring dove, common babbler, red whiskered bulbul and more.
It has a healthy population of the predators - tiger, the leopard and wild dogs – due to the high prey density of the park.
Main herbivores of the park are the Asiatic elephant, gaur (Indian bison), chital (spotted deer); Sambar. Kabini is also famous for the largest congregation of Asiatic elephants in the world during the dry summer months.
2. What is the best time of the year to sight animals at Kabini? How severe are the monsoons?
A good time to visit Kabini would be from September to May and animal sightings are the highest in the dry summer months of February to May. The monsoon months have its own charm when the rains paint an invigorating green landscape and the river swells up to a 15 feet distance from the room. Wildlife sightings could be visibly lower in these months. Rainfall varies from year to year and you could consult our Reservations team to plan your holiday better during these months.
3. What happens in a Jungle Safari? Can children participate in it?
Jungle Safaris are conducted twice a day (subject to government permissions/availability of vehicles, guides etc) and is close to a two hour adrenalin-filled sortie into the tourism zone of the jungle. A qualified naturalist will accompany you on every trip to help you interpret the exotic flora, fauna, bird calls, alarm calls, animal tracks etc. Do refer to the ‘Safari Conditions’ ;‘Code of Conduct’; ‘Travel tips’ before you begin your journey
Joy rides in the forest on elephant-back are also offered during morning safaris.
Minimum age requirement for participating in wildlife safaris by boat/jeep is 18 months.
4. How often are tigers sighted?
Incidentally, the Nagarahole National Park is said to have the highest density of tigers in India. Tigers are sighted as often as once a week in the summer months. However we cannot guarantee a tiger spotting as the forests here are very dense and it is truly a matter of luck.
5. Is the Nagarahole National Park open to tourists throughout the year?
For the first time, the Karnataka Forest Department ordered temporary closure of 25 national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in July 2007 to facilitate breeding of wild animals, especially the tigers. This may be an annual event. However guests were given the option of a mini-safari on the periphery of the park and boat safaris instead of the jeep safaris
6. Are you authorized to conduct safaris?
Yes. We comply with all Forest Department orders and regulations and have been granted the permits to conduct safaris in our privately owned safari vehicles (Ecotourers) in the tourism zone of the forest for safaris.
7. Do you conduct safaris by boat as well as jeep?
We conduct both boat and jeep safaris. We have 3 Ecotourer jeeps and one 20-seater boat for safaris.
8. Is a boat safari better than a jeep safari?
Both jeep and boat safaris take you into the tourism zones of the park and what is get to see is a matter of luck. Boat safaris are definitely recommended for the bird lovers, where you will see plenty of species gliding over the waters, fishing near the edges or nesting on dead tree trunks submerged by the waters. Also in summer, boat safaris may be a better chance to spot predators that are found at the waters edge quenching their thirst or cooling their bodies
9. Is morning safari better than evening safari?
When it comes to viewing animals in their natural habitat, there is no predictable pattern to their movements. There is an equal chance of sightings in both morning and evening safaris
10. What kind of vehicles do you use for safaris?
Safari jeeps at Cicada are called ‘Ecotourers’. These are remodeled versions of Tata 4x4, Euro III vehicles designed for a comfortable drive even in the rough forest terrains. They make no noise and therefore do not disturb wildlife
11. Do we get an exclusive jeep? What should I do to get an exclusive jeep?
Exclusive jeeps can be arranged, subject to availability of vehicles. The charges will be higher than regular safari charges and will be worked out depending on the number of people in the jeep.
12. Who will accompany us for the safari?
A qualified naturalist will accompany you to help interpret the exotic flora and fauna you will see in the region.
13. What happens if the vehicle gets stuck in the forest?
In case of the safari vehicle getting stuck in the forest, first and foremost - DO NOT PANIC. Stay inside the vehicle, cooperate and listen to the specific instructions of our naturalists and drivers. Our staff will connect with the resort and get the assistance required. Meanwhile, DO NOT step out of the vehicle or make noise. Stay calm and seated till help arrives.
14. What are the safari timings?
Safari timings: 6.30 am to 9.00 am in the morning and 4.00 pm to 6.30 pm in the evening.
Section 5: Others
1. How do I tip your staff?
You can drop your contributions in the common tip box placed at the restaurant. The money collected in the box is distributed evenly among all resort employees, encoraging team work.
2. How do I give feedback?
You could fill up the feedback forms at the resort or write to the CEO directly at tiger@cicadaresorts.com after your visit.
4. How can I be updated about your future products?
Subscribe to our monthly newsletters on the website and we will constantly update you on activities, product launches, new packages etc
5. How can I recover a personal belonging I left behind at the Resort?
The Resort will not be responsible for loss or damage of personal belongings. We thoroughly check all guest rooms on check-out and all lost items are returned to the Head Office. You can contact the Reservation staff at 080-4115 2200 for assistance in case you have left something behind.
6. Do you have a loyalty program?
We will be launching a program shortly and will inform you of the same through our newsletters |
