From Bandipur diary 2010 - 3

If you have missed out the earlier parts, you can read it here- Part 1 and part 2


Jungle Safari

By 3.30pm we got ready and rushed to get Safari tickets. There were 2 options- one was to go by bus at Rs.190 per head. Then the next is Jeep Safari at Rs.2000 and double rate if you are a foreigner. We didnt need much time to chose. We were not exactly interested in being chased by a herd of elephants or a tiger who suddenly decided to eat man for a change and opted for the bus ride.

The bus that guaranteed a bumpy ride if not the possibility of seeing many wild animals.

There were plenty of monkeys around the place, more in number than men, all addicted to Lays and Kurkure. They are being potato chips fed and spoiled by man for generations aganist the rule of mother nature.

They were arrogant,naughty yet affectionate.


The safari began sharp at 4’o clock, thanks to Karnataka govt. We were warned that we may not see any interesting creatures at all, and that we will be returned safely in 45 min time no matter what we manage to see. So the Safari began after the driver was able to hush down the loud noices of children.

Spotted deers were seen in plenty- the favourite food item of the mighty tigers of Indian forests

Then we saw a group of Bisons or Gaur. They are hugely muscular pure vegetarians, a variety of wild cattle. They were having a small party at that time in mud.

Disturbed by our intrusions and shrieks of children they decided to split off and we had to continue with our ride.

His majesty was too busy having an early supper. He concentrated mainly on his diet till he got distracted by the shouts of children.

Now the driver cum guide of the bus was angry and he warned these kids as they were spoiling the fun of co-travelers and wild animals.

Mighty elephant families were seen in plenty. After seeing the captivated animals in town it is a relief to know that free ones do exist in forests.

Finally a tiger in sight. Now everyone was curious to know whether it was alive or just a dummy!!

Well, it was an insult to him and he turned his face to prove himself.

The driver was contented now that we had spotted enough animals for 190 rupees worth and he turned and drove back nonstop. The ride was fun but put a lot of pressure in my ear labyrinthes. I was giddy and quite happy when the ride ended.

Special mention : on our way back to resort we saw wild boar twice. First time, we had an argument and John was not convinced that it was wild boar, it was only an ordinary pig. The fellow escaped our sight and I didnt get to photograph him. The second one turned out to be shy and was very fast. John was convinced this time, still I couldnt get to shoot him. As a big fan of Asterix and Obelix comics the disappointment was huge for me. The Indian wild boars are smaller than European ones and you will get some information here.

We made it on time for tea in the resort. I took this photo as a memoir for the nice time spent there and the photo was John's idea(clicked with fill in flash).

The next day we left the place in the morning with a lot of nice memories. Our special thanks to Karnataka Govt