Chasing the Wild: In Search of Nature's Majesty and the Mighty Tiger
Bandipur - Part 1 /3
On the 14th night, we hopped onto a train from Chennai to Mysore (famous for the palace, Chamundi Hill & Yoga institutions), ready for wildlife exploration to Bandipur. The passengers around us seemed slightly irritated by our lively group and our animated conversations at such a late hour. However, our spirits were high as our friend surprised us with some delicious murukku sandwiches, adding a delightful twist to our journey. As the night progressed, I recall a few conversations about an intense ludo match. But exhaustion eventually took over, and I drifted into a deep slumber. Most of our group fell asleep around 1 AM. Unfortunately, fate had a different plan for my peaceful sleep. The person seated in front of me began snoring loudly, disrupting my much-needed rest. To make matters worse, someone turned on the main light of my coach at 5 AM to prepare for disembarking in Bengaluru. This experience made me realize the importance of educating fellow travellers about basic etiquette and rules when embarking on overnight journeys. Finally, after enduring these minor inconveniences, we reached Mysore right on schedule at 7:45 AM. Many of us were craving a cup of tea to kickstart our day, but unfortunately, the back gate of Mysuru railway station didn't offer any. We couldn't help but tease our fellow traveller lead, Roshan, as he shared the same surname as our beloved actor Hrithik. Overall, despite the hiccups along the way, our train adventure to Mysore was filled with memorable moments and laughter.
Roshan, the expert, was instrumental in ensuring we had a delightful breakfast at Ashirvaad Grand on our way to Bandipur. I indulged in a delectable Mysore masala dosa, perfectly spiced with red chutney and accompanied by a flavourful potato dish. The meal was complemented by coconut chutney and a refreshing cup of ginger tea. As we continued our journey, we took advantage of Karnataka's liquor-friendly policies and purchased some beverages. It's worth noting that this has its advantages and disadvantages, but I won't delve into that. Roshan safely dropped us off at MC Resort, where we received a warm welcome along with a cup of tea. The delightful Swing and kids’ play area near the reception invites adults to relish in the joyous atmosphere. Kids mistook the realistic animal figurines at the resort for real animals and started feeding them. I explored the premises and quickly discovered the various amenities available for our leisure time, such as a swimming pool, table tennis, a small library, and even cricket. I had an incredible time at the pool, spending nearly an hour mesmerized by the sight of deer nearby. The place exudes tranquillity, enveloped by the beauty of nature, yet there seems to be a shortage of personnel. Perhaps it's due to the presence of a German Shepherd ;). The resort was safe with an electric fence for added security. They proposed a special price of 2000 per person for a round trip safari ride to the forest. A few of our friends were enticed by the deal and decided to embark on the adventure. The staff was incredibly supportive and ensured we had a fantastic experience throughout our stay. We decided to check out the area nearby and grabbed some refreshing coconut water. I stumbled upon a captivating book filled with stunning images of undiscovered locations, a collection of which you can find below. Perhaps one day, I'll have the chance to explore them myself.
As the clock struck 6:30 PM, we received some photos and videos from our friends who were on a tiger quest. They caught sight of a tiger and elephants along their route. Excitement was building as we eagerly awaited our turn the following day. As the sun descended, we treated ourselves to a delightful peanut masala near the wood fire, marking the beginning of our evening. The dinner selection was a sensory delight, featuring a variety of veg / non-veg dishes. The atmosphere was tranquil, enhanced by soothing music that alleviated the day's stresses. Following a meal and pleasant conversation, we bid each other goodnight and retired to our beds, ready to embrace a peaceful slumber. Hold on, the story doesn't end there! As the clock struck midnight, a peculiar sound echoed through the darkness - a deep thumping noise, reminiscent of an elephant's heavy footsteps.
The chameleons moved gracefully, blending seamlessly with their surroundings. The birds filled the air with a symphony of melodies, each species with its unique tune. Watching these creatures in their natural habitat filled me with awe and wonder at the beauty and diversity of the world. Rise and shine at 5:30 AM! I had assured everyone that I would wake them up, but my strong bond with nature caused me to oversleep. Thankfully, my friend woke me up and we began our adventure.
Stay tuned for the thrilling account of the tiger's movements and more exciting discoveries!