Encounter: Bagheera Meets Choo Chip ?
The Conclusion & Reflections from Bandipur to Chennai
A few of our friends chose to stay at Harini cottage and there have been some concerning videos circulating in public about their experiences. We only got to know about this later in the evening. This situation may be due to the location of Harini at the far end of the compound, rendering it easily accessible to wildlife. Around 5 PM, craving a refreshing cup of tea, we made our way to the mess. However, we encountered delays as the government staff seemed rather lethargic in preparing our drinks. While waiting, we noticed a couple eagerly anticipating a bike ride, adding to the lively atmosphere. Since cold beverages were unavailable at our cottage, we asked the couple to purchase some for us. As we sipped our tea, we were treated to a breathtaking sunset view from the cottage, reminiscent of the enchanting images captured below. Inside the cozy chetal cottage, we gathered for a game of UNO, discussing our plans for the evening while also keeping an ear out for the sounds of leopard and deer, as we searched the internet for more information. Soon, the Buggy Wala showed up to take us to dinner. The meal served at the mess was satisfactory, and by 8 PM, we all returned to our respective cottages.
As the night progressed, nature's nocturnal orchestra came alive, with the rustling of lizards and the soft footsteps of deer. Armed with a small torch, we ventured outside our confines, catching glimpses of the nocturnal Bandipur. The occasional passing of a patrolling vehicle, its siren slicing through the stillness, kept us alert and intrigued. In the distance, the torch's beam barely reached, revealing the deer's eyes twinkling like stars in the sky. As we noticed the deer always moved in groups, prompting the question, Have you spotted a lone deer? Deer heavily depends on their sense of smell for detecting predators and communicating within their social groups, utilizing scent locations and pheromones. On the other hand, Leopards use a variety of vocalizations like hisses, snarls, spits, and meows to convey different messages and emotions based on the situation.
Around 11:30 PM, an unexpected sound caught our attention - the distinct voice of Choo Chip, a character from the Jungle Book. It seemed like she had crossed paths with Bagheera, another character from the same story. The high-frequency sound was indeed alarming, leaving us curious about what unfolded next. All we could do was listen to those mysterious vocals, unaware of the outcome.
After this emotional incident, I fell asleep, contemplating the tension between predator and prey. Upon awakening in the morning, our friend informed us about an unexpected incident. An elephant and its calf had attacked the water pipeline, causing damage. As a result, there was no water in the toilet in the morning. Despite this inconvenience, the cottage staff promptly rectified the issue. After freshening up, we departed for Namma Mysuru.
The return traveller journey was led by Raju, who was unfamiliar with the best cafes and restaurants around Bandipur. After purchasing a few souvenirs, we stopped at a large restaurant, hoping for a satisfying breakfast. However, to our disappointment, it did not meet our expectations (ऊंची दुकान फीके पकवान). A Bollywood film titled "Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman" made me think about Raju's breakfast suggestions, echoing in my mind as "Raju ka ban na hai Gentlemen". Throughout the trip, he made sure to show us the Mysore palace, and I am truly grateful for that.
Our trip from Mysore to Chennai was booked on the Vande Bharat Express, India's top high-speed train designed to transform rail travel across the nation. The journey was made more enjoyable with a delicious lunch followed by tea and snacks. I couldn't resist my curiosity to see the engine compartment, and the kind man sitting there greeted me with "Jai Shree Ram" to which I replied "Har Har Mahadev". This mythological connection led to him allowing us to take a video from outside, making the experience truly memorable.
Our friend bought a copy of "The Untold Stories Of Indian Tigers," and I eagerly flipped through its pages during my free time on the train. The first story recounts the life of Machli, the legendary Tigress Queen of Ranthambore, who reigned from 1997 to 2016. Named after a fish due to a distinctive mark on her left ear, Machli was revered as the "Lady of the Lake." She was celebrated for her beauty and authority, ruling over her territory, which included the fort of Ranthambore. Machli gained fame for her epic battle with a 14-foot crocodile, a remarkable event that secured her a place in history. Her contributions to conservation and tourism were acknowledged with a prestigious "Lifetime Achievement Award," and the Indian Government paid tribute to her by issuing a commemorative postal cover and stamp in her honour. Another story from the book is "In Search of the Last Tiger" delves into the life of Collarwali, also known as the "Queen of Pench," situated in Madhya Pradesh's Pench National Park. Collarwali gained her moniker in 2008 when the forest department fitted her with a radio collar for behavioural studies, unknowingly propelling her to fame. Unlike her elusive sister Baaginaala, Collarwali was beloved from a young age and willingly participated in numerous documentaries, becoming a symbol of the park's conservation efforts. Over the years, Collarwali's remarkable legacy includes giving birth to 26 cubs across seven litters from May 2008 to March 2017, a feat that significantly contributed to the rejuvenation of Pench. To gain deeper insights, I highly recommend purchasing this book which delves into the challenges faced by tigers as a result of environmental changes, emphasizing the crucial need for their conservation.