Wild Life Sanctuaries In India!!!

Wildlife Sanctuaries in India:The following table lists the various wildlife sanctauries,located state-wise, in india.

Andhra Pradesh Srisailam wildlife Sanctuary , Manjira Wildlife Sanctuary, Nagarjunasagar sanctuary .

Gujarat Sasangir Wildlife Sanctuary, Wild Ass Wildlife Sanctuary .

Haryana Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary .

Kerala Idukki wildlife Sanctuary ,Periyar Wildlife sanctuary ,Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary , Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary ,Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary ,Peppara Sanctuary.

Karnataka B.R Hills Wildlife Sanctuary ,Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary ,Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary .

Madhya Pradesh Karera Wildlife Sanctuary .

Maharashtra Sanjay Gandhi wildlife Sanctuary .

Orissa Chilka Lake Bird Sanctuary ,Bitarkanika wildlife Sanctuary .

Rajasthan Sambhar Wildlife Sanctuary .

Tamilnadu Mudumalai Sanctuary ,Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary .

Taj Mahal

Nothing symbolizes india across the world more than the magnificent and panoramic view of the Taj Mahal.Considered as the finest example of Mughal architecture, this fabulous monument was built by the mughal emperor shah jahan and was competed in the year 1648.Ustad Ahmad Lahauri was considered as the principal designer of the Taj Mahal.

Temples in India

The temples in India can be broadly classified into 4 categories: Ancient, Medieval, Modern, Hindu Pilgrimage Centes, World Heritage Temples.

For more and detailed descriptions to all the temples in india visit the following link:

http://www.indiantemplesportal.com/

its a magnificent site with the most comprehensive listings of temples in india along with intrinsic details.

Beaches in India!!!!!!

Popular Beaches of India:

Anjuna Beach Goa

Baga Beach Goa

Calangut Beach Goa

Dona Paula Goa

Marina Beach Chennai

Marari Beach Kerala

Gopalpur On Sea Orissa

Kovalam Beach Kerala

Beaches can bring out the best when it comes to holiday on the coast. And when it comes to beach holidays in India, there's no better choice to opt for than the tropical islands of Andaman & Nicobar and the Lakshdweep group of Islands.
Tropical Beaches» Goa Beaches» Kerala BeachesTropical Islands» Andaman Islands» Lakshadweep Islands

sikkim-The land of the Gods!!!

Small but beautiful. Sikkim is situated in the eastern Himalayas . Spread below the Mount Khanchendzonga (8534 mts), the third highest mountain in the world, and revered by the Sikkimese as their protective deity. With an area of 7,300 sq kms and measuring approx. 114 kms from the north to south and 64 kms from east to west, the elevation ranges from 300 mts to over 8540 mts above sea level.
Amidst the grandeur of the mountain peaks, lush valleys, fast flowing rivers, hills, Sikkim offers her visitors a rare and singular experience. Within a matter of hours one can move from the sub tropical heat of the lower valleys to the cold of the rugged mountain slopes that reach up to the area of perpetual snow .
WELCOME TO SIKKIM

NORTH SIKKIM
KABI LUNGTSOK
This historical place is 17 kms. from Gangtok on the North Sikkim highway. This is where the historic treaty of blood brotherhood between the Lepcha Chief Te-Kung-Tek and the Bhutia Chief Khey-Bum-Sar was signed ritually. The spot where the ceremony took place is marked by a memorial stone pillar amidst the cover of dense forest.
SINGIEK
The place offers one of the most spectacular views of Mt. Khangchendzonga and its ranges. A well known Tourism wayside accommodation for visitors is also available. The area also has a number of interesting short nature trails for 1 to 3 days along the higher ridges of the surrounding hills.
CHUNGTHANG
Chungthang, on the confluence of Lachen and Lachung Chu and the starting point of river teesta , has emerged as a major sub-division settlement in North Sikkim. It is the nodal junction for the two passes, Lachen and Lachung. The valley is believed to have been blessed by guru Rimpoche and one can visit the Holy Guru Ihedu to see the foot and palm left behind by the patron saint. The place, rich in Bio-Diversity with a large variety of orchids , plants & wild life, is 95 kms. from Gangtok, 23 kms. from Lachung , 29 kms. from Lachen, and is predominantly a Lepcha region.
YUMTHANG
Yumthang, at an elevation of 11,800 ft. & 140 kms. from Gangtok, is a paradise for nature lovers with a fascinating blend of flora & fauna and breathtaking scenic grandeur. Yumthang "Tsa-Chu" or the hot spring on the left bank of Lachung Chu is immensely popular for its curative and healing power. Covered with rhododendron shrubs and trees, the entire valley erupts into a riot of colors in May. Yak and Yeti Travels organise 'Alpine Package Tour' for 2 nights and 3 days and also for 7 nights 8 days and the night stay for the tour is at Lachung, a quaint village which has its own unique beauty and lifestyle. On the way to Lachung is Singhik where one can see the magnificient Kanchendzonga range in its splendour.
LACHEN TO GREEN LAKE TREK.

SOUTH SIKKIM
NAMTSE
Namtse, meaning sky high, nestled among the hills at an elevation of 5500 ft., commands panoramic view of the snow capped mountains and vast stretches of valley. it is also the HQ of the south district. The area is fast developing into a tourist destination with its immense potential for all round tourist activities. It is about 78 kms. from Gangtok and 100 kms. from Siliguri.
TENDONG HILL
Above Damthang, overlooking South District Headquarter town Namtse, there is a small flat stretch of land at an altitude of 8530 ft.,surrounded by lush green ancient forest which is popularly known as the Tendong Hill. Historically, this has been a place of recluse for Buddhist Lamas who spend years in meditation amidst the silent scenic grandeur. The view from the top of the Tendong Hill is something to be cherished and enjoyed as it spans across plains of Bengal to the majestic heights of the Himalayan Ranges. One can also proceed to Namtse by trekking via Tendong Hill following the traditional route used in the old days. Such trekking is also possible throughout the year except during monsoons, that is if one is scared of ubiquitous leaches.
RAVANGLA
At the base of Maenam Hill is Ravangla, a small township and transit to various tourist destinations in South Sikkim and West Sikkim . It is also an upcoming tourist spot, and transit point for trekkers to Maenam Hill and Borong. There are accommodation facilities and numerous short nature trails. A trek down to the sacred cave "Shar Chok Bephu", one of the holiest caves in Sikkim..
MAENAM HILL
Maenam towers above Tendong Hill on the other side overlooking the Ravangla Bazar settlement. situated at an altitude of 10,300 ft., the scenic view from this height is, perhaps, unmatched in this part of the world. The trek from Maenam from Ravangla takes about 4 hrs. and from Maenam Hill-Top one has the option to take the gentle trek to Borong village .
BORONG
Facing the snow-capped mountains is Borong motorable from Ravangla or a trek via Maenam. A picturesque village with beautiful landscape and magnificent view is also host to the hot spring "Borong Tsa-Chu". The trek trail, originating from Namchi or Damthang to Tendong-Ravangla-Maenam-Borong (5 to 6 days) is one of the most interesting trials scaling the hill tops along the route.
VARSEY
It lies at an elevation of 10,000 ft. and has motorable roads access up to Hilley. An easy 4 kms. trek from there takes one up to the Varsey rhododendron sanctuary. One can also trek from Soreng or Dentam in West Sikkim .

EAST SIKKIM
DIRECTORATE OF HANDICRAFT & HANDLOOM
Instituted with the aim of promoting and keeping alive the state's traditional arts and crafts, the directorate of handicrafts & handloom is a storehouse of hand-woven carpets with traditional motifs, blankets, shawls in Lepcha weaves and exquisitely-carved 'Choktse' or table and many other gift items.
Visiting hours: Monday to Saturday from 9.30 a.m. - 12.30 and 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. (Sales Emporium remains open throughout the year ) Phone : 23126 , 22928 .
FLOWER FESTIVAL
Flower exhibitions are organized round the year at the flower show venue near the white hall complex, Gangtok. orchid shows held during the spring tourist season is one of the most popular shows organized in the state.
WHITE HALL
The White Hall only has historical value and is situated on the Ridge. It is a two storeyed structure and has typical British architecture and was built in 1932. It is so called not because it is painted white but because it was built in memory of the first Political Officer of Sikkim, Claude White. There is an Officers' Club and a badminton court in the White Hall.
RIDGE GARDEN
The Ridge is a small stretch of plain and flat road above the town of Gangtok. It is just about fifteen minutes walk from the main market. The Ridge has the White Hall and the Chief Minister's official residence, known as the Mintogang, meaning "blossomed crowned hilltop" on one end and the beautifully designed Palace Gate with a Pagoda rooftop on the other end. A statue of Nehru, the late Prime Minister of India, adorns the roundabout above White Hall. Situated on the Ridge is also a resting shed using Tibetan architecture. The Ridge is lined with plants and trees which when bloom are a riot of colours. Flower shows which attract tourists from all over the world are held just below the Ridge.
DO-DRUL CHORTEN (STUPA)
The Do-Drul Chorten or Stupa was built by the venerable Truslshi Rimpoche, head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism, in 1945. Inside this Stupa, there are complete Mandala sets of Dorjee Phurba around this Chorten, which is one of the most important Stupas in Sikkim, are 108 Mani-lhakor(prayer wheels). These prayer wheels are turned by the devout Buddhist while chanting "hail to the jewel in the lotus ", to invoke Buddhisattva.

SIKKIM RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF TIBETOLOGY (SRIT)
The most prestigious of its kind in India - this Buddhist Institute is a treasure trove of vast collection of rare Lepcha, Tibetan and Sanskrit manuscripts, statues and rare Thankas and has over 200 Buddhist icons. Today, it is the renowned worldwide center for study of Buddhist philosophy and religion.
Visiting hours: from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (opened throughout the week and govt. holidays) Phone 22525.
SIKKIM TIME CORPORATION LTD. (SITCO)
Situated at a distance of 1.5 Kms from Gangtok town is one of the first industrial units set up in Sikkim. The Sikkim Time corporation Limited (SITCO), set up in 1977, has grown from strength to strength & now has 4 units which manufacture quality mechanical watches and top class watch crowns. In its 20 years of exestience, besides attaining the distinction of producing over 7.5 millon HMT mechanical watches, the unit is presently involed in marketing its own brand of fashionable digitial watches having Functionals versatality and Analog Watches with exquisite dials and various colour options These quality watches are reasonably priced & aavailable in all the leading outlets of the country. Located in the beautiful campus is a showroom in the factory premises from where the wacthes can be brought at ex-factory cost. Visiting hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. expcet Sundays and National Holidays.Phone: 23089 / 22338.

RUMTEK DHARMA CHAKRA CENTRE
About 45 minutes drive from Gangtok, 24 kms. away, is the Rumtek Dharma Chakra Center, the seat of the Kagyu order, one of the 4 major Tibetan Buddhist sects. since the late 1960, traditional in design, it is almost replica of the original Kagyu headquarters in Tibet. The centre has a collection of some of the most unique religious art objects.
Phone: 22663.
TASHI VIEW POINT
Situated along the North Sikkim highway it is only 8 kms. from Gangtok. From this point you get a breathtaking view of Mount Khangchendzonga and Mt. Siniolchu, one of the most graceful peaks in the world.
GANESH TOK
It is situated on a ridge and is only 7 kms. from Gangtok. From this spot one gets birds view of sprawling Gangtok town down below while across the hills Mt. Khangchendzonga and Mt. Siniolchu loom over the horizon. A cafeteria serves you hot tea/coffee and snacks.
HANUMAN TOK
It is 11 kms. from Gangtok town, above Ganesh Tok with a Hindu temple where the devotees come and offer prayers.
FAMBONG LA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Fambong La Wildlife Sanctuary is located at a distance of 25 kms. from Gangtok and has an area of 51.76 sq.km. The main vegetation is oak , katus , kimbu , champ with thick bamboo forests and ferns. The Sanctuary is also home to a large number of wild orchids, rhododendrons etc. The richly forested area is known to be a home for various species of wild animals. The best season is October and April.
KYONGNOSLA ALPINE SANCTUARY.
Kyngnosla Alpine Sanctuary (Altitude: 3292-4116m.) is situated some 26 kms. from Gangtok on way to Tsongo Lake, this 3100 hectare sanctuary abounds in Alpine flowers like Poppies, Primulas and rhododendrons. Musk Deer, Serow, Himalayan black deer, Red panda, Lesser cats, Blood Peasant are some of the species found. The best period to visit Kyongnosla is July-August-Sept. The sanctuary is rich both in flora and fauna, Rare, endangered ground orchids and rhododendrons intersperesed among tall junipers and taller silver firs are among the important plants present.
Rhododendrons nevium the State Tree of Sikkim and Cypripedium tibeticum the ground slipper orchid on the verge of extinction, have been introduced here.Groung flora include different species of primulas, wild strawberries, irises, poppies and the rarely seen Panax pseudo-ginseng. Medicinal plants such as 'kutki' Picrorhiza scrophulariflora, 'jatamasi' Nardostachs graandiflora, 'Nilo bikh' Aconitun ferox, Podophyllum emodi and even the wild onion are occupied by the soil binding bamboo Arundinaria sp.
The area is snow covered often upto May when primulas pop up through the snow and rhododendrons come into bud. By June-July they are full bloom. Flowering succession by the many species continues right through to October when Polygonum sp. the last to flower, dries up. First snowfall is normally by December - January. Tranquil trekking trail begins from Knongnosla Village.
The routes are: Iris point- Tseten Tashi Cave - Rong Chu 1 km.Helipad - Kheding and back Helipad - Simulakha - Goral Rock - Tashipong - Rong Chu 6.5 km.Rong chu - Namnang Lakha - Nakcho and back 20 km.( Trekkers withpermit from Army can return from Nakcho via Tsongu Lake).

WEST SIKKIM
RABDENTSE RUINS
This was the second capital of the erstwhile kingdom of Sikkim after Yuksum and till the year 1814 a.d., the king of Sikkim had ruled the state from this place. Today, the ruins lie hidden from the main road at a walking distance from the tourist lodge and the Pemayangtse monastery. It can be approached by following a footpath which branches off the main road. The scenic view from the top of the ruin scanning across deep valley to the mystic heights of Khanchendzonga ranges is something to be cherished and etched in memory.
PELLING
Pelling is fast growing to be an urban settlement due to tourist influx. Situated at an altitude of 6,800 ft, it offers a good view of entire mountain ranges and due to this locational advantages, many hotels and lodges have mushroomed in and around Pelling offering various categories of accommodation facilities. There is a bus service which links Pelling to west district headquarter town of Gyalshing , situated at a distance of 10 kms. from Pelling.
YUKSOM
This was the first capital of Sikkim, where according to the historical records, the first Chogyal of the kingdom of Sikkim was consecrated in 1641 a.d. by three learned Lamas. Since the history of the state began from this place, these areas are now considered sacred by the people of Sikkim. Yuksum is served by all weather road from Pemayangtse which is at a distance of 32 kms. from Yuksun. Several categories of accommodations are available in Yuksum for those desiring to spend a few days there.
YUKSOM TO DZONGRI TREK SUGGESTED ITINERARY:
DAY :
Gangtok to Yuksom.
Yuksom to Tshoka.
Tshoka - A day rest.
Tshoka to Dzongri.
Dzongri - A day rest.
Dzongri to Tshoka.
Tshoka to Yuksom.
Yuksom - A day rest sight - seeing/farewell.

YUKSOM TO GOECHALA TREK SUGGESTED ITINERARY: DAY:
Gangtok to Yuksom.
Yuksom to Bhakim to Tshoka.
Tshoka a day rest.
Tshoka to Dzongri.
Dzongri a day rest.
Dzongri to Thangsing.
Thangsing to Samiti lake.
Samiti to Goechala to Thangsing.
Thangsing to Dzongri.
10. Dzongri to Tshoka.
11. Tshoka to Yuksom.
12. Yuksom a day rest/sight-seeing/farewell.

LIST OF SUGGESTED TOURS & TRAVELS IN SIKKIM:
WOODLANDS TREK , TOURS AND TRAVELS
31-A, National Highway
Gangtok-737 101, Sikkim, India
Phone: (03592)-22548
SIKKIM TOURS AND TRAVELS (PVT) LTD.
Church Road, Gangtok, Sikkim
Branch : Kikis, Top Floor, super Market, Gangtok, Sikkim
Phone : 22188 Fax : 03592-22707
YAK AND YETI TRAVELS
Harka Kala Bhawan, 31-A, N.H.P.B. No. 56, Gangtok, Sikkim
Phone : 24643 Fax : 03592-24643
BLUE SKY TOURS & TRAVELS
Tibet Road, Gangatok, Sikkim
Phone : 23330 Fax : 03592-23330
ADWAY TOURS AND TRAVELS
Post Box 50, G.P.O ., Gangtok, Sikkim
Phone : 22112 Fax : 03592-24379
SUNAKHARI TOUS AND TRAVELS
Paljor Stadium Road, Gangtok, Sikkim, India
Phone : (03592)-23514, 23401 Fax : 03592-22707
PAMS TRAVELS
Mukhia Bhavan, Vishal Gaon, Gangtok, Sikkim
Phone : 22570
SWABHIMAN TOURS & TRAVELS
Bishal Gaon , 31-A, N. H. , Gangtok - 737101 Sikkim
Telefax : (03592)-23605
BAYUL TOUS AND TRAVELS
27th Super Market , Gangtok, Sikkim
Phone :23455 Fax : 03592-23794
SNOW LION TOURS AND TRAVELS
Nam Nam , Gangtok, Sikkim
Fax : 03592-22707
MAYUR TOURS AND TRAVELS
Paljor Stadium Road, Gangtok, Sikkim
Phone : 24452, 23817
SIKKIM ADVENTURE
Development Area, Gangtok, Sikkim
Phone : 50704, 50706 Fax : 03592-50706
MARCOPOLO WORLD TRAVELS
Paljor Stadium Road, Gangtok, Sikkim
Phone : 24116 Fax :03592-22707
CHANGU TOURS AND TRAVELS
31-A, National Highway, Gangtok, Sikkim
Phone : 24116 Fax : 03592-22707 Post Box 19 (GPO)
MAHAYANA TREKS & TOURS PVT. LTD.
23, Super Market, Gangtok, Sikkim
Phone : 23885, 23709 Fax : 03592-22707
SIKKIM WORLD EXPEDITION
Zero Point, Gangtok, Sikkim
Phone : 23494 Fax : 03592-24195 Telex : 219 IN SWEG
MAINAK TOURS AND TRAVELS
31-A, National Highway, Gangtok, Sikkim 18.
Phone : 25127
SIKKIM TREKKING & TRAVEL SERVICES
1st. Floor, Super Market, Gangtok, Sikkim
Phone :23638 Fax: 03592-22707
MODERN TREKS & TOURS
Tibet Road, Gangtok, Sikkim
Branch : M. G. Marg, Gangtok, Sikkim Phone : 24670
SINIOLCHU TOURS AND TRAVELS
Paljor stadium Road, Gangtok, Sikkim
Phone : 24213,24796,24572 Fax : 03592-22707
NAMGYAL TREKS & TOURS
Tibet Road, Gangtok, Sikkim
P. Box(GPO) No. 75,
Phone : 23701 Fax : 03592-23067
TASHILA TOURS AND TRAVELS
31-A, National Highway, Gnagtok,
Post Box (GPO) No. 70, Phone : 22979(O), 23375 (R)
Fax : 03592-22155 E-mail : tashila@scs.1wbbs.com
POTALA TOURS AND TRAVELS
Paljor Stadium Road, Gangtok, Sikkim
Phone : 22041, 24434
VAJRA ADVENTURE TOURS
Kyitsel House, Arithang Road, Gangtok, Sikkim
Phone : 22446 Fax: 03592-22155
YUKSAM TOURS AND TREKS
31-A, National Highway,
Gangtok, Sikkim
HIMALAYAN TREKKING
Ethenpa Building, Paljor Namgyal Girls School Road, Gangtok, Sikkim
Phone: 23052 Fax: (03592)-22707
KHANGRI TOURS & TRAVELS
Hotel Sonam Delek Building,
Tibet Road, Gangtok, Sikkim Phone : 22556
SONY TOURS AND TRAVELS
Post Box No. 84, GPO, Gangtok, Sikkim
Phone : 24491 Fax : 03592-22707
EVEREST TOURS AND TREKS
Paljor Stadium Road, Gangtok, Sikkim
Phone : 25262, 24489, 22070 Fax : 03592-22707
MAA SANTOSHI TOURS & TRAVELS
Khulal Bhawan, Development Area,
Gangtok, Sikkim
ATLAS TOURS AND SERVICES
9 Super Market, Gangtok, Sikkim
Phone : 03592-23682 Fax : 03592-22707
SIKKIM TOURS CENTRE
Pelling , West Sikkim
Phone : 03592-50852
SATYAM TOURS AND TRAVELS C/o Hotel Kasturi
Paljor Stadium Road, Gangtok, Sikkim Near General Post Officer,
Phone : (03592)-24639, 25194 Fax : 03592-22707
PARDICK TREKS AND TRAVELS
M. G. Road, Gangtok, Sikkim
Phone : 23250, 22315 Fax : 03592-22707
SKYLARK TOURS & TRAVELS (Registered & Recognised by Govt.)
31,A, National Highway, Pani House Gangtok, Sikkim,
Phone : (03592)-25217 Fax : 03592-22707

LIST OF SUGGESTED HOTELS IN SIKKIM:
HOTEL NORKHILL,
Palzor Stadium Road, Gangtok - 737101,
Sikkim, India.
Tel. No.: (03592) 23186, 23187.
Fax: (03592) 23187.
CABLE: NORKHILL
HOTEL TASHI DELEK,
M. G. Road, Gangtok - 737101,
Sikkim, India.
Tel. No.: (03592) 22991, 22038, 24155-8.
Fax: (03592) 22362.
CABLE: TASHIDELEK
e-mail: tashidelek@scs.lwbbs.com
HOTEL TIBET,
Palzor Stadium Road, Gangtok - 737101,
Sikkim, India.
Tel. No.: (03592) 22523, 23468.
Fax: (03592) 22707.
SINIOLCHU LODGE,
Opp. Enchey Monastery, Gangtok - 737101,
Sikkim, India.
Tel No.: (03592) 22074.
HOTEL TRISHNA,
Legship Bazaar, West Sikkim,
Sikkim, India.
Tel. No.: (03595) 50887, 50842.
Fax: (03595) 50887.
HOTEL ZAMDEN,
Old Children Park, Taxi Stand,
Gangtok - 737101, Sikkim, India.
Tel. No.: (03592) 24997.
HOTEL MOUNT PANDIM,
Near Pemayangtse Monastery,
Pemayangtse, West Sikkim, India.
Tel. No.: (03592) 50756.

Tiger Ranch- Bandipur wildlife sanctuary

Hi!
This post would give an insight into the rich flaura and fauna as well as the accomodation facilities available at the Bandipur national park located in Karnataka.Located on the wrinkled layers of the western ghats, this magnificent sanctuary offers refuge to a varied species of flora and fauna.
The Sanctuary is located at a distance of approximately 210 kms from bangalore and around 45 kms from mysore.Travelling would be ideal by road as the journey from mysore to the sanctuary would be worth the effort.The Sanctuary mostly consists of dry deciduous flora with the temperatures ranging from mild cold to chilly between october-february and from pleasant to hot between march-june.The Rainy season starts in mid-june and continues way beyond august.The best time to visit the sanctuary is between november and april.
It so happened that on a dull and boring week end( make that 29th december 2007) ,the 4 of us decided to make an adventure out of the boredom.We decided to head towards the Bandipur national park.well!! it happens to be my 5th visit there and i'm still in as much love with the place as i was the first tme i visited.
We embarked on our journey in Dev's ford Icon.We departed Bangalore at around 7:30 am on 29th dec.We did stop at a break fast joint on the bangalore-mysore highway for a quick bite in our 2 hours drive to mysore.Travellers travelling on this route for the fast need not worry as far as foodie goodies are concerned:).Do not think twice to make a stop over either at 'maddur tiffany's 'or 'kaadu Mane' for a delicious treat!!! Or for that matter 'Kamat's and our ever present 'Cafe Coffee day'.In short do not take the trouble of carrying food for breakfast once ur on this route.For the non-veggies(Like the 4 of us), there's always the ever-prevalent 'Dhabas'.
Well!! now getting back to our journey: we reached mysore at around 11:00 am and went on a guided tour of mysore( courtsey sriki,since we had to fill gas but out friend dear had very conviniently lost his way 'round the town). So after the 'Gas hunt' and subsequent satisfaction of having filled the Car's belly with a full tank, we headed towards our destination.
It is 45 kms drive from Mysore towards Bandipur sanctuary, but do not be surprised if it takes more than a couple of hours since few stretches of the road are in a pitiable condition( it took us 2.5 hours).But people looking for a little fun and adventure on the way shouldn't complain about the roads:) It's all part of the package, right??
Anyways after an alternate ride of smooth and topsy-turvy turf, we finally reached Gundlupet( The nearest town to Bandipur), for a last minute shopping.Travellers travelling to Bandipur for the first time be aware that this is the last town to get your provisions.
It was around 13:15 pm when we entered the periphery of the National park.Nature enthusista would share my enthusiasm with the feeling one associates with venturing into the wilderness and feeling the pulse of it!!!
We had booked our accomodation in a 'Not so well-known' place called 'Tiger Ranch'.People who have been to Bandipur would be well aware of the Accomodation facilities available there.The bandipur forest lodges located in the Bandipur national park on the ooty highway(the last stretch of the mysore-ooty highway runs through the park).The Bunglows are excellent and quite economical(In the range between Rs.250-450).The only draw back being the crowd which one witnesses during the week-ends and the peak season.With so many people around, one can but wonder as to how much wildlife can be viewed.
It's due to these reasons that we had decided to accomodate ourselves in a place which would be secluded,adventurous as well as comfortable.And we found our answers in 'Tiger Ranch'.This place was referred by a friend of mine who had earlier been there and just couldn't stop talking about it.So we decided that this was the place where we would stay.The problem being though that this place is pretty hard to locate since its located at around 5 kms inside the forest.We learned the hard way because we missed the diversion, right after the Government forest bunglows which i had mentioned earlier,and went all the way to the karnataka-tamilnadu border( the two borders are located inside the forest and the forest in the tamil nadu division is named as the Mudhumalai wildlife sanctuary).
Well! we did drive back all the way till we found a forest guard who gave us the direction.Note the fact that there's no sign-board or any form of display on the roads indicating the presence of 'Tiger ranch':).Take the first diversion after the Government forest lodge(a kutch road) and travel leisurely for around 3 kms whilst enjoying the wilderness around you.Only then do you get a small stone slab giving you the direction to our secret abode:).Follow the diversion to the right for around 2 kms more(Trust me the road is a real challenge to even the most accomplised driver as well as the vechile), and there u have the magnificent piece of accomodation you would ever find in a jungle.
'Tiger Ranch' was never made for luxury but that doesn't mean that staying there would give you jitters!!!!!!!!! On the contrary, it would be one of the most amazing experiences ever.Enjoy the scrumptous buffet prepared by the staff there(Trust me, its delicious!!). Laze around the camp fire.And for the adventurous just grab your guts and venture out to explore the jungle(There's no fencing around the place).
All in all, 'Tiger Ranch' would give you the perfect peace and serenity which one would look forward to in a Sanctuary.Sadly though this has become virtually impossible at other forest resorts due to the uncontrolled influx of tourists during the week-ends and peak season.
Well!! Well!! after a hearty meal, the 4 of us set out for the Jungle safari which originates from the Bandipur Forest lodges on the Mysore-ooty highway.It's a nice experience but do not pin hopes on getting a view of the Mighty 'Tiger' or the ever elusive 'leopard'.Yes! what you do get to see are the herds of 'Cheetal'( The spotted dear) and sambhar.Monitor lizards,common mongoose and peacocks are in plenty.If luck goes your way, can also get to see the bear.A note of advice for all the aspiring forest travellers.Big cats or for that matter elephants do not relish being in view of humans.They do cross our paths in the forest as a matter of chance and co-incidence.Viewing wild life requires utmost patience with complete silence, so if u get to see any form of wildlife during the safari ride, thank ur stars that you have been able to atleast see them:)
After returning back from our safari we put on some warm clothing since the coolness of the air became to pinch us( Beware of the fact that theh temperature in the jungle can fall drastically within a very short period of time). So carry some warm clothing irrespective of the season of ur visit.
The camp fire gave us the warmth which we were looking for as that was the only reprise from the sudden plunge in temperature to about 5 C.
The beds in the cottages are comfortable and exteremely cold during the nights.So do remember to carry a couple of extra blankets if u can.Of course you can ask from the staff there itself!!! We did have a good night's sleep except on a few occasions when mud from the ceiling sprinkled onto us and on the beds with the ominous presence of a creature on the roof.It was thrilling,scary but a great experience.After all thats what we had been looking for, a little bit of fun,adevnture and thrill.
We left tiger ranch at 11 in the morning,after a superb breakfast, for gopalswamy betta.An ancient krishna temple with some out of the blues scenary would take anyone's breath away, it surely took ours!!! After a brief stay for a couple of hours we started our descent and eventually reached bangalore by 10pm.
The photos of the trip can be accessed by clicking the following link:
http://photos.ibibo.com/albums/viewalbumphotosonepage/9494/e4ea0bff0ec3f34b96c4d0db0e734d2a42-v1/1