Travelogue: Leopard spotting at Bandipur, in photos

9 years ago

Image courtesy: Naresh Kumar

What’s a solution to cool off from – work pressure, hectic lifestyle, drudgery of household work? For me at least, it’s a weekend getaway to somewhere that brings me as close as possible to nature. That way Bangalore is blessed with a number of places which are just a few hours away – Nagarhole, Kabini, Bandipur.

While I contemplated on which place to zero on, my friend suggested Bandipur. My friend Mahi, (Mahima Bhat), a Television professional and her husband, Naresh Kumar, a techie and a wildlife photography enthusiast, had just returned after a relaxing weekend at Bandipur. So here’s what they had to say about Bandipur.

A 6-hour drive away – Bangalore-Mysore-Guldulpet – you reach Bandipur. Bandipur National Park is a Tiger Reserve in Karnataka, and is about 220 kms from Bangalore. It’s best to start from Bangalore, probably at dawn or a little later, so that you reach Bandipur a little before lunch time.

Being a forest reserve, the gates to Bandipur open at about 8:00 AM and close by 6:00 PM. So this is something that I have to keep to mind while planning the trip, so do you. Also, since the highway cuts through the forest, you can spot animals, usually herds of deer or Bison enroute.

But do not stop, because it might frighten them and also because many places are specifically earmarked as a no-stopping zone. But the drive is splendid throughout – thanks to the good roads.

If you are visiting around this time of the year, the weather is temperate. It’s neither hot, nor unbearably cold. Apart from the weather, the another characteristic of the place is low mobile connectivity. It’s a blissful because sometimes it’s necessary for all of us to experience a tech detox.

Away from official calls, constant updates of politics that’s blazing the world and all the social networking sites. This applies even in the resorts, however, there’s the good old landline phone connection just in case you want to make a call.

Also, most resorts have been built in such a way that you are as close to the nature as much as possible. It’s not surprising to spot deers, peahens, mangoose and even some exotic birds just a couple of steps away from your suite.

While Bandipur is one of the largest Tiger reserves, it’s also home to one more big cats – the Indian Leopard. This makes it a must-visit place, because while you may spot Tigers in Nagarhole, but not the Indian Leopard.

The safaris are usually organised twice in a day, early mornings from 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM and later afternoon, 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM. The three hour safaris are priced at INR 1250, you can also opt for a short 30 minute safari for INR 300.

Mahi says, “We opted for the safari in the evening and we were lucky to spot a leopard hardly four-feet away. We also saw many other wild birds and animals too. To see the animals in the wild is an experience in itself.” But if the tiger is what you really want to see, then the best time to visit Bandipur is soon after the monsoons.

Apart from the wildlife, the numerous luxury resorts recognised by the Governtment of Karnataka promise a relaxing getaway. The only issue here, the tariff hover anywhere between INR 10-15K for a couple per night.

But, I guess splurging once in while is doable. Experiencing nature’s best, away from cacophony, is what will calm the heart, mind and soul. I am all for an ‘Into the Wild’ experience at Bandipur.

Thanks Naresh for sharing the wonderful pictures!