|
 Wildlife
Safari:
The jungles are where the action is. A jungle safari is best undertaken
through dense forests on foot. Chancing on a rare bird, watching
a herd of elephants at a watering hole and feasting your eyes on
pride of lions are some of the great thrills a jungle safari can
offer. If you have the right company, the right clothes and gear,
and a sense of wonder uncorrupted by life in the concrete jungle,
a wildlife safari can be the experience of a lifetime. With a growing
emphasis on comfort and convenience now jeep safari is preferred
especially by those who want to pack a lot of activity into a limited
amount of time. A safari on a camel, a horse or an elephant is categorized
as a specialty safari. Adventure-seekers almost always choose the
mobile tented-camp safari, which combines the joys of wildlife watching
and camping. They get to pitch tents in the wild and move base every
few day.
Where to Go?
In Karnataka, Bandipur National Park is the hottest destination
for wildlife safari.
When to Go?
November to February.
What you need to know?
Choose your guide well. Professional safari guides’ associations
specify a few standard rules for guides, like a good reputation,
intimate knowledge of the forests and training for emergency services.
You and your guide must have a strong commitment to eco-tourism.
What you must carry?
Pack lightweight, quick-drying travel clothing. If you’re
planning to camp in the jungles you will need camping equipment
too. Carry a good pair of binoculars and a camera. You should throw
in a small video camera, batteries and a charger along with a lightweight
flashlight. Carry a first aid box and a mosquito repellant.
Wildlife Do’s:
• Listen to guides advice.
• Keep movement and noise to a minimum.
Wildlife Don’ts:
• Don’t venture out on your own.
• Don’t sleep in the open.
Duration: Daily basis.
Cost per person: Rs 1500 per person per night.
(Including park and vehicle entry fees.)
Camping:
Camping is about living in harmony with nature. It is exciting and
fairly easy. Common sense and a little knowledge will get you started.
To enjoy the great outdoors, do your homework about the place you
plan to visit and go well prepared. Though basically camping is about
a place outdoors to sleep, some food to eat and water to drink, and
someone to share experience, you will learn important skills as how
to find a campsite, how to set up your camp and how to be a responsible
camper.
Where to Go?
Bandipur and Nagarhole in Karnataka are the favourite camping spots.
When to Go?
All year round.
What you need to know?
Camping is a great stress buster. A true blue camper is one who keeps
his/her experience in the outdoors as natural as possible. When camping
in the forests, you have to be fairly knowledgeable about the area.Avoid
low ground when pitching your tent. You are less likely to be attacked
by mosquitos and other insects. Watch out for large dead branches
of tress, they can come crashing down any moment. If you want a cushy
way of enjoyinh the outdoors, then try car camping. Car camping is
ideal for first timers.
What you must carry?
Buy a backpack, suitable clothing and boots, a tent and a sleeping
bag, food water and a stove. As camping could of various types, you
must equip yourself accordingly. A first aid kit is a must on any
camping trip, along with compass and maps.
Camping Do’s:
• Stay on designated trails.
• Cook on kerosene or gas, not wood.
Camping Don’ts:
• Don’t take souvenirs of rocks, plants and animals.
• Don’t wash dirty dishes and clothes in a stream, river.
Duration: 1 to 3 days.
Cost per person: Rs 1700 per person per day. (including
travel in Bangalore)
 Bird
Watching:
Staking out in wild to identify and track birds, is the essence
of bird watching. You have to spot a bird in its natural habitat
and then try to discover its identity. Its not enough to bird watch.
Just keep your eyes and ears open. Carry a powerful pair of binoculars,
a notebook and a pen, plenty of patience on your bird watching holiday.
Where to Go?
Kokrebellur, Raichur, Bannerghatta and Srirangapatna.
When to Go?
Common birds: All throughout the year.
Migratory Birds: In season.
What you need to know?
Birds flock to a water source, such as a lake, river, or even a
sewage treatment facility, so that’s where you need to head.
Otherwise nearest sanctuary or a national park.
What you must carry?
All you really need is your eyes and ears as mentioned above! Carry
a powerful pair of binoculars. Pack clothing that will help you
to blend with your surroundings.
Bird Watching Do’s:
• Always venture out in the early mornings when the birds
are at their chirpier best.
• Dress to blend with your surroundings.
Bird Watching Don’ts:
• Don’t be noisy. Sit quietly and let birds come to
you..
• Don’t go bird watching in a big group.
Duration: 1 day.
Cost per person: Rs 500 per person per day for
a trek and bird watching.
 Elephant
Safari:
Elephant safaris within sanctuaries and game parks are a great way
to get a vantage view of the wildlife. It may take a few minutes to
get used to the swaying movements of the elephant. Don’t fret.
Just remember that the safari elephant is trained and so is the mahout,
who rides with you.
Where to Go?
Bannerghatta Ntional Park and Nagarahole.
When to
Go?
November and June.
What you need to know?
An elephant safari ensures that you are as close to the action in
the wild without actually being part of it. If you are a first –timer
on an elephant safari, the thought of sitting high up on the animal
as it trudges across a forest may be a little scary. You may even
begin to long for the security that jeep offers. But keep reminding
youself that animals in the wild are far more comfortable with elephants,
who is part of the jungle, rather than noisy vehicles. You will enjoy
the ride as long as you can fend off the insects in the jungles.
What you must carry?
There’s nothing very special that one requires. Travel light,
head gear, wear dull-coloured clothes, light clothing and carry a
first-aid box. Don’t forget your camera.
Elephant
Safari Do’s:
• Wear dull coloured clothes.
• Use authorized guides only.
Elephant Safari Don’ts:
• Don’t smoke in the forest.
• Don’t light campfires in the forest.
Hotels & Resorts
|
Bandipur National Park
Location: 220 Km SW from Bangalore.
Bandipur Safari Lodge (Jungle lodges
and Resorts)
Hangala Post, Melkamanahalli,
Gundulpet Taluk,
Chamarajanagar-571126,
Tel: 08229-233001
Location: Heart of rural Mandya and
12 Km from Mysore.
Distance: 120 Km SW of Bangalore.
Route: SH 17 to Srirangapatna
via Maddur and Mandaya.
Amblee Holiday Resort.
Tel: 08236-252326.
|
Nagarhole
Location: 210 Km SW of Bangalore.
Route: SH17 to Srirangapatna
via Maddur;
bypass to Coorg
via Ranganathittu, Jungle Inn Resort
Tel: 0821-646022, 322094. |
|
11:54:13 PM 
