Bhandipur - Kabini - August 2004

We made the drive from Bangalore to Bhandipur in about 4.5 hrs non-stop. We took the Kanakapura/Malavali/Mysore route. We were at “Pug Mark” – a restaurant run by the Jungle Lodges at Bhandipur, for lunch at 1 pm. I was happy to meet Harsha again.

This time the forest was lush green and full of water. Every lake was full and every stream was gushing! There was life everywhere. We hit upon a pack of 12 wild dogs on our evening round and stayed with them for about half an hour . We had to leave them at dusk (you need to exit the forest by 6.30 pm).

Next morning we left to Kabini from Bhandipur. We took the road inside the forest. We spent a bit over 6 hrs on this route and thoroughly enjoyed the journey through the forest. As we drove we hit upon a herd of about 10 elephants with a very young one. This tusker stood guard as the herd crossed our road and soon disappeared into the bushes.(It is amazing how quickly an entire heard can vanish into the greens!)

We then came across a Python laying on the road which our forest officer companion soon chased off. Plenty of gaurs, sambars, chitals and wild boars on the way. Plenty of birds too.

The next day we spent at Kabini. The river was full and viewing wildlife was difficult though we did sight a few elephants. Kabini is much better for wildlife viewing when the water levels are down.

Though the growth was thick and light was poor, I did manage these for your viewing pleasure…

regards,

Vijay Cavale

August, 2004