Day 2: 26th January 2014
The previous night itself we had decided to drive around the forest roads starting from 5 am as it was quite a norm to spot animals in the mornings. We were all ready and the caretaker of the resort took us around in the jeep in the resort. After driving around for almost an hour, we requested him to drop us at the Tholpetty forest office so that we could do the morning safari.
The safari was a disappointment as we spotted only a tusker, pug mark and a couple of peacocks and nothing else.
We returned to the resort where the group decided to freshen themselves and prepared to check out after breakfast. During breakfast we heard the bamboo breaking sounds, so presumed these to be elephants. Me and Rohit went along to investigate, but we found none.
Rohit returning back
The cars parked in the shade
The cottages
The egret
However, I decided to stay back for one more day and the group left after the breakfast.
The parting shot.
After the group left I decide to head back to the cottage and relax for a bit as the temperature was rising and it was getting hot. Had a light lunch and was relaxing in the balcony when the care taker came to the room and informed me that a herd of Gaur had come to the farm. I immediately picked up the camera and rushed to the watchtower.
It was around 5 pm and the cool breeze was so refreshing to sit in the watchtower. The caretaker brought along a hot cup of black tea. I was around in the watchtower till 9 pm and went back to the dining hall for dinner. Headed back to the room and slept light again to be alert for the alarm calls. There were none again.
Day 3: 27th January 2014
Like the previous day, woke up around 4.30 am and was ready to go for a drive along the forest roads again in the jeep. Just a few mins in to the drive, spotted a herd of Gaur by the road side. The male Gaur definitely did not like us disturb him. We quickly moved out to explore the Begur road this time to see if we can spot anything. We did spot the Malabar squirrel, peacock, sambar deer and a few langur. Not many pics as it was still dark.
Returned back to the resort and the other care taker informed that there were alarm calls near the farm. But since it was not too bright yet, we did not venture out into the forest. In the meanwhile refreshed myself and went in the direction of the direction of the alarm call. We spotted pug marks right near the deserted house near the farm. Hard luck, did not the spot the elusive tiger again. The ground was quite dry and the pug marks too disappeared.
The deserted house
The Pug mark
Returned to the dining hall for a quick breakfast. Packed all the stuff and settled the bill and it was time to check out and head back to the concrete jungle.
Parting shots
This time decided to drive along the Bavali - Damankatte route. Stopped over for a tender coconut and drove along leisurely back to Bangalore.
A few pics during the return journey
On nearing the NICE road junction, decided to head to the 3M car care for a quick wash after checking with Pradeep if it would be possible. Returned home after the wash.
A part of life reclaimed ‼‼‼ Route - Bangalore - Srirangapatna - Elivala - Hunsur - Nagarahole - Kutta - Tholpetty - Begur - Katrikulam - Bavali - Damankatte - HD Kote hand post - Mysore- Bangalore
Distance - 622 kms