Around 40 kilometres away from Bangalore lies this biological reserve - Bannerghatta National Park. Spread over more than 65000 acres of sprawling lush landscape, this chunk of land is a corridor to the wildlife.
Someday , when you are tired of the urban cityscape and would like to spend some time with friends or family while enjoying a feast under the tall trees.... this is just the place where you can escape to!
You will find a varied range of wild animals in the National Park along with so many anonymous trees and shrubs around. From giraffes to zebras .... Lions, tigers, nilgai, crocodile, and so many more animals of the wild. There is also a separate section for reptiles and birds and if you thought that's all that the park has to offer.. wait till you enter the domed section where they have made home to numerous colourful butterflies :)
There are ample options for your tummy too if you are tired while strolling through park. Several fresh fruit juice , sugar cane juice, tender coconut counters are also available to rehydrate oneself.
We took the safari that was certainly the best part of our trip to the national park. We got to see herds of deer roaming freely, an Elephant family making its way to a small stream..
A pack of Lions roaming and playing around while the father watched over the entire pack lying lazily.
Our safari was punctuated with occasional roars of the tigers that literally ruled the territory. There was an instance when our jeep was stopped by two tigers who crossed our path.
So overall, Bannerghatta National Park is a great weekend gateway for people staying in and around Bangalore. Here are some of the tips I would like to share that might be of help if you are planning a day trip to the national park.
1. Best time to visit - Summer or Winter. Basically when the weather is dry and the animals come out of their caves in search of water.
2. Fees - INR 80 for adults & INR 40 for children. Prices to safari are different and also varies on peak season and public holidays. Also you need to pay extra if you want to carry camera for photography & videography
3. What to carry - A pair of shades and also umbrella (you never can forecast the weather when you are in the wild) , water bottle , nuts or snacks .
4. What not to do - Please remember you are a human and need to behave in a civilised manner while you see the animals. So please refrain from behaving crazily as there have been instances of animal attacks due to people poking and instigating wild animals.
It is quite an amazing and off-beat experience to witness the animals in the wild!!