Kabini (Rajiv Gandhi National Park) had been on our travel list from quite some time. We had great memories of Corbett. And we wished to have similar ones from Kabini.
We found that Jungle Lodges and Resorts have their resort there and they have a very good reputation. So we booked a room online. It was a long weekend. So thought we would go for 3days and 2 nights. But found online that no room was available. Then we decided to go for whatever was available since we didnt want to miss the opportunity to visit the national park. So, we were going for a 1 night stay there. It included 2 safaris, a coracle ride and all other regular stuff.
Hectic schedule, and we were looking forward to this trip to unwind ourselves.
We decided to go by the route suggested by teamBhp on their website. i.e. Bangalore - Ramanagar - Maddur - Mandya - Mysore (Outer Ring Road - dont enter city) - H.D Kote road - Kabini. Its around 240km from our place in Bangalore.
We left at 7 am sharp from our place in Bangalore and we reached Maddur at around 9 am. Had breakfast at Barrista (I will NOT recommend it. Have at Adigas or Kamat Indradhanush or CCD). And then reached Kabini at 12:45 pm. The JLR Kabini River resort is a great property - huge one with lot of trees, well maintained gardens and the best part the FOOD is sumptuous and simple. I loved the food there. Their boats and jeeps are well maintained. Ok, come to the safari part - Always opt for a river safari in the evening and jeep safari in the morning times. Both were equally enjoyable. On the river safari, we saw lot of birds - migratory birds. My favorite is Bremini Kite from the Eagle family. Just loved it and it got etched in my heart.
Others were diff storks - painted, white and all, grey and white herons and more (dont remem their names).
Manish has shot many videos. Will upload them soon. We saw deers, sambar, wild boars and peacocks by the river. The weather was pleasant and the picture was breathtaking. Eva also enjoyed the safari.
Then after the safari, we were back to the resort. Had tea and rested in the room. Then went for the wild-life film at the conference room in the resort. I was with Eva while Manish watched the film shot on wildlife at Kabini and Bandipur. Then headed to the Gol Ghar for Dinner. Yummy :)
Early morning at 6am, we got the knock from JLR crew to take coffee and get ready for the safari. We got ready and the jeep was there at 6.30 am. Started... Hoping to see the wildest of wild animals :) ... Last week, only elephants , gaur (indian bison) and wild dogs were sighted.
After entering the forest, the first animal we sighted was.... yes, cudnt believe our luck .... we sighted the beautiful animal sleeping on the tree... his stomach looked filled.. It was from the cat family - the LEOPARD.
What a start I thought. We all were filled with lot of happiness and enthusiasm. Lot of photos.. videos.. and yes, the leopard got up in between, stretched and then slept back :).
Then we saw many deers, sambars, peacocks, eagles, wood peckers, kingfisher. Twice we saw herds of elephants and more than once saw 1-2 elephants. Both the herds, the elephants were quite charging. Once, when we reached in front of them, the tusker blew huge trumpet - I was scared... But, it didnt react more.
Second time, where we halted, the elephant was at just around 10 ft distance - having food. It then came sheepily came close to us - almost attacking. The video of the second halt is shot - a charmm... I will upload it soon.
Returning we saw the bison with its calf. And yes, the leopard was still on the tree.. sleeeeping...
Back then, had a filling breakfast at 10am and then went to the room. Got ready and bought some T-shirts for Eva from their centre. And then left back to Blore at around 12 pm. Reached here by 4.45pm. This time we had our lunch at Adigas in Maddur. Food was decent. I will recommend it.
All in all, a memorable trip.... :) want more and more :)
Monday, September 13, 2010
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Thursday, August 19, 2010
The art of blogging
well well.. i am not going to write how to develop this art. Its just a mention of BigB's blog here http://bigb.bigadda.com/ I like the way he blogs. He says that if you first plan what to write or if you are thinking of what to write on your blog, then you are NOT blogging. Blogging is writing whats on your mind. I am really inspired by his blogging. He writes everday - making meaning of what he has done today and also reassuring important things in life.
You may not expect a blog from me everyday . but i will try to write one asap.
You may not expect a blog from me everyday . but i will try to write one asap.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Coorg visit
Was waiting eagerly to update you what is happening at my end. We visited Coorg last weekend. We had taken aPTO on Friday and gone for that long awaited vacation to Coorg(Kodagu/Madikeri/Mercara).
We had done our reservations in Club Mahindra's Kodagu Valley resort six months back when we were in Pune. We didnt have a slightest idea that we would be going the serene place from Bangalore. We hired a car - I didnt want Manish to get tired while driving and not enjoy the place. Eva and Mummy were also excited.
Coorg is around 250 kms from Bangalore. So assuming that it would take 5 hours to reach, we decided to leave early so that Eva sleeps most of the time in car and we reach Madikeri without any hassles (and we avoid the traffic as well). We had instructed the driver to pick us from our place at around 6.30am.
We started at 7.15am from our place. Had home-made poha and bread-butter in the morning :). The traffic still could not avoided. When we reached the outskirts on Mysore road, we realised that the car was wobbling above 80kmph speed. We askedd the driver what was the problem. Initially he didnt speak up, but by that time, Manish had already figured out the problem (the fact that he is a such an expert at driving and knows all the minutest details of cars and alike). So he called up the travel agency's owner and asked him to get it repaired. The owner agreed to repair it in the next district on the way - Mandya.
We reached Mandya in around an hour. Got the problem fixed. Meanwhile we had a small break - had tea and Eva had a stroll. Then the journey continued - passed the city of Toys - ChennaPatana. The city boasts of toy shops - toys made of wood. We decided to buy toys for Eva while coming back. So we didnt stop on at this place. Then passed the sugar city - Maddur (not sure). Maddur is famous for its Maddur wadas. There is a famous Maddur Tiffanys restaurant - a MUST stop both ways. You get nice Maddur Special Wada with chutney here with good coffee. Well in south -india, you get good coffee everywhere.
Then passed Srirangapatana. Then finally we arrived at Kushalnagar from where Madikeri is just 35kms. There are three places at Kushalnagar which are a MUST visit.
1. Byllekuppe - it has the Buddhist Monastery. Its a beautiful temple. Its actually a training university for monks. Lot of animals in the parks(fenced). Got to see teeter, ducks, swans there. The temple is huge, with huge bells and tall idols of Buddha and his followers. When we reached this place, there was enchanting going on by around 200-odd monks. So it was very peaceful moment. Beautiful paintings in the temple and a great feeling sinking in- a very peaceful one. Felt like spending lot of time there.
Then there is a market outside the monastery. The shops have objects of interest - Feng Shui objects, and bells and tibetan dresses, toys to children. Dont miss to see the Om Bell there. If possible, buy one. Its a MUST buy.
2. Dubare Elephant Camp: This is near the monastery. You get to see lot of elephants here if you match their time. Timings are 8.30am to 10.30am. You have to cross the Kauvery river by boat and go the place.You can do all activities like bathing the elephant, ride ... Then, there is white water rafting also. This point is the pick up point- the point from where you start rafting. Plan your visit to the place accordingly - rafting will take almost half of your day.
3. Nisargdhama - Its a natural park - full of natural flora and fauna - lot of bamboo trees, monkeys, rabbit park and deer park. There is boating available here after December. It is at the banks of river Cauvery.
If you are running out of time, you can skip it.
Then we travelled to Madiker - the CM's resort. On the way we saw coffee plantations on both sides of the road. It was raining and foggy weather. The clouds were moving on the road. A beautiful scene!
Then we did the check-in formalities. It was 5pm by this time. We decided to call it off a day and moved into the apartment. It was a nice studio apartment with a small kitchenette and a balcony. Eva was all relaxed.
She didnt eat anything on the journey. So now, I cooked maggi for her and then a cup of milk. And then she dozed off to sleep. Mummy also decided to take rest. Me and Manish walked down to see the resort. Its a huge property with lot of greeenery and lot of activities to do. You can visit http://www.clubmahindra.com/ to find out more about them.
The next day we were a little late. We reached Dubare around 11am. We got to see only one elephant.From there we went to Nisargdhama. Then we came back to Madikeri and had our lunch. Then we went to see the local places -
1. Abbi Falls - A MUST visit again. Since it was rainy season, the falls was full of water. We were thrilled to see it and feel from near.
2. Omkareshwar temple - oldest temple there - around 800 yrs old.
3. Raja's seat - it has a toy train and a park with a valley view. When we visited this place, it was very foggy. So we could not see the valley. But its a nice maintained garden.
Next day, on our way back, we visited Mysore. Saw the Mysore Palace and bought Mysore Pak (delicious sweet) Then we bought toys for Eva, and stopped at Maddur for having wadas.
It was nice journey - a very memorable one - due to mystic beauty of Madikeri. Very untouched. Very uncommercialised. It a good experience overall.
Good bye for now and have a good day!
Take care,
Sweta
We had done our reservations in Club Mahindra's Kodagu Valley resort six months back when we were in Pune. We didnt have a slightest idea that we would be going the serene place from Bangalore. We hired a car - I didnt want Manish to get tired while driving and not enjoy the place. Eva and Mummy were also excited.
Coorg is around 250 kms from Bangalore. So assuming that it would take 5 hours to reach, we decided to leave early so that Eva sleeps most of the time in car and we reach Madikeri without any hassles (and we avoid the traffic as well). We had instructed the driver to pick us from our place at around 6.30am.
We started at 7.15am from our place. Had home-made poha and bread-butter in the morning :). The traffic still could not avoided. When we reached the outskirts on Mysore road, we realised that the car was wobbling above 80kmph speed. We askedd the driver what was the problem. Initially he didnt speak up, but by that time, Manish had already figured out the problem (the fact that he is a such an expert at driving and knows all the minutest details of cars and alike). So he called up the travel agency's owner and asked him to get it repaired. The owner agreed to repair it in the next district on the way - Mandya.
We reached Mandya in around an hour. Got the problem fixed. Meanwhile we had a small break - had tea and Eva had a stroll. Then the journey continued - passed the city of Toys - ChennaPatana. The city boasts of toy shops - toys made of wood. We decided to buy toys for Eva while coming back. So we didnt stop on at this place. Then passed the sugar city - Maddur (not sure). Maddur is famous for its Maddur wadas. There is a famous Maddur Tiffanys restaurant - a MUST stop both ways. You get nice Maddur Special Wada with chutney here with good coffee. Well in south -india, you get good coffee everywhere.
Then passed Srirangapatana. Then finally we arrived at Kushalnagar from where Madikeri is just 35kms. There are three places at Kushalnagar which are a MUST visit.
1. Byllekuppe - it has the Buddhist Monastery. Its a beautiful temple. Its actually a training university for monks. Lot of animals in the parks(fenced). Got to see teeter, ducks, swans there. The temple is huge, with huge bells and tall idols of Buddha and his followers. When we reached this place, there was enchanting going on by around 200-odd monks. So it was very peaceful moment. Beautiful paintings in the temple and a great feeling sinking in- a very peaceful one. Felt like spending lot of time there.
Then there is a market outside the monastery. The shops have objects of interest - Feng Shui objects, and bells and tibetan dresses, toys to children. Dont miss to see the Om Bell there. If possible, buy one. Its a MUST buy.
2. Dubare Elephant Camp: This is near the monastery. You get to see lot of elephants here if you match their time. Timings are 8.30am to 10.30am. You have to cross the Kauvery river by boat and go the place.You can do all activities like bathing the elephant, ride ... Then, there is white water rafting also. This point is the pick up point- the point from where you start rafting. Plan your visit to the place accordingly - rafting will take almost half of your day.
3. Nisargdhama - Its a natural park - full of natural flora and fauna - lot of bamboo trees, monkeys, rabbit park and deer park. There is boating available here after December. It is at the banks of river Cauvery.
If you are running out of time, you can skip it.
Then we travelled to Madiker - the CM's resort. On the way we saw coffee plantations on both sides of the road. It was raining and foggy weather. The clouds were moving on the road. A beautiful scene!
Then we did the check-in formalities. It was 5pm by this time. We decided to call it off a day and moved into the apartment. It was a nice studio apartment with a small kitchenette and a balcony. Eva was all relaxed.
She didnt eat anything on the journey. So now, I cooked maggi for her and then a cup of milk. And then she dozed off to sleep. Mummy also decided to take rest. Me and Manish walked down to see the resort. Its a huge property with lot of greeenery and lot of activities to do. You can visit http://www.clubmahindra.com/ to find out more about them.
The next day we were a little late. We reached Dubare around 11am. We got to see only one elephant.From there we went to Nisargdhama. Then we came back to Madikeri and had our lunch. Then we went to see the local places -
1. Abbi Falls - A MUST visit again. Since it was rainy season, the falls was full of water. We were thrilled to see it and feel from near.
2. Omkareshwar temple - oldest temple there - around 800 yrs old.
3. Raja's seat - it has a toy train and a park with a valley view. When we visited this place, it was very foggy. So we could not see the valley. But its a nice maintained garden.
Next day, on our way back, we visited Mysore. Saw the Mysore Palace and bought Mysore Pak (delicious sweet) Then we bought toys for Eva, and stopped at Maddur for having wadas.
It was nice journey - a very memorable one - due to mystic beauty of Madikeri. Very untouched. Very uncommercialised. It a good experience overall.
Good bye for now and have a good day!
Take care,
Sweta
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
