Bandipur June 2012 Edition - Episode 2

With nothing much to visit around as we had already visited the places in Ooty, we were lazy to get up early and get ready. At around 9 am we were able to pull ourselves up and get ready to visit Dodda Betta. The reason is a nice drive on the twisties up to the spot.

A view from Dodda Betta

Just after the Sigur Ghats

We stop to give way to the spotted deer. Remember we were in their territory. But the Hyundai Accent in the pic does not think so. He simply drives without stopping. Felt really terrible with this attitude towards the animals.

We wait at the Safari counter for the Safari Jeep to pick us up.  While waiting we got to see the trained elephants near the camp at the forest office.

Where is my quota?

Another young one which belongs to the camp with tusks.

3 Birdies

Two more a little further away from the 3 birdies.

Spotted Deer, seems to be a bit old

A tortoise in one of the water hole which would dry up soon.

At another water hole

We move further with little action until we spot an Indian Gaur which seems very jittery.

The reason, it was attacked by a leopard or a tiger. The former seems more like the attacker. The Gaur was big, it managed to escape but not without injuries.

We next spot a barking deer one side of a big water hole.

A herd at the other side of the water hole where there was fresh grass growth

A video of the herd grazing.  Sorry about the shake. It was difficult to shoot pics and the video.

Serpant Eagle

We move on, in a few mins, spot another elephant herd.

An owl. The guide mentioned that this one was endangered.

With 6 pm soon approaching we start back towards the forest office. But I persuade the guide the route towards Hulikatte region. The effort did not go waste. We spotted a Leopard enjoying its kill behind the thicket. Buy the time I focus the camera, the leopard disappeared in to the thicket.

Returned back to the forest office again with loads of action on the Safari.

The return journey was smooth and reached Bangalore and hit the sack for a well deserved rest.

The itch to go back on a safari in Bandipur has already began.