It was quite some time I did a trip to the wilderness. With lots of haggling, one 2D - 1N trip was
approved. With a bit of research and
pondering, the place was decided.
It would be in the wilderness of Thirunelly.
Jungle Retreat Wayanad was chosen as the place to stay.
Click on the link to know more about this place.
With Vishwaroopam movie’s ban lifted, the movie was in the
‘to do’ list. Decided to get rid of this
from the pending list and booked a couple of tickets for myself and wifey for
Friday night 9.30 pm show in Mantri Square.
Day 1 – 9th February 2013
After the movie, drove off to my friend’s place, with an
hour of chit chat we started the trip at 2.30 am. The next point where we regroup was PES
College at 3 am. Goutham (Autocrat) was
already waiting near PES College. After
a quick regroup, it was time to hit the Bangalore – Mysore sector.
From here on, it was cruising on the Bangalore – Mysore 4
lane road, for once it was enjoyable with sparse traffic. However, the humps which come up overnight
did surprise us a couple of times. We
reached Hunsur at 6 am and stopped over at Caffe Coffee for a coffee break.
On the way to Nagarahole
Drove through Nagarahole National Park with the hope of
spotting a few animals. We did spot a
few deer, a crescent serpent eagle. No
tuskers or cats.
We cross the national park and headed towards the Irupu
Falls but not before a breakfast break at Kutta.
A quick visit to the falls and we were on the way to check
in to the cottages in Thirunelly.
Our Cottage
View from the Cottage
We headed for Nagarahole safari. It’s the same Canter safari. With the loads of clatter and rally type
driving, we salvaged spotting whatever possible. The rain added to the misery too.
We came back to the cottage in the rain. On the way back witnessed a Ford Ikon which
had flung off the bridge about an hour back. Luckily the people in the car
escaped with minor injuries.
As we were settling down to sip tea, A tusker lazily got in
to the farm. Myself and Goutham immediately rushed to the watch tower to get
closer view of the big tusker. He gave
us company for about an hour before we made our way back to the cottage. It was such a thrill experience having the
tusker a few feet away and we wait in the darkness. This has its own share of its risks though,
if the tusker decides to take down the watch tower, it can do at its will even
with the electric fencing.
The tuskers returned a bit later and stay there for a couple
of hours before making merry of the bamboo trees/flowers for the rest of the
night. We did hear a couple of alarm
calls, but nothing turned up in the farm though.
Day 2 – 10th February 2013
We had planned for the Tholpetty safari for the
morning. Hopped on the car and went ahead for the Tholpetty Safari. Did not
spot anything other than a lone elephant, few deer and langurs.
Early morning views on the way to Safari
Spotting from the safari
Morning view from the Cottage
Lineas enjoying the wilderness
Returning from the Safari, yours truly driving
the jeep.
Drove back via Mananthavady route towards
Bangalore. Spotted this mom and calf just after they
crossed the road.
Somewhere between Sultanbathery and Gundlupet.
We stopped near Gundlupet and loaded the boot
with vegetables and a coffee stop at the cafe coffee day in Gundlupet.
Mysore Palace from a different perspective.
The last break before the final leg of the journey
Last but not the least, the Tusker that gave company for the night at the resort.
PS: A big shout out to Goutham on helping me take good
photos and editing them. Thank you Goutham.
