Bannerghatta National Park

This was probably the sixth time I was visiting the Bannerghatta National Park. But this time I felt that this place is really worth mentioning in my blog. It not only houses a plethora of animals but also some of the rarest species of birds. The biggest attraction here is "The Grand Safari" which includes safari for elephant, deer, black bear, lion and tiger.

Our plan was to leave the house by 10.00 in the morning, But as usual we were 1 hour late. We left at 11 and reached there by 12. Much to our surprise, it was compartively less crowded for a saturday morning. Probably all the Bangaloreans were travelling out of the city as it was the first long weekend of the year 2015. Immediately we took the ticket for the grand safari. It was around Rs 260 per head and that would also include the entry to the zoo.

This time, I could see a big difference in the development of the area around this place. It was full of shops, vendors and small eat outs. Also the area was well developed with lush green gardens and some fountains.

We entered the gate and immediately moved towards the safari queue. We immediately got the safari jeep and settled in the first seat. WOW.. thats the best place anyone could ask for.

All Happy to be on first seat in the safari jeep :)

As we moved through the hilly terrain through the forests, we spotted some deers, some elepants, one cute little baby elephant. Next we entered the Bear zone, followed by the Lion zone and finally the tiger zone. Below captured pictures explain the same.

The Tiger

Tiger trying to climb the tree

Deer

Black bear coming near our safari jeep

Another black bear hinding in the woods

Wild elephants

The security while entering these zones is really just amazing. When the jeep enters, the first gate opens. Then the first gate is closed and then only the second gate is opened. And finall once the jeep is out, the second gate closes.

The entire safari took around 45 mins. On the safari jeep, there was a ad about some neraby restuarent serving dosas. As soon as the safari ended, we went there to have dosa. It was okay, not really great. But there were hardly any food restuarents around, so that was our best option. I guess carrying food from home would have been a better option.

After that, we entered the zoo on the same ticket. Exploring the zoo was fun. They have a good variety of animals right from the White Peacock to the White Tiger. They also have some rare species of birds from Africa like Macau, Parrots, etc. It takes around 2-3 hours to explore the place.

Thats our little monkey sitting on elephant ;)

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There is also a butterfly park, but we did not visit that. I also read a board that read "Way to boating", thats something new here, I guess. But we were quite tired and hence chose not to go for it. For elder people, there is a eco-car facility given, which will take them through the entire park.

There is also a small amusement park outside, but after a whole tiring day, none of us were in a mood to go there, except Charvi who is always extra enthu on outings.

Overall it was a wonderful and fulfilling trip!!