As a middle class, middle aged person, many can relate to the value of vacation. How it helps manage the structured chaos at work, home and the invariable and precious little moments we make with our loved ones. Though as a parent, you hardly ever are off duty with your children, this time, we decided to tackle our little animals in the wild along with the actual ones. A family day in the wild, away from the noise…sort of. One way of doing that is by visiting a safari so I went ahead and booked one to have our first safari experience.
Key Information on Safari:
- Destination: Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
- Muthodi safari zone https://maps.app.goo.gl/BYgdncWsuUSuaSXk6
- Approximate distance from Bengaluru – 300 kms
- Safari starting point- Muthodi safari zone
- Ticket booking online – Costs Rs 600 per adult/ 200 per child (inclusive of safari + GST, camera charges as applicable and Aadhaar details are required to book
- Website to book: https://bhadratigerreserve.in/
- Day and time visited: Monday, morning 8 am slot (1.5 hours per safari), parking is free
Useful tips:
Ok, so obviously, one would have to stay the night before in and around Chikkamagaluru to be on time for this safari if choosing a morning slot or you can choose to take the evening slots. There are 2 in the morning and 2 in the evening.
There is an approximate 1 hr. or 30km drive from the main city areas and the safari starts on time so don’t be late. The road is single laned in some areas so be careful and honk in bends and plan properly to reach 10-15 mins before.
Safari Experience:
So the safari started sharp at 8 pm and we had some company in the jeep. The safari trail was as bumpy as one can imagine but at least there were no potholes!!
The jeep was a 3 rowed and virtually, completely open. A disadvantage is that it is loud but also ensures you don’t become a quick breakfast for the wonderful beasts
Animal Encounters:
Peacocks, plenty of them.. All of them were amazing to look at, dancing, singing, twinning, here is a glimpse.
I think deer dominate any wildlife safari, despite their shy nature, was still able to grab one through the lens
Indian Bison, again a common candidate, like a bull on steroids
Monitor Lizard, we were lucky to watch it undisturbed in its natural habitat.
Tigers? Not this time — but the excitement is always there.
What graced our presence throughout this trip is the lively river Bhadra.
We even managed to spot an owl, and a couple of other birds but the jeep was too loud to really capture them through the lens.
In Summary:
Traveling with family made the safari even more special. Sharing the silence of the forest, the excitement of every sighting, and the wonder in the eyes of our kids — this is the kind of day that stays with you. Until next time…travel when you can!!
Quick Tips 🗺️
Do’s
- Book your safari slot in advance via the site.
- Carry binoculars, a good zoom lens, and motion sickness meds for kids.
- Small snacks for kids as there are no shops around
Don’ts
- Be loud
- Litter
- Be late
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