Bannerghata National Park
It's hard to believe that a bustling city like Bangalore could actually be home to a national park. Tucked in the hills, a mere 25kms south of Bangalore, is an interesting park called Bannerghata National Park (which takes its name from the village it surrounds).
The road (if one can call it that) leading up to the park is riddled with pot holes, some large enough to be classified as pot pits. It's dusty, crowded and has i-n-f-r-a-s-t-r-u-c-t-u-r-e written all over it. If you want to put a car or its driver to test, bring 'em to Bannerghata Road. A part of me actually enjoyed the bumpy ride. After all, what better way to get you into the mood for a jungle safari.
A jungle safari is the park's claim to fame. After you hop aboard the safari bus, the hour-long trip takes you through the wild territory of lions, tigers, bears, gaurs, and deer. It is a treat to watch the big cats in their natural habitat, from a safe distance, omfortably ensconced in a heavily grilled bus. Incidentally, the jungle road was in much better repair than the Bannergahata Road.
For those who haven't had their fill of wild animals, there's a zoo which includes a crocodile park, a snake farm, and the other obligatory zoo creatures (elephants, zebras, and the likes). Also, there's a butterfly park which is currently under construction.
A quick, undulating spin on the back of an elephant can be had for a small fee. There are hikes too, but we didn't have the time to do all of that. Apparently, the park also has some jungle lodges for folks who want be really close to nature.
Not a shabby spot for a weekend outing for the family.
The road (if one can call it that) leading up to the park is riddled with pot holes, some large enough to be classified as pot pits. It's dusty, crowded and has i-n-f-r-a-s-t-r-u-c-t-u-r-e written all over it. If you want to put a car or its driver to test, bring 'em to Bannerghata Road. A part of me actually enjoyed the bumpy ride. After all, what better way to get you into the mood for a jungle safari.
A jungle safari is the park's claim to fame. After you hop aboard the safari bus, the hour-long trip takes you through the wild territory of lions, tigers, bears, gaurs, and deer. It is a treat to watch the big cats in their natural habitat, from a safe distance, omfortably ensconced in a heavily grilled bus. Incidentally, the jungle road was in much better repair than the Bannergahata Road.
For those who haven't had their fill of wild animals, there's a zoo which includes a crocodile park, a snake farm, and the other obligatory zoo creatures (elephants, zebras, and the likes). Also, there's a butterfly park which is currently under construction.
A quick, undulating spin on the back of an elephant can be had for a small fee. There are hikes too, but we didn't have the time to do all of that. Apparently, the park also has some jungle lodges for folks who want be really close to nature.
Not a shabby spot for a weekend outing for the family.
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