Jul 30, 2007 10:15 PM
9813 Views
Having stayed and been to almost all jungles and jungle lodges in India, I can clearly say that the Tiger Ranch is one of the best, in all aspects. For people who expect 5 Star services, rubberized roads and a business center with global access, let me make it clear that Bandipur/Tiger Ranch or any forest for that matter is not for you. What a jungle can offer you is Ruggedness, Wildlife, Serenity, and much more. I visited the Tiger Ranch in mid May 2007 and it was a great experience. The rates are very reasonable and the food is great. They serve both Veg and Non veg, and have staff that are friendly and an owner that’s even friendlier.
If you are looking to unwind, Tiger Ranch is definitely the place for it. I do not think you can just walk in and make a booking and it’s advisable to call and book before you visit. No point asking for discount, because at 750 Rs a day (Inclusive of 3 heavy meals) asking for a discount really sounds cheap. I frankly do not know if they change their rates according to season, as I have visited only twice, but the rates were consistent on both occasions I visited. The roads leading to Tiger Ranch are like any one would expect in a forest. Rugged yet travelable. We went to Tiger Ranch in a Zen, and an Icon and did not have any problems with ground clearance, flats or being bogged down.
The rooms are NOT made of re-cycled material like some one has posted comments about. They are made of bamboo; brick and coconut leaves with a tarpaulin’d roof and are very sturdy, very spacious, cozy and clean. The beds are good, and have mattresses, blankets and pillows on them. Power is turned on in the evening and switched off in the night by 10:00 pm. There is running water during this time. A fan is absolutely not necessary as its pretty cold year round in Bandipur. Basic necessities like soap and toothpaste and brushes (Just in case you forgot) can be bought at the reception. And yes the bathrooms are attached, but again as I previously said. Don’t expect a bath tub, rose petals and scented candles. A bucket, a mug, with plenty of water to bathe with will be available and the commodes are clean also. They provide lanterns during the night which is more than adequate. Don’t not be spooked by sounds at night as it would just be the bamboo branches rubbing on your roof as we found out for ourselves. We spotted a lot of deer early in the morning and even an elephant when we went for a walk. But again, always remember that no one can promise you an animal spotting, and that they do not live by our time table. But the best time to spot them is during the monsoon season and early in the morning or late in the evening.
If you do not know the way to Tiger Ranch, the best way to find it, is to simply stop and ask once you enter the Bandipur Reserve. The route is pretty straight forward, without many deviations. Stop at the Government guest house on the left a few km’s after you enter the reserve and ask if you are confused, because it’s highly unlikely you will see others on the way to the tiger ranch. The tiger ranch looks just the way it’s pictured on the website, and it’s situated in the midst of a thick bamboo grove, and its one of the best places to spot wildlife as there is a huge natural pond on the premises itself, with a few natural streams running around the periphery of the ranch, u really cant ask for more. They usually light a bonfire in the evening and you can sit around it and chat, and down a couple of beers. The caretaker who has been around for a very long long time and is a local, usually shines his torch into the bushes, which is your cue to keep eyes peeled and ears sharp for animals. I would recommend Tiger Ranch any day. It’s not commercialized like the other places and is a typical value for money resort. And I would suggest people who love nature and the wilderness to definitely stay at the Tiger Ranch. It’s not the place for people who need to hold their PDA’s 24/7, stay glued to TV’s and sleep with their inboxes. It’s a place to be in touch with nature and unwind.
Regards,
Zaheer David
