Jul 13, 2009 10:31 AM
7826 Views
(Updated Jul 13, 2009 01:19 PM)
Me & my wife had planned for one night stay in the Jungle Lodges Bannergatta National Parkon Saturday 11-Jul-09. We had booked the Log Hut( Rs 2000/- per head) and the booking was online.
The travel to BNP was pretty much OK. We had decided to take the BMTC Volvo and not to drive so that we don't have to worry of navigating the traffic on outer ring road & Bannergatta road. I had started from Whitefield. So had to travel thru the busy roads- Outer ring road( Construction of Flyover in Sarjapur Signal cross & Agra Signal), then the BTM Bannergatta road( Road works in Bilekahalli near IIMB).
We reached the camp by 11.00 AM. We were taken to the camp in their Jeep and on the way to the resort we sighted few spotted deer's & sambar. On entry to the resort, Mr. Kumar, the manager welcomed us, completed the check in process and explained the plan.
The Resort: The resort is in the midst of forest and full greenery every where. In front of the resort we could see a lake but couldn't go there for safety reasons. The resort has 2 log huts, few tents & dormitory. There is a separate dining area. We saw and could even play with couple of deer's, that were inside the resort. After sunset we could see lot of deer's; samba; bucks etc. returning back to their places. Our room was adjacent to their path and could see them very closely. Even we had the chance to touch them and take photos in close range. While coming from the lunch we could spot a bison near the resort gate. It was so big that it could cover the gate comfortably. But I feel they are scared to get inside as it didn't even try to push the gate.
Rooms: We had booked the Log hut, completely made of coconut logs. The initial impression itself was really good. neatly laid beds, arranged tables & chairs sufficient lights & fans. Also there was an AC, but we didn't use it. The bathroom was neat and dry and was fitted with geyser. The room had sufficient ventilation & for air and natural light to flow in. The room had a balcony where we could sit & watch the animals roaming outside.
Dining: The food is served in Buffet style. Food is included in the package. the package starts with Lunch on day 1 and ends with breakfast on day two. The food was average. Cannot call it excellent. Lunch & dinner had one non veg dish; couple of veg dish; chappati/phulka; 2 rice variety & deserts. Break fast was good.
Safari: we were taken to the safari in their vehicle and could see few bears; tiger; white tiger; couple of lions etc. As a first timer to safari this was a wonderful experience for me. I cannot compare this with other safari's as I have not experienced it. The driver will stop the bus, so that we get a clear view and also take photographs. A visit to the butterfly park is included in the safari. Its worth seeing once as it gives you a different experience.
Nature walk: The nature walk is scheduled for second day morning. We stated @ 7.00 AM in the morning and came back by 8.30 Am. Covered around 2-3 Km I guess. There were three guides along with us and they explained about various animal habits; trees etc. on the way. We could also spot few deers & balck bucks during the walk. On our way back we were dropped to the Zoo and there the package ends. The zoo was not so impressive compared to some other zoos I had seen.
Caution: Beware of Monkeys. They are everywhere and could spoil your holiday of you are not careful.
Negatives:
- There were construction going on in the resort. The sounds from the constriction site was disturbing as it breaks the silence of the forest
.2. Power: There was occasional power outages. But considering the place where we are we need to excuse them for it
- The resort could have been made more attractive with a good landscaping; artificial lake or water fall; few ducks & swans; rabbits etc.
Over all its a good trip for a quick relaxing from the busy city life. Planning to visit again after the construction is over so that I can enjoy the forest better.
