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Date of journey: 27/01/2008

Starting from: Bangalore

Destination: Bannerghatta

Crew: Maneesh, Lucky, Sujit, Deepika.

Bannerghatta National park was just 14 kms. from my place but still I haven’t been there, I don’t know why. But on one weekend we decided to go over there. We started in our bikes and had breakfast in a restaurant on the way to Bannerghatta. Bannerghatta National Park was established in the year 1971 and it covers around 104.27 sq.kms, which includes ten Reserve Forests of Anekal Range of the Bangalore Forest Division. Bannerghatta comprises the National Park, an Aquarium, a Zoo, Children’s park, Crocodile Farm, Snake park, Prehistoric animals park and a Museum. There was a ticket counter in the entrance and we took 4 tickets for the Grand Safari for Rs. 125 each. It was actually a bus safari, which took us to the forest, well I was expecting a jeep though. Initially we spotted some deers and monkeys and then later we found this Neelgai:

After that we found tigers, bears, lionesses, some inside the cage and some roaming freely. Check this out, this was the closest distance I have ever seen a tiger:

Then, we moved forward and spotted a lion and a lioness sitting together. They were relaxing in the bush and a treat to watch:

Then, after the safari we were dropped near the entrance of the park. There was an option of Elephant ride but no one in our group was interested. Also, Lucky was having a different opinion that riding the elephant is kind of exploitation. Well, that was the first time I heard something like that, I think even the Animal conservation guys will laugh when they hear that After that we went inside to see the caged animals in the zoo. We found many ducks eating the cabbage in a cage:

Check out this Grey Pelican:

We found many other birds including White peacock, Budgerigar, White Budgerigar, Lutiono Budgerigar, Great Pied Hornbill, The Indian Peacock, Spotted Munia, Golden Phesant, Grey Partridge, and Barn Owl. There were many bulletin boards just near the cages and I took all the info from there. That’s Budgerigar which is found in Australia:

Then, we saw many snakes including Russels Viper and The Indian Python. Check out this one:

Next, we saw a crocodile:

Then we saw Striped Hyena(Hyaena Hyaena)- Length is 5 ft. height about 3 ft. and weighs about 38.5 kgs. It is dog like build, massive head and fore-body, weak hindquarters. Colour varies from cream, buff or twang to grey. It is found in India, South Western Asia, and Northern Africa. It is nocturnal and abundant in open country than forests. It preys on sheep, goat and stray dogs sometimes on cattle. Cold weather season is the mating period. Gestation period is 3 months. Lives up to 23 years.

Next we found a strange creature Iguana- It is commonly found in South America and grows up to 52-59 inches with tail over 3 ft. long, both the body and the tail compressed. They live on trees, feed mainly on leaves, berries and other plant food. Lays 12 to 24 soft shelled eggs:

Now, that’s the one which I like: Leopard(Panthera pardus)- It is found in the most of the forests of India. It runs fast and it hunts different types of preys and climbs trees. It lives solitarily on its own and pair is seen during its mating season or in a growing family. It often carries its kill to the top of a tree and edges in branches to protect it from the scavengers. The female gives birth to over 5 cubs after a gestation period of 90 to 105 days. Cubs born blind, can able to see only after 10 days suckle up to 6 months, live with mother up to 2 years and female litters once in 2 years. Leopard is very deceptive and I wish to see this animal someday in the wild.

Then, we found 3 different sizes of the turtles kept in separate enclosures:

After that I took the video of this Langur hanging and playing with the rope:

We saw many other animals including Bonnet Macaque, Indian Porcupine, Hippopotamus, Zebra, Elephants, Jackal, and Jungle Cats etc. For more photos of Bannerghatta National Park, click here.

Then, we got our bikes and went back to my house to have the lunch. It was a nice few hours trip and I would recommend if you want to see some endangered animals from close by.
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