I have been traveling to ?Jungle Lodges? , a wildlife lodge/resort on the banks of the Kabini River, every year for the last 12 years. What appeals to me continuously about this place is not only the plentiful diversity of wildlife at it most natural splendor, but also the diligent and studious disposition of the staff that manages the entire system. Every person from this organization is as enthusiastic to participate on the safari experience as you might be.
To commence with the most essential aspect of a wildlife expedition, the safari itself, one will not be disappointed at all. The jungle is teeming with wildlife- the very, very elusive tigers, leopards, bears, elephants, wild boar, bison, wild dogs, varieties of deer, peacocks, jungle cats etc.
Spotting wild animals in their natural surroundings involves not only a lot of luck and keen eyesight, but also a tendency to be able to blend into the background as much as possible. On the safari, one is already traveling in a jeep- which involves the indispensable noise of the engine of a diesel vehicle, added to that a bunch of human beings dressed in bright colours and talking at the top of their voices, and nonetheless trying to spot these shy creatures, is like the proverbial needle in a hay stack sort of a situation.
These animals are to some extent accustomed to the noise of the engine, since they hear it every day of the year, year after year on every safari bound group. Since apparently this jungle was not privy to Veerappan?s beat (well secured against poaching), the animals probably feel relatively safe from jeep-traveling-explorers (since they rarely escape when confronted by one, provided the people on it are silent) and they seldom feel threatened by the noise and sights of the jeep. What they are frightened by, is the unusual sound of the human voice that travels way ahead and over the drone of the engine in a different pitch. Therefore talking about that last meal you had or what you think you saw a second ago etc, are a types of conversation, better left when you?re not in the jungle trying to spot an animal.
This jungle particularly is a haven for those serious wild life enthusiasts, because the entire scenario is perfectly arranged. The residing area is very clean and functional, not luxurious but good enough. The dining area is on the banks of the Kabini river on a small hill top in a ?Gol Ghar? with a thatched straw roof open on all sides. There are two safaris arranged for each group/family per day, and at the end of which by evening there are documentaries of wildlife shown. The sincerity and enthusiasm that this place has retained over the years is remarkable.
From my personal experience this January, we spotted a full grown male tiger, and followed it with binoculars for a full 25 minutes from where it majestically ambled across the jeep track 10 ft behind us, just once glancing back and then continuing at the same pace, till it reached a large water hole, and continued to drink with its eyes focused on us. This continued till it lay down for a while (probably after a full meal) and then after another drink of water walked further into the jungles out of sight. We could still track its movements by the calls of the birds/monkeys that have spotted it, till even that gradually faded away.
On every trip that I have made, have been extremely fortunate to see leopards and bears, elephants and the other wildlife, but this was the only time that the tiger gave its ?Darshan? for a full half hour. Infact on this trip, in two days we saw almost all the forms of wild life this jungle breeds.
For the last 25 yrs or so, this lodge has been run under the strict supervision of a Colonel Wakefield. A long retired army officer settled here after Independence, whom we had the pleasure of meeting a number of times. His involvement with animals, dedication to the interests of wildlife is probably the single strongest factor that maintains the experience that is ?Jungle Lodges?.
A suggestion here- if anybody is looking at this place to spend a honey moon outing or a relaxed holiday with noisy folks, please deter from traveling to Jungle Lodges. I don?t want to sound standoffish but there have been occasions when such groups cause a lot of disturbance and everybody?s chance of spotting anything is lost. It really is for those who get a thrill from staring eye to eye with a tiger, leaving one completely hypnotized. A rare feeling of being in a completely open jeep with no form of protection, with the most powerful creature in the jungle, 10 ft behind you, staring at you with a kind of regal arrogance.
The package is expensive but to have such an experience is definitely worth it!
PS: Do comment!