It is always said that history always repeats itself that is what was in my mind when I decided to visit the Lion and Tiger Safari after almost 16 years, the last time being when I was 7 years old and my dad used to take me for a visit.This time it was my time to take my 4 years little niece to the same place where I first came face to face with the nature.
The Tiger and Lion Safari at the National Park is for all the nature enthusiastic people who want to see the wild animal in Mumbai city itself. To start with the Safari is closed on Monday while on Saturday and Sunday you will have to test your patience in the long almost tiring Que. I visited the place because my little niece wanted to see the animals and although I was reluctant to go as it was the month of March and sun was in full shine and was smiling on us at the time.But still my little princess was excited to go and so I finally decided to take her.
As for the Park, the entrance to the park is from Western Express Highway near Borivali and the Entrance fee is 20 rupees for adults and if you have a Bike then 15 rupees for Bike and 20 for Car.The Park is well maintained but there is almost no Food stall inside so it is advisable for all to carry some food or atleast water with them inside. The lion and Tiger safari is a little bit inside the park so be ready to walk some distance if you do not have your personal vehicle.
The ticket for Safari is 30 rupees for the Adults and the worst part is there is just one bus and it does not leave till there are atleast 15 people for the trip.The safari is for 20 mins in their buses which are quite cramped but still not that bad as for 20 mins it is quite bearable.
Now starts the real fun, The safari I remember with my dad was one in the buses where we saw the King and the Tiger in the wild roaming around on their planet with Swagger.But after 16 years things change., Well the first thing is the definition of the word Safari which I guess the Park officials are not well verse with.Safari is actually one ride where you see wild animals roaming around here and there in there natural habitat but here it was a ride in the Zoo in well shielded bus.There were 2 tigers in adjoining cages and one lion in a cage.All were busy sleeping for which I dont blame the poor animals as they have nothing to do in the cage rather than laze around. I still do not know why were we kept in the buses if the animals were in the cages.There was one white tiger which was majestic and beautiful but alas we were not able to go near to click some picture of that King.When I asked the bus driver why were they kept in cages he replied saying if they were not in cages then we wont be able to see any animal.I was frustrated at him as I was waiting to see the Kings of Jungle in the natural avatar in their world. But later I realized that I was expecting too much.
The safari is in a place which is shrinking day by day due to encroaching creature called Humans and to some extent the park officials are having their hands tied due to this as if kept open these Cats land in places where human settlements are there and all problems start thereafter.Later I realized that I did not go there just for myself but for niece who was all amused and so happy seeing those animals that she could not stop smiling,
That is what the Safari is today.It just for small kids or may be some adults who want to see the big Cats lie lazing around in cages and without all their strength and might. But I am not complaining much as my Safari was with my niece who enjoyed the day thoroughly.