drive through Bandipur and Mudumalai forest

The last time I visited Bandipur was in 2010 or 2011. I'd tagged along with Satish, Shoba and Shefali, stayed at one of the jungle resorts. The most memorable part of that trip was the nine hour trek through the forest covered slopes of Madhumalai hill range. At one point we (trek guide and I) were less than 10 kms from Ooty. Talking about Ooty, I'd never been there!

Feb 12, 2019
The destination of this journey was Ooty, not on vacation, heading to a site for inspection. We'd started from Bengaluru early, it was around 9-30 when we entered the forest area. The road was in good condition, ride was super smooth. Forest department boards welcomed travelers and cautioned them about dos and don'ts; respect wildlife, no stopping vehicles, no honking, no selfies, do not feed animals, and so on. Yes, people need to be reminded else they'll make this another shopping street.

Morning light cast long shadows across the road, oh what a sight!

Bandipur forest is popular for wildlife, especially elephants, bison, tigers and deer. With such a big forest, there are other easily noticeable creatures such as peacock, leopard, bear, monkeys, langur and so on. Hoping to see elephants, I was looking far into the jungle but there was a surprise.. a small shelter made of granite slabs. I requested our cab driver to stop to get a decent shot. If not for the forest boards, I would have gone closer to it.

Anyway, here's a cropped version of the picture. This stone structure has the looks of a prehistoric megalithic tomb, similar to the ones seen at Rajan-Kollur, Hire Benkal and Aihole. I've heard that such structures have been found across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and parts of Andhra Pradesh. This particular tomb must be 3' to 4' high, its capstone must be 6' diameter. Such an elegant looking thing it is. Hope the forest department continues to protect it. I wonder how many more are present in these forests.

A while later, a lone male elephant was sunning lazily. We slowed for a quick shot and moved on. Happy to have seen the handsome beast.

Next were a herd of deer grazing, not bothered about the passing traffic. They are used to the presence of vehicles. As a child, I'd seen and felt velvety deer horns and tough skin. Such lovely animals, what a sight they are.

Another herd was resting, probably they had had their morning meal already. All are grownup males, I think.

A lonely little one calling out for its mother.

Another herd of grownup males. The one leading has the longest horns, probably he's the leader of this group.

A young elephant shying away from the sight of humans and their dreadful machines.

By now, having traveled for an hour or so, we had entered Madhumalai forest. Saw plenty of deer and felt these weren't really wild deer.. on the verge of domestication. These two look like they are posing for a picture.

The last picture here was a grownup caught in an unpleasant act. I think this is a rainwater harvest pit and someone has dumped trash into it. The deer was trying to grab something, like a cow in our towns and cities. Sad isn't it.

I wish these animals move deeper into the jungle, away from human contact.
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