14th Mar/Thurs: Kanha 2
I woke up at 05.00hrs to make my way from my bungalow to the main lodge for tea or coffee with biscuits, before proceeding to the meeting point for the morning safari tin the National Park. I was warned to watch out for snakes or insects on the path in the dark, but did not see any.
Kanha’s sal, the most common tree, and bamboo forests, rolling grasslands and meandering streams stretch over 940 sq.km in dramatic natural splendour. They form the core of the Kanha Tiger Reserve which was created in 1974 under Project Tiger. This is the original Kipling country of which he wrote so vividly in his Jungle Book.
A packed breakfast which comes from the lodge is served at a designated site and spread on the bonnet of the Safari vehicle. One can enjoy this in the wilderness before continuing the search for the elusive tiger. I did see one half hidden in the trees and bushes but actually I was seeing less tigers now than previously. At Corbett I saw at least one tiger on every safari trip. However in the afternoon 2 young but fully grown tigers were sighted lying on the track, but due to the many jeeps it was difficult to take a good shot.
Return from Safari around 11.30hrs. Freshen up, and lunch is served. Depart for afternoon jeep safari 14.30hrs. Return at 6pm from safari. Dinner and overnight at the Lodge.
Mango tree, langur monkeys, spotted deer, jackal, peacock, vulture, gaur.
