Even though the nights stay at Bandipur was way over budget it was definately one of the better decisions that we had made. As we arrived we were shown to our cottage type room and then we promptly set up camp next to the huge pool (our first in India). Though there were others with the same idea and we met a lovely couple from Essex. Jo made a great entrance to the poool when having been warned by one of the men that it was slippery she slid down the steps the minute later, grabbing the other man and nearly exposing him. I missed the photo opportunity but could hear the laughter from our cottage. After lunch we were to makie our first safari into the jungle.
Thundering along in a cattle style truck we were sure we wouldn't see anything with the sheer noise of the thing. However, we all got rather excited when we came across water buffalo, a barely visable leopard, wild dogs, monkeys, samba and a herd of elephants trying to charge us, we were all a little relieved we'd chosen the truck over the jeep at that point. Julie was almost gagged to stop her screams of excitement at the advancing elephants. Strangely enough our party consisted of a lovely Indian family (ones that didnt stare or take our picture, a novelty in India) the girls had met the previous day, ourselves and Mr and Mrs Essex who by this point everyone had thought made us a group of five. After the Safari we were greeted with dinner, bonfire and a very boring video about the activites of the Park.
Thundering along in a cattle style truck we were sure we wouldn't see anything with the sheer noise of the thing. However, we all got rather excited when we came across water buffalo, a barely visable leopard, wild dogs, monkeys, samba and a herd of elephants trying to charge us, we were all a little relieved we'd chosen the truck over the jeep at that point. Julie was almost gagged to stop her screams of excitement at the advancing elephants. Strangely enough our party consisted of a lovely Indian family (ones that didnt stare or take our picture, a novelty in India) the girls had met the previous day, ourselves and Mr and Mrs Essex who by this point everyone had thought made us a group of five. After the Safari we were greeted with dinner, bonfire and a very boring video about the activites of the Park.
Next morning we were up very early for the 6am safari. In no way were we again prepared for the extreme cold we faced (I bet its nothing like what your facing back home though). With our many bright layers and multi-coloured scarfs we certainly didnt look the safari going type. However, neither did the Essex's as they turned up a minute later in shorts and T-shirts something they were to pay for later. Again the five of us piled into the Safari jeep and set out in search of the elusive Tiger. An eager and well equipped Italian and Indian couple had already taken the first safari jeep. The temperature appeared to be in the minus (well probably) and little sightings were made in the first hour. The now shivering Englishmen were lent a scarf and blanket.
After spotting a horned Samba and a water buffalo our Safari came to a temporary stop 
after we suffered a puncture. Piling out into the jungle wasn't the safest part of our journey but within fifteen minutes they had us back on the road. Back to camp, then back to Mysore for the onward bus. A thoroughly great time, minus the fact that I left my DK book (our only guide book) there.
after we suffered a puncture. Piling out into the jungle wasn't the safest part of our journey but within fifteen minutes they had us back on the road. Back to camp, then back to Mysore for the onward bus. A thoroughly great time, minus the fact that I left my DK book (our only guide book) there.
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