[nkrishnap]

This was being a back to back trips to the forest. The previous weekend was spent at BR Hills and this one at Nagarahole again.

Day 1: 16th February 2017

Started with my usual time at 2 am from home. After a brief stop at Maddur CCD for a Cappuccino, I reached Damankatte at 6 am. Since it was a weekday the safari started only by 6.30 am with just a single trip.

A few pics



























Post Safari, headed to the nearby small restaurant for breakfast and drove towards Veeranahosahalli and took the Nelikere route to reach Kutta. A quick stop over for tea and another 30 mins I reached Jungle Retreat Wayanad. Quickly settled into my cottage and relaxed post lunch.

I headed to the watch tower to enjoy the evening. There were spotted deer and peacocks in the farm.







In the meanwhile, Mano (caretaker at JRW) called me to inform that there is tusker near the resort a few 100 meters away from the farm. Me and Mano quickly headed out in the car and saw this massive tusker around 30 ft away from the road. A quick couple of snaps and we let the majestic tusker feed away without disturbance.





Came back to the resort and chilled out for the rest of the evening. A nice dinner was served and during dinner a tusker had entered the farm. He came to the waterhole, drank his fill and went on his way. Went back to my room, had a good rest.

[nkrishnap]

Day 2: 17th February 2017

It was pretty cold in the morning and the breeze was making it even colder. After about 30 mins went back to the room. Chilled out until 2 pm. I had spoken to JLR safari folks for a seat in the afternoon safari. With an affirmation, I headed out to the forest gate from Kutta.

A few pics from the safari.



























Post Safari returned back to the farm. Post tea, I wanted to go out again to just drive and enjoy in the forest. A couple of the guests in the farm too wanted to join for the drive. We drove till Kattikulam and while returning we spotted a tusker on the road. I stopped the car at a safe distance and was waiting for the giant to give way for us. In the meanwhile, the other guests who had come in my car freaked out completely and wanted to go back to the Kattikulam junction. I did not budge, knowing the giant would simply go on his way unless we disturb him. A good 10 mins later, the tusker went on its way and we went back to the resort.

A nice sumptuous dinner and I was off to bed.

[nkrishnap]

Day 3: 18th February 2017

I wanted to head for a morning safari at Nagarahole again. Off I went around 5.15 am and reached the forest gate by 5.50 am.

A few pics from the safari.















Post safari bought a few oranges and returned to the farm. Got ready, had breakfast and was ready to check out. Bid goodbye to the team there and was off towards Damankatte.

[nkrishnap]

Reached Damankatte post lunch. I was allotted a slot for the 2nd safari for the afternoon. How can we miss a wildcat in Nagarahole when you do 4 safaris.

Here we go.





































We returned to the Tiger tank and sloth bear appeared to drink water on a hot day.







Post safari, I shared a couple of pics in my whatsapp group and a couple of them wanted to join for a safari. I decided to drive to Hunsur and stay there for the night as getting a safari in Damankatte was next to impossible on a Sunday morning. Called Basil from JLR and blocked 4 seats for the safari the next morning.

[nkrishnap]

Day 4: 19th February 2017

My friends reached the hotel around 4 am. They refreshed themselves and we were off with a brief stop at the Caffe for a coffee.

We were off at 5.45 am from Veeranahosahalli. Entered the gate post making an entry and it was still dark at that time. A couple of kms post the gate, we had to stop as there a tigress on the road. Seeing the vehicle and blaring light it just ran away into the thicket. Not a bad start for the day Post that sighting no sign of any cats.

A few pics











































Post safari, we started our way back towards Bangalore. A brief stop for breakfast and we were off. Reached home after spending a good 3 days and a morning in the forests.

[Rehaan]

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