Day 3 – June 26, 2011

As rains had marred all safari prospects last evening, four of us were up by 4:45, to check on the weather conditions. With the moon still watching over us, no signs of sun and a slight drizzle, we slowly walked to the safari gates to ascertain whether our hopes had been realised or had been soiled again. Safari was delayed by an hour, but we were to ride all the same. That piece of news thrilled us to the core. We carried back this information to the whole lot gathered at the veranda and readied ourselves for the big event.

7:00

We stood at Kisli gate of Kanha National Park. A beautiful green paradise lay inside. Rains had done the trick. The climate was moderated and made as pleasant as it could get. There was a white haze covering the trees. Tall Sal trees, held adoringly on the green carpet, and huge dense trees, covering large diameters in breadth and height, were picturesque to watch. It was a gorgeous undisturbed forest.

Kanha was lush green! As we made our way through the jungles, we were enthralled by the wild splendour spread for miles around. With trees of all sizes and types and colours, it made a fantastic home to a horde of wildlife. After having witnessed a dry golden brown Ranthambhore, we were delighted to have our eyes nourished with a rain rejuvenated green Kanha.

Crested Serpent Eagle sat on top of a branch that had arched on the road, cherishing the morning. A Gaur (Indian Bison) was busy making a breakfast out of the greens lying low on the ground. We spotted herds of Chital (the Spotted Deer) doing the task that they were expert at, when not sleeping, munching and munching and munching. The natural scenic environment enhanced their appearance even more.

We were in for an early surprise. The King of the kingdom that the forest stood guarding had been spotted somewhere lazing away inside. With two passengers and a mahout at a time, the magnificent elephants (domesticated), strolled inside and lead us to the star attraction of the forests. A charming male tiger was sleeping, when we arrived, with its white belly facing us. From the looks, it had devoured a sumptuous breakfast and was resting peacefully under the shade of huge trees. The increasing number of elephants was a minuscule cause of concern for sleeping beauty as it lay there, unperturbed. We hoped dearly that the tiger would for once look at us. But it had decided to reserve this rendezvous for a later occasion and continued its siesta. We were carted back to our jeeps. We thanked the elephants for the magnanimous ride and thrilling experience before proceeding ahead.

And that was my second date with the charming predator, another fleeting glimpse.

Kanha was a famous home of the lovely Barasingha or the Swamp Deer. Their numbers had significantly increased by the arduous revival efforts of the forest authorities. Kanha was a perfect outcome of the conservation measures taken up by the establishments and supported by the locals. The Barasinghas were a shade lighter and stronger than their cousins. Their named was a derivative of the twelve adeptly organized antlers that crowned their heads.

10:00

A peacock with its feathers carpeting down was perched upon a tree. It blended perfectly with its green backdrop. Vultures were spotted next on a leafless tree, drying their wings. Prey was in abundance here; a healthy sign portraying a hale and hearty forest.

An enthusiastic conversation with a fellow driver informed us about the sighting of a tiger ahead. Our driver cautiously drove us to the point of interest. A male tiger was dozing camouflaged by the dense shrubbery. Even after standing tip-toed on the jeep, we could only catch a momentary vision of it. Our digitally zoomed eyes could gather only an ear and some part of the upper body. It was resting undisturbed in the uninterrupted wild. We left quietly too. Once again, it was there but the camera purchased only for the beloved cat, could not capture it justifiably in its memory.

10:35

Riding on the return route, we came across the bison that we had crossed when we entered the park. Amazingly, it was still munching, just slightly deviated from the original spot where it was three hours ago. What a feat! To be standing at nearly the same position for three hours, head bent and jaws exercising continuously! No wonder it is, only when overpowered, the tiger’s most favourite delicacy. With the Indian Bison marking the start and finish line of our safari, we exited the park.

Our accommodation was so enticing that almost every one of us was reluctant leaving it, except the ones who had been deeply bothered by the snake affair last night. Once you have lived in the Jungle, you will always long for it and want to come back. It casts a charm on you binding your memory permanently to it. And we were no exception to that rule. A day’s stay in the park had been so overwhelming; it seemed as if we had lived there since eons.

After luncheon, at which no one spoke much, our packed bags were loaded in the three cars, which had transported us to this magical era. With heavy hearts we left the park premises with a promise of coming back. We had realised that Kanha was a huge area with abundant species of all kinds. Planning only two safaris was an injustice to the park and moreover to any wildlife enthusiast.

And so, we left one of the most desirable place to be inhabited on earth for one of the multitudes of the crowded cities – Jabalpur. We halted for snacks on the way near a vast lake with a dam capping it, treating our eyes to its scenic view. In the evening, as we waited at the Jabalpur station, we wonderingly stared at the trains that carted throngs of overflowing masses, tightly fit into its large slender body. A feat in itself.

(to be continued…)