Just as our first day’s safari was an exhilarating one, we were in for more surprises on the second day of our safari. Since our children had a thoroughly exhilarating experience at the pool on the day before, they were too exhausted to wake up for the morning Bird Watching Walk. This was in spite of my son wanting to be an ornithologist for the past three years after seeing albatrosses in Kaikoura during our whale watching trip.
We were up early morning and chose to take walk around the neighbouring bushes and trees rather than on the riverbanks. A thoroughly satisfying experience I must say, with so many birds of varying hues and charming chirps.
Red-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer)
The best part the bird watching is the benefit of sharpening your auditory senses, as you would often hear a bird before you spot it.
Blue-bearded Bee-eater (Nyctyornis athertoni)
For a person coming from outside of India, the rich flora and fauna of the land is quite a unique experience besides the wide range of birds and insects. This was also an observation by Carolyn from Canada who joined us for the morning walk.
The second day’s safari was on the boat. I was anticipating a lot of bird sightings and sure enough we did spot a number of them.
Brahminy Kite (Haliastur indus)
Cranes, Brahminy Kite, Fish Eagle and two species of the lovely Kingfisher with its turquoise blue colour.
Grey-headed Fish Eagle (Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus)
White-throated Kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis)
It came as a pleasant surprise to me that our naturalist was able to spot a leopard on the second day as well.
Leopard (Panthera pardus)
Strike gold! Two major sightings on two consecutive days. This really must be a forbearer of good luck in future. While I did not have the opportunity to flex my trigger-happy fingers on my canon D20, it was a sighting for which I pay my deepest respects to the sharp eyes of Mr. Rajneesh Pradhan, our naturalist. Kudos to him! As we proceeded, we also spotted a wild boar on the way and a crocodile in the river. I must say that these two days are going to remain etched in our memories for a long time to come.
I think it is only fair that besides the wonderful time in the forest, due appreciation must be paid to the resort and its lovely facilities. I believe that they truly deserve the three World Travel Awards they have won.
Orange County, Kabini
The kids thoroughly enjoyed at the pool. Meenakshi was such a sweet little thing. The kids and adults alike missed bathing her in the river. She gave me nostalgic memories of an elephant safari in Mudumalai when I was my son’s age.
Ride on Meenakshi, the resort elephant
I had ample time to unwind at the Vaidyasala and had a relaxing oil massage. What impressed me immensely was how the resort efficiently and creatively blended modern amenities with the local Kuruba style of architecture in a well-maintained, clean environment. For lovers of freshly brewed coffee, the Ramapuram estate coffee in your room is highly recommended.
This entry was posted
on Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010 at 4:00 pm and is filed under Birds, Herbivores, Predators.
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