Chikmagalur

The safari started, on a bolero modded nicely for a jungle safari. My family and Mohan family were seated in the rear open cargo deck fitted with jump seats and others inside. The forest gates opened, and we are into the real forest for real. Except for the diesel clatter, everything else was on mute. Now I hear a feeble voice saying "Appa Chucha Vardhu" (translation : "Dad, I want to take a leak".) Leopard being my favourite animal, I wanted my son to learn his life lessons from characteristic of a leopard. But didn't expect him to start his lessons from marking the territory. With no other option, standing from the cargo deck he attended his nature's call thus marking his territory in that jungle. Relieved, we diverted our eye balls back into the bushes to spot the Cat. After a short ride, the bolero stops. The driver pointed his finger in to the woods. I swiftly placed the camera view finder infront of my eyes and index finger on the trigger, so that I don't miss even a millisecond of the leopard hunting the deer. Positioned like a pro wildlife photographer, my ears fetched the low voice of the driver telling " That treeu, it isu 300 years Oldu". Ooofff! All our mind voice uttered the same words "We didnt spend all the money and travel all the distance to see a 300 year old tree. Move on you useless guide". Again the Gypsy stopped. This time it was for a peacock. Mani Bhai commented "We have peacocks roaming around freely in my farm land, why the heck should I see it here ?" The diesel clatter continued.... And continued till we reached the forest office. And the rush to get into the gypsy by the next batch continued as it had happened for all these years.Read more