January, 2023
The Leopard Of Bandipur
If one truly examines the countless little things provided to us by the ever- giving forests and nature, we learn that mother Nature never fails to amaze. Only when one completely offers himself in entirety, and falls into the warm laps of the wild, it is then can he embark a true journey of life and learning. Karnataka’s Bandipura is no less than a magical wonder for any wildlife enthusiast, wanting a soulful experience in the forests, and we at MASTODON SOLSTEIN aid you into having a rich wildlife journey.
The dense flora and fauna of Bandipur attracts a free spirited vibe into the air of the place, which seems refreshing as one enters in. The climate, not to mention, becomes chilly, once we enter in the National Park, considering the richness of the floral variety to cool the already surreal weather of Karnataka. The vivid atmosphere of this heaven, surely does captivate our thoughts and is quick to spark instant emotional connections with the forests. The speciality of the forests in the south, lies in its exclusivity. Every aspect of the jungle is unique and strikingly different in its own particular way, shouting out to its admirers, a sense of individualism. The smallest of the small elements like the hints of grass, the notes of earth filled with soft mud and everything else that follows, preach a distinct scent which still lingers in all of our memories.
To kickstart, Our group at Mastodon, set out for this 2 nights 3 days trip to Bandipur, from the city of Chennai and reached Mysore at mid night. As the journey unfurled, the experiences seemed to get unreal, and we arrived at our final destination of the Bandipur National Park, the natural bliss at around 12.30 in the noon. Owing to the many exceptional stories we had already heard of this place, we were eager to explore into every realm of this Southern beauty.
Soon as we reached the resorts, we were already excited for the safari which is why we started our first safari almost immediately. The afternoon sun shone bright and it was almost losing its power as the day was about to die down. Just in the horizon, the several shades of sun gleamed and glistened, as though symbolising how the lands of Bandipur is a true testimony of rejoiced hope and faith. But this was not all. Just as were applauding the sun and his might, Nature yet again, proved its beauty, as it started to rain, later that noon. The clouds cried out in joy as of they quenched the thirst of the earth and the tiny rain drops got bigger and better.
If on one side, we missed out on the amazing sightings from the safari, we could not have asked for a better spoilsport than the rains. It rained heavily, and the million drops of rain settled like sparkling diamond jewellery on the palms of these colourful leaves. It felt like a divinely plot of the heavens, to have created such a picturesque moment. Oh, what a visual treat it was!!! Our second day in Bandipur, had humble and hopeful beginnings at 5am in the morning. We set out for our second safari at around 6.15am, as we reckoned to have better sightings and not to mention, mother nature didn’t disappoint.
The forests of Bandipur is a standing witness for all the nature’s wonders. It has seen the roars of the kings, cries of the mighty and the battles of the best beasts for the ultimate survival of the fittest. Amongst all the spectacles the forest has seen, this ultimate predator, the spotted cat is one of the finest. Yes, we are talking about the Indian Leopardess.
Around fifteen minutes into our second safari, we were extremely fortunate enough to have spotted this wild cat, so early on in our journey. As one might be already aware, leopards are excellent climbers and mostly spend most of their time on the trunks of trees, having a panoramic view of the entire forest, while it is incumbent until it finds its next kill. The leopard, initially was spotted resting comfortably on a small branch, behind the warm embrace of what seems like an ancient tree. He remains unimaginably stable and seemed to have set his eye on his prey and is focusing on his kill while everything else in the background seem to blur out for him. The eyes gets bigger every minute, reflecting how much he wants the kill. It all seems clear in his head, of what he wants, but more vitally, how badly he wants this. He was ready. So were we.
The leopard knew what’s at stake. He leaped down from the comforts of the tree and his eyes is still set on his prize, a feisty lunch. These ambush predators can jump twenty feet at once, but they never drop their guards while hunting. They know their capabilities in the kill and how the prey is too far from surviving their vicious hungry claws, yet they don’t take this for granted. For the leopards, their first instinct is hiding. They hide in their defence and also before attacks. Hence, this wise, watchful leopard of Bandipurtoo, carves his hiding space and disappears in the mosaic of the swamp and the bushes, before the actual battle begins.
The ultimate hunter eventually wins, While the innocent deer, sacrificed her dear life as she was completely indifferent and unaware of this possible peril, also keeping alive the true essence of the food chain. The leopard’s mission has been achieved as he feasts on the juicy flesh of his kill, a much deserved victory. The picture gives out powerful messages about strength and valour, as the eyes of the leopard is still firmly set on the other possible dangers creeping around. This goes to prove the intensity of survival in the forests and what costs it is received. The leopards aren’t on the top of the food chain for mere reasons. The series of pictures prove why the wild cats are on top of the survival chain and more so, why they deserve to be there.
After being stunned spectators of this merciless kill, we were almost immediately content. Walking into the safari as guileless, candid lovers of wild, we knew we were lucky to have witnessed this rarity. This sighting lasted for around fifty minutes and it was frankly magical as to how it had conveyed the entire gist of life in such limited time. We could not have asked for more and hence we thanked our stars as we wrapped up the safari a few hours later.
At the end of the day, the spirits of the wild is restored when it is able to convey strong life lessons without even having to speak. Here’s where, silence speaks and it needs no language or words for the others to comprehend it. It sees no background and has no discrimination of races. In the eyes of the forests, everyone is a student, everyone is a learner. It teaches us the most important task of life- survival. And there is no space for illusions, reality vibrantly resonates in the wilds of Bandipur and the impact it creates, is simply humongous. The most significant feature of the jungle is how it inspires everyone who enters in, in various walks of life. The forest silently inspires living, it births new art, novel ideas and it deeply touches every one of our lives and how! The whole idea of this safari was a massive success as it taught us to LIVE, while many are still existing.
Mastodon Solstein - being adventurous or being adventures? YOU CHOOSE.
