Tring, Tring! Tring, Tring! I picked up the phone while I was half asleep. A voice from the other side told “Madam, this is your wake up call. Our jeep is ready and we will start sharp at 4 am”. Within seconds my sleepy and indolent body charged up. Out of curiosity, I looked outside our room in the government lodge of Bandhavgarh national park and I could see nothing; literally nothing! It was a dark moonless night. The dark in the woods was a welcome break from the never ending city lights. We hurried up and walked briskly to reach to the spot from where our forest safari in Bandhavgarh would begin.
The dark in the woods was a welcome break from the never ending city lights. Click To Tweet
On our way to the Bandhavgarh national park
We didn’t have to wait long. We quickly got into the jeep and started our safari at 4.10 am. While sitting inside the jeep I could hear the sound of the tires against the muddy road. Although I could not see much, but still tree stems seemed black against the bluish-charcoal sky much like the wood paintings. I was wondering even if there was a moon that night, its silvery ray would not have penetrated through the dense canopy above. The blackness in the woods is an experience in itself. But slowly and steadily, the black night was retiring. A crimson dawn was creeping in. I saw a beautiful woodpecker sitting on a leafless tree. I quickly framed it and then we entered into the woods.
The blackness in the woods is an experience in itself. Click To Tweet
A woodpecker
Woods are lonely, dark and deep
Forest safari in Bandhavgarh
We were greeted by several forest sounds. Sometimes a melodious bird song, sometimes just a small tweet or sometimes some unique calls from unknown animals.
A singing bird
On one such call, our guide told us “He is around”. Unknowingly, our eyes bulged wider. We quickly exchanged glances and sat quietly. After a short while, our guide pointed to the sand at the side of our jeep. We looked down and found the paw print of one of the tigers. It was a scary moment of excitement, and happiness.
We looked down and found the paw print of one of the tigers. It was a scary moment of excitement, and happiness Click To Tweet
Paw prints of a tiger
We waited, but the call seemed illusive. We still hadn’t met the royal majesty, instead we encountered a wild pig.
A wild pig inside Bandhavgarh National Park
Dancing Peacock
One of the memorable moments in the forest was when I witnessed a dancing peacock.
One of the memorable moments in the forest was when I witnessed a dancing peacock. Click To TweetA beautiful peacock was dancing amidst the bright greens of the forest. I felt as if they were celebrating freedom and happiness. I silently filmed all the dancing peacocks to replay it to my heart’s content in the future.
A beautiful peacock was dancing amidst the bright greens of the forest. I felt as if they were celebrating freedom and happiness. #Travel #Nature Click To TweetVideo tip – You will hear peacock sounds at the beginning of the video
Tea break
We halted in an open field for some time to stretch our legs and hands. We had some hot tea prepared by the forest guards. Hot tea was a welcome break to combat the cold. I asked the forest guard driving along with us for a photograph, and he agreed.
Our forest guard
Black faced langur monkey
After 15 minutes or so, we started again. One black-faced langur monkey blew me away. I admired his personality. I almost felt he was observing us quietly.
Black faced langur in Bandhavgarh
Similar articles from Travel Realizations
Thinking of doing a forest safari in India? Which forest do you want to visit?
Here is a list of articles on some other enchanting forests in India. One of them may help you to decide on your next adventure.
- Avalanche Forest, India
- Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, India
- Kaziranga Forest, India – A world heritage site
- A list of India’s top 4 forests to go for a wildlife safari
India, one of the greatest players in history is a land of variety. Steeped in history, deep-rooted cultures, and diverse landscapes, India offers a painter’s palette to its visitors. Check out a varied 2 week India itinerary, if you are planning a trip.
Since you love forests, I assume you love adventure too! Here is a real story of an adventure.
If you want to visit a charming city in Madhya Pradesh, India then plan a trip to Gwalior.
Elephant and deer
Next we met the big and strong guy – the elephant followed by a group of deer.
The big and the strong guy
A group of contemplating deer
Travel Realizations
I expected to shake my hand with the royal majesty, but could not. I thought I would take an appointment whenever I will visit this forest next time. But honestly, I don’t have any regrets. It was a wonderful jeep safari and I enjoyed each and every moment of it. At the end just before bidding farewell, we saw some beautiful birds in different colors. I salute nature for its diversity. Sometimes it is snow white, sometimes it is green, sometimes blue and at times amazingly vibrant.
Adieu
Our safari ended, but the inspiring moments produced the germ of desire to go for such safaris more often.
Bye Bandhavgarh
Get my latest articles in your inbox and join 10,000+ other subscribers!
If you enjoyed reading this article, spread the love!
Pin It!
Traveldiaries
Very well written, an inspiration to visit Bandhavgarh sometime soon….
Chirasree Banerjee
Thank you so much Traveldiaries. Appreciation always inspires.