“Zara jaldi chalo” (Please hurry up) we said to our driver as we couldn’t afford to miss the safari that was to begin at 3pm sharp. We were excited partly because we were to embark on a safari ride and partly because it was our first day of the honeymoon. After all the sightseeing, we were ready for the new adventure. We reached the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve half an hour before the scheduled time. The complete name of this forest is The Mudumalai National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary and it is located in the southern part of India. We reserved our tickets and while waiting for the safari to begin, I got a cute companion.
My encounter with a monkey at the entrance of the Mudumalai Forest
My companion for a short while
This red-faced cute friend gave me company till our van arrived. It was nice since we don’t get to enjoy such company in the cities. Moreover, I have some extra fascination with these cute monkeys ever since I read about the famous experiment by the American psychologist H.F.Harlow, where a monkey preferred a warm touch more than nutrition.
An enchanting forest safari in the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, India
When our van arrived, I got all the more excited after seeing the logo on it.
Just a picture of this guy was enough to excite me.
I told Siddhartha (my better half) “Be prepared. Tigers are going to come anytime! ”
The purpose of life is to live it, to experience it to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer journeys.
We managed to sit in the front seat in the van in an attempt to savor all the incredible sights to come on our way. Our journey began.
To dwellers in a wood, almost every species of tree has its voice as well as its feature.
Meeting the national bird of India
The very first thing that we encountered was the national bird of India. Any guess?
It is not an everyday affair to see a peacock in a forest. It was a special moment for me.
You got it right! It was a beautiful peacock.
Encounter with a group of elephants
As we headed deep in the forest we saw elephants. I was moved by the way the group of three adult elephants was protecting the baby elephant.
The center of attraction was that small baby elephant.
Travel Realizations
Along the way, all of us in the van developed a bonding inside the woods. Although our languages were different, each one of us was alerting others whenever we found something, somewhere, anywhere! Our language was emotions and excitement. It was fun to be able to recognize the new language; a common language that we all relate to.
Along the way, all of us in the van developed a bonding inside the woods. Although our languages were different, each one of us was alerting others whenever we found something, somewhere, anywhere! Our language was emotions and… Click To Tweet
Encounter with deer
Our next encounter was with the deer. This white dotted animal against the green backdrop looked vibrant.
Nature in any form is beautiful.
Can you identify the reindeer hiding behind the bush? Antlers of the reindeer make a camouflage with stems of the trees.
A guy with antlers is hiding behind the bushes.
Time to bid farewell to all
How the safari time passed by, we had no clue. It was time for bidding a farewell to all of them. To our surprise we once again met another group of elephants just before our return. We could not see a tiger, although Mudumalai is a tiger reserve. Later on we realized, 3pm was not a good time to see a tiger. Perhaps it’s their rest time. The whole experience of seeing these animals roaming free in a natural habitat was a memorable one. In the end, I don’t have any regrets since we encountered a tiger, the very next day of our trip to Avalanche forest.
The whole experience of seeing these animals roaming free in a natural habitat was a memorable one. Click To Tweet
List of articles on Indian forests
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
- Bandhavgarh National Park in India
- Kaziranga Forest, India – A world heritage site
- A list of India’s top 4 forests to go for a wildlife safari
Since you love forests, I assume you love adventure too! Here is a real story of an adventure.
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Anto Selvakumar
Mudumalai Tiger Reserve is a beautiful forest, I use to travel every year, due this pandemic we missed this year. When I read this article I remembered my visit and the beautiful drive through forest area. We drive from Guddalore to Bandipur I enjoy this ride. I enjoyed reading this article, before boarding the safari vehicle we will visit the musium beside the safari ticket counter you will know what all species was there. After safari we will go to Theppakullam Elephant feed centre where you can see Kumar’s. I love to read your article more and more on forest safari. Thanks.