Bangalore Beat: Bannerghata Safari and Zoo

chillibreeze writer — KC Komal
(taken from Expat Newsletter: Bangalore Breeze)

Awesome! That was the kids’ verdict at the end of our day trip to Bannerghata zoo and wild animal park.

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It was with low expectations that I took the kids there, for Indian zoos are not known for either their habitats or their care of the animals. After the short drive from Bangalore we reached the zoo where a ticket agent listened to my anxious queries about the safari bus and then brusquely told me to take a private bus. For about Rs3000 we could skip the lines and have a bus all to ourselves, seeing the safari at our own pace. A dilapidated refurbished bus rolled up and then we set off, rattling and lurching over the dust tracks that criss-cross the park.

The park is set up with several Jurassic park like enclosures where rehabilitated and rescued animals from circuses and black marketers are treated and nursed back to health. In the herbivore safari, deer and antelope grazed calmly while our bus shuddered and wheezed its way past. The tiger safari was impressive enough as we gazed awestruck as tigers out-stared us and then looked away with the indifference only a cat can master. But the lion enclosure was a real thrill. We watched as several young lions sunbathing on a flat rock suddenly sat up, and the cocked their ears. As one, they suddenly raced off, around and past the bus, in the direction of a noise only they could hear. One padded along the bus for several minutes, close enough that we could smell the raw, pungent odor of a carnivore. Even the moats separating the enclosures held a hidden surprise, the holes in the brick walls held small, gently hooting owls which enchanted us just as much as the bears snuffling around their enclosure.

Outside, the zoo is functional and worth the walk through, although the monkey mafia that tries to intimidate the unwary into parting with their lunch was entertainment enough. Strollers are definitely recommended for little ones, and there is no food sold other than soda and potato chips. The crowds really start building up by noon, as does the heat, so try and make it there early so you can be headed home by lunch time. They will not allow plastic bags of any kind in the park so pack your picnic in recyclables.

 

My daughter thought this board hilarious!

(Bannerghata park is located 22 km south of Bangalore on Bannerghata road. The park opens by 9 am and includes the National Park and zoo, the safari, a picnic corner, crocodile farm, serpentarium, a Museum and a children’s play area.)

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Visit an 'evolving' article about One Day Tips and Weekend Trips for Bangalore Expats.

 

 

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—About our writer:

"KC refuses to limit herself to one label. Among the many hats she wears are: Full time mom, part time writer, teacher, chef, art collector, gardener, quilter and extremely good vacationer. She has lived in Northern California for close to 20 years and has spent most of those years stopping frequently to smell the roses and plant some lavender. After two decades in Silicon Valley her husband will be working from Bangalore. KC has two children, a 12 year old daughter and an 8 year old son.