Bannerghatta Nature Camp – Bannerghatta

The Bannerghatta Nature Camp is a surprise. Just on the outskirts of a bustling city like Bangalore with its flyovers and late nights and chaotic traffic lies 25,000 acres of carefully preserved jungle. For children and the child in you, it’s an amazing storybook destination brought to life. Bannerghatta has been used as a rehabilitation facility for tigers and lions rescued from circuses. The biggest of its kind, this facility has opened opportunities for India’s first Lion and Tiger Safari. With enclosures that recreate their natural habitat, seeing a giant cat up close, with just the safety of the jeep separating you and the beast, resonates to a very deep part of you.

Bannerghatta National Park is where you should head out when you’ve had enough of the city and would like to get up close with the wild. It has to be seen to be believed. Just about 25 km away from Bangalore and with a treasure trove of wildlife including bears, wild elephants, deer, porcupines, bonnet macaques and a vibrant mix of bird species: it awakens you to the fact that there’s more to life than the usual rat race.

After you’ve met the animals in their enclosures, you can take a guided nature trek to the herbivore area of the park. One of the Asia’s largest butterfly park is also within the Bannerghatta National Park precincts. After a good trek, there’s nothing like really good food. The Gol Ghar, in typical JLR style serves up a wonderful spread of both non-vegetarian and vegetarian delights. Though local cuisine is a speciality, Continental and Chinese food can be served upon request.