Jul 02, 2009 10:50 AM
10764 Views
Tiger Ranch is an example of good concept but bad implementation. The resort is spread over a huge bamboo wood deep inside the Bandipur National Park. The place is approximately situated at 4 kilometres away from the forest check post in Bandipur. Tiger ranch consist of about 10-11 huts with a choice of number of beds. The huts are made of basic material like bamboos and palm leaves. We took the family huts, which consisted of two huge double beds, 2 single beds, a table and a sofa.
Everything needed some kind of repair and cleaning. The restrooms are huge but again needed cleaning and there is no facility of hot water. I am not the kind of person who minds rustic surroundings but maintenance and cleaning is a different topic altogether. The food is not that great, in fact the lunch and dinner is almost the same stuff. The quality and taste is nothing to rave about.
If you take out the maintenance of huts, the surroundings is very interesting and gives a true jungle experience. There are multiple bonfire areas built across and they light these every evening. Tiger Ranch does not have electricity and the generator is switched on only from 6pm to 11.30 pm, after that you survive on one lantern and the bonfire. In a way it is a very different experience to be in a place, where you feel totally isolated from the rest of the world. The place is pitch dark after the lights go off and it is not advisable to walk around after that. There is a small pond right next to the resort complex and there are no electric fencing to keep anything away. Yes, you can hear roars from somewhere close by and we even spotted a tiger at 8am right next to the pond.
So overall for Rs 880 for an overnight stay including all three meals, I would say its okay. However, you have better places in this area to choose from. Choose this place if you need a true jungle experience and are ready to bear with the bad huts, average food and low security.
