B.R. Hills Travellog

On April 20th 2007, I started early from office, I had to get ready to go somewhere – somewhere because Raghu did not tell me where were we going to go to celebrate our 1st Anninversary. We had packed our bag the previous day. So, I finished my work and Raghu picked me up from the office that day.

My in-laws were asking us to get ready fast. I was wondering and was curious to know the place where we were going. Raghu in the moment of getting ready soon just told that there are many buses to Mysore. I got the clue Mysore….what are the places close to Mysore. Everybody knew the place except me. It was 9:00 P.M in the night we had our dinner and we were leaving to Mysore!! I was scared that it will be too late to reach Mysore and of all where were we going?? I asked Raghu he said he has arranged everything so nothing to worry!

After 3 hours bus journey, we reached Mysore at 12:30 A.M. We halted in Das Prakash Paradise hotel till 6:00 A.M. in the morning.

On 21st April: Raghu got a call at 5:00 A.M. that the car was ready and is waiting outside the hotel. We got ready early by 6:30 A.M. We got into the car. I wore a pretty yellow sari that Raghu had bought for me. Raghu gave the next clue that we were going to a temple on the way. He showed me some photo of a beautiful scenery and said we were going there. My thoughts were running with all possible places near Mysore. B R Hills also passed my mind as Raghu wanted to visit the Jungle there.

I took a short nap on the way in the car. The ride was enjoyable saw many small villages on the way and could see a lot of directions and boards on B R Hills that’s when it flashed me that we are going to B R Hills but Raghu was like no not there also….then he was asking the driver to take us to B R Hills on route…it made me think again where are we going?

We reached B R Hills at 8:30 A.M. At the entry point at B R Hills where all the vehicles entering the hill had to be registered with the forest dept. At the top of the hills there is a temple of Ranganathaswamy, the main deity of many surrounding villages and a place of worship of the Sri Vaishnavas. The priests are very welcoming to visitors. To reach the temple one has to either follow a recently-constructed steep road, or climb the 150 odd steps, which leave any ordinary person breathless.
A unique blend of a wildlife sanctuary and hill station, the Biligiri Ranganna Hills (B.R Hills) is a haven for a variety of wild animals and birds, making it a 'must see' for those who love the jungle in its pristine glory. Here, one is welcome to unwind and enjoy Nature’s gifts unfettered by civilization. We had our breakfast in here. It was fine. Then Raghu said now lets go to K Gudi. I was like what?? He told me about Kyathadevara Gudi and he has booked a tented cottage there in Jungle Lodges and Resorts. This is an unmatched combination of holiday at a hill-station and an opportunity for exploration of the wildlife. We stayed at the Jungle resorts in K Gudi. The resort is located in the heart of the Biligiri Rangaswamy Sanctuary (B R Hills) at K Gudi, just 90 km. from Mysore, on a hilly terrain.

We reached Jungle Lodges, K Gudi at 12:00 noon. The reception was welcoming and the forest guards informed us that lunch will be served from 1:30 P.M. At the K. Gudi (Kyathadevara Gudi) Wilderness Camp, you are in nature’s lap. Here dawn is greeted by the chirping melody of birds; and nights lit by hurricane lamps, all adding to the delightful experience amidst a perfect jungle setting.

There are schedules fixed here. Every morning begins with Garam chai/coffee (U have a choice) then the Safari, then breakfast, then Elephant ride…get ready and sit and enjoy on the hammock. Then its lunch time, little break top stroll around then chai/coffee, then after that again safari, then evening snack with wildlife video, then back to the tented cottages where there are few insects but still its good. Then Dinner - camp fire and walk back to the tented cottage in a dark path with torches and hurricane lamps to guide you to tent. What better to do just relax and get pampered. The resort is always crowded. Inside the jungle one can sight deer, elephants, bison and a wide variety of birds. If you are lucky then you may get to see a tiger or leopard.

On the way down hill you can view peacocks. We were there in K Gudi camp for 2 and 1/2 days (ie on 21, 22 and till 11 A.M. on 23rd April as we wanted to spent time with the family on the special day). We had gone to B R Hills/ K Gudi for our first wedding Anniversary. We had a great time.

Are you bored and sick of breathing only automobile fumes and seeing the concrete jungle? Do you want to get up and stare into an unending expanse of greenery and forests? BR Hills, also known as Biligiri Rangana Betta in local tongue, nestled at the edge of the Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary, is the place for you. BR Hills is a protected forest teeming with wildlife.

One can sight deer, peacocks, elephants, bison and a wide variety of birds. Jungle Lodges and Resorts offered us an experience of a lifetime where you can only expect the unexpected, the untamed and the unexplored.

90 Kms from Mysore & 230 Kms from Bangalore, the Biligirirangana range of hills are picturesquely situated between the Cauvery & Kapila rivers. At a height of 5,091 feet above sea level, this hill stretches from north to south for about 16 Kms. All round are deciduous trees. And roaming amidst the long grass and tall trees are animals. Plenty of them! So if you're looking for a cool time with a little bit of wild excitement thrown in, go to B.R.Hills.

Getting There: This resort at K Gudi is located in the B R Wildlife Sanctuary and at an altitude of 3,375 feet above sea level. The sanctuary is spread over 525 sq km, interspersed with valleys, streams and scenic spots. It is 226 km by road from Bangalore via Mysore and Chamarajanagar. Frequent buses and trains are available to Mysore. From Mysore, it is 85 km by road via Chamarajanagar, Nallur and Navodaya School. The best is to take a taxi from Mysore or directly from Bangalore.

An Elephant lives for average 70 years.
Elephant trunks can get very heavy. It is not uncommon to see elephants resting them over a tusk!
Elephants cry, play, have incredible memories, and laugh!
Elephants are sensitive fellow animals where if a baby complains, the entire family will rumble and go over to touch and caress it.
Elephants have greeting ceremonies when a friend that has been away for some time returns to the group.
Elephants grieve at a loss of a stillborn baby, a family member, and in many cases other elephants.
Elephants don't drink with their trunks, but use them as "tools" to drink with. This is accomplished by filling the trunk with water and then using it as a hose to pour it into the elephant's mouth.
Interestingly, the Asian elephant is more closely related to the extinct mammoth than to the African elephant.
Mother Elephant takes care of its calf for 18 years. The mother will charge anybody who comes near its calf or feels is a threat to the calf.
They are very intelligent and never forget anything.
Never wear bright colors inside the jungle. Wear forest friendly colors.
Switch off mobile in the jungle.
The single tusker is always alone and never in a group.
Female elderly Elephant leads the herds of elephants and helps them with its experience.
They raise there trunk when it sees some danger.

Wake up to the chirping of birds & humming of bees. Breathe in fresh, clean air. Take a stroll through the sylvan surroundings. And let the cool breeze blow your cares away. Raghu and I had a great time here. If you love the safaris, Elephant ride, tented cottages, feeling of being close to nature, peaceful surrounding then this is the place. Its heaven, trust me to go there.