India Awaits: Bannerghatta National Park

Today we had or second trip to the national park outside Bangalore (last week the park was closed - never go Tuesdays as it's closed). The long drive there makes for interesting conversations, with Max and Anthony the driver..... So, by the time we get there we are keen to get moving and see some animals. And I just want to be out of the car.

The ticket includes the safari park and zoo entry - the boys and I cost $8 in total !!! I have learnt that when paying such small amounts that your expectations quickly come in to line. It's not that the entertainment isn't good, it's just 'Indian style' so things are half-built, there is dirt everywhere, toilets are a no-go, things may not work for any good reason and with no apology, and always bring your own food. You get used to it quickly and the boys don't seem too disappointed by any of it.

As we entered we got harassed by 4 or 5 beggars, which I've been told to ignore because if you give money, they are not thankful but just keep hounding you for more and then start to get physical. So we just kept walking with a smile and a polite 'not today'.

We pay our entry and then wait for the bus. The safari bus ride through the national park was great and we saw bears, tigers, lions, elephants, deer a white tiger and some buffalo. The guide saw me coming and offered to take my photos as his window was a better position - of course a tip was in order....sucker!

After the safari park we walked down to the zoo. Granted, it's not Taronga, but it was interesting all the same. To see the Indian animals was fun and we had some fun with the monkeys. Max thought he'd try and scare a very seasoned monkey by jumping forward at it but the monkey had the last laugh by jumping back at Max!! It was hilarious.

Jack and I had a photo with a baby elephant - practising for our up coming elephant washing trip. It was very cool.

We are quite the celebrities when we are out, and people are constantly wanting photos with the boys. Particularly if they have a small child who can have a photo with the boys too. We had 3 young men (probably 20 year olds) ask for a photo with us - I found that very strange. It's quite odd but the boys are starting to get used to it - feeding their egos quite well??

Bannerghatta - high on the list of things to do if you have kids.

Indian Deer - Blackbuck and Spotted Deer