Dubare Camp

Sametime, last year we visited Hogenakkal with Chuchi & co.This year we planned to go to Dubare(or "Dubakoor" in Vinod's language) Elephant Camp with Marketics friends.The master mind behind this idea was Giri.There were not many people who opted to come and as usual a few last minute dropouts. The final count was 11 with 2.5 non-marketics people( Ranga-my better-half,Sushmita & Aakash - Ajay's beloved wife & baby)

We were all set to leave at 5.00 am(IST) on Saturday.All of us gathered prompty at the new Mkts office.Guess what happpened ? There has to be a spoil-sport. Today, it was the turn of the bus driver. We had chosen to travel in a Swaraj Mazda with a push-back , video,etc .Finally, got a wonderful "dubakoor-dabba" vandi that too just late by 2 hrs and 30 min.After all the initial disappointment, we started at 7.30 am with gloomy and hunger-struck faces.Haryy & Aparna, were picked up on the way.Our next stop was Kamat on the Mysore Road for breakfast.It was a buffet with cane juice, rava idlys, masal dosa, sambhar rice , fruits & coffee.We re-vitalised ourselves to withstand the rest of the journey.Suddenly, on the way we had to take a diversion before Mandya due to some issues.This was off the track by 80 kms with bad roads and extra 2hrs.In the meantime, we spent time playing housie,antakshari,dumb-c and memory game.Housie, the gambling game turned out to be in favor of the "family" teams most of the time.Haryy has to be appreciated for his memory who was the winner in most cases in the memory game.Our journey seemed endless with Aparna, our local guide, providing updates about our arrival time.The coracle ride across the river, took us to the Jungle lodges by 4.30pm.

After a quick lunch, we set out for the jungle safari at 5.30pm. Except Haryy,Ajay & Co, left for the forest ride in a jeep.The weather was too good with cold breeze making us shiver at times.We ventured deep into the forest to try our luck in spotting the mighty elephants. We could see peacocks and white storks near the water body and our local forest guide told that an elephant must be somewhere nearby from the fresh foot prints and dung.Then, we spotted a tusker eating bamboo.While returning we could see a herd of bisons, few spotted deers and many jungly jaanvar["wild" butterflies,bats,mosquitoes ;-)]. Again for some housie,dinner and campfire.The campfire was pretty boring with no music, dance and nothing. So decided to go back to our cottages to wake up on Sunday at 6.00 am for nature walk.

Aparna,Ramesh,Ranga and myself got ready at 6.30am to enjoy the foggy weather and played a quick game of shuttle. Then Aparna,Sushmita and myself decided to go for a walk in the forest,while the "men" gang preffered to play.Morning walk was very refreshing but we din't have any luck with elephants.We walked further into the forest amidst the chirpy birds.The rocket-tailed drongo bird just flew away hearing us.It really looked beautiful and was very swift in action.We walked along the banks of Cauvery to capture some snaps occasionally.We then came across a huge rattle snake's skin.Bravo Aparna took it in her hands!!
We spent some time in the water and headed towards our cottage.

It was time for the elephant camp at 9.30 am. All of us set out towards the camp and saw the elephants being bathed. It was really sad to see the elephants being forcefully bathed.Hema, was unhappy about the scene.We checked out at 11.30 am after the elephant ride.Hema,Sooraj,Sahoo,Vinod,Ramesh,Ranga and myself planned to walk across the river.It was about 50m walk on the slippery rocks beneath the water.The stones were colorful due to the dried mosses over it.
Though the water was not flowing with great force, it was not easy to cross.Holding each other's hand in chain we came to other end of the bank to meet Aparna's parents.

We wish we could have extended our stay. There are wonderful places within India which ought to be visited. Lets plan our next travel before these beauty gets lost and try to find solace in nature's harmony without being a trespasser.