Tawa ( Madhya Pradesh Satpura Range ) and south

Departed Ujjain comfortably, as the run was not too long. Had the left over sandwiches from Sterling for breakfast.

Got into the MPTDC Hotel at Tawa by 1030. Absolutely awesome property.

 With a fantastic view.

That keeps changing with the sun moving across the horizon, from across the water body to behind us. The rooms face East.

 

This is a place you go to when you want absolutely nothing to do. No phone, no internet. Just good food, clean room, and maybe, some wildlife. 

That evening I went on a drive in the Thar on the back roads within the buffer zone.  The intent was to try and spot a leopard. But, that did not happen. We got to see a few Sambar deer, and a large Civet. Decided it was a Civet after much debate with some wildlife experts, who took the trouble of sending pictures of all possible feline dark grey, long animals. The drive was fun. Can be done only if the vehicle is a jeep, as back roads are not for the low slung.

The next morning took the speed boat safari. It is supposed to be a 45 minute round trip to Madhai, which is another MPTDC site, more on it later. Since I was such a nice guy, had it worked out that the ride would last a couple of hours, starting 0630.

That was pre departure. The ride lasted 3 hours. Thoroughly enjoyed myself. Saw Gaur, Wild Boar, Cheetal, Crocodile, some migratory Geese. Which was fantastic. What was even more fun was looking across the waterline into the core foreest area trying to spot animals. The waterline has receded with summer. Tree stumps stick out all over the place, giving many false alarms of a sighting. Worth the time in the boat.

 

No clue how the sequence gets set. Please view bottom to top for these pictures. Taking the snap of the Gaur herd, which was moving into the grass on hearing the boat was tricky. The boat was bobbing, and the land was sloping down from the shore. But, glad I got something !!

 Reached the MPTDC location at Madhai.

This is a full fledged safari location. Safaris from here go into the core area and into the buffer zone. The sightings here the last three days had been amazing - tiger and leopard. Core zone is zilch because density of tigers is not great.  The hotel looks good. All MPTDC books are online. Not getting royalty, but these guys have done a good job - efficient, simple.

Turned back from there after doing what one does !!!

The Geese are at Madhai.

 

The crocodiles here are seriously shy. This was our third sighting. The first had been in the water. The second slid in as soon as we saw it. 

Was talking to the guys. The boats around were fishing, not catching much. Understood that fish density was low. Sad that the people in charge had not done what was necessary to conserve the water body eco system. There was not one single raptor around.

That was the shot heading in to the resort post the ride. Great fun.

The heat was climbing. So retired to room. The rooms have a small frige that works. Unfortunately. if you have not carried your beer, you are stuck. Only beer in the tiny village shop is Hunter. No way I was going to try that. Simpler to sleep the heat away.

Left this morning, early, 0500. And, there was payback.

Saw Jungle Cat, Giant Squirrel and Hare. No pictures, though.

Small piece to note. 

With the highways getting done, bypasses are coming on. From Bhopal to Betul, there is not one petrol station. 300 Kilometers. Think about it. Fuel up, and in time.

Got into the tiny hotel in Hyderabad opposite Ramoji Film City in good time. Has rooms. Full Stop. Carry your soap. And, sheets. Shower is great.

Food is outside. IF you can take local stuff. 

Tomorrow departure 0500.

This diary is now, closed.

Hope you had fun !!!