MUTHANGA-A NARROW ESCAPE FROM THE ELEPHANT-FURY.April 12, 2008

Muthanga is one of the best sanctuaries of South India situated along the Mysore-Calicut Highway. The sanctuary has the highest density of asiatic elephants. That apart a wide range of floara and fauna also grabs the vigilant eyes of the wildlife enthusiast.

It was an urge that led us to the Wildlife Sanctuary. It was a nice evening-drive through NH 212. Time was around 4 pm. Sun is yet to cool down its rays.Our Wagon-R moved lazily through the forest for hours. No animals.No crossings. No herds.

Suddenly at a curve we hit upon an elephant herd. A team of tourists travelling in an Indica car in front of us was closely watching the herd in a jubilant mood. Suddenly embarassing us there some one thrown out a bislery bottle aiming the herd. There was a furious-roar from the herd. The big ones surrounded the babies. The seniors took an offensive position. A violent mother smashed the bottle and charged against the miscreants.

It was a narrow shave for the too brave ones.We enjoyed the scenes amid breaking breath and took some shivering record shots from the car. We also joked on the discomfiture of the trouble makers. But a shocking thing happened at the same moment. The elephant that charged against the miscreants saw us waiting at the opposite side. To our shock she came straight.She went back. She stood for a moment and returned to the forest. There she joined the herd. We went closer to the herd and clicked many photographs. They seemed to recognise us as their friends.The time was running out. It was twilight.

We returned with the ever memorable experience.