Long time no trips due to lot of work and other activities at home front. This year end get away was to Goa. On the way, we stopped at Ranebennur (on 21st Dec 2013). It is sad to that info on net is outdated and not completely correct. Here are some facts based on local updates:
1. Best time to visit is soon after Monsoon - Aug to Oct.
2. The entry to sanctuary is locked. You have to get the permission from the Forest office which is 4Kms away (you will see it on your right when you are going from Ranebennur village to the sanctuary).
3. Don't expect great treatment at the forest office. You may get a cold reception. The cost is INR 500/- for 4 wheeler and INR 50/- per person - needless to say you have to have your own 4 wheeler to enter the sanctuary.
4. The timing for the visit is from morning 6 to evening 6. However best sightings are from 6 - 7 am and lucky sightings in evening from 5 to 6:30pm. The guide asked us to be there by 6am to get some good sightings.
5. There are guest houses that are available for people interested in staying overnight. Cost per room is INR 1000/- and advance booking may be required
Coming back to my trip, we started from BLR at 11:30am and reached Ranebennur by 4:40pm. By the time we figured out the above and entered the sanctuary, it was 5:30pm. We were very lucky to spot some black bucks and was able to get some good shots (the best you can with a 250mm lens :)).
1. Best time to visit is soon after Monsoon - Aug to Oct.
2. The entry to sanctuary is locked. You have to get the permission from the Forest office which is 4Kms away (you will see it on your right when you are going from Ranebennur village to the sanctuary).
3. Don't expect great treatment at the forest office. You may get a cold reception. The cost is INR 500/- for 4 wheeler and INR 50/- per person - needless to say you have to have your own 4 wheeler to enter the sanctuary.
4. The timing for the visit is from morning 6 to evening 6. However best sightings are from 6 - 7 am and lucky sightings in evening from 5 to 6:30pm. The guide asked us to be there by 6am to get some good sightings.
5. There are guest houses that are available for people interested in staying overnight. Cost per room is INR 1000/- and advance booking may be required
Coming back to my trip, we started from BLR at 11:30am and reached Ranebennur by 4:40pm. By the time we figured out the above and entered the sanctuary, it was 5:30pm. We were very lucky to spot some black bucks and was able to get some good shots (the best you can with a 250mm lens :)).
