Keep an eye out for tigers and cobras

摘要

Back in India once more, I took a Minelab Go Find metal detector with me to check out a Shiva temple in southern India. My travel notes are as follows: My wife and I are staying at a beautiful spot on the edge of a huge national park located on the northern slopes of the Nilgiri hills, which is a bit misleading as they are actually massive granite mountains that soar into the clouds. Elephants are making quite a comeback in this area, with several coming within a hundred metres of our bungalow last night. Tigers, panthers and leopards are also in this area, with the government putting in a big effort to protect them and the other wild animals in this reserve. Our host, John, who owns Wild Haven, is dedicated to wildlife preservation and fortunately this attitude appears to be spreading. The range of animals we have seen is extraordinary: elephants (many), samba and spotted deer (the latter in large numbers around our bungalow), wild boar, Indian bison (massive), mongoose, peacocks, Malabar squirrels, buffalos, eagles, and a huge variety of birds including the brain fever bird, which has an intriguing call. Animals seem to be far more prolific than on my earlier visits to India.