Karnataka is blessed with majestic Western Ghats and many beautiful wildlife parks untouched from any industrial growth nestled in the Ghats. I started my expedition as any nature and animal lover and soon got engulfed in wilderness.

Anshi National Park is located in Uttara Kannada district bordering Goa and while here, I also checked out the Dandeli National Park as both parks are pretty much together. I spotted a black panther in the Anshi National Park and was amazed at the sight of such a graceful animal. The surprises in the park were more than one and I was again pleasantly surprised to find that the parks offer some serious trekking in Karnataka through dense forest and there was even camping facilities available. So, the adrenaline junkie in me forced to grab the offer and I saw some most beautiful streams and rivers on the way.

I visited the Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary, known to be one of the best in the country. It is located at the footsteps of Western Ghats with a picturesque backdrop of Nilgiri Hills. The interiors of the park are filled with numerous enchanting rivers and streams; and the heart pumping treks around Bangalore through rugged hills and valleys is a must do. I was astounded with the bright fauna of the park adding to its beauty and there were many wild animals including Leapords, Tigers, Elephants, Langoor, and Bison etc.

I visited the Bannerghatta National Park with my entire family and it was a treat for both adults and kids equally.  It was a hugepark and it took us all day to explore it and yet the time was not sufficient. The lion safari was fabulous, lions were lazing around a few feet from our bus and the driver stopped for us to look closely. I captured photos of some exquisite plants and trees and of course of the wild animals looking majestic in their natural abode.

I drove from Bangalore to Chikmagalur to my next hot spot Kudremukha National Park located in the midst of high mountain ranges of Western Ghats. The weather was a little cold and there was a thin coating of mist all around me. The landscape of this park is out of the world and the fact that it is very less explored by tourists gave it a mysterious feel. I could sense the hidden secrets in the jungles of park waiting to be revealed. As I explored the park, I saw many wild animals like wild dog, giant squirrels, tiger and leopard. The aroma of coffee was filling my nostrils along with cool air and I strolled through vast lands of coffee plantations. I came across a waterfall that was almost hidden and I could have easily missed it, it is surrounded on all sides by heavy plantation and looks like a lost heaven on earth.

Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuary is a stone throw away from Mysore and I drove till there to be greeted by numerous playful streams flowing and falling in the rivers and gushing waterfalls. I saw many wild animals in the park like wild elephants with huge tusks and many different kinds of dears. I spotted a king cobra snaking its way across the road and monkeys chattering on the tree tops. There was a nice fragrance of trees in the park; I could easily recognize the smell of sandalwood and rosewood trees. It was a perfect getaway from concrete jungle into lap of nature.

Karnataka is definitely a place not to miss in south India and I loved the experience of meeting locals and relished the authentic cuisine.