Don Curry and the Crocodile River

Don Curry is always amazed by the wonders of nature. He can't get enough of it. Certainly, human creations also produce amazing and breathtaking things, but the real wonders are found where nature is still largely untouched and left to itself. Exploring such areas is one of Don Curry's true passions.

But today he dedicated himself to structured idleness and relaxation. While most of the group headed to Nagarhole National Park in a large safari vehicle through the cold morning air at 6:30 am, he comfortably turned around in his warm bed. Shortly after 9:00 am, the breakfast buffet tempted him with countless delicacies. After that, Don Curry finally wanted to try out his jacuzzi. The contrast between the cold water and the warming sunlight initially made him recoil, but once submerged, the whirlpool became a real pleasure.

Now it was time for the hammock next to his bungalow, where Don Curry finally found time to read. In addition, surprisingly many feathered or sleek scaled visitors appeared in his small garden, until finally a delicious lunch buffet seduced him for another strengthening.

So rested and relaxed, Don Curry could embark on his safari. He had already experienced two jeep safaris in Ranthambore National Park, but here at Kabini reservoir, there was also the opportunity for a boat safari. It started at 3:30 pm and was chosen only by a few other members of the group - most of them seemed to think the chance of spotting special animals from the boat was too low. Don Curry saw it differently. He knew that the Kabini River formed the border between two important national parks for a long stretch: Nagarhole and Bandipur National Park. Many animals freely move between the protected areas by swimming through the river.

At first, the safari only offered views of grazing cattle and various water birds. But as soon as the boundaries of the two national parks were reached, the picture changed dramatically. Large groups of axis deer now populated the banks and grazed peacefully. Various birds of prey circled above the boat. Then the guide excitedly pointed out something on the shore that initially looked like a log but quickly plunged into the water: a first marsh crocodile. Many more would follow, some of them truly powerful specimens. Soon after, an extensive group of elephants appeared on the Bandipur shore, with a few weeks old calf that delightedly rolled in the mud on the shore. From a distance, a mighty bull approached the group.

However, the highlight for Don Curry was the sighting of some gaurs on the Nagarhole shore, allegedly the heaviest wild cattle in the world, also known as 'Indian Bison'. Here, these muscular giants grazed peacefully among deer and monkeys and even had offspring with them.

During the return journey, crocodiles once again appeared on the shore or in the water, and a magnificent sunset over the river completed a very impressive safari. Of all the activities offered, Don Curry and his companions had chosen the most successful and comfortable one by far. A documentary film in the resort and a delicious dinner buffet rounded off the day in a good way.