Diary: Monday 28 February 2000

Monday 28 February 2000

Early start for ‘elephant – back’ safari. The sounds of the forest waking up are amazing. It comes alive with the sounds of birds, deer and monkeys calling. Still no elephants or tigers! Packed our things and made our way out of the park via the watch town and High Bank – a vantage point high above the river. Still no elephants or tigers!

Left the park and wound our way North, into the hills of Kumaon. Tortuous roads and spectacular views – out over the ‘Himalayas proper’. Towering snow covered peaks. Arrived in Ranikhet – a hill station and army town. Checked into Hotel Meghdoot. We have a luxury suite with hot running water, separate lounge and satellite TV – all for the princely sum of 450 rupees. Apparently, rooms are half price out of season. We went for a walk in the woods surrounding the hotel and caught the beautiful sunset.