Elephant found on an isolated road walk on the highway with tourists, tourists travelling scenic hill route Charmadi Ghat; tourists at Charmadi Ghat, in Chikkamagaluru district, adjacent to scenic hill road Charmadi Ghat, Chikkamagaluru district; tourists should be cautious since a single elephant was found along a path, the statement said.
The incident happened in the steep ghat section closer to the third hairpin bend of the ghat, in hilly woods. As in the previous case, the elephant looks like an isolated tusker standing above or at the edge of some hilly path with no intention of reaching the road at the bottom of the hilly surroundings.
Viewed from the perspective, the animal was determined to find a safe passage and be able to descend on it, but it was afraid of the steep ground. The elephant seemed to be on the edge, quite fearful of slipping or falling, and lingered there for a while. Pedestrians, travellers, and road traffic were in a panic after the unexpected sight.
So while some of the cars stopped, passengers looked on from afar as some recorded the strangeness on their cell phones, others refused to approach for fear of what they would find themselves in. This was even more troubling in the ghat area where little or no mobile network existed in the locality, and therefore the travellers were not in contact with the authorities. Others driving along remote forest roads failed to notify forest authorities quickly, a perennial problem.
A forest department warned tourists travelling on the Charmadi Ghat road to beware of wildlife and not to stop unnecessarily. It can be dangerous and unpredictable for such wild animals to be approached or intimidated, officials said. For anyone coming along the coast, Charmadi Ghat serves as the link between Chikkamagaluru and Dakshina Kannada, and this is critical.
Wildlife enthusiasts flood into the verdant and lovely countryside and winding streets, but the district is part of an active wildlife corridor, so a scene like that would probably be one that everyone could expect. Forest officials have urged drivers to proceed carefully, especially early in the morning and in the evening when animals are on the move.
Travellers are also urged to stay away from flash photography and to avoid loud noises that can frighten wildlife away. Lone elephants, especially male elephants, can be unpredictable with their behaviour, the experts say, especially when they’re feeling lost in their lot or have just been placed on rocky ground. That’s when you will be most effective: With people, their distance and patience.
