If you have a scenic weekend trip to travel in Nandi Hills, take great care! On the edges of the high-traffic hill station has seen both majesty and terror emanating from a local resident. A leopard has been observed roaming on the main road near the Kanive Basavanna area and has sent out shockwaves to people at local commutes as well as vacation destination.
The Sightings: A Narrow Escape For Bikers
The leopard was detected last evening on busy Chikkaballapur-Doddaballapur road, in the vicinity of the Kanive Basavanna temple stretch. Eyewitnesses say the feline was not hiding in the shadows and was witnessed to be walking "royally" by the roadside.
A number of motorists, mainly bikers, were left shaking as the leopard crossed the road just a few meters in front of their vehicles. Many were able to capture the predator with their smartphones, though the Forest Department has cautioned that actions like these are enormously dangerous.
The Kanive Basavanna area has now become an unofficial "Danger Zone" for local people. Why Bikers Have to be “Extra Careful”. An advisory for Bikers has been issued by the Forest Department. Unlike cars, bikes are susceptible to sudden attacks. No Stopping: The riders are strictly advised not to stop their vehicles to take selfies or photos.
Travel in Groups
If possible, bikes should not make solo biking trips along this route in the early morning hour (4:00 AM to 7:00 AM) and after sunset (6:00 PM onwards).
The Kanive Basavanna Route
This is an area formed only by heavy boulders and scrub forest that make it easy for a leopard to "wait and watch for prey."
Forest Department Response
Forest officials from Chikkaballapur have confirmed the sighting and suspect the leopard may have wandered from the nearby Nandigiridhama forest range looking for food or water. "We have sent a team to watch where the leopard is going. We encourage that the tourists not to panic, but if they do pass through the foothills, stay inside their vehicles.
Leopard sightings are frequent in this rocky landscape, but proximity to the main road is an issue,” said a senior forest official.
Tips for Nandi Hills Tourists
Nandi Hills is visited by thousands of visitors on weekends, leaving in place as soon as 4:30 AM to see the sunrise. Windows Up: Travelers in cars should roll up their windows as they travel through Kanive Basavanna. Never Get Down: Stay away from it and get some breezes or take pictures at the foothills.
Loud Noise
If you see the animal, don’t shriek or provoke it. Place your vehicle next to the site away slowly. While the leopard remains as the haunt on the Chikkaballapur-Doddaballapur route, travelers are encouraged to prioritize safety above excitement.
