We reached Gairal at 3.45 pm and were more than happy with our choice. It was inside the forest with the river a short walk away. The cottages were protected by electric wiring -- like in Jurassic Park! It had a canteen where we could have our meals. After dumping our bags in the room, we left for the jungle safari.
The forest in Dhikala is very dense. One has to be very patient to spot an animal. We first saw a barking deer. Driving through the kuchcha tracks we reached Crocodile Point.
Here, we got off -- at your own risk, says a board -- and spotted a crocodile by the river. There were many more in the river and fish too, but the distance was too much for us to spot them.
We clicked a few pictures and got back into the car. We spotted deer, sambhar, barasingha, lots of monkeys and wild boar.
At 6 pm we went back to the cottage. We saw deer and a peacock on the other side of the river.
Gairal has electricity only between 6 pm and 9 pm. So we sat out until it was time to retire.
Also read: Mussoorie: The Queen of Hill Stations
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