Mangaluru : Good news for senior citizens or mothers carrying or escorting small kids- if you feel that walking nearly 2.5kms around the park is kind of hectic and tiresome, the management of Dr Shivaram Karanth Pilikula Nisargadhama (Pilikula Park) near Vamanjoor have introduced five battery-operated “Buggies” lately.
About five to six persons can fit in the buggy, which will take you around the important sight-seeing spots in the park where you can see the birds, mammals, animals, and reptiles. The buggy ride may last for about 45 minutes covering a distance of nearly 2.5 kms area of the park. Each person will be charged Rs 60 or if there is a family/group of five, the total charges will be Rs 300, which could be shared by the group members equally.
Speaking to me, the owner of the buggy service P D Jain, originally from Delhi but settled in Bengaluru said, ” I was providing the same kind of buggy service at the Bannerghatta National Park in Bengaluru, but since somebody else took over the service I had put my tender at Pilikula Park, which was approved by the management last month. Since few weeks we have been running the buggies on trial basis, and it seems like visitors, especially the elders and mothers with kids, like the service. I love this Park and the people around here, who are friendly and helpful. I hope that me and my employees will provide a good service to the visitors and make their visit to the park a pleasurable and fun one”.
Also speaking to me, H. Jayaprakash Bhandary, director of Pilikula Biological Park said, ” We have decided to keep the park open seven days a week, including on public holidays, during this month and in May from 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m., for the reason that summer holidays for children will start soon and it would help them and parents to visit the park on any day during these two months. Although right now we have two snack/drinks stalls at the park, very soon by the end of this month we will have a full-fledged restaurant, since the regional science centre at the Nisargadhama is attracting large crowd of visitors, especially children, a need for a restaurant was felt. It would also help visitors to the water park in the Nisargadhama. For the first time we are also organizing a summer camp for children from April 19 to 25- children should make much use of this camp” he urged.
“Bisu Festival” at Pilikula Park on Tuesday 14 April :
Yet another attraction at the Pilikula is the “Bisu Festival” which will take place on Tuesday, 14 April 2015. By purchasing a coupon for Rs 200, you can visit all points of attraction in Pilikula like the Biological Park, Boating area, Regional Science Centre, Herbarium, Medicinal Plants nursery and the Artisan Village, and plus you can also enjoy a sumptuous meal on banana leaf by squatting on the floor. Wow- quite a few things you can get for Rs 200!
This exclusive offer comes as part of the Dr. Shivarama Karanth Pilikula Nisarghadhama’s celebration of Bisu on the premises of the Guthi Mane (manor house), a traditional ancestral house of Tulunadu built inside the park campus. The special meal will comprise of Tulunadu delicacies like– Anna, Moode, Kottige, Thondekai/Gerubija pallya, Gujje pallya, mango sasive, majjige huli, alasande ajadina (Upkari), chinikayi kadle koddel, cucumber curry, huruli saaru, nugge-badanesambar, Hesarubele kosambari, kalthappa, holige, hesarubele payasa, banana podi, deegujje podi, happala, sandige, pickle and much more- so go hungry!
Bisu Parba will feature artisans of the region who will manufacture traditional products. Bisu Kani will be arranged in a traditional fashion by displaying auspicious and unique items (like flowers, fruits, rice, vegetables, coins etc) signifying the property of Gutthu Mane. Also during the occasion, Writer B.A. Viveka Rai will give a 15-minute talk on the importance of Bisu and the programme will begin at 10 a.m. with traditional placing of the ‘Bisu kani’. The meals will be served from 12.30 p.m. to 2 p.m.
‘Bisu Parbha/Festival” will be held at this “Guthu Mane” located in the Park campus
The coupons can be purchased on or before April 12 from Parampara outlet in Mallikatte (0824 2221299), Panambur Beach c/o Yathish Baikampady, Mangaluru Stationery (Besant Complex), Pilikula Zoo counter, Vijaya Bank branches at Jyothi Circle, Hampankatta and Bendorewell. Also as part of the Bisu celebration, a Rangoli competition has been organised and the top three winners will get prize money of Rs. 5,000, Rs. 3,000 and Rs. 2,000. Participants will get 90 minutes to draw the Rangoli. As per the rules, the Rangoli should be with dots and made using Rangoli powder. For more information and registration for this contest call 9448953404 .
Pilikula Exclusive:
Pilikula Papers:
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- Mangalore: Rare Reptiles Arrive at Pilikula Biological Park
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- Mangalore: Now onwards, It’s Dr Shivaram Karantha Pilikula Nisargadhama
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- Mangalore: Fishing Day at Pilikula – Carps Come in Plenty
- Mangalore: Pilikula Park – Perched for Higher Growth in Near Future
- Mangalore: Kambla, Guttu House and Rural Fair Complete the Picture of Heritage Village in Pilikula
- Mangalore: Colourful Flower Show at Pilikula Nature Park
- Mangalore: Pilikula Park has New Guests Now!
- Mangalore: Flowers Say It All… at Pilikula Nisargadhama