The Maharajah's Hunting Palace

Among the ruins to be found in the Anandapur Royal Forest are those of the ancient Maharajah's Hunting Palace. Once King Bhima Disampati decreed the forest a royal preserve in the 16th century, this area became a popular hunting ground for the royal family and their guests.

Some of the early murals which adorned the palace walls can still be seen, depicting hunters on horses and elephants or up in blinds taking down tigers for sport. Close observers will even spot the large doors which once led from the horse stalls and elephant paddocks.

The origins of the palace predate any enlightened sense of conservation of nature or wildlife for the Anandapuris. As such, the murals also depict a period in which tigers seemed plentiful, rather than endangered as they find themselves today.

Ironically, one mural includes a structure which would later become known as the Tiger Temple, a site which can be visited today in Anandapur Township (along the queue for Kali River Rapids). Of course, in modern times a different sort of boat is typically seen plying the waters of the nearby Chakranadi River, and sadly, tigers have long since been driven from that part of the country.

Back in the Anandapur Royal Forest, however, the tigers are now protected. Modern day visitors are advised to remain on the designated paths. If they do so, they may just be rewarded with a rare sighting of one of Asia's most beautiful and majestic creatures.