10 Things You May Not Know About the Maharajah Jungle Trek

1. Welcome to Anandapur!

According to the backstory of the Maharajah Jungle Trek, the rajahs of Anandapur had hunted tigers within the Royal Forest since ancient times. In 1544, a maharajah (the administrative rank above a rajah in India) named Bhima Disampati declared that the forest would be a royal preserve. A hunting lodge was built where he and his guests could hunt tigers for sport. Eventually, the practice of hunting tigers was discontinued, and the hunting lodge decayed to ruin. In 1948, the people of Anandapur gained control of the Royal Forest and transformed it into a nature preserve. Today, the Royal Anandapur Wildlife and Forest Authority operates a walking trail through the preserve called the Maharajah Jungle Trek, where “every concerned person is a foundation stone for our wildlife’s future.”

 

 

 

2. Komodo Dragons

At the outset of your journey, you’ll find the world’s largest lizard, the Komodo dragon. These reptiles can grow up to 12 feet and weigh more than 250 pounds. They can run over 10 miles per hour and use their snake-like tongues to find the scent of prey.

 

 

 

3. Bats!

Your next stop is the community hall, where you’ll have an unobstructed view of the famous Bat Cliffs of Anandapur. If you have chiroptophobia (the fear of bats), don’t fear; you can bypass the exhibit if you prefer!

 

 

 

4. The Stars of the Show

The Maharajah Jungle Trek is best known for its tigers, and when it first opened, it hosted a variety of tiger species, most notably Bengal tigers. However, since 2014 the Jungle Trek has exclusively hosted Sumatran tigers. This species is considered “critically endangered,” with less than 500 living in the wild.

 

 

 

5. Say a Prayer

Continuing past the Tiger outlook, you’ll arrive at the ancient prayer tree. The villagers of Anandapur placed scarves and garlands on the tree to represent prayers, adding bells when their prayers have been answered.

 

 

 

6. The Beautiful Murals

Throughout the lodge, you’ll find murals depicting important events from the history of Anandapur. Inside the ruined hallway just beyond the tree, you’ll find four murals depicting the maharajahs of Anandapur. The first mural to your left is of Bhima Disampati, the only one of the four carrying a hunting weapon. Directly across from him is his successor, who was more obsessed with material wealth than hunting. The next maharajah is holding a building, symbolizing his efforts to rebuild the decaying buildings of his kingdom. The final maharajah is shown living peacefully with nature.

 

 

 

7. Thirsty?

It’s common knowledge that drinking foreign water is unwise. Therefore, Anandapur’s Ministry of Public Health provides safe water for travelers just beyond the courtyard. Here, uncontaminated water is provided in pots, buckets, jugs – and a drinking fountain for the less adventurous travelers.

 

 

 

8. Tracks

Take note of the old, worn-down bicycle next to the fountain. It’s evidence that bicycle travel is Anandapur’s most popular mode of transportation. You’ll find several bicycle tracks embedded in the ground throughout the village and the trail, along with other markings including animal tracks and fallen vegetation.

 

 

 

9. Anantah

Just past the watering hole is an old bridge decorated with prayer flags. Across the bridge is the Tomb of Anantah, the founder of Anandapur. The entrance to the temple features five relief sculptures that tell the story of what happens when the human race doesn’t respect its place in the circle of life. Inside the temple, you’ll find a large sarcophagus containing Anantah’s remains.

 

 

 

10. The Aviary

The final stop on the trail is the aviary, home to more than 20 species of exotic birds. As you enter, you’ll trade your animal guide map for a bird viewing guide. Birds can be found living in all layers of the forest, including a few on the water. According to the backstory, the aviary was once an enclosed room, home to the lodge’s grand ballroom. Evidence of this can be found in the large central columns, the floor’s ornate tiles, and the partially destroyed walls. Like the rest of the lodge, this room has deteriorated over the years because of the elements. As you leave the aviary, you’re bought outside the preserve and back to the village, ready to explore the rest of Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

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