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A visit to Prani, a Haven for the Pet Animals

by Lakshmi Menon
(Bangalore, India)

After visiting Guruvayurappan temple in Bangalore South on Kanakpura Road, on a Diwali holiday, we decided to visit Prani, a haven for the rescued pets in Somanahalli, which is just a few kilometres (4-5 kms) away from the temple. After having breakfast in a nearby restaurant called Mandarati we proceeded towards our destination. We preferred to go through the village side and the scenery was absolutely beautiful. As we passed through the coconut fields and lush green landscape we felt as if we were in Kerala.

After passing through some farms, we reached our destination. On the main road, we saw the board Prani and took a turn. We had passed through a muddy and narrow road of about 100 meters. we reached our destination. We had not expected many people there. But to our surprise, there were a good crowd when we reached, and it increased considerably.

Prani Pet Sanctuary is home for many species of rescued animals. They are rescued pets, domestic and exotic animals and birds. The tour is well organized and well-trained staff and volunteers are there to educate you about them in detail. They have more than 700 animals in their sanctuary, spread across over two acres of land.

Usually, the visitors don’t get an opportunity to connect with animals and learn more about them interacting with them in the zoos and national parks. But it is different here. You get plenty of time with these animals. They are so friendly, as if they are so happy to have an opportunity like this. Prani is an experiential education park. You can interact with these animals, touch them, carry them in your hand, and feed them too. (The food provided by them.) Every section has a separate guide to guide visitor and educate them on these beautiful babies. The beautiful small birds will perch themselves on your shoulder, which is a wonderful experience. All the animals are friendly including the reptiles. You can stand very close to them and even touch them in the hands of the staff.

They provide an educational tour of 1.5 hours. The tour begins with rodents and a couple of tiny animals, followed by reptiles, horses, rabbits, birds, turtles, and more. From Australian rodents and Iguanas to Hedgehogs, pythons and parakeets, one can touch and interact with these animals in a friendly environment here. No doubt it is a great place for the children to learn by seeing and interacting with animals, which they won't get from any books. Japanese rat, Amazon forest frog, silver peacock, sting ray, bearded dragon from Australia and Hedgehog are just some of these animals.

After meeting the animals and interacting with them, if you feel tired and would like to eat or drink something, no problem. They have a small eatery there.

Parking space is also available for your vehicles. So,no need to worry.

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit here. If interested, you can watch the video I made on this about my experience which will give you a good picture of this place before visiting there.