Bandhavgarh National Park
Bandhavgarh National Park is one of the richest wild life sanctuaries which are located in the central part of India in a district called Umaria of Madhya Pradhesh state. Jabalpur.The Park which is wide spread over the mountain ranges of Vindhya is the place where White Tigers were seen for the first time. It was famous spot for Kings of Rewa for hunting purpose.
‘Mohan’ as it was named was the last White Tiger caught by Maharaja Martand Singh. The killed tiger is kept in the palace as preserve. Maharaja handed the park to government and they have taken a number of steps to reserve the tigers. In 1968 it was declared publicly as Bandhavgarh National Park. The park has been renowned for its highest population of tiger of which Royal Bengal Tiger is famous. Presently about 40 to 50 tigers are found. Other wild life species of this park include sloth bear, spotted deer, wild boar and pig, Indian bison, porcupine, leopard, sambar etc.
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Now Bandhavgarh(Tiger’s den) has been extended to a larger area of 446
sq.km rather than 105 sq.km before. The hill of Bandhavgarh has a height of about 811meters .The hill is surrounded by sloppy valley and is above the sea level. Swampy hayfields surrounds the valleys which are called ‘bohera’. Sal trees can be found around a larger part of the forest, while other trees are found in the higher regions of the hill. Northern part is full of grasslands and bamboo trees. Because of huge reservoir of water in the Tala layout tigers are mostly found here than the nearby places like Maghdhi and Khitauli.
Another spot to see is Bandhavgarh Fort which stands in between, the lovely meadows of Chakardhara, spots like Climber point, Sita Mandap, Rampur Pahari etc
You can take a ride in elephant or jeep and look around the park or hire a guide available in the forest who will explain you about the park
Corbett National Park
Corbett National Park was established in 1936.It was previously called Ramganga park and was named again in 1956 after Jim Corbett ,who is a known hunter come conservationist This park is supposed to be the first park discovered in whole Asia. It is also called Hailey National Park.
This sanctuary initiated Project Tiger whose main objective was to preserve the tiger from getting endangered. It was launched in 1973 and about 41 reserves were developed. Corbett National Park covers around 500sq.km and it is in the lower slopes of mountain of Himalayas. It is the oldest wild life reserve of India and is located in Uttaranchal, spread between Pauri and Nainital. The total area of the sanctuary has been divided into two, core area and buffer area. Buffer area is about 798 sq.Km and core is about 520 sq.Km
The valley in the banks of river Ramganga forms little ravines and also results in island having trees called sheesham. Ridges are full of Sal trees and long grasses. The river becomes a habitat for mugger, flocks of cormorants, gharial etc. The forest divided into two divisons, namely Kalgarh and Ramnagar. Other than the Bengal tigers, crocodiles, leopard, hogs, boars, otters, gorals, pangolins, langur etc are also found. Around 600 species of birds can be observed with many migratory birds like jungle fowls, peacocks, parakeets, eagles etc
The river Ramganga provides the main souce of water to the species with its affluent like Mandal, Palain and Sonanadi. Kosi is another river which is a source of water to the nearby areas of the park. During winter sinter season many migratory birds from Europe and central part of Asia visits and stays near the Ramganga reservoir providing water to the birds and animals
Some of the tips to travelers walking or driving around the sanctuary
Don’t make any noise so as to drive away any animal or bird since they are very sensitive to voices.
Do carry insect repellents, first aid kits etc
Take Binoculars, flashlight, rolls of film, cameras
Don’t throw plastic bags which can become a threat for animals
Woolen clothes, rain coat ,walking shoes need to be carried to take care of the is monsoon season.
Kanha National Park
Kanha National Park is situated in Madhya Pradesh state is one of the well known Tiger reserves of India. In 1955 it was found under Project Tiger and it became the nucleus of Kanha Tiger reserve. It is spread in the valley of Banjor and Halon in the shape of the shoe of horse surrounded by the hill range of Mekal in Mandla district. Banjar and Halon has a wide variety of wildlife species and they form the eastern and western regions of the tiger reserve. It covers almost 940 sq .km. The geographic location is highly varied and distinct. The park is famous for its scenic beauty of which sunset point in Bammi Dadar is significant.
There are number of legends about the name of Kanha Park. It may have come from the name of the clay soil called kanha which fills the deep river, while some say that it comes from the holy saint named Kanha, who had lived there. Kanha is the father of Shakuntala.
Kanha being the home park of largest populations of Tiger, also involves some other species like striped hyena, jungle cat, variety of monkeys, jackal, sloth bear, spotted deer of about 20000 in number, blue bull etc. Spotted deer and sambar form the important prey for these tigers. Barasingha also called Swamp deer is a rare species found here. Strict measures were taken in order to bring back the extinct species of 20 years back; Barasingha .Even fences were created to protect them. Indian Wolf, a rare species are found in Kanha .You can see about 200 species of birds in the park.
It was believed that the famous author of Jungle Book, ‘Rudyard Kipling’ got motivated by Kanha’s beauty and wrote the classic which became world famous.
In order to reach Kanha you can choose Nagpur Airport, being nearest airline service, another being Bhopal, railway services are also available from Raipur and Khajuraho other than Jabalpur.
Periyar National Park
Periyar National Park is set in the high hills of Western Ghats in Kerala which symbolizes as God’s own country. Periyar is also common for Tiger reserves. At the sanctuary Periyar Lake for about 26 sq. km lies strikingly expressive. Periyar Lake is a source of water for the wild animals, which was formed by the make of Mullaperiyar Dam constructed in 1895.Periyar, is an artificial lake. It lays both in Pathanamthitta and Idukki. The Park is also called Thekkady Park. It is straggled over an area of 777 sq.km. Periyar is one of the best tiger reserves of India out of 27 reserves.
You should go for a Jungle trekking which is really adventurous. Short trekking of 4 hours starts from morning till noon. Night safari is also famous with forest guard through the forest by which you can spot wildlife more closely. During the journey you can enjoy the flora and fauna closely .Tourists are mainly attracted by the Asiatic elephants which comes to play in the water of the Periyar Lake. Tiger is much rarely seen than elephants. This Park is the only one which allows you to observe the animals in close proximity and can enjoy the journey of the river at the same time. You can sometimes see herds of elephants.
Other animals include lion tailed macaques, wild pigs, dole, sambar, mouse and barking deer. Periyar is mainly a mix of two rivers like pamba and peryar river .Wide spread with scenic beauty the place is rich in bio-diversity the visitor will never return dissatisfied. Elephant ride or Safari is available through the jungle. In Thekkaday the Western Ghats which are found are densely populated with evergreen, damped deciduous forest and savannah grasslands Periyar Tiger reserves contain tropical and semi greeneries. Project Tiger reserve was declared in 1991 though status as National Park has not been legally accepted yet. We can see about 246 types of birds, 112 types of butterflies, 49 mammal species, 28 reptile species, 22 different types of fishes and 8 typical amphibians.
Bandipur National Park
Bandipur National Park, on the foothills of the Nilgiris is located midway between the Mysore-Ooty road and is a much desired weekend getaway from Bangalore due to its proximity and away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The Bandipur National Park was setup in 1931 by the Mysore Maharajas mainly Voodiyars and it was named as Venugopal Wildlife Park previously. Later, during the project tiger initiated by the Indian Government to protect the endangered tigers by creating wildlife reserves, Bandipur was choosen as one among the 30 odd tiger reserves in the country. Bandipur also forms part of the Niligiris Biosphere Reserve – again a conservation reserve for the Asiatic elephants. Other animals which are commonly found are guar, mouse deer, Malabar squirrel porcupines, black-striked hare, jackal, panther, sloths etc.
Bandipur is a ruch hub of flora and fauna and you can perhaps find every nature of tropical wildlife in here – be it elephants, sambhars, deers and the occasional tiger. Also there is the Kabini River running through the park which adds to the splendor of the national park. There are varying activities such as boating, fishing, bird watching and trekking that one can explore at Bandipur. Wildlife expeditions are interesting options for toursists visiting the Bandipur sanctuary.The ideal season to visit Bandipur would be from March to May when the forests are dry and provide good visibility over long ranges and are good for safaris. On the other hand, winter seasons from November to January provides an excellent time for bird watching as several migratory birds fly into the park. Green pigeons which are rare birds are found hereAnd lastly, the post-monsoon provide an excellent trekking environment for the avid adventurers. Bangalore is the nearest airport which is about 120 km. The railway station nearer is Mysore and there are several buses available from Bangalore, the journey through Mysore
Gir National Park and Sanctuary
The Gir forest consisting of National Park and Wildlife sanctuary is situated in Gujarat About 1412 sq.Km being the total covered area, 258 has been taken as Park while 1153 is used as sanctuary. It was established on 1965 and the headquarters in Sasan has a forest guest house. The unique feature is that, it is the place where Asiatic Lions are found. The lion population has increased to about 300 species at present.
The Gir National Park is the significant place of Lion reserves. But deletion of habitat, human inhabitants are some of the threat faced by these lions other than poaching.
Though lions of Asia are smaller than that of Africans, the sight of a large male lion is really enthralling. There are many breeding programs carried out in the park other than Lion breeding. The center is involved in the study and behavior of Lions. Artificial insemination is done to breed. One of the established centers is ‘Sakkarbaug Zoo’ in place called Junagadh ,which is the headquarters which has bred about 126 Asiatic lions out of 180 and given to zoos of India and other countries
Largest populations of Leopards are also found here. Other wild animal seen here are chinkara, nilgai, 4 horned antelope, wild boar, chital etc. At the marshal areas various crocodiles are seen.
Gir forest is mainly deciduous forest and its major flora include teak, jamun, an acacia variety called babul, ber etc. It has number of rivers and region is quite hilly, thus giving the tourists the experience of a long drive
The forest has about 300 species of birds and there is 6 different species of vultures which belongs to group of scavengers. Typical species include eagles like Crested Hawk, Crested serpent, Bonelli while owls like Brown Fish, Great Horned are found. Quailbush, black headed Oriole, Indian Pitta, Pygmy Woodpecker are other rare birds found here.
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is located at Kumarakom, in the district of Kottayam, in Kerala. As the sanctuary borders the Vembanad Lake, it is also called as Vembanad Bird Sanctuary located about 12km from the main state. The place is bundle of little islands. Bestowed with scenic beauty, and background of backwaters, this is one among the most popular tourist spots in India, though it falls into the category of the smallest parks in India. The sanctuary stretches forth to an area of 14 acres. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a beloved resort for migratory birds like the heron, Siberian stork, egret, darter, and teal.
Kerala, God's own country, is blessed with a complex network of water bodies, and calm and serene greenery. Kumarakom is one such backwater spot. The place is bedded with paddy fields, mangrove forests, coconut plantations and beautiful streams and waterways. In the midst of these lies the Vembanad Lake.
A boat journey through Pathiramanal (meant "sands of midnight"), a becharming island of the lake, is highly exciting for a nature lover. This island, spread across 10 acre, accommodates rare varieties of migratory birds, which fly in from distinct regions of the world. A sail in the houseboat and tasting the delightful cuisine of Kuttanad would provide with, a pleasant experience for the visitors.
The sanctuary hosts numerous local birds, which include the cuckoo, waterfowl, owl, water duck, egret, and heron, and Siberian cranes, which were once at the verge of extinction. It also harbors teal, parrots, larks, wood beetle, flycatchers, and other birds during their migratory seasons.
Being acquired from a rubber plantation by an Englishman, the sanctuary was originally called as Baker’s Estate, which was constructed about 50 years ago
In summer the temperature will be between 34 and 22.Winter will be around 18.The proper time to visit the bird sanctuary will be between July-August. If you want to see migratory birds you have to be there by November to February
Sunderbans National Park
Sunderbans National Park of the West Bengal is the largest of Tiger Reserves. Sunderban got its name from Sundar van means beautiful forest, thus became sunderbans. It comes under UNESCO heritage of world .It is a stretch of land containing mangroove scrubs as the main flora. The forests are quite swampy with saltwater and brackish water. It is of coastal origin. Sunderbans creates the largest delta from the rivers of Brahmaputra, Meghna and Ganges and its estuarine forms a unique eco system. Some endangered rivers like Batagur baska, Terrapin are found on Mecchua Beach.
In the merge of Matla and Gomudi exists Sajnekhali Bird Sanctuary which covers over a wide area of 884 sq.km. Most common of the birds are Grey and night heron, kingfisher, open billed stork, brahmini kite, caspian tern, paradise flycatcher, egret etc. Asian dowitcher can be seen in winter season. Some attacking rare eagles like Pallas's fish eagle, grey-headed fishing eagle, white-bellied sea eagle, northern eagle owl are found. Others like peregrine falcon, oriental lobby and brown fish owl are also seen.
Other than white tiger or Royal Bengal Tiger which can even swim in waters, the major source of attractions like Ridley Sea Turtle, snakes like King Cobra and rock Python and various other reptiles, crabs like red fiddler and hermit are found. Barking deer can be found in the island of Sunderbans. Gangetic dolphin ,Indian civet, grey mongoose, rhesus monkey, spotted deer pangolin, flying fox wild pig are rare animals near Sundarbans.
You can see some rare flowers like kankra, passur, garjan, dhundal etc. The migratory birds are golden plover, pintai, curlew, eastern knot, whimprel, sandpiper, black-tailed godwit etc
Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project is the one which have biggest collection of estuarine crocodiles, which is both home and place for crocodiles to lay eggs. Some marine turtles are also seen nearby
The floating houseboat will help you in the journey in which you can have a comfortable sleep also Life jackets will be given for your safety. The Bali village people know every turn of the river and they will help you to know what you want
Ranthambore National Park
Ranthambore being one of the biggest in north India is located in Madhopur district of Rajasthan. Madhopur is about 130 Km form Jaipur. The Wildlife niche was supposed to be a famous hunting spot of kings of olden days; its terrain lures the tourists who are photographic lovers. The two sanctuaries of the park are Kaila Devi Sanctuary and Sawai Mansingh sanctuary. Tigers are found hunting for the prey, taking care of its new borns in the daytime in live. Watching tigers, chirpy birds, the greeneries all will make your senses delightful
Ranathambore is located at the borders of Vindhya and Aravalli hills. The entire park covers an area of about 400 sq.km and along with Mansingh sanctuary is about 500 sq.km. In 1974 Project Tiger was put forward. It got its legal status as National Park in year 1981.A huge fort after which the name, Ranathambore came into being. It is also a historical place due to the remnants of past ruins over the jungle which gives unique experience. These tigers can be seen often since the tigers seem to be bold enough to come before human beings even when there is presence of Jeep or any vehicle.
Some of the rare species found here are Toddy cat, Desert cats, Yellow bats, five striped palm squirrels, caracals, black bucks, striped hyenas, Indian false Vampire bats, ratels, small Indian mongoose and civet, mole rats, long geared hedgehogs etc.
The park contains common Indian toads, marshal reptiles like snub nosed crocodile, cobras, desert monitor lizards, north Indian flap shelled turtles ,chameleon, saw scaled vipers, russels viper, rat snake etc
The park is open to all from October through May and it can be a dream park to photographer. The rail journey is linked to nearest town called Sawai Madhopur. It is in the line of Delhi come Bombay and it has also stations in Jaipur and Agra. It is about 362 Km from Delhi and 132 Km from Jaipur. Airline services are available in Jaipur as well as a place called Kota. You can reach by bus through Dausa from Delhi and through Tonk from Jaipur
Sariska Tiger Reserve
Sariska which occupies in the Alwar district of Rajasthan shall be the most visited park because it is nearby major cities like Jaipur and Delhi. The park was used as the resort for hunting purposes by the royal kings. In 1958 it was established as Wildlife sanctuary while in1979 it stood under Project Tiger preserving the natural assets of the nature. The whole National Park occupies around 800 sq.km of which the core part is about 480 sq.km. The Alwar district is found on the ranges of Aravalli hills. Number of monuments being gifted to the place and situated near the boundaries to the park makes this place religiously significant giving a historical value. Due to these monuments the authorities cannot help in closing the park and thus it is always in the open state. During Summer the park appears very humid and hot thereby watching animals during that period is apt. Otherwise winters being very cold, cannot come outdoors as the temperature may even go as low as 4 degree.
The park is quite bigger than other parks like Ranathambore and so having a similar type of geographical location don’t have as much tigers as in Ranathambore. North side of Aravalli range dominates the horizon with narrow valleys and cliffs. It also supports good thorny shrubs, grasses in the thick, rocky and dry deciduous forest.
Sariska National park is the habitat of various carnivores animals like wild dog, hyena, tiger, lion and jackal. These will prey on species like langur, wild boar, chitel, sambar, chausingha etc. The wildlife will vary according to the climatic changes which are erratic. One of the unique animals of Sariska is Rhesus monkeys which are found in and around a type of tree called TalVriksh.
Some of the unique species of birds may include Sand Grouse, Quail, Peafowl, Partridge, Tree pie, Crested serpent eagle, Great Indian horned owl and Golden woodpecker.
In order to reach the tiger reserves which are accessible from Delhi easily you can take the route through Daruhera, Alwar to Sariska which is about 200km and a short journey of 3 hours. It is also possible to reach there via Jaipur which is about 240 km. Nearest town being Alwar, railways as well as bus is available. Airport, which is nearer is in Jaipur The proper time for viewing is by October till June
Tadoba Tiger Reserve
Tadoba Tiger Reserve is situated in Maharashtra in Chandrapur district. Tadoba-Andhari as it is called where Tadoba stands for the Park and Andhari stands for the Wildlife sanctuary. Tadoba covers about 116 sq.Km and Andhari about 509 sq.km. The name
Andhari came after the river named Andhari.
Tadoba National Park is supposed to be the oldest Park of the state having unique set of habitats present in it. Tadoba is known for its natural heritage, unique eco system and rich bio diversity .Tadoba being the second reserve established in Maharastra was mainly developed to protect and conserve the tiger.
Tadoba get its name from the local god called Taru. Tadoba Deo is the idol worshipped in Tadoba near the Tadoba Lake .Tadoba Lake is in between the agricultural fields. The localities believe that water of Tadoba Lake will cure all diseases including that of crops or pests by sprinking little water over. Tadoba are known for their rich heritage and bio diversity.
Other than tigers the sanctuary is a habitat of various animals like wild boar, spotted deer, 4 hourned antelope, sambar, wild dog, rusty cat, mouse deer, leopard, sloths, flyng squirrel etc. The flora is tropical deciduous forest mainly dry one .The Andhari sanctuary supports several variety of flowers and evergreen trees like bamboo, dhauda, bija, Ain, teak, bamboo, haldu, semal, salai etc.
You can enjoy a comfortable stay at rest houses or guest houses, holiday homes and hostel called Youth hostel near the sanctuary. The best time to visit Andhari sanctuary is to come in November to February.
The best way to reach Tadoba Tiger Reserve is by airlines, railways or roads while Nagpur being the nearest Airport about 205 km away, railway close by is Chandrapur station and you can also get buses from Chandrapur.
Sasan Gir Wildlife Sanctuary
Sasan Gir Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best among the sanctuaries where Asiatic Lions are preserved. The only homage of Asiatic Lions, Sasan Gir spread over 1412 sq.km in Gujarat state. Due to drastic conditions extinction of Asiatic Lions occurred in 20th century which was recovered soon by Nawabs of Junagadh with the support of government when it got its legal status in 1975.Now it is well protected and around 327 lions exists according to census of 2002
Other than Sasan Gir tiger reserve, the Sasangir National Park consist of 3 reserves adjoining -the Nalsarovar Lake and its sanctuary ,which is a habitat of wide variety of migratory birds ,the Little Rann of Kutch, which has wlld ass as main inhabitant and capturing Flamingo Island, full of Flamingos as inhabitants makes the Gir of Sasan a wildlife attraction.
Due to the rugged ground and not so bad climate it supports huge flora and fauna .The chief vegetation of Sasan Gir cover deciduous forests mainly include teak trees, with grasslands. There are about 450 different species of plant, mammals around 32 mammals, about 310 birds, reptiles about 24 species and insects of about 2000 different varieties exists here. Leopards are also commonly found with about 285 by census 2002.Spotted or chital of about 30000 in number will be found. Mongoose, jackals j ungle cats, chinkara, crocodiles, porcupines, gazelles are also found.
Sasan Gir also supports respectable amount of birds where some of them are Honey Buzzard, raptors, spoonbill, paradise flycatcher, white and black ibis, flamingo, woodpecker, crested serpent and bonelli’s eagle, spotted dove, blossom headed parakeet etc.
Have you ever dreamt of Lion safari (ride)? This unique Safari can be done only in Sasan Gir Park, which attracts world wide tourists. Jeep safari/ride is yet another enjoyable experience exploring the diverse features of the forest. You can even spot other lions while doing Lion Safari. Lion Safari is done only in a 4 sq.km area of the park called Gir Interpretation Zone. There are even towers, hides, water holes to watch the lions more closely.
.Airline service available is near Keshod, others being Diu, Rajkot and Porbandar. SasanGir has its own railway station, so, that is the best transport available .Veraval and Junagarh near Sasan are well connected to cities with buses.
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is located at Kumarakom, in the district of Kottayam, in Kerala. As the sanctuary borders the Vembanad Lake, it is also called as Vembanad Bird Sanctuary located about 12km from the main state. The place is bundle of little islands. Bestowed with scenic beauty, and background of backwaters, this is one among the most popular tourist spots in India, though it falls into the category of the smallest parks in India. The sanctuary stretches forth to an area of 14 acres. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a beloved resort for migratory birds like the heron, Siberian stork, egret, darter, and teal.
Kerala, God's own country, is blessed with a complex network of water bodies, and calm and serene greenery. Kumarakom is one such backwater spot. The place is bedded with paddy fields, mangrove forests, coconut plantations and beautiful streams and waterways. In the midst of these lies the Vembanad Lake.
A boat journey through Pathiramanal (meant "sands of midnight"), a becharming island of the lake, is highly exciting for a nature lover. This island, spread across 10 acre, accommodates rare varieties of migratory birds, which fly in from distinct regions of the world. A sail in the houseboat and tasting the delightful cuisine of Kuttanad would provide with, a pleasant experience for the visitors.
The sanctuary hosts numerous local birds, which include the cuckoo, waterfowl, owl, water duck, egret, and heron, and Siberian cranes, which were once at the verge of extinction. It also harbors teal, parrots, larks, wood beetle, flycatchers, and other birds during their migratory seasons.
Being acquired from a rubber plantation by an Englishman, the sanctuary was originally called as Baker’s Estate, which was constructed about 50 years ago
In summer the temperature will be between 34 and 22.Winter will be around 18.The proper time to visit the bird sanctuary will be between July-August. If you want to see migratory birds you have to be there by November to February
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