Watching Tiger in a Romantic Getaway

I could barely believe my eyes, the paw marks were large enough to confirm the sighting. Just before my curiosity drew me to the spot where I was watching birds, a few men had looked down and then passed nonchalantly ahead. They were on a morning walk and from their nonchalance I could make out that the paw marks were a regular occurrence.

Doopgarh Pachmarhi 

I was not in a tiger land, I was at the edge of Pachmarhi Township buzzing with tourism activity. It was early in the morning, I was on a trip with my clients whence I met Puneet the ambitious owner of a busy resort named Golf View.   He became interested in hiring me as a bird guide for his beautiful hotel in Pachmarhi aptly named due to its proximity to a golf course in Pachmarhi Township.  

Tiger Pug Marks

The trip was supposed to test my birding skills, and we were on foot. This was against the advice Puneet had stressed upon. In the rugged landscape of steep jagged cliffs draped with tropical greenery and the serene ambiance of Pachmarhi my favorite hill resort in Central India, I decided not to be on a noisy vehicle. The town was sleeping as we left on foot with Puneet's jeep on the toe.  

"Birds shy off the jeeps, and this is no way to spot avian," I said. " I am ready for a long haul". The resort owner said nothing. He ordered his jeep to follow us at a distance.     

Pandav Caves

Pachmarhi First Sight & Food

The spirited terrain in the township is uniform, but the sudden eruption of cliffs after a short distance can be jarring at the first sight for the uninitiated, but nevertheless, the panoramic grandeur soothes the surprised nerves. Outside the town limits, the activities come to a stop (the visit was in the off-season) and the World comes to a standstill as if frozen back in time.  At that time, the noisy tea stalls were in slumber about to wake up for their lazy customers. Pachmarhi is not for people who need a bite at the first stroke of dawn. Luckily, I had a sumptuous breakfast at Golf View.

Near the township, visitors have varied options for meals mostly vegetarian but nevertheless delicious. The hill station incites deep hunger in the prevailing salubrious environment, and local street food is good enough. For upscale tourists, restaurants in luxury hotels are beckoning but few do venture out to try the local stuff.     

Pachmarhi Hills Big & Small  

Pachmarhi accords a feeling of an esoteric charm whence you are alone, and the geological formations mesmerize at one fleeting glance. Impressive by all means, the panoramic spread at steep heights cannot be encountered anywhere. You have to see to believe. The striking features of the larger hills are the dense green clothing of trees and bushes, the tapered pinnacles, and the sloping contours. In between, the steep bare cliffs stand out like silent sentinels warning intruders not to dare.    

The streams in the glens are most enchanting when they glisten as sunlight fall on them. The twinkling stars erupt in the daytime as the rivers silently snake through steep cliffs and dense canopies.  The natural formations are striking and pleasing and not only amazing. They accord a true holiday feel in the wilderness.   

Being a wildlife sanctuary and now part of Satpura Tiger Reserve, the holiday resort is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts as well as holidaymakers on sprees. The place is popular as a romantic getaway with cold winters and not-so-hot summers. Couples arrive here in large numbers to initiate and get familiar with conjugal life in the cool, salubrious confines of the resort with plenty of spots for complete isolation. 

You can see the newlyweds most often at the multichambered Pandav Caves situated within the township amidst a clutter of tea stalls, shops, and DIY car parking.  Yes, taxis and cars are parked just anywhere in this hill resort on a first come first stop basis. Holding hands, they are quite conspicuous but ignored by the crows busy with sightseeing and enjoying their brunch.  

Some of the old hotels and bungalows date back to the British Raj in India and stir reminiscence of the era of Raj a turbid rule nonetheless full of romantic grandeur created by the Sahibs.  The Sahibs loved this destination, the summer capital of Madhya Pradesh. The rest house at Dhoopgarh was to witness revelries unprecedented during the Raj powered by scotch, and the wood-fired Indian food that khansamahs created in the dingy set-aside kitchen. Standing in front of the vacant rest-house, I could realize how ordinary nonelites could be. Unlike in the case of Sahibs, a visit to this hill station is a privilege we can ill afford.   

Rest House

Off-Season Visit

Crowds wash off the fun of being in an enchanting place hence off-season visits are rewarding.  After a demanding and lackluster trip to Satpura Tiger Reserve, Pachmarhi was a whiff of fresh air. On the very first day, I heard Malabar Blue Whistling Thrush, the refreshing long-drawn sonorous song is unforgettable. Nothing beats it, even a robust breakfast with a delectable menu. 

This holiday destination is a paradise for the ornithologists who are constantly exploring the remote place for that one vagrant that could crown their checklist. 

A Predator So Close & Sloth Bears

We stopped for a while, the big cat paw prints were quite fresh but I believed it had gone past from the spot. A couple of days back it had been seen by many near the very spot. It was an aging cat pushed off by a rival perhaps. 

Golf View Hotel

Stunned by a predator so close, I hesitantly decided to continue the walk. But it was short-lived. The next warning was that of the sloth bear, which I was told can surprise you in the bush. They can deliver nasty scars when alarmed. On the walk, we encountered bushland with twisting walkways in between, and anywhere the slothy creature could be lurking. On full alert, I know how unpredictable the sloth bear could be. Unlike the tiger, they are known to attack without any reason or threat perception. They have mauled people to death in the past, and to get away with scars is worse for they disfigure and maim for life.  Thankfully, this was a rare occurrence and the calm on my face was an assurance for Puneet. We nevertheless were onboard whence we came to dense thickets that allowed no transparency.            

We continued on the jeep. Panoramic spread of hills enshrouded in green, and the jagged bare outcrops and precipices are everywhere but each with a differing countenance. You can never tire out believe me.  

Landscape STR

Dhoopgarh

Mesmerized to the hilt, we continued towards Dhoopgarh which literary means a fort draped in the sunshine. Yes, this is the highest spot in Central India. The drive goes through nerve-wracking steep and acutely twisting curves and you need to hold yourself calm. The deep ravines support tropical herbs and shrubs nourished by gentle sunlight that enters the inaccessible valleys, and minuscule crevices with flowing water, and are protected by the cool shady confines. Some of the exotic herbs found here have medicinal properties yet are undiscovered. Botanists revel in exploring these inaccessible dangerously steep places in the hill resort.

Pachmarhi Forests

Grandeur in Simplicity & The Bar 

At the top of the hill sits a rest house lost in the bygone era. This was the place for revelries during the Raj. Now visited mostly out of curiosity by love birds and the ubiquitous tourists, it is a pointer to British architecture in India. The structure that the British built exhibited grandeur in simplicity, they are enchanting without fail. and blessed with a quiet ambiance difficult to find in modern architecture. No esoteric carvings no domes. 

As we roll down the hill memories of past visits surface in the bewildering labyrinth of my mind. The town once a place steeped in serenity was busy catering to crowds of rancorous tourists, and the single roads were full of cars and smoke. Most old hotels face stiff competition from new arrivals but retain their esoteric charm.  I used to love visiting the bar at Old Block in the evenings. It is the solitude that appeals the most to town people. Conversation in hush-hush tones amid already prevailing silence, dark draped night impact the yellow lightning in upscale venues that soothe. I was very fond of this bar and spent a few moments in peace here during my past visits.    

Thanks to the notification, the town is unable to expand. Mercy! Out beyond the town limits, there are plenty of geological formations and wilderness full of birds and wild animals. The big mammals are elusive but the natural formations are not at all disappointing.  

We did not see the tiger but nevertheless, it was memories springing back of days whence I used to visit with my extended family members.  

Pachmarhi Hill Resort is a five hours drive from Jabalpur Airport, and a little less distant from Bhopal Airport the Capital City of Madhya Pradesh. Reserve your accommodation in advance and schedule the visit in summer with a bit less of a crowd. Do not worry summers are tolerable here. 

A number of MPTDC hotels with good enough locations and modern amenities are the best accommodations to seek. But book well in advance. 

Read Pristine Pachmarhi

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Uday is a blogger and offers Seo + Content For Digital Marketing Services. 

He teaches digital marketing (SEO) in Jabalpur.

He freelances as a naturalist/birder at Kanha National Park. He loves to write on travel. 

He can be contacted at: 

pateluday90@hotmail.com

09755089323

Author

Ranthambhore Where Tigers Rule

Hunting Reserve of an erstwhile Maharajahs, the ruins strike awe as the jeep rolls down the rugged terrain. Ranthambore is well known for its tigers, and the ancient temples, forts, chattris, and hunting lodges are all now throttled down by forests. Decay and withering is the telltale sign of once magnificent structures exhibition of pomp and glory of the Maharajahs of Jaipur - now a bustling capital of Rajasthan.   

Tiger

The rot has not set in for the forests and wild denizens they thrive well. Tigers now occupy the biodiversity-rich region, and tourist flock to admire them. The big cats can be seen here in all their glory in the natural habitat - and who would not like to see them. 

Popular for tiger safaris the ancient ruins and splendorous lakes of the National Park are the jewels of this niche habitat of wild denizens. Not to be left behind, the tourist lodges at Ranthambore are among the finest with a rich tradition of hospitality that equals the days of the Maharajahs living in their opulent palaces and forts.       

Tiger

Besides being home to the big cats, the reserve boasts a wide array of mammals and an amazing flock of avians. Safaris are thrilling, be it on a jeep or a canter, the excitement never mitigates as you get one experience after another, a tiger on the hunt, crocodile basking, and shrill alarms of deer and the Nilgai. 

Tucked away in the chain of Aravali Hills the erstwhile hunting reserve is now the mainstay of tourism in Rajasthan. The big cats have created history after returning from near extinction. Legends (tigers) now eternal have ruled the dazzling heights of the ramparts and the lush green meadows inundated by magnificent lakes large and small.      

Resort Ranthambhore

High-End Hotel 

Luxury Hotel Ranthambore

The canopy, water bodies, grasslands, and torturous terrain create their own niche in which species survive. One of the best places to see tigers in the wild, Ranthambore is the most visited in India. Entrenched in the itinerary of the Golden Triangle many holidays are made here. 

Male Tiger 

Ancient Temple

Lake

Situated near Sawai Madhopur three hours drive from Jaipur the reserve is easy to access. The tourism infrastructure is sound with many five-star and luxury hotels for a memorable stay. Tigers abound and you can see and photograph them with ease. A few days of safaris will offer an experience that no other venue will offer in India.   

Responsible Travel & Tourism

Travel is going to grow, grow and grow. With quantum growth responsibility has to creep in. Certain tourism destinations are sensitive and fragile. As the day dawns upon us we have realized the importance of responsible tourism. Sustainable use of natural resources, profit sharing with locals by the way of employment, recycling substances are all in the package.

The tourism industry has to play a major role, be it hospitality or travel services. The onus is greater in ecotourism zones - one fine example is Kanha National Park.  The demand for super luxurious accommodation and amenities may augur practices contrary to responsible tourism principles. The ingress of urbanity is also one of the damaging factors. All things modern puts lot of stress on the ecosystem, invites rush of people that puts stress on the habitat and natural resources. .

Controlled tourism is a must...Kanha cannot become like the Hill Retreats in India most of which have been ravaged by rampant construction. The construction without purpose or service for personal accommodation and pleasure should not be encouraged else damage to forests and natural lands will take place.  Resorts that are based on RT and  implement recycling activities, alternative energy usage that are eco friendly are most welcome.

Be Good

The tourist behavior in sensitive zones is controlled by rules and regulation. Kanha is a fine example of how tourism has been maintained to optimum level without damage to the habitat and its denizens.

The visitors should themselves comply with rules and regulations set in. These are not "free for all" holiday destinations. A wildlife safari is to experience the complex web of life on Earth and its equally complex but important processes. A safari is a learning process wherein we come to understand the importance of environment and its conservation.

Eco Resorts

The eco resorts make maximum use of naturally available raw materials, install bio gas, use solar panels etc. These are some of the indicator of responsible behavior. Local tribes and communities are the sentinels of tiger reserves in India many have been displaced to make way for other life forms.

Empowerment of Local Communities

Employing and engaging local tribal in all productive activities is encouraging. It is compensation for displacement, movement restriction and limitation on use of minor forest produce, and in some circumstances loss of land etc.

Empowerment of locals is a must it can be done by the way of training and employment. Assistance to local institutions especially medical centers and school from the money earned should be encouraged by the leaders of the industry.

Inculcating sound principles of responsible tourism will augur growth and development the green way. We have seen the ravages of uncontrolled mining, responsible behavior would prevent excessive dependence on fossil fuels and mining products.

Alternative employment and skill development will wean away locals from poverty and destructive activities. The hospitality businesses should partake and assist in creating innovative alternatives which are ecofriendly.  

It is a win, win, situation for nature and human society along with all life forms. Let us change our ways.        

Boutique Resorts India

With tremendous growth in the country's economy there has come about a change in travel concept and how we celebrate. India is on upward swing with the fastest growing middle class and the jet set. The travel concepts are fast changing and evolving as per the current scenario.    

Luxury resorts are catching up with five star tourism. In India luxury resorts or boutique resorts as some call it are fully equipped properties. They are well equipped with paraphernalia of modern life. Boutique, spa, beauty saloon, ayurvedic massage, professional hair saloon all upscale amenities are essential elements of boutique resorts.     

The resorts provide spa  facilities for health, rejuvenation and a relaxing experience. They are integral part of business and family travel. Business travelers adapted to corporate lifestyle prefer an escape to distant accommodations that offer both business communication, organize conference and seminars etc. This is an ideal way of conducting business in salubrious climes for the industry big wigs. Top directors, Ceo and high er echelons of company management find the luxury resorts ideal. They prefer  deluxe resorts to urban hotels for corporate engagements and braking into big deal and contracts. 

The picturesque setting, five star pomp and glitter, luxurious amenities, entertainment, fine dining all sum up well for a family holiday. Though not many can spend a holiday in such expensive mode nevertheless the number is rising in India. The upscale resorts are well known for their extravagance and lavish consumption.  Unlike eco-resorts in wilderness the luxury resorts are extension of urban hotel industry.        

The finest luxury resorts in India are are  akin to five star hotels. The difference is basically location, with resorts being set up in distant serene and picturesque settings. Apart from luxurious accommodation and spa the resort fit the concept of themed weddings. Caterings and event planning are inherent functionality of many resorts in India. 

The ambiance and grand architecture, state of art interior and fairy tale scenario are ideal for theme weddings.  Such weddings are also known as destination weddings in India and all over. The rich and jet set prefer theme wedding ceremonies as their preferred way organizing a marriage.        

The resorts contribute to the country's economy by increasing the tourism potential. They are instrumental in attracting inbound tourists who wish to enjoy and explore Indian diversity without sacrificing luxury.   

Hotel Accommodations in Jabalpur Madhya Pradesh

Hotel accommodations are the first thing that strikes the mind when making travel plans. In rush season if accommodation is not reserved in advance it would become difficult to have a proper stay. Before traveling one must collect all information regarding accommodations available there. Here are a few details about hotels and resorts at Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh in Central India and surrounding region at place to see.

• Hotels in Raipur A three star luxury hotel at Raipur, Hotel Celebration is a part of privately owned chain of hotels and resorts. It is well managed hotel with modern amenities and first class service. The group are a leading hoteliers in the newly established state of Chattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh in India.
  
  

• Hotel in Jabalpur one of the premium hotels in Jabalpur. The hotel is well equipped with modern amenities and serene ambiance. The Penthouse is set up in the middle of the town close to river Narmada. The hotel provides luxurious accommodations and exquisite cuisine with excellent service.

• Hotel Accommodations at Kanha The Van Vilas resort is managed by seasoned wildlife professional expert in organize exciting tiger safaris. The resort has green surroundings being situated at the edge of the Kanha forests. It has modern amenities and facilities that provide comfortable stay. The service and food at Van Vilas Kanha is excellent and very popular at Kanha tiger reserve.

• Jungle Resorts at Pench: The resort offers luxurious stay at Pench tiger reserve in the Seoni Hills at Madhya Pradesh. It is well equipped with modern amenities and has exciting natural surroundings with tropical greenery everywhere. The 999 Resort at Pench arranges tiger safari in the park and offers naturalists service to esteemed guests.
  

• Kanha Accommodations This is a very old establishment and is a luxurious jungle resort catering to wildlife tourists from all over the world. Krishna Jungle Resort offers luxurious comfort and excellent service and has a multi-cuisine restaurant. They are professionals in organizing tiger safaris since a very long time at Kanha.

Goa beaches, hotels, resorts and sightseeing

Goa offers the best beaches in India. This beach resort has number of tourist friendly beaches that are popular with sea bathers and sun bathers. Most of the holiday makers are from foreign countries in Europe and Asia. Calangute, Anjuna, Dauna Paula, Bagga, Vagator, Majorda are beach is the most inhabited beach at Goa.

This little paradise has many luxury beach resorts:

• Aguada Heritage Hotel
• Leela Palace Hotel, Goa
  
• Marinha Dourada Hotel
• Sun Village Resort, Goa
  
• The Kenilworth Beach Resort
• Hotel Delmon
• Longuinhos Beach Resort, Goa
  
• Hotel Panjim Inn
• Majorda Beach Resort
• Taj Hotels Goa
  

For budget travelers Goa has plenty to offer:

Budget Hotel Packages

• Hotel Nova Goa

• Whishpering Beach Resort

• Ronil Beach Resort

• Captain Lobos Hideaway

• Silver Sands

Goa Travel Guide: Places to See

• Panaji: is the state capital. Located on the south bank of the wide Mandovi river.
  

• Margao
  

• Mapusa
  

• Ponda
  

Forts:

• Aguada Fort
• Cabo De Rama Fort
• Cabo Raj Niwas
• Chapora Fort

• Mormugao Fort

• Teracol (Tiracol) Fort
• The Gate of the College of St. Paul
• The Gate of the Palace of Adil Shah
• The Tower of the Church of St. Augustine
• The Viceroy`s Arch

Goa: Churches & Temples

Churches of Goa:

• Se Cathedral
  

• Church of St Francis of Assisi
  

• Church of St Cajetan
  

• Church of St Augustine Ruins
  

Temples

• Shri Bhagavati
  

• Shri Bhagatvati Temple at Parshem
  

• Brahma Temple
  

Mosques

• Jama Masjid
  

• Safa Shahouri Masjid

Goa Carnival

The carnival takes place in the month of February about 40 days before Lent and is being celebrated since the eighteenth century. It is held for three days and nights. During the carnival the legendary king Momo takes over the state and the streets come alive with color.

Huge parades organized with bands, floats and dances and ball dances in the evening. The final day event is the red-and-black dance held by the Clube National in Panajim.

King Momo presides over the carnival, who on the opening day orders his subjects to party.

India travel basics

When traveling in India the following tips will come useful for inbound tourists from all over the globe.

Make your reservations in advance. Seek a good travel agent and go ahead. Fix your itinerary in and deliver to the travel agency for quick booking of accommodation in hotels and wildlife resorts and rail or air reservations and of course the ubiquitous taxi for road travel where ever required.

If you are planning for a temple and tiger tour which would include both historical monuments like “Taj Mahal” and tiger safari for Indian wildlife then find a travel agent online who specializes in eco tourism. These online travel agencies offer both tours in one package.

When you arrive in India take these precautions…

Drink only mineral water from trusted companies like Bisleri, Pepsi and Kinley…there are many more.

Eat fresh hot food at clean restaurants and totally avoid road side joints. You can safely consume fruits with cover. Try a hot tandoori in chicken or other curry dishes if you can stand it for it is going to tickle your palate like nothing else. India is an abundance of gastronomic delights so do not be surprised if you get addicted to Indian food.

The safest beverage is tea which is brewed at high temperature. India chai tea is unique drink and is available everywhere in wide range of flavor and taste which is unique to the regions in India. You get ample supply of tea in Indian railway to keep your spirits full of cheer during a long journey. Do not forget to drink ginger tea if you are a tea lover or that masala chai of which it is a part.

Keep cash at hand when you travel to interior where banking facilities may be limited. The urban localities have an advance infrastructure so traveling is not difficult at all if you have made your bookings in advance.

Keep tag on weather and the climate of the places you wish to travel to for this vast land has varied climate and somewhere you will need warm cloths to fight of freezing cold and other places might be warm and humid.

English is quite popular in India and Indians understand sign language very well, but learning bits and pieces of local dialect especially Hindi is going to make your trip more enjoyable. Keep medicine for any medical emergencies if you are traveling to rural areas of Indian jungles since modern medication might not be available there.

Above all stay in high spirits and enjoy either the ruggedness of economy class or luxury of traveling in amazing India premium package. You can travel on budget or travel in the luxurious five star class if you are rich.

For student and adults with a spirit of service and sacrifice, travel volunteer is the best option to experience India from close at grass root level. There are many Indian ngo or non profit organizations that offer volunteer opportunity and internship. India is a growing economy with multitudes of problems and complexities where in you can take part for the betterment of the country and its people.