Tiger Tours at Kanha National Park

Kanha is also known as Kanha Kisli, it is also known as the land of the tiger. It is home to the hard-ground swamp deer. This deer subspecies now only survive at Kanha National Park. The park is famous for the tiger but also for the saving of the critically endangered swamp deer. From just 66 heads the population now ranges over 500 heads. The credit goes to the Kanha team and George Schaller from the USA.

Kanha is home to over 100 tigers in an area of 2000 sq. km. The core area of the park is 940 sq. km and it is totally inviolate. No human activity except tourism in 20 percent area is allowed. The park is well protected by forest guards whole live in self-sufficient patrolling huts. There are more than 150 patrolling huts spread all over the park. Tourists are not allowed in the rest of the core zone.

Tourism also takes place in the buffer zone which is a multiple-use area. Besides the forest cover, there are human settlements and their farms. They are allowed to rear livestock. No commercial activities are allowed in the park. But there are wildlife resorts in the buffer under strict regulations. Small trade is possible in the buffer but no major commercial activities are permitted. While core zone tourism is limited with restriction on entry of jeeps no such limit exists in the buffer tourism zone at present.

Kanha Wilderness

Kanha is a tiger reserve and a National Park under the aegis of the State Government of Madhya Pradesh. Some tourism policies are advised by the NTCA which stands for National Tiger Conservation Authority. It is a Central Government body that now looks after the affairs of Project Tiger.  

The wild animals found at Kanha National Park are tiger, sloth bear, bison, chital deer, sambar deer, swamp deer, fox, jackal, mouse deer, barking deer, Nilgai, and four-horned antelope. Among the smaller fauna are porcupines, pangolins, jungle cats, civet cats, and wild rats.

There are more than 250 bird species in the park. Among the noted avian species are the white-tailed shama, orange-headed ground thrush, verditor flycatcher, Tickell's blue flycatcher, Tickell's thrush, common grey hornbill, Malabar Pied Hornbill, greenish warbler, Hume's warbler, booted warbler, Graylag geese, bar-headed geese, and more. Some raptors are the crested serpent eagle, honey buzzard, shikra, sparrow hawk, red-necked falcon white-eyed buzzard, and crested hawk eagle.  There are plenty of avians to be seen on tiger safari.

A permit for a tiger safari at Kanha is required. You can book the permits at MPOnline a Government of Madya Pradesh Portal. Since the jeep entity is limited you should book the safari in advance. Another option is to book a tiger safari at the gates subject to availability. 

          

Sunderbans Quintessential Tiger Country

Divided between India and Bangladesh the estuary is called as Sunderbans on both sides. It is an amazing mix of land and aquatic habitats where the tides rule the roots. The emerging aerobic roots are the highlight of this ecosystem that gets full of slush in low and is completely submerged on high tide. 

In Hindi Sunderban means beautiful mangrove forests, beautiful yes but one of the most difficult terrains on Earth. Life here is a tough prospect, the delta that eventually merges into the Indian Ocean. Slush, poodles emerging aerobic roots like daggers and thick canopy always hamper movement but offers great camouflage to the predators be they the tiger or the deadly salt water crocodile.     

Bengal Tiger

The term Bengal tiger originated here. The mangrove forests belong to West Bengal State of India and hence their proliferation first noticed here named then after the State. This happened during the rule of British in undivided India. 

Today more than two hundred tigers survive in this delta a confluence of three rivers namely Ganges, Meghna and Brahmaputra. These are the lifeline of this ecosystem and eventually merge into the sea. 

Adapting to ever changing environment is a constant struggle and hardship especially for the tigers. Though the incidence of man eating is higher here not reason is attributed to the phenomenon. This could be due to the intrusion of humans in the thickets for homey collection and fishes which invites attack due to closer presence of the big cats while many attribute it to salt water. Well no exact reason has been found out but nevertheless intrusion is being prevented and steps are being taken to ameliorate. 

Sunderbans National Park is a protected area in Bengal and is also notified as tiger reserve and a biosphere reserve. Tourism is organized here in twenty percent of the area. Subject to rules and regulation the activity offers good chance of sighting big cats and large number of mammals and reptiles that live here. The reserve is home to a large of avian species and a paradise for birders. 

A miss-mesh aquatic system of rivers, creeks and wetlands the habitat is strikingly different from other tiger habitats in India. Four tourists the access point is Kolkutta the Capital of West Bengal from here two hours drive is required to reach the National Park. A cruise is an ideal way to explore this aquatic system. 

For wildlife enthusiasts the boat safari in Sunderbans is the only way to experience it.  There are many tour operators who organize the safari for visitors. The excursions can be booked online as well.        

Travel to Bandhavgarh National Park in India

Bandhavgarh 

Situated in the Highlands of Central India Bandhavgarh is a paradise and tiger heaven. Wrongfully credited with sightings of the first and only white tiger in the World, the destination was contiguous with Sanjay National Park nearby in Sidhi District its rightful birthplace. 

This tiger reserve nevertheless is one of the most prolific breeding grounds for the big cats. It is a land of upheaval with a tortured terrain charismatic and densely forested. Bare-faced steep cliffs jut out of the earthen womb as a huge surprise. The lofty land mass creates deep glens and marshy plains where mountain rivulets invade...they are the lifeline of this diverse ecosystem that supports a myriad of lifeforms. The big cats prefer to hunt in the marshy grasslands which slows the movement of the herbivores. 

The National Park is ideal for animal and bird watching with a focus on the tigers. There are more than twenty-two mammals in the park beside a large number of reptilian species and birds. Ideal for wildlife holidays the destination also provides recreation and excitement on tour. Experiencing remote India has a calming effect with serenity and picture-perfect ambiance all around. The forests are home to peace and silence and the feeling is exhilarating.      

There is a little-known secret of this destination. An ancient civilization that thrived more than two thousand years back has left telltale marks in form of a fort, temples, pool, and numerous structures that confine themselves to the Tala Zone. Created by tribal and dynasties that came to rule now and then the architectural splendor is like a cynosure in the deep jungles devoid of modern urbanity. The fort is out of bounds for tourists but Sesh Shaiyya a reclining statue of Lord Vishnu is worth a visit. It is a small pool under a grove that contains the statue and numerous trickles emerge from the fern-infested slopes of the mountain that inundates. It is an esoteric experience in the place where the tigress often breeds. The River Charanganga emerges from this mountain and flows down to the plains creating a spectacular biodiversity hub. Time stands still in these confines as if frozen for eternity.            

                                                       Shesh Shhaiya

On the way to the park at Umaria about 32 km, you will also come across a 10th-century temple with the telltale architecture of ancient Central India. The access to reach Umaria and then Bandhavgarh is through Shahpura Township eighty km from Jabalpur Airport. The township is famous for plant fossils dating back 60 million years. The Fossil Park is situated on the way to Mandla and houses a museum or a collection of fossils along with a cafeteria. This is an ideal stop for freshening up and exploring the fossils. 

Jabalpur to Shahpura via Kundum drive is safe and pleasant along the scenic surrounds, teak forests, green fields, and quaint hamlets situated in between the mountains. The rows of dhabas or eateries provide hot snacks and meals to travelers. They are small and hygienic places some with toilet facilities to facilitate this long journey.      

Albeit there is not much need to make a stop nevertheless a cup of tea on the way is refreshing as you will encounter many little shops selling this wonderful brew. Most of the purchasing of essentials should be done at Jabalpur with flights connected to New Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai. The railhead too is well connected.       

A short holiday of at least two nights should be organized, and permits should be booked in advance at MP Online Portal. Entry into the core zone is not permitted to those without a permit. There is a number of wildlife resorts for accommodation which you can book online. These accommodations provide you with good food as well which includes Intercontinental and Indian.

Safaris are conducted in the early morning period and then in the late evening. The excursions are conducted on open jeeps and canters. On-foot safari and off-roading are not possible at Bandhavgarh Reserve.  

For overseas visitors on tiger safari in Central India it is best to contact a tour operator. The packages available take care of all the bookings and journeys besides being economical. Group travel is the best means to travel on package tours organized for wildlife watching and birding.     

The package tours also include travel to Kanha National Park at a distance of five hours via Shahpura from Bandhavgarh. Kanha is a popular tiger reserve and much visited.  

Big Cat in Highlands of Central India

Bandhavgarh National Park

Bandhavgarh is situated in the Vindhya Range but its tail ends at the confluence of Vindhya and the Satpura Range. This region is called Maikal Hills where Achankmar in Amarkantak Hills and Kanha National Park near Mandla all tiger havens, converge here. 

Tribal Architecture

Bandhavgarh is one of the most picturesque tiger havens in India and is home to ancient tribal architecture. The zoomorphic idols of Lord Vishnu, Fort in ruins, Man-made caves, horse stables and shelter, courtrooms, Hindu temples, reservoirs, and dome-shaped shelters date back to more than two thousand years. The Fort finds are mentioned in ancient Hindu annals chiefly in Skand Purana.

The fort complex witnessed internecine battles that led to conquests and subsequent rules by many dynasties. The Baghels were the last rulers before they shifted their capital to the Rewa District. Tiger rules the fort complex now, and the grove at Shesh Shaiyya inundated by trickles from the looming Bandhavgarh Hill is an enchanting spectacle with the twenty feet statue of reclining Vishnu beside a fairy pool. 

The White Tiger Land

Mohun the world's first and only white tiger was found in Sanjay Dubri National Park. Barley over an hour's drive from Bandhavgarh the park is home to a number of big cats and the number is on the increase.

Tourism at Sanjay Dubri is at a nascent stage but the park holds promise as it is extended into the neighboring state of  Chhattisgarh. The jungles comprise a large area for breeding big cats. The white cubs grew up under the care of Maharajah of Rewa HH Martandsinghji at Govindgarh Palace in Rewa. The white predator multiplied in zoos all over the world and it survives in captivity.

The Protected Areas

This region constitutes one of the finest tiger landscapes in India. Untouched and unspoiled for centuries this large tract of forest stands fragmented today. Well-preserved isolated patches have been designated PAs or protected areas. Most of these PAs have been constituted lawfully as tiger reserves.   

The Maikal Hills at Amarkantak incidentally is where River Narmada originates besides Son. Son moves towards the Ganges basin and merges into the Ganges River. Narmada traverses almost seven hundred kilometers to merge into the Arabian Ocean at Bharuch in Gujarat.

Throughout its journey, Narmada flows between amazing geological formations the forest-clad hills and valleys, and between some magnificent gorges like Bhedaghat in Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh. Once the lifeline of contiguous forests, Narmada and its tributaries now inundate fragmented forests in the Highlands of Central India. 

Pachmarhi & Satpura Tiger Reserve

The Hill Resort Pachmarhi and Satpura Tiger Reserve too are part of these magnificent hill ranges and are home to the big cats as well. The forest-clad hills make Madhya Pradesh the most forested in India as the Tiger State.  Amarkantak Bio Reserve and Satpura Bio Reserve constitute a large area covering sanctuaries and reserves that is accorded protection from commercial interests. These are an incredible hub of diversity and habitats of some of the unique flora and fauna in Central India.   

Highlands of Central India

These highlands' once-perfect ecosystems teeming with wildlife have been vividly described by Capt. Forsyth in his book named “Highlands Of Central India”. He was a pioneer in discovering many geological formations and wilderness that prevail during his time. His notes on the wild animals stand out as remarkable records of natural history. Much still remains fragmented but well preserved. Bandhavgarh, Achanakmar, Kanha, and Pench are the prime tiger reserves that have been turned into protected areas for tiger conservation. Pench and Kanha once contiguous were the settings for Kipling’s Jungle Book a story of Mowgli the wolf child. This is a wonderful tale woven by Kipling creating a classic using both facts and fiction.  

The majestic animals still roam in the reserves albeit in reduced numbers, and the panoramic features described by Forsyth can still be witnessed here albeit in bits and pieces. Much subjected to biotic and abiotic pressures the reserves are holding grounds thanks to the management and the conservative initiatives supported by Madhya Pradesh And Central Governments under the aegis of Project Tiger Program. 

The Big Cats Tours

Tigers are the prime attraction and the keystone species of these realms. Their numbers after years of depredation are thankfully increasing year on year. This is attracting a lot of wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and filmmakers to visit the reserves on safari and expeditions. Holidaymakers make a beeline for these destinations in Central India for safari holidays. The main attraction is the tiger but the biodiversity supports enchanting mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects. The floral diversity is extravagant with amazing botanical evolution and the tall stands of Sal and Teak are the main hardwood. The mixed forest species and bamboo abound intermixed with the hardwood, shrubs, and herbs. 

The reserves support unique niche habitats and creatures that have lost ground in areas taken over by man for commercial forestry, settlement, and agriculture. One of the most important biodiversity hubs a part of Satpura Biosphere Reserve is Pachmarhi Wildlife Sanctuary home to incredible species of herbs and shrubs that are classified as flora of medicinal importance.  Incidentally, Pachmarhi is a holiday destination due to its panoramic surroundings, amazing natural formations, and salubrious climate.

While Bandhavgarh, Kanha, and Pench National Parks are most visited due to easier sightings of the tiger Satpura excels in biodiversity and pristine forests. Satpura Tiger Reserve encompasses Bori Wildlife Sanctuary which is home to the finest teak forests in Central India. The population of big cats is increasing in these wild havens thanks to the protection accorded and the conservative initiatives. 

Sanjay Dubri though at a nascent stage as far as tourism is concerned is an upcoming National Park bound to become popular due to its proximity to Bandhavgarh, Allahabad, and Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh.

Thus Central Indian Highlands are the focus of big cat tours in the State of Madhya Pradesh. The popular reserves are Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Pench, and Satpura. These tours can be extended further to other reserves near and far.              

Planning A Tiger Safari at Ranthambhore

Wildlife Tour Planning Ranthambore!

Before you do get some facts right. The safaris are organized in Ranthambore with the sole aim of giving you a wildlife experience. Wildlife experience or interpretation is part of your holiday at the tiger reserve in Rajasthan in India. During most of the excursions, tourists search for the tiger. This is the main focus of the holiday for most of the visitors except the birders who seek a more holistic experience. The birdlife is simply fantastic!

Tiger

Little attention is paid by others to the common animals in an ecosystem that has so much to offer. Hence when you visit the destination enjoy the sights and sounds of all the creatures and not only the big cats. During the game rounds, you can see the leopard, sloth bear, Nilgai antelope, sambar and spotted deer, hyena, jackal, wild boar, and langur monkeys.  

The destination has a number of ancient historical monuments some of which can be visited. The picturesque lakes create a magical splendor and offer thrilling sights of animals and the tigers that hunt there.    

The park organizes two safaris one in the early morning and another around three in the afternoon. These have to be booked in advance. The park is divided into various tourism zones which have to be selected during the booking. Remember to book the zones in the core area which offer the best sightings of wild animals.

The permits are charged and photo identification is required to be mentioned whence booking. During the entry, the photo identity has to be presented by each and every one. The options you get is a visit on an open jeep or a canter. The former is more private but the latter is cheaper and the ride has to be shared with other tourists.  Anyway book in advance is my advice! The option for current booking is also available at the Gate if entry is not fully booked. Do you wish to take a chance? 

For a longer duration of stay, a large number of high-end, heritage, luxury, and budget resorts are available. These are situated near Sawai Madhopur township out in the buffer area. You can book them online if you wish. Choose the one that offers modern amenities and good service. Read trip reports or reviews or seek references from a friend who has already been there.

The entry is fixed as per the time set by the forest department. The exit is also fixed by the department. Jeeps are available for excursions in the park and some hotels provide naturalist services to enhance your experience. All this costs money so be prepared to spend. The rewards are worth the expense.

Resort

There is a limit for the entry vehicles in the core zones for the excursion. There is a  full day safari at Ranthambhore option available online. In this format, you enter early and exit late while you spend the whole day in the park. This is best suited for wildlife photography and filming. Book any tiger safari but do it in advance is my suggestion. In case of a rush, you will not be able to avail of an entry in the core zone.    

Carry quality binoculars and some books on wildlife. Warm clothing in winter is essential. And yes make a purchase of all essentials at Jaipur before you depart for Sawai Madhopur. The park is closed during the monsoon from July to September.  

Magnificence & Simplicity - Both are Awe Inspiring

Around the World in Eighty Dollars!

Nandita Amin - Vadodara

As I was snooping through wide array of images in her albums (facebook) there emerged a peripatetic wanderer, foodie, animal/nature lover and lens woman amazing.

Through her travels,Nandita Amin enraptures with the unfolding saga of her travels, with an eye for bringing out the essence of the objects through her images. Wanderlust is for adventurers, explorers and the brave with an eye for hidden mysteries and the unseen. Travel is not just leisure, it is an opportunity to experience, to learn and enrich life as well lived.

For many, the images offer opportunity to experience life outside one's domain without the hassles of travel formalities and what not...right within the cool corridors of one's house ensconced in comfort and ease.          

During travels: Some of her images...................  

Baobab Avenue - Madagascar

Bengali Sweet

Amma

Blue Fronted Redstart - Uttrabchal

Cobra

Cooking Stove

Shekhawati Haveli Courtyard

Ancient Gate Navalgarh 

Iran - Persian Architecture

Navalgarh Haveli

Rajasthan Haveli

Highway - Delhi - Haryana

Tehran from Air

Iranis

Karonda

Courtyard

Kuber Temple of Narmada

Kumari  

Male Tiger - Tadoba Tiger Reserve

Delhi Sky

Baoli

Tree Shrew

Iran

Irani Lady

Mustrad Fields Gujarat