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Resorts in Bandhavgarh This panoramic tiger reserve is subject to visits by tourists from all over the World. The prime attraction is the tiger besides many other wild animals.    Visitors arrive mostly during the winters especially during the holidays.  The rush period is Xmas, New Year, Diwali and Holi. This large number of visitors at a given time used to put lot of pressure on the reserve. In order order to control vehicle entry into the park a number of zones have been created and vehicle entry is restricted in each zone. This way the congestion at one place has been taken care of and at the same time number of vehicles entering the reserve has been curtailed.   The visits has been fairly regulated by this policy initiated by the Forest Department. Albeit the resorts hotels in the reserve has been constructed outside the buffer zone the number is quite high. The visitors arrive in large numbers during the holiday season only .Guest turnout during the rest of the period is not appreciably high hence the properties are facing a stiff competition for survival.   More and more resort hotels in Bandhavgarh are being built every year. Though good for the local who find employment it is creating pressure on natural resource. But in the time to come competition will level things out.   With the rising cost of tourism the paradigm is fast changing. It is assumed that in future the tourism will become more upscale hence reducing the need for multi-room facilities.   The hospitality industry in tiger reserve is foreseeing more upscale accommodations entering the sector. Small four of five room ultra luxury lodges in Bandhavgarh are envisaged as future accommodations for the tourists.        With the improvement in infrastructure and transportation, the preserve has the offerings to invite wealthy visitors. These are the people who  can afford the high cost of tiger tourism in India.

26.2.12 12:28 Permalink / 8 Comments / comment

Tiger Tourism - Changing scenario Ever since the tiger crisis has become evident tourism has come under the scanner of the experts. The tiger crisis in India is a result of failure of the Project Tiger which once's appeared to be all in one solution for saving the species.     The failure of the Program became evident whence tigers where slaughtered right under the eye of the administration at Sariska and Panna. This poaching incident became a National shame and came as a shock to people of India.   The failure brought under the scanner many aspect of tiger conservation in the country. Unable to provide effective strategies and solutions the experts and communities explored every venue to pass on the baton.   There are many who question the legitimacy of tiger tourism. It is right to suspect all aspects of conservation of which tourism is an important part. But in larger perspective tourism has played a positive role and has given boost to conservation. It has value added our inheritance and has been instrumental in bringing to notice the plight of wilderness in India. Tourism is an important interface for the uninitiated to understand the complex web of life and value our ecosystem. The environmental gains from our protected areas have to be seen to believe. Tiger Reserves are not only for the conservation of apex species but the whole habitat.    The tiger has benefited the most. Had it not been for tourism the debacle at Panna and Sariska would perhaps had gone unnoticed. The status of protected areas in absence of public eye is a matter of speculation. The absence of pressure groups encourages management lapses, carelessness and  at times utter disregard towards one's duty.    How can tourism hinder conservation whence most of the reserves in India subject to tourism have a bustling tiger population. Albeit tourism has to be in control in protected areas its absence would lead to an uncertain future. With no one to question or raise a hue and cry the wilderness would entirely be at mercy of the administration which has let down the cause on many occasions.

26.2.12 03:08 Permalink / 8 Comments / comment

Breeding Tigers - Bandhavgarh On my recent tour to Bandhavgarh on birding and photography trip I was delighted to see young tiger cubs.  We first toured Kanha National Park where we found evidence of mating much to our delight. We could see about five tigers on jeep safari om many excursions inside the preserve. We also came across two half grown cubs near a rivulet but failed to see their mother. We than moved to Bandhavgarh National Park going through Mandla, Shahpura, Umaria then reaching Tala for accommodation. We stayed here to about seven safaris in premium Tala Zone and one excursion in Maghdhi Zone. Bandhavgarh has been divided into four zones for tourism purpose. Tala is premium because tiger sightings is high and the habitat is also much verdant. Tala has dense forests swampy grasslands and tall flat topped mountains which offer a spectacular view of the park's landscape which by all means is astounding. Hence tiger safari in zone is much in demand but I think this is a myopic approach. All the zones in this wildlife refuge are charming and offer good wildlife sightings and tigers too are in plenty.  On our first evening ride at Magdhi Zone we did not see a tiger but came close to newly born cubs hidden in dense canopy near the road. In order minimize disturbance we moved away to other areas. We received another good news a tigress with cubs is seen in this area and they are big enough to accompany their mother. We did not see them either we came back not at all disappointed. From days onward we regularly saw tigers in Tala Zone including a tigress with three cubs. We also came across tigress with cubs hidden behind shrubs and bamboo clumps. We waited for a long tine to see the family but could as they were busy on a kill. We could hear the squeals of the cubs. That was enough.  We stayed at a luxury accommodation in Bandhavgarh near the  Tala Gate. It was a good place and the manager informed me about more tiger cubs in the preserve.   I have been visiting Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve since years but have never come across signs of so many cubs. There were sixteen cubs present in the park during my visit. This means the conservation measures are effective and so breeding has become prolific. Tiger mate throughout the year but are supposed to mate more in winters. Who knows the more the tigers the better.

23.1.12 07:56 Permalink / 6 Comments / comment

Night Safari In The Tiger Reserves Though night safaris is not a trend in Central Indian Tiger Reserves. Tourists are taken in the outskirts of the park on the night safaris. These are the interconnecting roads that lead to the interior villages. It is difficult to sight big games on night safari but you never know since the leopard and sloth bear move around this time. A tiger is a rare sight on the night safari but one can see lots of small life not seen in the day.    This is the best opportunity to see nocturnal animals and birds. One can see civets, porcupines, small deer, mongoose ratel, fox, and among the birds the highly cryptic nightjars and large nocturnal owls like the Brown Fish Owl.  I have had wonderful time scouring for animals in the night. In the darkness the jungles of MP are a different World. Silent, eerie and at times frightening and often you are rewarded by a rare sight,    If you have a night vision scope than you are going to benefit a lot.  But nevertheless a safari in the night is experiencing the sublime grace of nature and God's creation in peace of the darkness.   In spite of the tiring safaris in the park it is worthwhile to go on a night ride. Make sure that you are accompanied by a driver and a guard/guide along with you before moving out.

22.1.12 03:42 Permalink / 7 Comments / comment

Wild Water Buffalo The Asiatic Buffalo or wild water buffalo is a severely endangered animal in India and all over the World.  It is a large animal found in Assam and Indravati National Park in Central India. It's status in Indravati Tiger Reserve is unknown. It weigh up to 1200 kg and is quiet ferocious by nature.     The Wild Buffalo is a gregarious animal with both sexes having large horns that makes them appear indomitable.  These animals prefer dense river valleys, marsh land and swampy grassland large enough to support the herds. The herd size may range up to thirty animals.   The wild buffalo is fast loosing ground all over Asia due to loss of habitat and interbreeding with domestic buffalo. he animal survives precariously in India, Nepal, Thailand, Myanmar and Cambodia. The total population is below three thousand now and about one thousand five hundred wild buffaloes survive in the Indian State of Assam.

21.1.12 06:04 Permalink / 4 Comments / comment

Pench Tiger Safari - Hot Air Balloon This is a new adventure sport inducted at Pench National Park in MP, India. The hot air balloon safari is a new way of exploring the dense jungle of Pench. The view is spectacular and one can see wild animals and tigers as well. The safari is certified by Director Director General of Civil Aviation in India.  The flight follows all the safety norms and maintenance guidelines. The duration is about sixty minutes. The flight is commanded by a trained pilot and crew. In case of cancellation of balloon safari full refund is made. The rides are available at early morning (start predawn) and early evening post lunch.  Sitting in the gondala the experience is absolute magic, the bird's eye view of this magnificent wildlife refuge makes you speechless with joy. The spectacular view of the terrain, hills, rivers, valleys, lakes and grasslands offer a feast to the eyes.

20.1.12 05:08 Permalink / 4 Comments / comment

Elephant Safari in India Elephant safari is a unique feature of many tiger reserves in India. Some Example are Bandhavgarh Kanha, Pench, Corbett and Ranthambhore National Park.   At many preserves elephants are used in tracking tigers and the arranging an show. The tiger is cordoned by about five or six elephants and tourists are taken to the spot on elephant back. This is popularly called a tiger show.This is a short ride.   I know that long rides on elephant back are available in Corbett and Bandhavgarh National Park. These are costly but in a given period of ride one has a chance of exploring the dense forests from close which is not possible on a jeep safari.   The elephant ride is an adventure, the pachyderm wades rough terrain with admirable skills being a sure footed animal. The ride offers animal and tiger sightings from close but not often. It is simple fun of riding on an ancient transport that has been popularly used in India since ages.  The animals are trained to carry humans as well as conduct certain chores in India.    The Maharajah is much symbolized sitting on a Golden Howdah atop the jumbo. This is a symbol of regal splendor for the tourists now. The Howdah or the seat is a crude assemblage of flattened  logs with a simple cushion that carries you along the ride. The steel rods enclose the howdah and support the riders sitting inside.You have to cling tight to the iron rod in order to stabilize yourself and prevent oneself from falling to the ground.   There is no roof or shade as it was during the Royal times. The open sitting offers a spectacular view forests and wildlife. The elephant walks through the dense clumps of bamboo and you have you sit alert and duck whence necessary. Sometime it climbs steep rock and the motion unnerves the first timers.   Such rides are also available in holiday or sightseeing destinations as well in Jaipur in Rajasthan. Temple processions of decorated  elephants is a unique attraction in Southern India.

15.1.12 06:28 Permalink / 7 Comments / comment

Birds of Bandhavgarh The popularity of tiger reserves in Madhya Pradesh has arisen from tiger sightings that are frequent. The top most is Bandhavgarh National Park in Central India.   Such is the craze to see the tigers that people fail to notice the amazing bird life of this beautiful park. Bandhavgarh abounds in avian species and people are now realizing its importance as birding destination.   Some of the prime attractions are Malabar Pied Hornbill, Crested Serpent Eagle, Crested Hawk Eagle, Honey Buzzard, White Eyed Buzzard, Golden Oriole, Jerdon's Leaf Bird, Indian Pitta, Painted Francolin, Gold Mantled Leaf Bird, Common Iora, Black Lored Tit, Jungle Bush Quail, Orange Headed Ground Thrush, Bar Headed Goose, Eurasian Wryneck, Yellow Fronted Woodpecker, Black Rumped Flameback, White Naped Woodpecker, Streak Throated Woodpecker, Stork Billed Kingfisher, Blue Bearded Bee Eater, Chestnut Headed Bee Eater, White Rumped Shama, Indian Scimitar Babbler, Mottled Wood Owl, Brown Fish Owl, Tawny Fish Owl, Grey Bellied Cuckoo, Sirkeer, Malkoha, Asian Koel, Racket Tailed Drongo, Spangled Drongo, White Bellied Drongo and many more...   There are number of small wetlands around the preserve. Gadhpuri Tank, Bamera Tank and Bhadrashila Tank. There are many small rivers like Umrar, Banbei, Johilla and Charanganga besides number of ponds large and small.  These support wetlands species including winter migrants. The wetland species seen are Painted Storks, Open Billed Stork, Lesser Adjutant Stork, Wooly Necked Stork, Nakta, Lesser Whistling Teal, Northern Pintail, Cotton Pogmy Goose, Little Grebe, Crested Grebe, Green Sandpiper, Marsh Sandpiper, White Wagtail, Yellow Wagtail, Temmink's Stint, Little Ringed Plover and so on... Contrary to popular belief Sal forests always contain patches of mixed forests, grasslands, bamboo and open scrub which are excellent bird habitats. The dense forests are ideal for birds and sightings are spectacular. Birds are often located by calls since they are well hidden. The best period for bird watching in Bandhavgarh is winters but summer birding is excellent to spot the residents.  It is good to go birding in the core area as well as the surroundings. The forests near Bandhavgarh hotels are easily accessible. A good birding guide is a asset since the park guide do not excel in birding except a few.                      One needs a good pair of binoculars which allow lot of light. At places light would be poor especially in dense canopy. Spotting scope is not essential but would be useful in open scrub, grassland  and at water bodies.

5.11.11 09:04 Permalink / 2 Comments / comment

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