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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 / 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 / 3 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 / 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 / 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 / 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 / comment

Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve - Madhya Pradesh India Capt. Forsyth a British explorer first described the region in details in his book the "The Highlands of Central India". Though the narrative encompasses a larger area nevertheless it does justice to this region as well.       Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve is a natures bounty that can best be described as incredible. It is situated  in the Indian State of Madhya Pradesh in Satpura Range.    The region constitutes famous Pachmarhi Wildlife Sanctuary and Hill Resort besides the adjoining Satpura Tiger Reserve and Bori Wildlife Sanctuary in Central India.     The biodiversity is complex due altitude variations ( 320 to 1352 m) with some places being right in the depth of the Earth. The three conservation units Pachmarhi WLS, Bori WLS and Satpura Tiger Reserve constitute as core of the biosphere about 1500 sq km while rest of the area of 4926.26 km constitutes the buffer.      Teak dominates especially the teal forests of Bori which survives in their pristine glory undisturbed. The whole area is rich in floral diversity and is divided between Sal and Teak. The prevalence of medicinal herbs give this area a greater importance. So does the prevalence of species pf gymnosperms, angiosperms. lichens, moss, ptredophytes etc.        The Central Indian Mammals can be best sighted hear along with impressive avian species that include migrants in winter. the geographic diversity is also worth a glance.   The biosphere reserve is a hub of tourism especially Pachmarhi which is a pristine picturesque hill resort.  Tiger Tourism prevails in Satpura National Park while Bori is less visited. Pachmarhi has many resorts run by the State. There are many tourism packages organized by MP tour operators. The package tours are the best way to travel in the preserves of Madhya Pradesh.         The best way to reach Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve is from Pipariya Rail Head. Pachmarhi Hill Resort is one and half hour  from Pipariya Station about two and half hrs from Jabalpur. The approach to Satpura NP is from Madai Village about two hrs from this station. Bori can be reached from Hoshangabad or the Hill Resort.

3.10.11 12:15 Permalink / comment

Amarkantak Biospere Reserve Amarkantak is one of the holiest places for Hindus in India. It is source of River Narmada which is considered as the holiest by the followers of Hinduism.      The river originates from the top of Amarlantak hill which lies at the confluence of Vindhayan and Satpura Ranges. The range is called as Maikal Hills which encompass Achanakmar Tiger reserve as well as Kanha National Park.   In order to conserve the incredible biodiversity to these Central Indian Forests the area that includes Amarkantak Forests and Achanakmar Tiger Reserve has been notified as Biosphere Reserve.     The region lies about two hundred plus km from Jabalpur City in Madhya Pradesh and about 100 km from Bilaspur City in newly carved Chhattisgarh State.         Home to bewildering species of fauna and flora it is less subject to tiger tourism or wildlife safari. More people visit this destination on pilgrimage but some visitors mostly from Bilaspur visit Achanakmar  Sanctuary for wildlife watching and birding.    Most of the region is enveloped by finest Sal Trees  and Bamboo. The impressive number of thallophytes, bryophytes, pteridophytes, gymnosperms, and angiosperms justify the status accorded to this region. Achanakmar Amarkantak biosphere reserves encompass an area of 3500 plu s sq km with more than half in Chhattisgarh State and Rest in Madhya Pradesh.    The mega fauna is found mainly in the reserve which is the core zone. The sanctuary is home to large number of tigers, bison, deer , antelope and primates. The reptilian and avian species impress one and all.

3.10.11 11:53 Permalink / comment

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