Posted by
Sam
on
February 27, 2015
Greenwoods Nature Camp
(www.greenwoodsnaturecamp.com) is located in the boundary of Mudumalai Tiger Reserve Forest. The backyard of the camp is the forest and is situated in a tribal hamlet.
The camp is eco friendly and provides clean facilities with nice food. (homely).
There is a experienced guide who takes to the nature trails in the mornings and this a experience of lifetime. The staff and people in camp truly respect nature. There is also additional activities like private jeep safari to Mudumalai / Bandipur, barbaque
and camp fire.
The camp is surrounded by lush greenery and is located in a rustic ambiance. Do not miss staying the European Tented Cottage which is a customized tent (feels like a room from inside and has attached toilet).
The nature and wildlife lovers would appreciate that loud music / alcohols are not allowed in the camp as this would disturb the wildlife.
This place is truly for nature and wildlife lovers who respect and appreciate nature. The staff's are very friendly and price is economical. (Greenwoods Nature Camp).
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Posted by
Susan Sharma
on
February 25, 2015
The same day President Obama designated three new national monuments, he unveiled the "Every Kid in a Park" initiative to connect children and their
families with the great outdoors. Fourth graders and their families from coast to coast will be granted free admission to our nation's national parks, and the National Park Foundation will award transportation grants to schools in need. "A walk in the woods
will change a child's life," says Jackie Ostfeld, director of the Sierra Club's Our Wild America campaign, "and President Obama understands that not all kids have the same opportunities to connect with nature."
Learn more about the "Every Kid in a Park" initiative.
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Posted by
Kallol Pan
on
January 23, 2015
If you are thinking of running away from the din of this materialistic city life and coveting a few days in the lap of nature, we can help you out too. We specialise in various
eco tours covering some of the most remote forests of India like Topchanchi, Achanakmar, Manas, Simlipal, Sunderban and others. Our all-inclusive eco tour packages would help you to find the much needed peace of soul you were searching. You simply don't
have to worry about the hotel bookings and permissions - we'll have it done all in advance.
For more Details please visit -
www.clubdestinationholidays.in
or mail to kallolpan@gmail.com.
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Posted by
madhushri
on
November 24, 2014
When I was a kid nothing fascinated me more than flying high so much so that I was an inch close from becoming an air hostess thinking that she gets to fly for free. But then I landed into medical profession out of nowhere but that’s another long story.
I have been dreaming of the Malabar Pied Hornbills (Anthracoceros
coronatus) the day I stepped into their area, the Malabar region. I came to study in the Manipal University around three years back which lies along the beautiful Southern coasts or the Malabar coasts. Malabar is derived from the Malayalam word Mala for
hill and vaaram for range. Malabar, as we all know it today was changed due to the British-East Company governance.
Female and Male Malabar Pied Hornbills
The Malabar pied hornbill is a bird endemic in the region. Though some are as well found along the central belt of Maharashtra. This large black and white stunning bird has an enormous yellow bill
with a large hollow bony extension over it, which is known as casque. Due to its resemblance to a crown, the bird is also called as the “crowned hornbill”. In spite of the male and female looking similar few differences are noted. While the female has a white
eye liner around her eyes the males have a larger casque. The casque bills make these birds look unique, comical though gorgeous at the same time.
The Crowned beauties on a berry tree…
The striking hornbill has not escaped our funny Indian superstitions. It used to be called as “Dhanchidiya”
as the earlier tribes believed that hanging the hornbill’s skull brought wealth. Funny!
Another fascinating feature of this bird is its nesting. The female traps herself into a hollow of a tree while the male walls the hollow with mud and cement. This is so that only a small hole is left for the male to feed the female. The female lays two to
three eggs and incubates. Once the chicks have grown a little older leaving no space in the hollow the wall is broken and rebuilt. These birds mainly feed on fruits and play a major role in seed dispersal.
I must say that I was very lucky to have these beauties here in my small educational hub Manipal, a visit in the winters may give you an opportunity to see them. But, I am worried about the massive deforestation, human development and the ever-increasing need
of human accommodation. Thus taking away their rights to live and breed. Today the status of these birds is near threatened and it won’t take much time to title them as endangered.
It is never too late to change and bring about a change. As human beings it’s our responsibility to give a chance to every creature to survive. Roger Tory and many others have aptly quoted that birds are indicators of the planet’s health, if they are in danger,
you are indeed in danger!
Save the Environment, birds furthermore hold on to our green planet. Happy Birding!
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Posted by
Swapnil Bomenwar
on
November 14, 2014
Janahit bahu uddeshiya gramin vikas sanstha, Telang Takali
affiliated to
Nisarg Mitra Manch, Pandharkawada from 4 years we have worked on slogan of "Protection of water,land & forest" we one devoted for the protection
in yavatmal districts there is one villege Tipeshwar sanctury. in that to survival all animals, plants & other activity done by theme.
we have to plant the plant & also we have to survive it. by celebrating Environmental Day, Welfare day, forest & life weekend , world water day earth day etc.we have to celebrates all these days by surviving forest & to have
to spread to all villages to survive forest by all means.
to deny the problems of environment, we have eco friend ganesha, eco friend dipawali, environment news paper are also giving to our villages friends. in cities & towns many posters are also there for survival of environment.
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Posted by
Narotam
on
September 18, 2014
Hi All
We are working on a wildlife resort in one of the national parks in North India, and looking for some one who can manage the complete operations for the property (viz. Accommodation & Activity Management)
IN THE MOST ECO-FRIENDLY WAY. It is one of the Best forests in India. If interested, Please call on 9999 456 589
PS: We are in the process of acquiring hence can not mention the details of the properties on a public forum.
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Posted by
Narotam
on
September 18, 2014
Hi All
We are working on a wildlife resort in one of thenational parks in North India, and looking for some one who can manage thecomplete operations for the property (viz. Accommodation & Activity Management)
IN THE MOST ECO-FRIENDLY WAY. Itis one of the Best forests in India. If interested, Please call on 9999 456 589
PS: We are in the process of acquiring hence can not mention the details of the properties on a public forum.
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Posted by
Susan Sharma
on
August 13, 2014
"Pervasive algal blooms and invasive bryozoans. Bedrock collapsing from excessive dredging. A mountain of debt for the Korea Water Resources Corporation (K-water).
A host of problems are emerging with the Four Major Rivers Project, the massive effort pushed under the administration of former president Lee Myung-bak (2003-08). But the politicians, officials, and experts who pushed for the project, which started out as
an idea for a “Grand Korean Waterway,” are showing no sign of regret or reflection.
Most of the major proponents of the project under the Lee administration were tight-lipped or evasive when the Hankyoreh contacted them on July 8 and 9. Some argued
for waiting before coming to a final judgment on the project; others argued for channeling even more money into it."
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Posted by
Priyanka Gahlot
on
July 11, 2014
Leh -Ladakh , wonderful experience, not a merely tourist spot, heaven for nature lover.
Pangong lake, god's marvelous creation, appearance of waves, clarity of elixir of life, richness of avifauna non forgettable moment of life.
Richness of medicinal plants, tree species, wildlife, makes western himalayan region hotspot of biodiversity. Forest of betula, Juniperus, Deodar, Pinus, Chinar, Maple a very very large green belt ensure we are in safe hands of nature.
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Posted by
Uday
on
June 21, 2014
Kanha:Conservation
Kanha is World’s finest tiger conservation unit and a National Park. Situated in the cradle of Satpura Range,Kanha National Park is in a part known as Maikal Hills. The forest received early protection during the Raj whence wildlife all over India was on brink
of decimation.
Post independence era the park received status of National Park and subsequently it became a Tiger Reserve under the aegis of Project Tiger Program. In earlier times Kanha was a contiguous part of Central Indian Highlands which are now fragmented. The fragmentation
came about by conversion of forest into agricultural lands,settlements and denudation.
Tourism at Kanha
In the contemporary era of protected area concept many of the viable ecosystems in the Satpura and Vindhya Ranges have been converted into National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries. The protected areas offer varying degree of protection and seclusion depending
upon the status granted.
Since the seventies Kanha National Park is receiving tourists from all over the World. During the seventies the safari was conducted in private cars and the forest staff acted as park guides.Most of the tourism took place in Kanha and Kisli Ranges. Elephant
rides were freely available and the tiger sighting was good. This was the era whence the park was recovering from land use and settlements that had been trans-located -leaving few.
The park enclosure had been created for Hard Ground Barasingha and about twenty heads or more where kept inside a place devoid of predators. The rest is history of a highly successful conservation program. There are more than five hundred swamp deer now from
a critical figure of sixty six in the seventies. Some where in nineteen seventy six bison population suffered from an outbreak of rinderpest disease that reduced the numbers subsequently.
In the seventies the major problem for tourism was lack of accommodation and bad highways that lead to the park.There was no hotel in Kanha at that time albeit a canteen sold regular stuff including vegetables did exist. The first accommodation which could
be described as basic was established by Kissu Chacha a relative of the canteen owner. I remember the shortage of food stuff at the canteen that nearly marred our excursions in the park.
Bob Wright was the first to establish a hotel in the early eighties. This was then followed by Nilesh Agrawal who established jungle resort with twelve rooms. I began frequenting this hotel during my excursions in the park. The resort went on to be the most
successful venture and was later sold for profit around 2012. Today there are more than 30 hotel resorts in the periphery conforming to all grades.
Subsequently more rules were incorporated and tiger safari and tourism became well organized. The conservation efforts paid heed and the ecosystem flourished with increase in tiger numbers. Other forms of life also increased in numbers and the populations became
stable.
I could see bison and swamp deer inhabiting areas which they vacated due to population decline. This was a welcome comeback and I was thrilled.
Stricter implementation of tourism rules made life much less stressful for the wild denizens and their numbers are constantly increasing to reach the carrying capacity.
The Zones
The park is now divided into four zones for tourism, Kanha being the prime zone. The other zones are Kisli, Sarhi and Mukki. All zones can be entered from Khatia Gate which is reachable from Mandla Township. The number of vehicle entry is now regulated in all
four zones except in the buffer where safaris are being conducted. Total area reserved for tourism is 22 percent as per NTCA guidelines.
Kanha Tourism Zone comprises of large grasslands or meadows interspersed with many water bodies and streams. Itis the center of the critical tiger habitat. This area is most frequented by tigress with cubs as the open grasslands provide them with prey and security
cover due to high visibility. Other animals sighted here are Leopard, Sloth Bear, Bison, Sambar Deer, Spotted Deer, Langur and Wild Boar.
The zone also contains an interpretation museum and cafeteria and most important of all a well equipped set of toilets for the tourists.
Kisli Zone comprises of rugged hills which are low lying and table top. These hills are covered with dense forests of Sal, Bamboo and Mixed.The hills give rise to deep glens which contain numerous water bodies and perennial streams. These are the lifeline of
the ecosystem. The ecosystem supports tigers, leopards,sloth bear, bison, sambar, wild dog, wild boar, spotted deer and langurs. The zone encompasses diverse habitats. It offers good sightings of tigers and other animals to tourists on jeep safari.
Sarhi Zone comprises mixed forests, bamboo along the Sulkum river, and it is the most picturesque as well. This is the best place to seethe tiger besides four horned antelope, Nigai antelope and sambar deer.
Mukki Zone comprises of midsized grasslands and large swampy lakes which are home to the Hard Ground Barasingha. The low lying region is surrounded by tabletop mountains which are home to many tigers. There is a separate entrance for this zone called Mukki
Gate. The zone can also be assessed from Khatia Gate towards Mandla. There are many luxury hotels near the Mukki Gate.
Buffer Zone Tourism
Kanha Tiger Reserve is divided into two management zones. One is the core zone or the critical tiger habitat while the other is the buffer zone which cushions the core zone. In the core zone no human habitation is allowed while this takes place in between the
buffer forests subject to some regulations. The gate fee for excursion in the designated buffer zone is less and there is no limit on the number of vehicle entry. This is booked by the tourists whence no entry is available in the four prime zones. The buffer
zone ride yields sight of many deer and with luck one can see the tiger, leopard, bison and the sloth bear.
Park Safaris
The park safaris are well organized and conducted by the Kanha Management with some strictures from NTCA or National Tiger Conservation Authority. All safaris are conducted on open jeeps registered with the Kanha Office. There are two safari conducted in a
day one s in the morning which begins at predawn and ends at 11 AM. The second one begins at 4.30 AM and ends at 6.30 PM. The safari timings keep on changing as per the day light available.
The entry for park safaris is from the Khatia Gate and the Mukki Gate. The entry is booked in advance albeit on spot booking is also available. Advance booking is done on the MP Online Portal. The jeeps for safaris are available at the Khatia & Mukki Gate.
You can also use the resort jeep if available or request the resort to book one for you. Six guests are allowed to sit for the safari in the park.
The zone is allotted during the time of gate entry booking and the excursion is limited to the allotted zone.All zones have different rates which keep on changing but the guide fee is fixed at Rs.300.00 which has to be paid at the time of entry. It is compulsory
to hire a park guide registered with the department. Recently full day safaris have been introduced for which a greater charge has to be paid.
Tiger Tracking & Animal Watching
This has in recent time become a well developed mechanism. The guides and naturalists are expert at locating tigers using a number of signs that includes alarm cries of the prey species. Their knowledge enhances visitor experience by their interpretation of
the ecosystem and morphological descriptions. Some of the naturalists are also good at birding which is very useful for the bird enthusiasts.
Tiger Show: Elephant Joy Rides
Though joy rides on park elephants are still available tiger show has been banned. It is no more possible to see tigers from elephant back. This recreation is banned in all Central Indian Tiger Reserves. Elephants are also available for filming wildlife at
Kanha but this is subject to a set of procedures.
How to Reach?
Reaching Kanha: From New Delhi& Mumbai by flight to Jabalpur and then drive 165 km.
Best reached From New Delhi &Mumbai by overnight train and then drive 165 km.
Notes: The Park is closed from Julyto October 16th every year. It is also closed on evening of every Wednesday.
About The Author
Uday works as freelance naturalist guide for Courtyard House a
luxury resort at Kanha National Park. He also organizes and operates Kanha package tours for inbound groups. Uday loves to write on wildlife safaris and travel in India.
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