Bandipur National Park

Bandipur National Park
- a quintessential paradise in blue!


Go there for: Asian Elephants and Gaurs (huge wild oxen)

Bandipur National Park at a glance

If you travel along the highway from Ooty to Mysore in Karnataka, India, you will drive past the Bandipur National Park.
One of India’s most protected wildlife reserves spread across an area of 874.20-sq-kms. is nestled in the Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka amidst the Nagarhole National Park, the Mudumalai National Park in Tamil Nadu and Wynaad sanctuary in Kerala. With four wildlife reserves cloistered together, no doubt this whole area figures well in the tourist hitlist. The once royal game reserve of the Mysore Maharajahs - the Bandipur National Park - came to be designated a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and one of WWF’s Projest Tiger sites. For those with a panache for adventure, Bandipur has not just wild animals, thickets and gorges but one of the most fascinating spectacle of nature’s wonders, you will want to visit again and again.

Wildlife Attractions at Bandipur National Park

Bandipur looks like a virtual paradise with the onset of the pre-monsoon showers. After the long winter lull, the flora and fauna suddenly spring back to life. The resident birds commence their breeding activities and the air is repleted with their endless chirpings. The 200 species of birds that abound the region include ornithologist favorite jungle fowl , the green pigeon and other species like Hawk eagle, Serpent eagle,Parakreets, Wood peckers, Barbets, Hornbills and the warblers. Ducks , Gray Patridges, Firhinges, Falcons and so on.

Sprouting grass in the meadows attract large numbers of the elephants and the majestic gaurs or the largest wild oxen. Close, harmless encounters with them are not uncommon if your guide knows where to find them. The other animals include Tigers, wild boar, deer, porcupine, squirrels, pangolin, monkeys, monitor lizards and so on. The reptile population includes the Marsh Crocodile, Monitor Lizards, Rock Python, Bamboo Pit Snake, Wolf Snake, Vine Snake and the common Krait besides a variety of turtles.

The area is infested with mixed vegetation - dry deciduous forest with an abundance of teak, sandalwood and rosewood and tropical mixed deciduous jungles. However, some summers this area too gets unbearably dry and during these times the animals either migrate to the neighbouring wetter Mudumalai Park or seek shelterin the the backwaters of the Kabini Reservoir in the northwestern portion of the park.

Safari Adventure
As you manoeuvre on the muddy tracks of the sanctuary on your jeep, chances are, you will find pug marks, discover some secret track used by the game animals or just be startled by an elephant or Gaur from amongst the thickets. Elephant safaris can also be exciting as you venture into the wild recesses and watch the wildlife in their natural habitat.

What more to look out for in Bandipur

Gopalaswamy Betta: The place near the park forest office base, Gopalaswamy Betta, provides an enthralling view of Mysore plateau. The "Rolling Rocks," situated to the south of the forest, offer a panoramic view of the weather-beaten 260-meter-deep Mysore Ditch and the entire Moyar gorge. The Moyar Gorge, as much as thousand feet deep at some places, with the Nilgiri hills in the background, casts a bewitching spell on the onlookers. The Moyar River plummets down hundreds of feet into the gorge, thundering through its depths and at times dissappearing from the sight of those who look down at it from the high cliffs. This is a must-photoghaphed spectacle. Excited already? Nearby Sanctuaries: Now this is called optimized utilization of your vacation. Once you have had your fill of the Bandipur Park, you can go to the adjoining Nagarhole National Park, the Mudumalai National Park in Tamil Nadu and Wynaad sanctuary in Kerala - all veritable havens of a pricelss wildlife.

How to reach there

Bandipur National Park lies on the Mysore-Ooty highway. The nearest airport is at Bangalore (220 km). Mysore is nearest railhead, at a distance of 80-kms. And if you are travelling with your own vehicle, the park is 220 km from Bangalore, 80 km from Mysore, 80 km from Ooty.

Ideal time to visit: Between the months of April and October when wildlife in Bandipur comes alive with its activities. Ideally make a post monsoon visit, for then you'll see Bandipur National Park at its lush and verdant best.

Accommodation options
Tourists can stay in the comfortable Forest Resthouses and KSTDC cottages, besides a few private luxury resorts and hotels that also arrange their own elephant safaris and jeep rides. The grassy patches between the huts are the grazing ground of local deer and monkeys, so the fun of watching them from close quarters should not be missed.

Corbett National Park

Corbett National Park
- tiger lores abound


Go there for: Tigers, Leopards, Crocodiles

Corbett National Park at a glance

Nestled in the foothills of the Kumaon Himalayas in Uttaranchal, lies one of the safest havens of Indian wildlife - the Corbett National Park - named in honor of late Jim Corbett, the legendary hunter-naturalist turned author and photographer who spent most of his years in this area and contributed in setting up the this park. Earlier known as the the Hailey National Park it was rechristened in 1957, two years after Corbett's death. Spread across an area of 1,200 sq-km it has the proud designation of being India's first national park and the first sanctuary to come under Project Tiger in 1973. Once a popular hunting ground of the British, the Corbett National Park is best known for its big cats, especially the tiger. Corbett lived throughout his childhood in the area of Kaladhungi between Nainital and Ramnagar. In later years he was called upon by the locals to shoot down man-eating predators that stalked the villages and these escapades formed the backdrop for his much fabled tiger lores - Man Eaters of Kumoan, The Temple Tiger,



Widlife Attractions of Corbett National Park

The varied topography comprises hilly and riverine areas, temporary marshy depressions, plateaus and ravines. In the Jim Corbett National Park are found 110 tree species, 50 mammals species, 580 bird species and 25 reptile species. The vegetation mainly consists of Sal trees, Chir, Bakli, bamboo thickets and so on.The Park is an ideal terrain for the majestic predators and their prey, which include four kinds of Deer, Wild Boar and some lesser-known animals. Apart from Tigers, Elephants, Leopards / Panthers, Jungle cats, Fishing Cats, Leopard cats, Himalayan black bears, Sloth bears, Jackals, Martens, Dholes, Civets, Mongooses, Otters, Hares, Porcupines, Chital (spotted deer), Sambar deer, Hog deer, Barking deer, Ghorals, Wild Boars, Pangolins, Macaques, Langurs and Blue Bulls (Nilgais) are some of the species which are found here. Along the Ramganga River shores, one can spot the long-snouted, fish-eating Gharial Crocodile and the ‘Mugger’ Crocodile.Also seen on the rocky hillsides is the Ghoral or Goat Antelopes. The Langur and Rhesus Monkeys are well distributed through out the park and the whole Jungle resonates with their alarm calls everytime a predator is around.

A rich panorama of colours abound the park in the form of its varied colourful species of birds. It is home to Herons, Darters, Cormorants, Lapwings, Paradise Flycatchers, Munias, Weaver birds, Fishing eagles, Serpent eagles, Spotted Eagles, Black throated Payas, Mynas, Jungle Fowl, Vultures, Thrushes, Barbets, Peacocks, peahens, Kingfishers, migrant Gulls, Moorhens, Ducks, Geese, Sandpipers, Nightjars, Cuckoos, Woodpeckers, Wagtails, Black winged Kits, Drongos, Doves, Plovers, Black necked Storks, Parakeets, Owls, Chir Pheasants, Kalij Pheasants, Grebes, Grey Lags, Snipes, Harriers, Ospreys, Minivets, Babblers, Hornbills, falcons and Stone Curlews.

Safari Adventure

Jeep Safari, Horse Safari, Bird Safari, Elephant Safari, Fishing safari and the Nature walk - all can be enjoyed here. Although jeeps penetrate deeper into the forest than elephants, they cannot get nearly as close to the wild animals. Accompanied by guides and mahouts, your trip is sure to be informative. All visitors to Corbett National Park have to obtain permits from the park administration center at Ramnagar. Bring binoculars, remain quiet, and avoid wearing bright colors or strong perfumes. Only a long vacation will do justice to the rich treasure of wildlife of the park. And don't forget to carry your copy of one of Corbett's jungle lores to read during the nights for that feel of the your spine tingle at living so close to the man-eaters realm.

What more to look out for in Corbett

Fishing expedition: Situated in the rich farm belt of Terai, on the southeastern fringes of the great forests, the busy market town of Ramnagar is the main administrative centre for Corbett National Park. It also makes a fine fishing base camp. Permits have to sought from the Project Tiger office in Ramnagar for fishing expeditions in Ramganga, Kosi, Mandal and Kothri rivers.
Trekking ventures: The reserve forest around the Tiger Reserve can be an exciting trekking terrain. Winters can get chilly and needless to say, its fun guaranteed.

How to reach there
Phoolbagh, Pantnagar at a distance of 50 km is the nearest airport. Delhi at a distance of 300 km is the nearest international airport. Ramnagar is on the broad gauge track from where the road transport options have to be availed to reach the park. For faster trains and connections to other parts of India change at Moradabad. Dhikala is 300 km from Delhi, 145 km from Lucknow and 51 km from Ramnagar. Ramnagar is served by frequent buses to and from Nainital and Ranikhet, 112 km north. Buses arrive every half hour or so after the eight hour trip from Delhi; Delhi Transport corporation also runs semi deluxe services.

Ideal time to visit: From November 15 to June 15. Corbett remains closed between June 16 and November 14, during the monsoons.

Accommodation options
A number of self contained resorts are springing up on the fringes of Corbett, providing a higher standard of accommodation at a price as well as guides for expeditions in the forests, which can be as rich in wildlife as the Jim Corbett Park, without the restrictions. There are, in addition, Forest Rest houses at Khinanauli, Sarpduli, Gairal, Sultan, Bijrani, Malani, Kanda, Dhela and Jhirna. Private resorts and hotels in Ramnagar too can be a good option.

Corbett National Park

Corbett National Park
- tiger lores abound


Go there for: Tigers, Leopards, Crocodiles

Corbett National Park at a glance

Nestled in the foothills of the Kumaon Himalayas in Uttaranchal, lies one of the safest havens of Indian wildlife - the Corbett National Park - named in honor of late Jim Corbett, the legendary hunter-naturalist turned author and photographer who spent most of his years in this area and contributed in setting up the this park. Earlier known as the the Hailey National Park it was rechristened in 1957, two years after Corbett's death. Spread across an area of 1,200 sq-km it has the proud designation of being India's first national park and the first sanctuary to come under Project Tiger in 1973. Once a popular hunting ground of the British, the Corbett National Park is best known for its big cats, especially the tiger. Corbett lived throughout his childhood in the area of Kaladhungi between Nainital and Ramnagar. In later years he was called upon by the locals to shoot down man-eating predators that stalked the villages and these escapades formed the backdrop for his much fabled tiger lores - Man Eaters of Kumoan, The Temple Tiger,



Widlife Attractions of Corbett National Park

The varied topography comprises hilly and riverine areas, temporary marshy depressions, plateaus and ravines. In the Jim Corbett National Park are found 110 tree species, 50 mammals species, 580 bird species and 25 reptile species. The vegetation mainly consists of Sal trees, Chir, Bakli, bamboo thickets and so on.The Park is an ideal terrain for the majestic predators and their prey, which include four kinds of Deer, Wild Boar and some lesser-known animals. Apart from Tigers, Elephants, Leopards / Panthers, Jungle cats, Fishing Cats, Leopard cats, Himalayan black bears, Sloth bears, Jackals, Martens, Dholes, Civets, Mongooses, Otters, Hares, Porcupines, Chital (spotted deer), Sambar deer, Hog deer, Barking deer, Ghorals, Wild Boars, Pangolins, Macaques, Langurs and Blue Bulls (Nilgais) are some of the species which are found here. Along the Ramganga River shores, one can spot the long-snouted, fish-eating Gharial Crocodile and the ‘Mugger’ Crocodile.Also seen on the rocky hillsides is the Ghoral or Goat Antelopes. The Langur and Rhesus Monkeys are well distributed through out the park and the whole Jungle resonates with their alarm calls everytime a predator is around.

A rich panorama of colours abound the park in the form of its varied colourful species of birds. It is home to Herons, Darters, Cormorants, Lapwings, Paradise Flycatchers, Munias, Weaver birds, Fishing eagles, Serpent eagles, Spotted Eagles, Black throated Payas, Mynas, Jungle Fowl, Vultures, Thrushes, Barbets, Peacocks, peahens, Kingfishers, migrant Gulls, Moorhens, Ducks, Geese, Sandpipers, Nightjars, Cuckoos, Woodpeckers, Wagtails, Black winged Kits, Drongos, Doves, Plovers, Black necked Storks, Parakeets, Owls, Chir Pheasants, Kalij Pheasants, Grebes, Grey Lags, Snipes, Harriers, Ospreys, Minivets, Babblers, Hornbills, falcons and Stone Curlews.

Safari Adventure

Jeep Safari, Horse Safari, Bird Safari, Elephant Safari, Fishing safari and the Nature walk - all can be enjoyed here. Although jeeps penetrate deeper into the forest than elephants, they cannot get nearly as close to the wild animals. Accompanied by guides and mahouts, your trip is sure to be informative. All visitors to Corbett National Park have to obtain permits from the park administration center at Ramnagar. Bring binoculars, remain quiet, and avoid wearing bright colors or strong perfumes. Only a long vacation will do justice to the rich treasure of wildlife of the park. And don't forget to carry your copy of one of Corbett's jungle lores to read during the nights for that feel of the your spine tingle at living so close to the man-eaters realm.

What more to look out for in Corbett

Fishing expedition: Situated in the rich farm belt of Terai, on the southeastern fringes of the great forests, the busy market town of Ramnagar is the main administrative centre for Corbett National Park. It also makes a fine fishing base camp. Permits have to sought from the Project Tiger office in Ramnagar for fishing expeditions in Ramganga, Kosi, Mandal and Kothri rivers.
Trekking ventures: The reserve forest around the Tiger Reserve can be an exciting trekking terrain. Winters can get chilly and needless to say, its fun guaranteed.

How to reach there
Phoolbagh, Pantnagar at a distance of 50 km is the nearest airport. Delhi at a distance of 300 km is the nearest international airport. Ramnagar is on the broad gauge track from where the road transport options have to be availed to reach the park. For faster trains and connections to other parts of India change at Moradabad. Dhikala is 300 km from Delhi, 145 km from Lucknow and 51 km from Ramnagar. Ramnagar is served by frequent buses to and from Nainital and Ranikhet, 112 km north. Buses arrive every half hour or so after the eight hour trip from Delhi; Delhi Transport corporation also runs semi deluxe services.

Ideal time to visit: From November 15 to June 15. Corbett remains closed between June 16 and November 14, during the monsoons.

Accommodation options
A number of self contained resorts are springing up on the fringes of Corbett, providing a higher standard of accommodation at a price as well as guides for expeditions in the forests, which can be as rich in wildlife as the Jim Corbett Park, without the restrictions. There are, in addition, Forest Rest houses at Khinanauli, Sarpduli, Gairal, Sultan, Bijrani, Malani, Kanda, Dhela and Jhirna. Private resorts and hotels in Ramnagar too can be a good option.

Manas National Park

Go there for: Tiger, Rhino, Elephant

Manas National Park at a glance
The North Eastern region of India is a proud hostage to some of natures most enticing secrects. One of its safest refuge of wild creatures is the Manas wildlife sanctuary, perched on the foothills of the Himalayas with a part of it reaching Bhutan. Bathed in celestial natural beauty and enriched with a legion of flora and fauna, Manas was truly an ideal target for the Project Tiger. Due to indiscriminate poaching and disturbing of the ecological balance the forests of Manas, spread across an area of 391-sq-km, were declared a sanctuary in 1928 and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in December 1985. The park is watered by the enchanting Manas River, named after the serpent goddess Manasa. It is the largest Himalayan tributary of the mighty Brahmaputra. Coming down the Bhutan Hills from the north, the crystal clear waters of the Manas river runs through the heart of the 500 sq. km core area of the Manas Park.

Widlife Attractions of Manas National Park

The whole park is peppered with small meadows located among densely forested foothills with many rivulets, streams and natural drains criss-crossing one another. It is mainly watered by the Manas river - the international boundary between India and Bhutan. The vegetation is mixed deciduous and supports the breeding of a huge variety of wildlife, which include - Tigers, Elephants, Rhinos, Wild Buffaloes, Leopards, Clouded Leopards, Gaurs, Swamp Deer, Capped Langurs, Golden Langurs, Assamese Macaques, Slow Loris, Hoolock Gibbons, Smooth Indian Otters, Sloth Bears, Barking Deer, Hog Deer, Sambar, Chital and the amazingly beautiful and rare Black Panthers. The park is also a haven for highly endangered species. Two of the unique residents of the park are the Hispid Hare and the Pygmy Hog.
Some of the rarest of avian species can be located in the forests of Manas. Some of these are Giant Hornbills, Jungle Fowls, Bulbuls, Brahminy Ducks, Khaleej Pheasants, Egrets, Pelicans, Fishing Eagles, Serpent Eagles, Falcons, Scarlet Minivets, Bee-Eaters, Magpie Robins, Pied Hornbills, Gray Hornbills, Mergansers, Harriers, Ospreys and Herons.

Safari Adventure

Explore the park in your own car or a hired one. Some of the animals that come out on the banks of the river Manas can be viewed from a boat which commences its ride from Mathanguri and ends around 35km away, from where one is picked up by pre-arranged transport. The third option, which is favourite with most visitors, is the elephant ride organised by the park authorities. These take you deep in to the wilderness and right between the wildlife there. And when there is lady mahout roosted atop the mighty tusker,dressed in the beautiful mekhela-sador, the traditional attire of the North-east and the BBC's "Queen of the elephants" - the safari is definitely going to be one you will remember. Fifty year old and elegantly aristocratic, Parvati Barua is not just the only female mahout in India, but the lifetime Chief Elephant Warden of Assam. Ok leave elephants, how about a long walk in the jungle? A 5-km long jungle trail along the Mathanguri river is laid for such languid strolls - especially after the rains when the entire path is carpeted with petals and cotton blossoms and the air reverberating with the peacocks and langurs calls. Are you still pondering about a visit? Pack-up!

What more to look out for in Manas

Fatemabad tea estate: You are in the heart of a tea country and leaving without a walk through the plush tea gardens will be blasphemous almost. The plantations begin right outside the park.
Land of Villages: The Bodo villages neighbouring the park with their treasure of tribal way of living and pagan customs will make you want to extend your vacation. A surprise music and dance session might be lodged in your honor, you never know!
Boat cruises: Don't miss a float down the Manas on the 8-seater boat and watch wild animals from closet possible quarters.
Mothanguri area: The central zone of Manas, covering the Mothanguri area, is one of the most picturesque of Nature's landscapes. Eco-tourism has been recently initiated in the eastern Kaklabari area by the Manas Maozigendri Ecotourism Society, opening up this bird rich area to visitors.

How to reach there
Manas Park is 176-kms from Guwahati. The nearest airport is Borjhar, which is situated at 5-km. The nearest railhead is situated at Barpeta road. Buses regularly ply from Guwahati to Barpeta Road in 4½ hrs.

Ideal time to visit: The ideal time to visit the Manas national park is during the months of November to April.

Accommodation options

No special permits are required to visit Manas. You must, however, obtain permission to stay inside the forest from the Filed Director's Office at Barpeta Road. For accommodation there are two lodges maintained and run by the tourist department. The state department has two bungalows located at Mathanguri inside the forest with little or no catering facilities.

Dudhwa National Park

Go there for: Tigers, Indian One-Horned rhino, Swamp Deer

Dudhwa National Park at a glance
Located in Terai, Uttar Pradesh (India) bordering Nepal, is a magnificient 498.29 sq. km vast refuge of some of the most fascinating species of wild flora and fauna, chief among them being the ruler predator - the tiger and the rare one-horned rhino. The warm, tropical forests here at the foothills of the Himalayas are watered by the Suheli river lying towards the North. The whole landscape is strewn with plush grasslands crwoned with Sal tress, rivers Suheli and Mohana and small waterbodies. Apart from its 'striped and horned' embellishments, Dudhwa boasts of five rare deer species - the swamp deep (barasingha), spotted deer (cheetal), hog deer (paada), barking deer (kaakad) and sambar - of which the swamp deer population is a conservationists dream-come-true.

Widlife Attractions of Dudhwa National Park

The grasslands are ideal terrain for both the tigers and the Indian one horned rhinoceros. The latter was hunted out of existence in this part of the country by the end of the 19th century but now it has been reintroduced in Dudhwa from other sanctuaries in Nepal and India.Today Dudhwa boasts of about 20 of these one-horned denizens. Ideal place to spot them are the grass thickets, swamps and waterbodies of the South Sonaripur Range Area of Dudhwa. Two other endangered species that the park shelters are the long-eared hispid hare and the Bengal florican. Other inhabitants include the deer, sloth bear, jackal, wild pig and the lesser cats - the fishing cat, leopard cat, jungle cat and civet.

Dudhwa also has an abundance of birds. Its marshes are home to a range of water-birds both local and migratory. Ornathologists favorite painted storks, sarus cranes, owls, barbets, woodpeckers, minivets and many more abound the park. Much of the park’s avian fauna is aquatic in nature, and is found around Dudhwa’s lakes- especially Banke Tal.

Safari Adventure

Widlife enthusiasts can either choose a jeep safari or tour the jungles on the elephant back. The main Dudhwa office near the park or the Salukhapur Chowki provides for elephant safaris. The mahout not just loads you with exciting jungle tales, but also can be an excellents guide to the tiger hide-outs. The rhinos are cloistered in the Salukhapur range and demands a special trip to see them in their natural habitat. Elephant and jeep safaris are plausible options to select from for rhino sighting.

What more to look out for in Dudhwa

Interpratation Centre: The Dudhwa Office is adorned with a library and an interpretation centre that provides information on the park. You can pick mementos like Dudhwa T-shirts and books signatured by Billy Arjan Singh - the conservationist who has largely been responsible for the setting up of Dudhwa.
Rajput face with a Nepali nose: The Tharu tribals who live in the premises of the park are an inter-mix of Rajasthani and Nepali origins. Rich with myths and ancient lores, their culture can be an interesting study.
Kishanpur Sanctuary: About 30-km from Dudhwa is the Jhaddi Taal, a waterbody, where you can see the largest herd of the swamp deer.

How to reach there
Lucknow at 201 km / 4 hr. drive is the nearest airport. Nearest railhead is at Shahjahanpur (110 km). Or if you are traveling from Delhi, drive down via Moradabad, Bareilly, Shahjahanpur, Kutar and Palia to reach Dudhwa.

Ideal time to visit: Do not visit during monsoons. The best visiting time begins from mid-November and lasts till mid-June.

Accommodation options

Accommodation in the park is available at log huts, lodges and forest resthouses at Dudhwa, Sathiana, Bankatti, Kila and Sonaripur. All are pretty minimalist and affordable. Also in the park, on its southern periphery, is a lodge owned by `Billy’ Arjan Singh. Another option is to stay outside the park; Palia has a handful of hotels, and luxuries that you won’t get in the park.

Rajaji National Park - the tusker heavenl

Go there for: Asian elephants

Rajaji National Park at a glance

The Rajaji National Park is a pristine natural paradise nestled at the foot of the Himalayas spreading across three districts of Uttaranchal - Haridwar, Dehradun and Pauri Garhwal in India. Though it is yet to be tagged a National Park, it expects a notification soon and functions as one, with its privileges. Three existing sanctuaries in the Dehradun Shivaliks- Rajaji, Motichur and Chilla were amalgamated into a large protected area and labelled Rajaji in the year 1983 after the famous freedom fighter Late Sri C. Rajgopalachari, popularly known as Rajaji. Known for its wild elephants, about 150 approximately as per recent studies, the 820.42 Sq. Km of the Park makes a suitable habitat for a astounding variety of wild flora and fauna and a an exorbitant holiday destination for tourists worldwide.

Widlife Attractions of Rajaji National Park

Owing to its pleasant climatic conditions Rajaji National Park is home to a rich mulitude of wild flora and fauna. It is the North Westrn limits of the Asian elephants. 23 species of mammals- including tigers, leopards, elephants, Nilgai (blue bull), deer, jungle cat, wild boar and sloth bear- and 315 species of birds are found in Rajaji. The most prominent avian species include pea fowl, woodpeckers, pheasants, kingfishers and barbets, supplemented by a number of migratory species during the winter months. Besides that, the rivers which flow through the park harbour fish such as trout and mahseer.

Twenty eight species of snakes, 12 species of turtles & tortoises and 9 species of lizards among Reptilia are being recorded from the park. The largest variety of Indian python is also found in Rajaji.

The butterfly fauna of the Park is very rich and represented by as many as 60 species under eight families, out of the known nine families are from the adjoining areas of Garhwal and Kumaon hills of the Himalaya.

Safari Adventure

Both jeep safaris and elephant rides are popular options. Elephant rides of about 2½ hours each are organized by the park authorities. Drive your own vehicles or rent one from Haridwar or Rishikesh. A jeep safari into the ineermost parts of the park can be a wholesome experience loaded with excitement and rich sightings.

What more to look out for in Rajaji
Chandi Devi mandir: Neighbouring the Park is the Neel Parvat. Perched atop this hill is the Chandi Devi Mandir. Pay obeisance to the lord and refreshen your spirits with the enchanting view of the entire Haridwar city.
Haridwar: For Hindu pilgrims this place needs no introduction. A 9 km drive from Rajaji will bring you to one of the most visited religious seat of Hinduism. The evening aarti at Har-ki-Pauri, the main ghat, is a must-see.
Rishikesh: 40 km from Rajaji is the international favorite amongst adventure enthusiasts. Rishikesh is known for its trekking and white-water rafting expeditions and a solace for peace-seekers.
Dehra Dun: Be it the cycling tours, the languid saunterings, the picnics by the hot springs, Dehra Dun (at 60 km) is fun unlimited.

How to reach there
Rajaji is accessible through different gates. The Ramgarh Gate and Mohand Gate are within 25 km of Dehradun, while the Motichur, Ranipur and Chilla Gates are just about 9 km from Haridwar. Kunao Gate is 6 km from Rishikesh, and Laldhang gate is 25 km from Kotdwar. It is a straight route from Delhi along the NH58 via Meerut and Haridwar. There are frequent bus services from Delhi's ISBT. Nearest airport is 40 km away at Jolly Grant, Dehra Dun. Railheads can be reached at Haridwar (9 km).

Ideal time to visit: The Park is open from mid-Nov to mid-Jun. But high summers are the best time to go.

Accommodation options
Within Rajaji are nine forest resthouses, some of which are around 100 years old. Chilla has, in addition, a tourist complex operated by the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam. Staying outside the park, at budget to mid-range and even luxury hotels and tourist complexes in Haridwar, Rishikesh or Dehradun, can be a better option, while you make day trips to the park.

Bird Watching Tours in India

The feathered ‘lords of the air’ may not have as phenomenal a fan-following as the beasts that walk the earth, but those with a avian-fixation will know how crazy this sport can get. Sightings are, at times, about seconds - and priceless seconds they are - for your target may hit the air again anytime and be gone forever. Hats off to the ornithologists and the avifauna enthusiasts with their extraordinary patience and an eye for nature’s display of its impeccable color sense.

A ‘quiet’ ariel watch

India’s beeline of bird watching connoisseur from across the world is thronging by the day. A huge populace of widlife photographers too are included in this ambit. The Indian terrains are extremely avian friendly and welcomes a multitude of migratory birds from all over the world. In the Himalayan ranges, an enmesh of trekking expedition with your birding tour can add to the gambol. Down south, a enthralling river cruise through the dales camouflaged with multi-colored avifauna, where the air reverberates with relentless chirpings, can be an out-of-the-world experience. Tape recordings are also made, which, however, are prohibited in the Keoladeo Bird sanctuary. Be patient, be quiet, be attentive - are your bird watching mantras. Good luck!

Pack your bags to..

India! 2000 rarest of the rare species and god-knows-how-many bird-watching zones await your arrival!

Wild wild west: Rajasthans’s Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, more popular as the Keoladeo Ghana National Park is one of Inida's pioneer wildlife conservation centers. Its shot to fame is however the Siberian Cranes Cranes that come here every monsoon traveling 6,500 km. A dismal tide, however, is that the year 2002 saw this endangered guests for the very last time in India. So before you go to Bharatpur, hail pagan bird-gods and the Indian ones that you are the one who reports to the world ‘the return of the Cranes’. Crane-talk apart, the sanctuary’s marine vagetation, kadam and babul forests, shallow lakes shelter in them about 300 species of Indian birds. Flocks of cormorants, spoon bills, storks, egrets, herons, pelicans, ebis and grey herons can be sighted all over the park. Phalodi, in Rajasthan, is another spot where the lovely Demoiselle Cranes from Mongolia and Europe, abound.

The Aravalli foothills nestle the Sariska wildlife sanctuary (Rajasthan) with more than 200 species of birds including the Gray Hornbill, Crested Serpent Eagle, Black/Red Headed Bunting, Wryneck Woodpecker Babbler, White Breasted Kingfisher, Little Brown Dove, Small Minivet, Golden Oriole, Great Gray Shrike, Pale Harrier and Tailor Bird.

Himalayas: The Himalayan foothills are, needless to say, rich with avifauna. For a change at Corbett National Park let the tigers be, go there for the birds. Corbett’s 600 species of birds exceeds the total number of bird species found in Europe and is about one fourth of the diversity found in India.

Fly South: The Nilgiris are rich with species like the White-browed wagtail, Rufous treepie, Indian Scimitar Babbler, Black-rumped Flameback, Chestnut-bellied nuthatch, Indian nightjar, Black Drongo, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo and the Indian cuckoo. The best times for bird watching are between October and April.

The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary (Kerala) on the banks of Vembanad Lake, has resident birds like waterfowls, cuckoo, owl, egret, herons, kingfishers and water ducks. The migratory population include Siberian cranes (no more though), parrots, teals, larks, flycatchers, wood beetle, etc. House boats and motor boats offer lake cruises ideal for a quiet bird-watching adventure.

Renowned ornithologists, Salim Ali’s brainchild, the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary Kerala, houses 500 winged species including the Indian Roller, Cukoo, Common Snipe, Crow Pheasant, Jungle Nightjar, Kite, Grey Drongo, Malabar Trogon, Woodpecker, Large Pied Wagtail, Baya Sparrow, Grey Jungle Fowl, Indian Hill Myna, Robin, Jungle Babbler And Darter.

Other birding grounds are Gir National Park (Gujarat), Nandankanan (Orissa), Rajaji National Park (Uttaranchal), Kolleru Bird Sanctuary (Andhra Pradesh), Manjira Bird Sanctuary (Andhra Pradesh) and Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary (Andhra Pradesh). Our Bird watching tours have the best picks - in case you don’t want to miss a thing!

Travel Tips

Binoculars are a must-must-must carry. Team it up with a hi-tech camera. Try pick clothes that have more of green shades - the birds are a shy lot. And some research can go a long way in recognising them instantly. Handbooks on birds like the “A Birdwatcher’s Guide to India” by Krys Kazmierczak & Raj Singh, Salim Ali’s more recent Ali/Ripley series, “The Pocket Guide to the Birds of the Indian Subcontinent” by Richard Grimmett, Carol Inskipp and Tim Inskipp are recommended. Accommodation options abound.

Widlife Camping in India

It has been tried, tested and proved that vacationing days in the wilderness, recharges our faculties and results in better productivity. And when it is about going back in time (what else would you call camping in a jungle?), India definitely scores amongst the most sought one’s of the segment. And thanks to the Tourism industry, this adventure is no more about fatal combats with bandits or man-eating predators, or mad-rush for a cave during unpredictable weather catastrophes. Today, camping in the wild is about complete tour packages with all facilities and amenities.

What awaits you in Indian wilds...

The Himalayan foothills, the oasis recluses of Thar, the premises of the various wildlife sanctuaries, the beaches, you name it and your travel agent will give you detailed tour itinerary for one of your chosen spots. The days remain animate with activities like trekking, forests trails, angling, cycling, photography, bird-watching, river rafting, tiger-tracking, elephant/jeep/camel/horse safari expeditions, trip to the nearest tribal village - according to preferences. In such sylvan purlieu, poetry and paintings ooze without effort and there is no dearth of a quiet place to sit and let them flow on to the paper. The nights come alive with bonfires, grilled meat fiesta, jam sessions and you name it and of course the nerve-tingling sensation of sleeping with wild animals only ear-shot away.

India’s Favourite Camping Zones

Northern Hills: The Himalayan mountain ranges are an ideal choice anytime. Chitrauli, near Nainital (Uttaranchal) is a popular base camp for trekking expedition in jungles strewn with Oaks, Deodars and Pine. Bird lovers and wildlife photographers have ample scope in Chitrauli’s wilderness. Corbett National Park provides Tiger camping. And if you are with your family, Himachal Tourism organizes exciting camps at Sarchu in Lahaul, Sangla and Kalpa in Kinnaur and at Kaza in Spiti, Barog in Solan district, Baspa (Sangla) valley, Tabo (Spiti), Al Hilal (Taragarh) and Dharamsala (Kangra), Dalhousie (Chamba) and camps at Kullu-Manali are popular vacation hubs. Camps at Hatu (Shimla) at a height of 10500 ft, makes you want to touch the sky.

Westwards: Gujarat’s Gir has lion safari camps. The Siana camp and safari in Rajasthan is another ideal place for a wildlife camping. Ranthambore National Park has camping provisions at Dev Villas, with the Aravalli backdrop and adjacent to 13th century monuments. Rajasthan also has desert camping at Jaisalmer Sam sand dunes, for that unforgettable experience of living amidst the endless expanse of sand. Rann of Kutch Wild Ass Sanctuary’s has a choice of adventurous camping haunts. Just stay clear of rains for the desert is made of salt deposits and in case it starts to shower, in no time the region (Little Rann of Kutch), turns into a sea of mud.

Baywatch: The beach at Mandavi place by the Arabian Sea, Kutch, is dotted with beach camps. The Beach camps at Goa, however, remains the hot favorite. With Goa beach festival and the New Year bash there is more to tango.

Designer Camps: Karnataka’s Cauvery Fishing Camp, Kabini River Lodge Camps, Kali Wilderness Camp, B.R. Hills Wildlife Adventure Resort have a choice of tiled and colonial styled cottages, thatched log huts and swiss tents, hurricane lamps to illuminate your nights - all designed to give you a luxurious stay close to nature.These and many more camping joints await your arrival. All tenting provisions, a smart naturalist guide, the best of locales, travel tickets, loads of travel tips - all come in the package. Alternatively, you can pick one of Lonely Planet Guides for India, and set off on your own. And trust me, that would team better with your adventurous wildlife camping plans.

Do’s and Don’ts

Nature too has Her rules of hygiene. Please take care that your camping area is left as clean as it was when you arrived. Trying to steal in some wild flora or fauna is a strict ‘No No’. And while camping in the jungles, a check on your decibel level will help keep the ambiance just as it should be - let only the wild voice itself. A camera and binoculars are a must-carry.

Sunderbans National Park

Go there for: Bengal Tiger, Ridley Sea Turtle
Sunderban National Park at a glance
Welcome to world’s largest delta located in Piyali, West Bengal, formed by the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghana rivers and watered by the mighty Bay of Bengal. The Sunderbans - extending over an area of 1330.10-sq-km - comprises of mangrove or 'sundari' forests, swamps and forest islands all interwoven in a network of small rivers and streams. Well, we aren’t here to promote the geographical uniqueness of this alluvial archipelago of 54 islands. Sunderbans are here for you for its priceless reserve of the world famous Royal Bengal Tiger. A trip to the Sunderbans will not only mean getting to watch the the Royal predators from surprisingly close proximity but also feel the taste of the life in nature's moist wilderness.
Widlife Attractions of Sunderban National Park
The Sunderbans is one of the world's largest wetlands. Every 12 hours, high tide deluges the mangroves. The Bengal tigers have adopted themselves excellently to the aqua and the saline environs of the Sunderbans. At present there are about 200 Bengal Tigers that inhabit the national park. As you explore the jungles, you have chances of spotting a variety of fascinating wildlife like - the Chital Deer, Rhesus Monkey, Wild Pigs, Wild Boars, Chital, Swamp Deer, little porpoise, Indian fox, fishing cat, common grey mongoose, Indian flying fox, pangolin, small Indian civet, Rhinoceroses, Indian python, Monitor lizard. The aqua / amphibian fauna in the park include the famous Ridley Sea Turtle, variety of fishes, red Fiddler Crabs and Hermit Crabs, crocodiles, Gangetic Dolphin, Water monitor, mollusks and crabs. The endangered river Terrapin, Batagur Baska is found on the Mechua Beach, while the Barkind Deer is found only in Holiday Island in Sundarbans.
The swampy marshlands and dense mangrove forests at the Sunderbans offer an ideal habitat for the various bird species. Commonly sighted birds are - varieties of stork, kingfishers, eagles, white ibis, swamp francolin, Asian dowitcher, white-bellied sea eagle, purple heron, egrets, brown fish owl, osprey, peregrine falcon, green-backed heron, Scaly-breasted Munia, Tree Pipit, Yellow Wagtail, Baya Weaver, House Sparrow, Purple Sunbird, Pale-billed Flowerpecker, Loten's Sunbird, Striated Babbler, Striped Tit-Babbler, Brown-cheeked Fulvetta, Lemon-rumped Warbler, Indian Scimitar Babbler, Ashy Prinia, Red-whiskered Bulbul, Asian Pied Starling, Blue-throated Flycatcher, Common Woodshrike, Small Minivet, Black-hooded Oriole, Mangrove Whistler, Cinnamon Bittern, Gull-billed Tern, Common Flameback, Fulvous-breasted Woodpecker, Northern Pintail and so on.
During the spring, the flaming red leaves of the Genwa bejewel the swampy islands. The other dominant floral species in the Sundarbans are crab like red flowers of the Kankara and the yellow blooms of Khalsi. As you go deeper into the Sundarbans, you discover large floral population consisting of trees like Genwa, Goran, Dhundal, Passur, Garjan and Kankara.
Safari Adventure
The WBTDC organizes guided tours- mostly of a duration of two or three days, starting and ending at Kolkata. They’re a good way of visiting Sunderbans without some of the adventure which accompanies making your own arrangements. Within Sunderbans, the only way to get around is by boat; you can take a boat ride, along with an official from the Project Tiger office.
What more to look out for in Sunderban
The Sajnakhali Sanctuary : Protected from all sides by netted wires, the complex houses a museum, a watchtower and the Herbivore Acclimatisation Centre. Famous for its rich avian population, it is regarded as a part of the Sunderbans National Park. The most sought after sight is the confluence of seven colourful species consisting of Kingfisher, white bellied Sea Eagle, Plovers, Lap-Wings, Curfews, Whimbrels, Sandpipers and occasional Pelican. Don't miss out the Canopy Walk to its south-west where you can stroll through the mangrove thickets.Netidhopani : At Netidhopani, discover the ruins of a 400 year old temple.
Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project: A few hours drive from Namkhana will bring you to a hatchery of the world's largest estuarine crocodile, flanked by the Saptamukhi River.Bhagabatpur : Bhagabatpur is famous for having a hatchery of the largest estuarine crocodiles in the world.Kanak : Kanak is the nesting place of the Olive Ridley Turtles.Haliday Island : Haliday island is famous as last retrest of Barking Dear in India.Piyali : Piyali is the gatway to Sundarbans, 72-kms from Kolkatta by road. A small river Piyali flows through the green paddy fields and mingles with river Matla. This along with Kaikhali make ideal romantic holiday destination. A beautiful tourist complex with accommodation and recreation facilities is also situated over here.Boat Cruises: The special feature of these boat cruises are the organization of business conferences and seminars on the deck in the morning followed by a palatable Bengali lunch consisting of Bengali delicacies like fish and prawns. You can also enjoy a jam session in the boat relishing the melodious music. The watchtowers at Netidhopan, Sajnekhali, Sudhanyakhali and Haldi- provide you an excellent view of the wildlife.
How to reach there

Sundarbans are accessible only by riverrine waterways. Motor launch facilitiy are available from Namkhana - Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project- Sagar Island -Jambudwip; from Sajnekhali - Sudhanyakhali-Buridabri- Netidhopan-Holiday Island; from Sonakhali - Gosaba; from Raidighi - Kalas. The nearest airport is Kolkatta (112 km) and nearest railhead is Canning (48 km). From Port Canning, regular buses ply to Sonakhali, Raidighi, Najat and Namkhana. The excellent road network connects Namkhana to Kolkata, Sonakhali (100 km), Raidighi (76 km), Canning (64 km) and Najat (92 km), all lying nearby the Sunderbans.
Ideal time to visit: During the months of September and May. Winter is the ideal season to spot the mighty Royal Bengal tiger sun-bathing on the river banks.
Accommodation options
Within the Sunderbans reserve, the only accommodation available is at Sajnekhali, where there’s a tourist lodge. The lodge stands atop pillars- to keep away hungry tigers- and has rooms as well as dormitories. Outside the park, especially at Piyali and Bakkhali, are tourist lodges and hotels which can be an alternative for anyone looking for a place to stay. Rates vary considerably, depending upon what level of comfort you’re looking for.

Bandhavgarh National Park

Go there for: White Tigers, Leopards, Bears
Bandhavgarh National Park at a glance
If tigers are what you want to feast your senses on this vacation, Bandhavgarh National Park in Umaria District of Madhya Pradesh, with its highest tiger population, can be your ideal destination. The 105.40-sq-km of former hunting preserve of the Maharaja of Rewa set amidst the Vindhyan ranges, Bandhavgarh was declared a National Park in 1968 and today serves as a natural habitat for the world famous White tigers. The terrain is broken, with rocky hill ranges, running roughly east west, interspersed with grassy swamps and forested valleys.
Widlife Attractions of Bandhavgarh National Park
The fine trees of Sal cover half of the Bandhavgarh National Park while the higher hills consist of moist deciduous forests interlaced with bamboo thickets and mixed forests. The wide stretches of bamboo and grasslands cover the entire northern region. Whole of the national park is encompassed by 32 wooded hills and quite a few perennial streams and rivulets that crisscross at different points inside the park and as a result create stunning vistas. Certain areas are marshy and support a wide variety of wildlife.
Nestled in these forests is a whole world of wildlife - 22 mammal species and about 250 bird species. This is the place where famous White Tigers of Rewa were discovered. Other animals that abound the Park are - Nilgai(blue bull), chinkara (Indian gazelle), chausingha (four-horned antelope), wild boar, sambhar (Indian stag), the muntjac (barking deer), herds of chital (spotted deer), Gaur (Indian bison), blackbucks, ratel, porcupine, small Indian civet, palm squirrel, lesser bandicoot rat, the jungle cat, hyena and jackal. The reptile population in the park includes cobras, karaits, vipers, ratsnakes, pythons, lizards and turtles. The two primate species - the rhesus macaque and the Hanuman langur - inhabit the Bandhavgarh Park.
Remember to carry binoculars on your tours for gazing at the birds of Bandhavgarh. It is home to some of the rarest birds. The varieties include -Cuckoos, Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Asian Koel, White-rumped Needletail, Sirkeer Malkoha, Green Bee-eater, Rose-ringed Parakeet, White-rumped Spinetail, Collared Scops Owl, Blossom-headed Parakeet, Alexandrine Parakeet, Black-shouldered Kite, Osprey, Little Ring Plover, Black-bellied Tern, Honey Buzzard, Common Sandpiper, Common Redshank, Painted Sandgrouse, Black Coot, Little Stint, River Lapwing, Bronze-winged Jacana, Greater Painted-snipe, Rufous Turtle Dove, Grey Nightjar, Moorhen, House Swift, Ruddy Shelduck, Cotton Pygmy-goose, Red-crested Pochard, Eurasian Wryneck, Yellow-fronted Woodpecker, Little Scaly-bellied Green Woodpecker, White-naped Woodpecker and other birds.
Safari Adventure
Options abound from jeep to elephant safaris. And if animals are what you have come for all the way to these jungles, 'Early to bed and early to rise' will have to be your mantra. Jeep safaris at the crack of dawn are recommended. You can also drive your own vehicle into the jungle accompanied by an authorised guide. Elephant safari trips, needless to say, are the best option. Tiger tracking on an elephant can be an spine-tingling experience.
What more to look out for in Bandhavgarh
Kalchuri Archeological Remains: Beside the wildlife, Bandhavgarh is also famous for the archaeological remains of the Kalchuri period that have been found here. Bandhavgarh Fort : The Bandhavgarh Park area is hilly and is dominated by the majestic Bandhavgarh fort, built in 14th century. The fort and the adjacent hills have a large number of caves belonging to the pre-historic period. As per the lores, this fort was built by the same simian architects who constructed the bridhge to Lanka for Lord Shree Ram.
Baghel Museum: Bandhavgarh legends say that white tigers still rule the forest. This museum has the white tiger cub Mohan, captured by a Rajah in 1951, all stuffed and mounted.
How to reach there
The nearest airport is at Khajurao (230-km). The nearest railhead is at Umaria (30-km) on the Katni-Bilaspur section of South-Eastern Railways. Another nearest railhead is at Satna on the Bombay-Howrah main line of the Central Railways. Madhya Pradesh State Transport Bus Services connect the National Park to the cities like Rewa, Satna, Katni and Umaria.
Ideal time to visit: The best season is from Mid-November to June. The park remains closed during the time of monsoon and July to early November. The best time to visit the park is early in the morning or after 4 p.m. It is during this time that the animals are most active and are easily spotted.
Accommodation options
Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge is walking distance from the Park's main gate and is in periphery of the park. It has been developed on the theme of an Indian Village. Tiger Trail Resort, Tiger Den Resort, Royal tiger resort are other suitable lodging places - all placed at walking distance from the Park.