The Kaziranga National Park is one of the best forest reserves in the world – and you have to stay at the Wild Grass Lodge for a truly satisfying and wholesome experience. [continue reading…]
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Posts tagged as:
wildlife
Hotel Review: Wild Grass Lodge, Kaziranga National Park, Assam, India
The re-discovery of Nepal: Driving across the country
Bhaktapur in Kathmandu
Ever since Nepal made front page news for its political troubles, it has been struck off as a holiday destination by most Indians. But surely Nepal’s charms must still be holding good? Ajay Jain hit the road in his SUV to re-discover Nepal he last visited in the 1980s as a school boy. And came back giving a thumbs up to the country. [continue reading…]
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Exciting Photography cum Nature Workshops by Canon and Nature Wanderers
Photography workshop by Canon along with Nature wanderers.
Go Wild with Canon and Nature Wanderers – Calendar 2010-2011
Does nature and wildlife photography fascinate you? Are you looking for a platform to learn from and network with nature photographers? Do you shoot great pictures and want to showcase your skills to the world? [continue reading…]
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Tiger Spotting: The Big Bs of Bandhavgarh, Madhya Pradesh
“Bandhavgarh won’t disappoint you Sahib. But you need to show me a tiger in Corbett in return” said my guide cum driver Narayan (aka Angu) as I was getting ready for my first safari in a forest outside the cozy comforts of Corbett for the first time in 3 years. My last non-Corbett forest expedition was Kanha in 2006. I went to Bandhavgarh with extremely high expectations as my good friends and fellow photographers always spoke highly about the forest. Facts like the Tala zone of Bandhavgarh has the highest density of tigers in one particular forest zone were always fascinating but made me wonder if Bandhavgarh without the acclaimed tiger shows of the forests of Madhya Pradesh would live up to expectations from a sighting perspective. [continue reading…]
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Great Himalayan Drive Day 24: The games elephants play at Manas National Park in Assam
Elephants playing with one another at the Manas National Park in Assam, India
This will go down as probably the best moment of all my travels. Setting out early to spot wildlife and birds at the Manas National Park in Assam, I came across a herd of elephants on a dirt track about 50 metres away from me. Initially they seemed just like a couple till I realized they were a full herd – and hidden in the trees and foliage around the track. And what do I see?
They kept coming in and out of the greenery, from babies to giant male members. And all seemed in a jovial mood. They were playing together, pushing each other into the bushes, climbing on top of the other and engaging in friendly duels. I could have watched them for hours – you rarely see such sights. Don’t miss out on their expressions – some are actually laughing.
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This trip was sponsored by TripAdvisor.in and Yatra.com.
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Great Himalayan Drive Day 23: Watching elephants bathe in the setting sun at Manas National Park in Assam
Image of an elephant bathing at the Manas National Park in Assam in India
One of the best moments of The Great Himalayan Drive happened at Manas National Park in Assam for me: the sight of elephants bathing in the Manas river with the setting sun in the background. The setting and the moments were surreal – I could have spent hours watching the scene. But the sun has to set and elephants have other things to do. Enjoy the images on Facebook even if you are not a member.
This trip was sponsored by TripAdvisor.in and Yatra.com.
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Great Himalayan Drive Day 22: Crossing into India, and discovering Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary in West Bengal
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I finally crossed back into India after three weeks in Nepal as a part of the Great Himalayan Drive; I had entered the country on its western border and came out from the west into India’s North-East. The plan was to keep driving till the Himalayan roads ended in Arunachal Pradesh – a long journey requiring multiple night halts. The first of these happened at the Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary.
I never knew of this forest’s existence until I started asking around for a place to spend the night. Seems like it is quite a popular destination especially amongst Bengali travellers – the two Government run lodges were both full up. But I was lucky to get a room in the Hollong Lodge, located deep inside the forest – the management usually keep a room free should a last-minute VIP land up. My luck no one ‘important’ was passing that day. It turned out to be a gem of a property – will write about it later for sure. [continue reading…]
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Great Himalayan Drive Day 18: A wild male tusker elephant comes looking for a female friend in Chitwan in Nepal
A wild male tusker comes looking for a 'female friend' at the Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge in Chitwan National Park, Nepal
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Valentine’s Day can be a lonely affair for many. When it is for a wild male elephant on heat during its mating season, it could spell bad news.
The morning of day 18 of the Great Himalayan Drive started with animated excitement all around Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge, the property inside Chitwan National Park I was staying in. A wild male elephant had sauntered in, walking around the camp. It made its way through the driveway, around the dining area, the front lawns before making his way to the elephant stables. [continue reading…]
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Great Himalayan Drive Day 17: When a rhino almost attacked me in Chitwan in Nepal
Valentine’s Day is a day of hugs and kisses from those who love you. Not one to be told there is no love lost between you and a rhinoceros.
Out for a jungle walk in Chitwan National Park, I was hoping to see some exotic animals and birds up close and personal. Even a tiger if I am lucky – not giving much thought to what happens when you see a tiger in the wild without being on a jeep or an elephant.
After some tame sightings, we came across a rhino lurking in the tall grasses about 20 feet from the track we were on. As I fiddled to get my camera settings right, I failed to hear some snorts from the big animal. I realized something was amiss when my guide started beating a stick on the ground, making some incoherent noises and gesticulating in the direction of the rhino. In what seemed a long time, the beast must have chosen to play it safe and walked away. [continue reading…]
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Great Himalayan Drive Day 16: A hidden airport, river crossing and World War II Land Rovers to reach Tiger Tops in Chitwan in Nepal
How interesting can journeys get? Very, if you are headed to Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge in Chitwan National Park in Nepal.
I set out from Kathmandu to Tiger Tops, one of the few places to stay deep inside the forest. And possibly the best considering they have been the pioneers in wildlife tourism in Nepal for decades. The first challenge was finding Meghauli Airport. As I got approached Bharatpur, it was tough to find someone who knew about this airport. I was repeatedly directed to the more popular Bharatpur airport. Eventually though I did reach the correct one.
Tucked away in the forest itself, it seemed more a grazing ground for goats and cows than for flights to take off and land. I would learn later that only limited flights came in, almost exclusively for the elite guests of Tiger Tops. My car would go no further – I had to park it in a private garage of Tiger Tops at the airport. [continue reading…]
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Great Himalayan Drive Day 5: Elephant Safari in Bardia National Park in Nepal
Elephants coming to pick up 'explorers' of the Bardia National Park in Nepal
Have you ever explored the heart of a jungle on an early winter morning? When I say it is bliss, it is an understatement. I experienced this feeling while on an Elephant Safari at the Bardia National Park in Nepal. The agenda was to spot some tigers and rhinoceros – we spotted neither. But it did not matter. I was lost in another world, which no new-age or old-age guru can transport you to.
This safari took place on Day 5 of The Great Himalayan Drive I am undertaking from Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh. See more images on Facebook even if you are not a member.
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Great Himalayan Drive: 7 reasons to plan your next holiday in Nepal
If you are deciding on your next holiday destination, think Nepal. Once a favourite with tourists, political troubles and global recession have hit this country hard. Few even think of Nepal as an option now. But here are some good reasons to head out to this Himalayan state (I am in love with Nepal, almost as much as my favourite Ladakh even if for different reasons):
*The options are unlimited: No matter what you want, Nepal might have to offer. If you like wildlife and birds, choose from national parks and reserves like Chitwan, Koshi Tappu, Bardia and more. Or head out on some of the most spectacular treks in the Annapurna region besides many others. Enjoy worldly pleasures of food, coffee and shopping in Pokhara and Kathmandu. Go rafting, or on driving holidays. Gamble at the surviving casinos in Kathmandu. Camp wherever you like. Explore the Terai at sea level or go up the highest peak in the world. If you are religious minded, some of the most sacred Hindu and Buddhist spots are in Nepal.
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The Great Himalayan Drive Day 2: Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve, Nepal
Face to Face with an elephant at the Shuklaphanta National Park in Nepal
The Great Himalayan Drive took off on January 29 and I was at the Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve in Mahendranagar in Nepal on Day 2 itself. Wow, did not take too long to be transported into another world within a day.
I drove my SUV into the park – the first time I have done so – and the experience was nothing short of exhilarating. Even if I did not spot any wild animals except some deer and birds. And two elephants meant for official use, an one-eyed rhinoceros under special care of forest officials and some crocodiles in a breeding farm.
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TopSlip in the Anaimalais, TN – A Tusker’s Paradise!
Topslip is located in the Anaimalai Forest Range bordering Tamilnadu and Kerala. The erstwhile Anaimalai Wildlife Santucary is now known as IGWS – Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary. A Forest Preserve, this range houses a variety of wildlife and birdlife. Wild elephant and bison sightings are quite common. Quoting from an article in The Hindu, “The IGWS and National Park harbours over 250 species of birds of 49 families and is enormously rich in other biodiversity. According to the latest reports India is home to nearly 1,300 bird species in the diverse habitats.” The neighboring Parambikulam Sanctuary is to the West of Topslip in Kerala.
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Wild Saga of Corbett
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxn1tZi_G7c[/youtube]
Shot in the heart of Corbett National Park, Wild Saga of Corbett is the only comprehensive travel guide on Corbett National Park. Loaded with safari tips, the film also showcases how we as tourists can help in the conservation efforts of the park authorities.
So in case you are planning a visit to Corbett and wondering what is the kind of preparation you need to do for your trip, grab a copy of this DVD by contacting the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) – India’s leading non -government organisation (NGO) or just call Nature Wanderers at +91 9871367945.
(Visit us at www.naturewanderers.com / www.flickr.com/photos/shivangmehta)
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Travel Photography: Shooting Wildlife – The Basics!!!
Wildlife photography needs heart, head and loads and loads of patience and perseverance. Amongst the most important aspects of being a good wildlife photographer is becoming familiar with the technical aspects of photography like the setting, adjustment and focussing of the camera.
For a start, assemble the right equipment. Like most things in life, camera equipment ranges from the basic to the very expensive. Beginners can go in for consumer models with high optical zooms. [continue reading…]
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8 Hours on a Machaan…
By Shivang Mehta and Kahini Ghosh Mehta
Deep inside the heavily wooded forest of Corbett National Park rests a Machaan that gives shelter to hundreds of photographers, naturalists and tourists visiting Corbett every year. Approximately 30 feet in height, this old machaan gives a panoramic view of the picturesque Dhikala grasslands and the Ramganga river that supports a multitude of life forms in Corbett National Park. “The forest is always buzzing with activity,” I realized this when I spent my 3 hours on this watchtower for the first time in early 2003. Since then the watchtower has been my popular hotspot and has played an instrumental role in helping me witness some of my most memorable wild moments in Corbett National Park. [continue reading…]
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Playing with the Brown-headed gulls at Pangong Tso in Ladakh
If you see three Brown-headed gulls in a lake, how do you make add another fifty to give them company? Throw a few bread or biscuit pieces in their directions – and you will have dozens appear like magic to be the early bird who gets the crumbs.
[Click on any of the images for a larger view]
I discovered this when I started feeding the few birds in the lake, and did not even realize when the others came in. It was a delightful experience playing with them after that. Every bit of biscuit I threw amongst the birds saw them flap and waddle to get it, jostling each other in the process. Those flying around would swoop down and add to the commotion, even as some would just wade around with the peaceful countenance of the Buddha. The latter either had full stomachs, or preferred finding food in a more dignified manner. [continue reading…]
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Playing with the Himalayan Marmots in Ladakh
The Himalayan Marmots come across as just the right species you may want to cuddle in bed to stay warm in the cold climes of Ladakh. But these mammals belonging to the squirrel family are swift to retreat into their burrows at the slightest hint of human approach. Even if their squat body and short stocky limbs suggest limited athletic prowess.
[Click on any of the images for a larger view]
I have come across Marmots beyond Khardungla Pass on the way to Nubra valley and on the way to Tso Moriri, only catching fleeting glimpses through my camera lens. However, one set of five decided some publicity may be good for them and put on a show for me. About fifteen miles from Pangong Tso on the way back to Leh. [continue reading…]
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Don’t mess around with the jumbos…
Tusker Taking A Mud Bath in Corbett
Many a times, people wonder and debate on the most feared animal in the forests of India. We have been asked this question on multiple occasions and the answer is difficult because when in the mild in addition to the big predators there are zillions of life threatening living bodies that one should fear. A lot of people believe that a confrontation with a big cat like a tiger or a leopard can be a nerve-chilling experience. That’s definitely true to a certain extent but the king of the Indian forests – the tiger – is not a wanton killer. It attacks in its defense only when it is provoked and in a lot of cases we have seen that a tiger can be the most harmless predator and gives a damn about your presence. When given his space, he can offer you some of the most wonderful moments of your life giving you the opportunity to get upclose with him and witness his glory. [continue reading…]
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