Bandhavgarh National Park

Situated in the same state as Kanha national Park, Bandhavgarh is another heavyweight in the list of Indian wildlife parks. This time I was all prepared to make it a memorable trip and no goof ups. I really didn't want a comparison between Kanha National Park and Bandhavgarh to creep into my mind as both are famous for the king of the jungle, Tigers; so i kept a few days gap between my visit to these national parks. I felt it was not necessary afterwards as both are totally different from each other.

Bandhavgarh National Park is known to have the highest density of tigers in the country. Even though this was a Hunting ground of Maharajas till late 1960s, the wildlife protection policies since, have ensured that it remains the best national park in the country for tigers. This high density almost ensures a sighting at all times. You can either take a jeep safari or a two hour elephant safari through the dense forests. I took both and I think elephant safari is far more better way. Watching a beast from top of another beast, one gentle and one ferocious .

Which all animals can you expect in Bandhavgarh. Foremost is the Tiger and if you have a well trained guide, in all probability you will get to see one. Cheetal, sambar, rhesus macaque, leopard, wild boar and Indian civet are other animal species found here. This time I carried a binoculars and I can proudly say that I saw some magnificent bird population. I saw Steppe eagles and warblers, which I heard are quite rare. Sarus crane black ibis, Malabar pied hornbill, little grebe and Egyptian vulture are other migratory birds that are found here. Most of these are generally seen in and around Bandhavgarh Fort so head there for serious bird watching. Oh yes....Bandhavgarh Fort is an attraction situated right in the center of oddly shaped Bandhavgarh National Park. Also visitable are the sandstone caves, Baghel Museum and a souvenir shop.

Where To Stay – There are ample resorts inside and outside the park. Apart from basic amenities, there are few accommodations that give you a video presentation about the park and rules.

Safari Timings
Winters (October-March) - 7.30 AM to 10.30 AM (Morning) & 3 PM to 5.30 PM (Evening)

Summers (March-October) - 6.30 AM till 9.30 AM (Morning) & 4 PM till 6.30 PM (Evening)

The park is closed from July 1 to September 30.

Best Time To Visit – Soon after it opens in October till March

How To Reach – Jabalpur is the nearest airport at 200 km. Umaria is the nearest railhead at a distance of 32 Km.

Kanha National Park

I am in Madhya Pradesh and have just completed my trip to Kanha National Park. I am slightly disappointed with this trip of mine. There are two sure shot reason and one 'may be' reason for my disappointment. First sure shot reason is that I expected too much and second reason is that I was very ill-equipped. And the 'may be' reason is, may be my luck was not with me today. Any ways, I still I had some moments that I could carry with me for a while, till better ones replace them.

Now about Kanha National Park, It is no doubt a really wonderful national park, very well maintained and densely populated. Kanha National Park is the only habitat of rarest of rare Hardground Barasinghas. I did not see any (aahhhhh) coz' i was more eager to see the tigers. After my short and sweet encounter in Ranthambore, I just couldn't wait to sight another one. My guide told me, that this is the best time to see a tiger in the woods and took our jeep to a very secluded spot where he thought the chances were pretty high. After some time, we did see a tiger but he was too far away. This is where I was ill equipped. I had forgot to bring my binoculars along (aahhhhhh). Though one of the guys with us on the jeep lend me his, but for how long do you think he let me keep it? I also missed my binoculars when it came to bird watching.

Bird Population here includes Cattle Egret, Black Ibis, Hawk Eagle and Red Wattled Lapwing. Sambhars, Barking Deer, four horned Antelopes and Gaur are what some of the mammals I saw today. I was told that there are 22 species of mammals and more than 220 species of birds in Kanha National Park. There is tiger tracking also done in Kanha National park using elephants.


Where To Stay – Kanha Safari Lodge, Bhagira Log Huts of Kisli and Tourist Hostel In Kisli, all of which are run by Madhya Pradesh Tourism, are the best options.

Safari Timings -
Oct. 1 - Feb. 15 – 6 AM to 12 Noon (Morning), 3 PM to 5.30 PM (Evening)
Feb. 16 - Apr. 15 – 5. 30 AM to 12 Noon (Morning), 4 PM to 6 PM (Evening)
Apr. 16 - Jun. 30 – 5 AM to 11 AM (Morning), 4 pm to 6.30 PM (Evening)

Best Time To Visit – February To June (I know I came early!!!!). The park is closed from July 1 till October 31.

How To Reach – Jabalpur is the nearest railway head which is nearly 170 Km from here. There are regular bus service to Kanha National Park. One can also hire a taxi.

Ranthambore National Park

This was among the first national Parks that I visited as a serious enthusiast. Enthusiasm to learn more, see more, understand more.

Ranthambore is the main Wildlife park in India and is situated in the state of Rajasthan. It has only 400 sq km under its belt and has a great variety of wildlife. So the chances of spotting the rare and exotic animals is pretty good.

Ranthambore is home to 30 mammals and 272 bird species. So people who are bird watching enthusiasts, Ranthambore is a perfect destination. Red Vented Bulbul, Indian Greenpie and Kingfisher are the most common ones. There are three lakes in the park vicinity named Padam Talao, Rajbagh, and Malik Talao. It is here I found the ferocious tiger. Ah! The deadly beast straight looking through my eyes, a stunning moment for both of us. Thousand thoughts gone passed my closed head and definitely same must have happened across the lake, as the ‘Lord of the Jungle’ took an early retreat. These three lakes are the main reason why this wildlife sanctuary is so closely associated with tigers. They are spotted very often near these lakes and that too at short distances. Follow what your guide says and you will get as close as I was, an experience I have never thought of.

Where To Stay.– There is Ranthambore Bagh that is perfect for camping. There are more resorts available in the Park. However it is advised to book yourself accommodation well in advance if you are coming During tourist season

Best Time to visit (Tourist Season) - February To April

Safari Timings – Timings differ in Summers and winters. A safari can be taken twice in a day in morning and evening.

Summer
Morning – 6.30 AM – 9.30 AM
Evening – 4 PM – 6.30 PM

Winters
Morning: 7.30 AM – 10.30 AM
Evening: 3 PM – 5.30 PM


How To Reach – Sawai Madhopur Railway Station which is the nearest Railway station to the sanctuary. From Delhi it is around 450 Km away. You will have to drive down Delhi-Jaipur-Sawai Madhopur Route.

Indian Wildlife

One of the richest gift nature has endowed upon India is the variety of wildlife. When i first got interested in wildlife by watching Discovery and Animal planet, I was fascinated by African wildlife. That also made me curious about wildlife in India. This started my journey to many national parks around India. So much have I intermingled with nature that today I will not mind spending weeks to reach the remotest sanctuaries in India; because remotest are the most beautiful.

When I started my exploration, I was really freaked out to find that information on wildlife parks is very limited...And whatever was there, was not so genuine and could not be relied on.

This is my attempt to bring to you information that is absolutely genuine and worth. Any inputs, criticism or additional information is welcome.