Rickshaw Safari of 'Birds Paradise'

KEOLDEO NATIONAL PARK

Formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, the Keoladeo National Park or Keoladeo Ghana National Park is situated at Bharatpur in Rajasthan. Keoldeo National park is primiralily known to be a prime stoppage of thousands of rare and highly endangered birds such as the Siberian Crane. Over 230 species of birds are known to have made this National Park their home. The wide variety of species in this National Park is truly exceptional, ranging from indigenous water- birds to migratory water birds and waterside birds along with animals like Sambar, Chital, Nilgai and BoarIt. It is also a major tourist center with scores of ornithologists arriving here in the hibernal season. It is also a declared World Heritage Site.

The sanctuary traces its existence way back in time, around 250 years ago and is named after a Keoladeo (Shiva) temple within its boundaries. The park has a very rich history of its own. Initially it was affected with floods. After a span of time, the 'Maharajas' of Bharatpur, used the park as a hunting ground to cater their interests. During the British rule, annual duck shoots were organized in honor of the British viceroys. In one shoot alone in 1938, over 4,273 birds such as mallards and teals were killed by Lord Linlithgow, the then Governor-General of India.

It was declared a protected sanctuary in 1971. The rulers of the princely states were allowed shooting rights until 1972. In 1982, grazing was banned in the park, leading to violent clashes between the local farmer and Gujjar communities and the government.

Journey Inside

Keoldeo National Park will provide you a memorable encounter with wildlife. Here is a summary of different modes to enjoy the experience :

Foot/ Cycle

You can easily cover the well-defined forest trails, on foot or on a cycle relishing the sceneric beauty and exceptional species of birds and animals.

Rickshaw

You can hire a rickshaw inside the national park to or you can also hire a rickshaw. Rickshaw pullers have been trained by the park management in bird watching and are quite knowledgeable.

Boats

A journey of Keoldeo National park at early morning or a late evening in a boat is a spell bounding experience. Nobody can miss this opportunity to explore the secrets of Keoldeo.

Visiting Season

Keoldeo National Park is open throughout the year, still the ideal visiting months are from August-November for resident breeding birds and October- February for migrant birds.

How to Reach

Road : Keoldeo National Park in Bharatpur is connected to all the inportant cities of Rajasthan and its neighbouring states like Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana through an excellent road network. Here is some detail information to reach Keoldeo National Park.

Agra, 56-kms, 1 hour

Delhi, 176-kms, 5 hours

Jaipur, 176-kms, 6 hours

Air : You can board a flight to Agra which is the nearest airport to Bharatpur. From Agra take an hour long road journey to Keoldeo National Park.

Rail: The easiest way to reach Keoldeo National Park is by train. Regular rail services connect Bharatpur with all the major cities of India such as Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and Agra. From Bharatpur railway station, a stretch of only 6 kms will lead you to one of the mos exotic

examples of nature preservation in India.

Keep In Mind

> Do not forget to carry a binoculars for watching the birds.

> Choose the right season to visit the park as bird watching depends greatly on season, timing, and patience, so its better to visit the sanctuary during the visiting period.

What If TIgers Start Protesting??

What is up with people of India? On one side they are so concerned about depleting wildlife resources and on the other, they themselves are standing in way of any development procedures taking place. Recently more than 15000 people took to streets in Tamil Nadu, protesting against the increase in area of Madumalai wildlife sanctuary.

I really don't know what the protest is all about. The forest officials have assured the villagers living around the sanctuary that they will not be evicted from the area. It is not the core area that is being increased but the buffer region. This does not mean that tribals and villagers will be moved out. In fact it only increases the chances of a better livelihood as it is these villagers who will be recruited as guides, trackers and government informants.

Madumalai Wildlife sanctuary was earlier this year declared as a tiger reserve and included in an initiative called 'Project Tiger'. The population of tigers in wildlife parks across India has been decreasing significantly. And this is just a small step to reverse this trend and is opposed at the very start itself.

Not only citizens, representatives from all political parties were a part of this protest. Only if they could show this unity and solidarity for some good cause.

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.