Bannerghatta National Park

Bannerghatta National Park, one of the prime attractions of Bannerghatta, is a 'must visit' for nature lovers. This national park sprawls over 104 sq. km of area and consists mostly of dense forest and scrub land, and is home to wild animals such as tiger,lion, bison, leopard, wild boar as well as being an important corridor for elephants migrating between the eastern and western ghats. Other attractions include a crocodile farm, serpentarium and a newly added butterfly park. In addition, a portion of the park is used as a sanctuary for rescued wild animals,mainly from circuses.

Major Attractions of Bannerghatta National Park:

The Zoo:
The Bannerghatta National Park has a zoo in its periphery. The zoo hosts a museum, a reptile park and a theatre thus enabling the visitors to engage in some other informative activities besides the regular watching of different animals and birds.

The Butterfly Park:
The Bannerghatta National Park has the honor of housing the first ever Butterfly Conservation Park in India. The park dedicated to the Butterflies is located in an area of 7.5 acres and was established in 2006. The Butterfly Park also has an Audio Visual room. The climatic conditions in the conservatory are kept such that they support the living of these butterflies. There are as many as 20 species of butterflies in this park. The humid climate and different flowers appealing to the butterflies are perfect to encourage comfortable stay of these butterflies in the park.

Biological Reserve:
The Bannerghatta National Park and surrounding area have been declared as a biological reserve. The park has a rich conglomeration of wide array of animals. The park is a wildlife corridor where some endangered varieties of animals are kept for the purpose of breeding away from the human population.

How To Reach:

By Air: Bangalore International Airport is the nearest airport to Bannerghatta, catering to both domestic and international tourists. It is situated at a distance of about 60 km from Bannerghatta. Tourists from across the country as well as from European, Asian, American and Middle East countries can easily visit Bannerghatta via Bangalore Airport.

By Train: Bangalore Railway Station is the nearest railway junction to Bannerghatta, situated at a distance of about 27 km. The railway station is the major railhead which is well connected to all the major Indian cities and towns, including Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai.

By Road: Regular and frequent KSRTC (Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation) buses ply between Bangalore and Bannerghatta National Park. Tourists can also hire a cab or taxi from Bangalore Airport and Railway Station to reach Bannerghatta.

Blackbuck National Park

Blackbuck National Park

The Blackbuck National Park at Velavadar, also known as  Velavadar National Park, is situated in the Bhavnagar District of Gujarat state, India. Established in 1976 in the Bhal region of Saurashtra, it is spread over an area of 34.08 sq km (square kilometer).Blackbuck National Park is one of the few sites in the country where Blackbucks are found in such large numbers. Merely a three hour drive from Gandhinager, this park allows a wildlife enthusiast to observe the Blackbucks in their natural habitat.

Historically, the Bhal flatlands have primarily been the habitat of the Blackbucks.  Reports of the forest department claim that during the pre-independence era when Bhavnagar was a princely state, the population of Blackbucks was close to 8,000 in this region. However, with hunting and habitat loss their population reduced to as low as 200 in 1966.

Mammals:

Velavadar has India’s largest population of Blackbuck, the elegant Indian antelope. One of the fastest mammals in the world, the Blackbuck is capable of achieving high speeds when leaping over the plains of Velavadar. India’s largest antelope, the Nilgai or Blue Bull, is easily seen in this national park. Those who stay for a few days at the Blackbuck Lodge can hope to see the endangered Indian Grey Wolf, the nocturnal Striped Hyena, Indian Fox, Golden Jackal, Jungle Cat and many small mammals like hare, gerbil, field mice, mongoose and hedgehog.

Birds: 

Velavadar National Park and its nearby wetlands comprise an important Bird Area, notified by Birdlife International. The park is a good place to watch grassland birds like larks, bushchats, wheatears, sandgrouse, francolins and quails. The park’s specialties include Saras Crane and Stolikza’s Bushchat. Magnificent eagles, falcons and endangered vultures can be seen at Velavadar. In winter, Velavadar National Park hosts the world’s largest harrier roost – Montagu’s Harrier, Pallid Harrier and Marsh Harrier can be seen in large numbers, while Hen Harrier is occasionally spotted. The lakes and seasonal marshes are important places to watch the Lesser Floricans, pelicans, cranes, storks, ducks, herons and other water birds.

Velavadar National Park is a possible site for birdwatchers who want to see specialty birds of the tropical Indian grassland like the Stolizka's Bushchat (winter), Rufous-tailed Lark, Greater Short-toed Lark, Ashy-crowned and Black-crowned Sparrow Lark, Indian Bushlark, Singing Bushlark, Syke's Crested Lark, Crested Lark, Painted and Grey Francolin, Desert and Variable Wheatear, Chestnut Bellied Sandgrouse, Spotted Sandgrouse (winter), Painted Sandgrouse, Quails and Saras Crane. Among the many raptors that can be seen are Pallid Harrier (winter), Montagu's Harrier (winter), Marsh Harrier (winter), Laggar Falcon, Eurasian Hobby, Kestrel, Red-necked Falcon, Saker Falcon (winter), Peregrine Falcon, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Shikra, Imperial Eagle ( winter), Tawny Eagle, Steppe Eagle (winter) and Short-toed Eagle. Amur Falcon, Hen Harrier and Crested Goshawk have been seen at Velavadar National Park. Endangered species of vultures too visit Velavadar. Lesser Florican displays here during the monsoon when the park is closed but you may get a sighting outside the delimited area. In winter, you can see pelicans, cranes, storks and other birds at the water bodies and nearby marshes. While you may not get to see all these birds during your stay at the lodge, Velavadar is never a disappointing experience for a birder.

Best time to visit:

The park remains closed from June till October. It is advised to visit Blackbuck National Park anytime between December and March. The winter season will also give the delight of watching the variety of migratory birds and there will be no stifling heat obstructing your moments of pleasure. 

Timing:

You can visit Blackbuck National Park anytime of the day. The park also has a tourist information centre from where visitors can get all required information. 

How to Reach Blackbuck National Park:

By Train Travel :

Train journey to Blackbuck National Park ends at Bhavnagar, though many tourist choose Ahmedabad just because of better and advanced tourism infra structural facilities and more connectivity for train train from various cities of India.

By Road Travel  :

On the road journey this is easy to reach Blackbuck National Park.

By Air Travel :

Bhavnagar is the nearest airport for Air travel to Blackbuck National Park. Bhavnagar air port receives daily flights from Mumbai international airport

Sunderbans National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sundarbans National Park is a magnificent tangle of mangrove jungle that's the only one of its kind in the world. It's spread over 54 islands and extends into neighboring Bangladesh. Part of the Sundarbans is home to a 2,585 sq kilometer (1,606 sq mile) Tiger Reserve, which includes a 1,330 sq kilometer (826 sq mile) national park.

The Sundarbans has three wildlife sanctuaries, one within the national park at Sajnekhali, as well as south of the park at Lothian Island and Haliday Island. In addition to tigers, the area is full of reptiles, birds, and other animals such as monkeys, wild boar, and deer. 

Wildlife of Sunderbans:

The Sunderbans forest is home to more than 250 tigers. The Bengal Tigers have adapted themselves very well to the saline and aqua environs and are extremely good swimmers. As you enter the adventurous wild land of the Sunderbans you'll be thrilled to see the chital deer and rhesus monkey. The aqua fauna of Sunderbans include a variety of fishes, red fiddler crabs and hermit crabs.There are crocodiles, which can be often seen along the mud banks. Sunderbans National Park is also noted for its conservation of the Ridley Sea Turtle. There is an incredible variety of reptiles also found in Sundarbans, which includes king cobra, rock python and water monitor. The endangered river Terrapin, Batagur baska is found on the Mechua Beach, while the Barking Deer is found only in Holiday Island in Sunderbans.

The Ecological System in the Sundarbans National Park:

The Landscape in the Sundarbans National Park

The area that makes up the Sunderban National Park is the largest estuarine mangrove forest in the world. With the altitude averaging at 7.5 m above sea level, there is hardly any highland variation throughout the park at the Sundarbans. The park is dotted with 54 small islands that are networked by many tributaries of the mighty rivers Ganga and Brahmaputra, which finally flow out at the southern tip into the Bay of Bengal.

The Flora in Sundarbans National Park

The main forest cover in the Sunderbans comprises of estuarine mangrove forests intermixed by swamp and littoral forests. There is mangrove scrub forest, salt water mixed forest, brackish water mixed forest and alluvial grasslands. Due to the dense and huge forest reserve, Sundarbans has also been classified as a World Biosphere Reserve. Some of the more commonly found plants and trees in the park are Genwa, Dhundal, Passur, Garjan, Kankra and Goran.

The Fauna in the Sundarbans National Park

The Sundarbans forest is home to more than 400 tigers. The Royal Bengal Tigers have adapted themselves very well to the saline and aqua surroundings and are extremely good swimmers.

The animal number of the Sundarbans is quite varied keeping it's climatic conditions in mind. Apart from the Royal Bengal Tiger, Sundarbans houses - Fishing Cats, Macaques, Wild Boar, Common Grey Mongoose, Fox, Jungle Cat, Flying Fox, Indian Pangolin, Chitals, etc.

The Avifauna in the Sundarbans National Park

Due to climatic conditions popular at the park, it creates an ideal habitat for the native as well as migratory birds of a numerous variety. Some of the more popular birds found in this region are - Open Billed Storks, White Ibis, Water Hens, Coots, Pheasant Tailed Jacanas, Pariah Kites, Brahminy Kites, Marsh Harriers, Swamp Partridges, Red Jungle Fowls, Spotted Doves, Common Mynahs, Jungle Crows, Jungle Babblers, Cotton Teals, Herring Gulls, Caspian Terns, Gray Herons, Brahminy Ducks, Spotted Billed Pelicans, Large Egrets, Night Herons, Common Snipes, Wood Sandpipers, Green Pigeons, Rose Ringed Parakeets, Paradise Flycatchers, Cormorants, Fishing Eagles, White Bellied Sea Eagles, Seaguls, Common Kingfishers, Peregrine falcons, Woodpeckers, Whimprels, Black-Tailed Godwits, Little Stints, Eastern Knots, Curlews, Golden Plovers, Pintails, White Eyed Pochards and Whistling Teals.

The Aquafauna in the Sundarbans National Park

Some of the fish and amphibians found in the parks are Saw Fish, Butter Fish, Electric Rays, Silver Carp, Star Fish, Common Carp, Crabs, Prawn, Shrimps, gangetic Dolphins, Skipping Frogs, Common Toads and Tree Frogs.

The Reptiles in the Sundarbans National Park

The Sundarbans National Park has an excellent number of reptiles that are seen within its area. Some of the most seen are - Olive Ridley Turtles, Sea Snakes, Dog Faced Water Snakes, Green Turtles, Estuarine Crocodiles, Chameleons, King Cobras, Salvator Lizards, Hard Shelled Batgun Terrapins, Russels Vipers, Mouse Ghekos, Monitor Lizards, Curviers, Hawks Bill Turtles, Pythons, Common Kraits, Chequered Killbacks and rat Snakes

Sundarbans Cost:

Boats can be hired for around 600 rupees ($14) for half a day and 1000 rupees ($23) for a full day. A guide costs around 300 rupees ($7), and a boat permit 50 rupees ($2.30). The entrance fee for the national park is 150 rupees ($3.50), as well as 20 rupees (50 cents) for a camera and 300 rupees ($7) for a video camera. Tour operators offer fully inclusive packages from 1400 rupees ($32) to over 5000 rupees ($120) per person, depending on the duration (one or two nights) and standard of accommodations.

How to reach Sundarbans National Park

Sundarbans National Park is located in south eastern fringe of Indian state West Bengal and part of Sundarbans Reserve Forest. The adjacent inhabited areas of Indian part of Sundarban are well connected with Kolkata by both roadways and railways.And kolkata is well connected with big cities in India by Road, Rail and Air. Kolkata is also connected with Bangkok, Singapore, Hongkong,Kathmandu, Dhaka etc. by Air.

Places connected with Kolkata and from where a motor boat take you to Sundarban National Park.

Godkhali Port- located just opposite of Gosaba Island and Gosaba is the last inhabited islands towards Sajnekhali Wild life sanctuary and Sundarban Tiger project area of Sundarban reserve forest. The shortest route distance to Godkhali port from Kolkata is 82 km and 95 km from Kolkata airport (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport). 

Koikhali- koikhali is nearer to the Haliday wildlife sanctuary and Tourists attractions like Bonnie camp, Kalas Island and beach, Haliday Island etc. of Sundarban reserve forest. Koikhali is 83 and 92 km away from Kolkata and Kolkata airport respectively. 

Namkhana- Namkhana is 117 km away from Kolkata and 123 km away from Kolkata Airport. Namkhana is also connected with railway from Kolkata and distance is 109 km. This place is closer to Bhagabatpur crocodile project and Lothian wildlife sanctuary of Sundarban. 

Canning- Nearest Railway head to Sundarban Tiger Reserve in Canning. Railway distance from Kolkata to Canning is 45 km and 29 km away from Godkhali Port. Public transportation available between Canning and Godkhali port. 

Bandipur National Park

If you are looking to explore the wild side of nature, Bandipur National Park is one of the best places to be in. Bandipur National Park is regarded as one of the most beautiful and the better-managed national parks of India. Located close to Bangalore on the highway connecting Mysore and Ooty, it could be a perfect destination for a weekend getaway around Bangalore or a week -long of camping fun. The way you explore the place is all upto you.

Bandipur also has a sizable number of Tigers. Bandipur was the chosen site for Project Tiger. This is an initiative taken by the Government of India to protect the endangered species. The number of tigers has increased ever since. The place is also home to a large number of animals like Elephants, Hornbill, Sambar, Wild Dog, Giant Squirrel, Deer, and Partridges. There are also a few endangered species including Four Horned Antelope, Panther, Sloth Bear, Python, Mouse Deer, Pea Fowl and many more. Besides animals tourists can see some exotic trees including Bamboo, Sandalwood, Teak, Honne and Mathi.

Two wildlife sanctuaries are also attached to this place: the Waynad Sanctuary and the Mudumalai Sanctuary. This place mostly has an open forest area which makes it easy for the tourists to see animals.

History:The Maharaja of the Kingdom of Mysore created a sanctuary of 90 km2 (35 sq mi) in 1931 and named it the Venugopala Wildlife Park. The Bandipur Tiger Reserve was established under Project Tiger in 1973 by adding nearly 800 km2 (310 sq mi) to the Venugopala Wildlife park.

Geographical Location:
Bandipur National Park located between 75° 12’ 17” E to 76° 51’ 32” E and 11° 35’ 34” N to 11° 57’ 02” N where the Deccan Plateau meets the Western Ghats and the altitude of the park ranges from 680 meters (2,230 ft) to 1,454 meters (4,770 ft). As a result, the park has a variety of biomes including dry deciduous forests, moist deciduous forests and shrublands. The wide range of habitats help support a diverse range of organisms. The park is flanked by the Kabini river in the north and the Moyar river in the south. The Nugu river runs through the park. The highest point in the park is on a hill called Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta, where there is a Hindu temple at the summit. Bandipur has typical tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The dry and hot period usually begins in early March and can last till the arrival of the monsoon rains in June.

How To Reach Bandipur :

By Road: Bandipur is located at a distance of 80 kms from Mysore and 220 kms from Bangalore and 70 kms from Ooty. Bandipur is well connected by road and you could get here either by the State Transport buses, private buses, all stop at the Forest Reception office. It takes 2 hours from Mysore by a taxi.

By Rail: The Mysore railway station located at a distance of 80 kms is the major railway station closest to Bandipur. The Nanjungud railway station which is 55 kms from Bandipur is the nearest railway station.

By Air: The closest airport- Mysore - 70 kms from Bandipur. Bangalore-International airport is 260kms to Bandipur.

Bandhavgarh National Park

Bandhavgarh National Park is one of the wild life sanctuaries in the Indian state Madhya Pradesh. The national park is situated at 197 km away north-east of Jabalpur. This wild life park derived its very name from an ancient fort in the area. Bandhawgarh National Park belongs to the Vindhyan mountain ranges of central India and it boasts to have the highest density of tiger population in the country. Now there are about 46 to 52 tigers one can spot here. 

History :

The state of Rewa owes its origins to the foundation of a state dating to 1234 by Vyaghra Dev, a descendant of the Vaghelas of Gujarat. He married the daughter of the Raja of Pirhawan and conquered the territory between Kalpi and Chandalgarh. Karan Dev, son of Vyaghra Dev married the daughter of the Raja of Ratanpur, bringing Bandhogarh (now known as Bandhavgarh) into the family as her dowry. The legendary fortress of Bandhogarh fell into Mughal hands in 1597, almost by accident. At the death of H.H. Maharaja Virbhadra Rao in 1593, his minor son succeeded as H.H. Maharaja Vikramaditya. When he was sent to Delhi for his own safety, the emperor took advantage of his absence to send one of his loyal nobles as temporary governor. Once he had taken control of the fort, the Maharaja’s nobles and officials were expelled and the fort annexed by the Mughals. On his return to his remaining domains, H.H. Maharaja Vikramaditya was forced to establish a new capital at Rewa, whence the state took its name.


The history of the region can be traced back to the 1st century. There are 39 caves in the Bandhavgarh fort and in the surrounding hillocks up to a radius of about 5 km. The oldest cave dates from the 1st century. Several caves carry inscriptions in Brahmi script. Some caves have embossed figures such as tigers, pigs, elephants and horsemen. Badi gufa, the largest cave, has a broad entrance, nine small rooms and several pillars. It has been dated back to the 10th century. The cave appears to be primitive, lacking the elaborate statues and carvings seen in the caves of the Buddhist period. Its purpose remains a mystery.

Bengal tigers:
Bandhavgarh has the highest density of Bengal tigers known in the world, and is home to some famous named individual tigers. Charger, an animal so named because of his habit of charging at elephants and tourists (whom he nonetheless did not harm), was the first healthy male known to be living in Bandhavgarh since the 1990s. A female known as Sita, who once appeared on the cover of National Geographic and is considered the most photographed tiger in the world,[citation needed] was also to be found in Bandhavgarh for many years. Almost all the tigers of Bandhavgarh today are descendants of Sita and Charger. Their daughter Mohini, son Langru and B2 also maintained their tradition for frequent sighting and moving close to tourist jeeps.
Mohini, became prominent following Sita's death. She mated with Mahamn Tiger. She later died of her wounds from the vehicle accident.

Structure:
The four main zones of the national park are Tala, Magdhi, Khitauli and Panpatta. Tala is the richest zone in terms of biodiversity, mainly tigers. Together, these four ranges comprise the 'Core' of the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve constituting a total area of 694 km². The buffer zone is spread over the forest divisions of Umaria and Katni and totals another 437 km². The legal status as a national park dates back to 1968, but was limited only to the present Tala range for a considerable length of time. In 1993 the present scheme of things was put in place
According to bio-geographic classification, the area lies in Zone 6A- Deccan Peninsula, Central Highlands (Rodgers, Panwar & Mathur, 2000). The classification of Champion & Seth lists the area under Northern India Moist Deciduous Forests. The vegetation is chiefly of Sal forest in the valleys and on the lower slopes, gradually changing to mixed deciduous forest on the hills and in the hotter drier areas of the park in the south and west.

The wide valleys along the streams carry long linear grasslands flanked by Sal forests. Rich mixed forests consisting of Sal (shorea rubusta), Saja, Salai, and Dhobin etc. with dense bamboo thickets occur in many places. These together provide Bandhavgarh its rich biodiversity.

Corbett National Park

Corbett National Park

Corbett National Park lies in two districts – Nainital and Pauri – in the hill state of Uttarakhand in northern India. It covers an area of 521 sq. km and together with the neighboring Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary and Reserve Forest areas, forms the Corbett Tiger Reserve over 1288 sq. km. Its geographical location between the Himalayas and the Terai, and the streams, rivers and ridges crisscrossing the terrain, present Corbett with a remarkable variety of landscapes. For the survival of such a remarkable gamut of floral and faunal species in Corbett National Park, water is a crucial factor. The Ramganga river forms the most prominent hydrological resource, supplemented by tributaries, most prominent of which are the Sonanadi, Mandal and Palain rivers. The river Kosi runs proximate to the Park and is also a significant water resource for nearby areas.

Corbett National Park has captured the imagination of many with its diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. The natural uniqueness of the area was recognised long ago and so in 1936 Corbett attained the distinction as the first national park to be established in mainland Asia.

Every year thousand of wildlife lovers come to Corbett National Park in search of Tiger and other natural world. Corbett National Park offer hotels, resorts and lodges of all categories for the visitors coming to the Park. We believe that the best vacation is neither the cheapest nor the most expensive, but rather it is the one in which you are most relaxed and enjoying yourself. 

CNP is one of the most congested park in India with a ratio of 1 Tiger of every 5 acres. CNP is famous as the land of roar, trumpet and song.

Corbett National Park has a long list of birds in its Habitat, A visit to CNP would surely be a rewarding experience for ornithologists as well as bird lovers.

Jim Corbett National Park is one of the biggest national parks in India. Tourism Management has distributed the national park into five zones so that tourists can tour the park with much more convenience. All the five zones are facilitated with an entrance gate. The best thing about these five zones is the available accommodation facility i.e. Forest Rest houses.

The elephant, largest of the land mammals, has been an integral part of the history, mythology, tradition, culture and religion of India. There are three surviving species of elephants in the world, one in Asia and two in Africa. Elephants are notable for their remarkable intelligence and a sharp memory. This is because elephants have the largest brains in the animal kingdom. Males have tusks and such elephants are commonly called “tuskers”.

CTR has always been known for its tigers. CTR today holds probably the second largest population of living Tigers in the world. Tiger is an important member of carnivores once dominated all over South East Asia. The predating style of Tiger is worth observation, unbelievable indeed, as on can encounter slowest possible slow motion to fastest possible fast. Swimming excellence of Tiger is an exclusive edge.

Corbett is home to over 585 species of birds, 7 species of amphibians, 33 species of reptiles, 7 species of fishes and 37 species of dragonflies. 

Although the main highlights of Jim Corbett Park are the endangered Bengal tigers, leopards and crocodiles; yet other wildlife animals like sambas, hogs, otters, boars, elephants, sloths, gorals, pangolins and langurs can also be easily spotted here.

The charm of the national park is further enhanced with the presence of black bucks, spotted deer, Himalayan Black bears, yellow-throated martens and Indian Grey Mongoose. Not only this, due to it’s varied climatic conditions Corbett is the preferred habitat of many resident and migratory birds like peacocks, eagles, jungle fowls and parakeets. 

Corbett homes an impressive varieties of the birds. The number of birds increases further during winter season due to the arrival of migrant birds like osprey and ducks that come all the way from Europe, East Africa and Central Asia. Not only this, many Himalayan birds take refuge in this national park to escape the extreme conditions prevailing in the mountains during winters.

Entry Inside The Corbett National Park : Visitors are advised to reach the gate half an hour in advance to complete the formalities for entry into the park. 

Area 520.8 sq km. 

Altitude Between 400 mt and 1,100 mt 

Temperature:

Max 40 deg. cel. and Min 19 deg. cel. (summer) 

Max 25 deg. cel. and Min 4 deg. cel. (winter) 

Main Entry Dhangari Main Tourist Center Dhikala 

Season Nov 15 to Jun 15

The park is located between 29°25' to 29°39'N latitude and 78°44' to 79°07'E longitude. 

The average altitude of the region ranges between 360 m (1,181 ft) and 1,040 m (3,412 ft).

It has numerous ravines, ridges, minor streams and small plateaus with varying aspects and degrees of slopes

Local Transport Coaches and jeeps can be hired from the national park office at Ramnagar.

Elephants are available for wildlife viewing at Dhikala, Khinanauli and Bijrani. Elephant rides are conducted every morning and evening. 

The Facilities for Visitors: The food arrangement is there in the canteens located at Dhikala, Gairal and Bijrani. Even the cooking utensils and crockery available to the visitors for facilitating self-cooking. One should keep in mind that the consumption of non-vegetarian food and alcohol is strictly prohibited inside the national park. 

Well-trained Nature Guides are available at the park to guide the tourists about the different routes and the wildlife at the national park. It is also compulsory to take a Nature Guide with each vehicle. The Corbett Tiger Reserve also has a Visitor Centre and Museum at Dhangarhi Gate. It displays the exhibits and models relating to the history and biodiversity of Corbett. Elephant rides can be enjoyed at Dhikala, Khinanauli, Bijrani, Gairal and Jhirna during mornings and evening enabling the tourists to view the jungle, its wildlife, and landscape.

There are watchtowers at Dhikala, Phulai and Jhirna and several machans near Dhikala, Bijrani and Kothirau, excellent for viewing the wildlife. In the evening, the lodgers at Dhikala and Bijrani can also enjoy the wildlife films. Dhikala also has a well-stocked library with a fine collection of wildlife and general books. 

General Information :The tourists have to reach the gate half an hour in advance to complete the formalities for the entry into the park. Kindly gather all the necessary information for visiting the national park. Obtaining the gate pass and permit from the park administration centre at Ramnagar is mandatory for all the visitors in Corbett National Park. There are various gates to enter the Corbett National Park. The closest of the various gates into the Corbett national park is on the road to Bijrani camp. Dhangarhi Gate is 18-kms along the highway in the north of Ranikhet, which provides access to the northern and northwestern portion of the Jim Corbett Park. 

Kanha National Park

KANHA NATIONAL PARK Situated in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, the picturesque Kanha National Park was the inspiration behind Rudyard Kipling's unforgettable classic Jungle Book. The romance of the Kanha National Park has not reduced over time-it is still as beautiful. 

If one were to point to the middle of India, chances are he will pick out the forests of the Banjar and the Halon valley, the two forming the western and eastern halves of the Kanha Tiger Reserve, which have long been famous for their wide diversity of wildlife. 

The park was created in 1955 by a special law and, since then, it has dedicated itself in preserving a variety of animal species. Many endangered species have indeed been saved here. Today Kanha is among the few most scenic and beautiful wildlife reserves in Asia. This 'Tiger Country' is the ideal home for both predator and prey.

By far the most striking features of this region are the open grassy meadows, where sighting blackbuck, swamp deer, sambhar and chital is common. And, if one can transcend into time, a barefooted Mowgli would perhaps come padding along the dusty trail, for this is the land of Kipling's Jungle Book. 

There are numerous Tiger reserves in India, that are preserving this ferocious beast, but nowhere can you see them as often, and as regularly as in Kanha National Park.

Located in the Mandla district of Madhya Pradesh, Kanha national park cum Tiger reserve extends over an area of over 1,940-sq-kms. The major feature of this region's interesting topography is the horseshoe shape valley and the whole park area is surrounded by the spurs of the Mekal. The Surpan River meanders through Kanha's central Maidans, grasslands that cover the extensive plateau. Steep rocky escrapments along the edges offer breathtaking views of the valley.

Major Wildlife Attractions Of Kanha :

The main wildlife attractions in the park are tiger, bison, gaur, sambhar, chital, more pictures.... barasingha, barking deer, black deer, black buck, chousingha, nilgai, mouse deer, sloth bear, jackal fox, porcupine, hyena, jungle cat, python, pea fowl, hare, monkey, mongoose, tiger, and leopard.

The birds species in the park include storks, teals, pintails, pond herons, egrets, peacock, pea fowl, jungle fowl, spur fowl, partridges, quails, ring doves, spotted parakeets, green pigeons, rock pigeons, cuckoos, papihas, rollers, bee-eater, hoopoes, drongos, warblers, kingfishers, woodpeckers, finches, orioles, owls, and fly catchers. 

However, if one animal species were to represent Kanha, it would probably be the barasingha, or the swamp deer. The barasinghas at Kanha are unique, being the hard ground variety, which populate the large open tracts of grass amidst the forests of teak and bamboo. Twenty years ago, the barasingha was faced with extinction but some desperate measures including the fencing-off of some animals helped save them and again the air in Kanha bugle with their rutting calls. 

The open meadows during the cold winter months are usually teeming with barasinghas and there is plenty of tiger activity around the fringes. A female with two small cubs would circle around at least two or three times during the day and the swamp deer would go berserk, their husky alarm calls ringing through the jungle. Far from being the cunning, smart aleck, portrayed in Disney's adaptation of the Jungle Book, the real "Sher Khan" is true blue-blooded royalty. 

There is a museum at Kanha depicting attributes and activities of the park and tribal culture. It is closed every Wednesday. 

Seasons :

The winter months (November to early March) are cool and dry, with the day temperature rarely going above a comfortable 32°C, and the night temperature dipping as low as 2°C with occasional frost. By mid-January most deciduous trees begin to shed their leaves. By early February, the simal trees are covered in large scarlet flowers and the sal are soon covered in bright green, new growth. The rutting season of the barasingha - one of the rarest animals on earth - is in December and January. Their haunting, bugling calls echo across the Kanha meadows and spectacular fights between stags can be seen. 

The summer months (March to mid-June) are hot and dry, with temperatures ranging from 42°C in the day to 20°C at night. The grasses on the meadows are pale and parched. 

The Park is closed to visitors once the monsoon breaks in mid to late June. Kanha is transformed with lush new growth. The rivers fill to

bursting point. It is humid and wet with temperatures ranging from 20° to 30°C. Kanha has an annual rainfall of 1600 mm

(~64 inches) or more, 95% of which falls during the monsoon, from late June to September. The Park reopens again on

16th October.