Bandhavgarh Untamed & Wild

Can the beauty last forever! This is what I think of the forests of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. The large contiguous patch of forests spread over the last leg of Vindhyan Hills as far as Sehora near Jabalpur. The forests in a state of denudation and plunder, still contain habitable patches of forests that sustain impressive wilderness including the tigers.   

Bandhavgarh

Tiger conservation albeit an impressive program can be myopic in execution if attention is paid only to the core or critical to tiger habitats. In order to give adequate space to tigers such that they multiply and survive in good numbers, all the forests an around have to be kept in a perfect state of preservation. Hence those patches of forests with lesser status need to be looked after very well. 

Bandhavgarh Grasslands 

To an average visitor, it is very difficult to understand the nature of big cats, especially their home range. The tigers do not understand management concepts and practices. For then any and every undisturbed forest is home. Hence under the Project Tiger Program, a large extent of forests is provided cover and benefits that accrue. Diverse wildlife and bird life find shelter under this program. The myriads of life forms flora and fauna constitute a wonderful ecosystem that unfailingly nurtures humanity.  

Male Tiger

Likewise, tigers survive in forests much beyond the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve Core. They live in the buffer zone spanning a great distance. Some of the areas are in a perfect state of preservation while some are being denuded and plundered by loggers and poachers. Thankfully the latter is mitigated by constant patrolling but incidences do occur. 

Sloth Bear 

Charismatic & Picturesque is what these pristine forests are described as. They retain these characteristic attributes at many places. Even historical evidence found in the Tala Range can be found elsewhere scattered and forlorn. This also informs us of the extant Tribal Gond rule in the region.           

Tigers inhabit the most beautiful region in Central India. Beautiful rivers, tabletop mountains, marshy grasslands, enchanting glens, and pristine forests. These are the wonderlands of the wild World. 

Destinations like Bandhavgarh have to be preserved not only for the tigers but for humanity as a whole. These precious gems are in trouble thanks to unchecked development and mining, denudation, and advancing urbanity. Let's hope the weight age accorded to the tiger will indirectly help preserve the whole ecosystem/      

Land of The Tiger - Tadoba

In The Land of Taru

A local legend and a hero Taru fought a tiger to save a  man. The tribal is now worshipped as God in the tiger landscape that is known as Tadoba National Park. Situated in the Chandrapur District near Maharashtra it is at some distance from the Nagpur Airport.

The core of the park has become inviolate but the tribals are allowed to visit and pray at the spot where Taru became a martyr. Legends surround the landscape but now tourism dominates. 

Of late, the realm of the tiger has become a popular tourist destination. It is visited chiefly for easy sightings of the tiger and leopard. The park is home to large tracts of mixed forests with teak and bamboo. 

A large number of tourists visit Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra. The purpose of their visit is to see the tiger in its natural habitat. Tadoba abounds in tigers and leopards. Holidaymakers, wildlife photographers, filmmakers, and researcher flock to the destination everywhere. This generates revenue for conservation and provides employment for the locals.  The hotel industry in the buffer also plays a supportive role by employing the locals. There are a large number of hotels and resorts near the gates of Tadoba.

Tadoba Tourism Zones

Moharli Zone	Kolara Zone	Pangadi and Zari Zone	Navegaon Zone
Junona Gate	Kolara Chauradeo Gate	Pangadi Aswal Chuha Gate	Navegaon Ramdegi Gate
Devada Gate	Madnapur Gate	Zari Peth	Navegaon Gate
Adegaon Gate	Alizanza Gate	Zari Gate	Nimdela Gate
Agarzari Gate	Shirkheda Gate	Keslaghat	*********
Mamla Gate	Belara Gate	*********	*********

It is notified as a tiger reserve and a National Park.

Tiger - Monu Dubey 

Erstwhile hunting grounds, the reserve has proven to be an excellent breeding ground for the big cats. The dry deciduous forests comprise teak as well as mixed forests with patches of bamboo in between. 

Tadoba is home to many other mammals, a large number of avians, and reptiles. In fact, it is one of the best places to see marsh crocodiles in numerous lakes and water bodies.

Thanks to a highly successful breeding program, and effective protective mechanism the forests now thrive with the big cats. The big cats have spread beyond the boundaries of the tiger reserve.  They have been sighted in and around the forests of Chandrapur which is at a distance of more than thirty-four kilometers. Chandrapur is a coal mining town but has surroundings containing good forests. This is proving to be a good habitat for tigers. 

Thanks to active conservation measure the ecosystem comprising many niche habitats have vastly improved. The reserve is also noted for its incredible birdlife and reptiles. 

The Project Tiger Program an Indian Government initiative has been highly successful in the conservation of the species. A large number of reserves have been created as a home to the endangered species and the efforts are bearing fruits. The number of species in India is constantly rising and results are being awaited for the latest census. It is assumed that the number of tigers could have risen to more than three thousand all over the country. If this comes out to be true it will be an indicator of much-desired success. The program has been so successful in this park that the big cats and deer can often be spotted on the nearby roads and highways to lead to populated areas.  

Tiger Tourism at Tadoba

Spotting the tiger or the leopard the organized safari is the best option. The jeep rides are the best way to experience the amazing biodiversity of the park.  But the entry is limited and you have to book a permit in advance since without one you cannot take part in the excursions. Hence book Tadoba safari days before you make the tour. 

How to Reach 

The best route is from Nagpur Airport or Rail Head. Drive to Chandrapur at a distance of 130 km. The distance of various gates averages around 47 to 50 km approximately. The core are of the park is closed for tourism during the monsoon. But buffer tourism is open. Anyway before making the trip make sure. 

Hunting Grounds of The Maharajahs - Ranthambore

Thankfully no more! Ranthambhore National Park was the hunting grounds of the Maharajahs of Jaipur. But all that changed whence legislation was passed in 1972. No more hunting wild animals! This was a blessing in disguise augured by our Honourable PM Mrs. Indira Gandhi wildlife conservation in India got a big boost a much-needed respite from ruthless slaughter. Overnight history pages turned into the right folds.

Well, the Maharajahs too turned into conservationists well most of them and began to conserve the inheritance. In Ranthambhore, one comes across many structures that belong to the days of yore. The Rajputs were valiant fighters but they were creative architects as well. Not only that their love for music and fine arts has left an indelible impression on Indian culture.     

Ranthambhore is a conservation unit known as a tiger reserve. It is home to more than forty-five tigers living in an area of 1334 sq. km. The area is biodiversity rich and supports many forms of life. Some of the major mammals seen here are the tiger, leopard, sloth bear, Nilgai, sambar deer, and spotted deer. Among the reptiles python and marsh, crocodiles are seen.

Ranthambore is home to many avian species and is a delight for the birding fraternity.     

The safaris are conducted on open jeeps and canters which have to be booked in advance. The route taken is as per the zone mentioned in the permit. On safari, not only wild animals but the whole ecosystem is experienced. Besides the remains of forts and temples can also be witnessed.  

The stupendous landscape is admired the most. The backdrop of forest-clad hills and the presence of a large number of lakes beside small grasslands create an enchanting landscape.

Ranthambore is situated at Sawai Madhopur about 100 plus km from Jaipur and Kota in Rajasthan. The easy accessibility from New Delhi invites many visitors every year. In order to provide accommodation to the visitor a large number of hotels and resorts reside at Sawai Madhopur. The properties are luxurious but there are some budget properties as well. High-End properties belong to the five-star and heritage class suitable for a stay in the wilderness.

Highly popular in the tourist circuit Ranthambore tiger safaris are very much in demand. The permits for excursions are booked much in advance. For those visiting the National Park, they should do all their bookings much in advance.       

Tiger in The Land of Tribal Gonds

One of the oldest National Parks of Maharashtra in India Tadoba incidentally happens to be the largest. The total area of the tiger reserve is 1727 sq. km. The core area is 625.40 sq. km and the rest is buffer.   

The forests were the home of the Gond Tribe who worship their chieftain called Taru of Tadoba. Taru worshipped as God died at the hands of a tiger whom he fought valiantly. Hence the legendary figure is revered and the park is named Tadoba after him.

The present-day tiger reserve is a combination of Andhari River Forests and Tadoba National Park created in 1955. The area is biodiversity rich both in terms of flora and fauna. The indicator species is the tiger albeit other predators like the leopard, hyena, and jackal are frequently seen.  The Tadoba Lake is home to many crocodiles, turtles, and fish.  Wetland and shore birds can be seen here in large numbers some of which are winter migrants. The abundance of avian species makes this tiger reserve attractive for birders although a greater number of tourists and wildlife photographers come here to see the tiger in the wild. 

Bison, Nilgai and four-horned antelope, spotted deer, sambar, and barking deer are the main prey base. Also common are the langur monkey and the wild boar. A sloth bear is a delightful sight, especially with cubs on its back. No wonder Tadoba is one of the most delightful tiger safari destinations in India.

Tourism is drawing a large number of holidaymakers and wildlife photographers every year. To support the visitors a large number of wildlife resorts provide accommodation. One can find luxury as well as budget resorts for a comfortable stay.

Tiger safaris are organized on open jeeps but an entry permit is a prerequisite. The entry permits are allocated per the tourism zone. The permits can be obtained near the gates and often with the help resort that is providing accommodation to you.       

All in all not much trouble for tourists. To explore Tadoba National Park be well prepared. Complete booking formalities before you arrive. Take the assistance of the tour operator or the resort manager. The park is closed from July 1st to October 15th every year.

The best way to reach Tadoba is from Nagpur Airport at a distance of one hundred fifty km. Nagpur is well connected by Air, Rail, and Road with Mumbai. It is connected by Air from New Delhi.