NATIONAL PARKS AND SANCTUARIES IN INDIA

NATIONAL PARKS Depending on the area and terrain National Parks provide ample opportunities to the visitors to have a close encounters with the wilds. But what is so exquisite about the Indian National Parks is the variance that they are equipped with. Whether it comes to the flora, avifauna, and aquafauna, or witnessing various wild forms in their natural surroundings on an elephant or inside a jeep, wild ventures in are simply amazing!

Some of the best jewels of Indian wilderness include the Great Himalayan National Park, Dachigam National Park near Srinagar, Corbett National Park in Uttar Pradesh, which is also a famous tiger reserve, Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan, and Sundarbans National Park in West Bengal. Worth visiting in the east indian part in "The Land of Rhino" Assam is Kaziranga.

FAMOUS NATIONAL PARKS IN INDIA BANDHAVGARH NATIONAL PARK Check out the place where firstly and formostly the white Tigers of Rewa were discovered Bandhavgarh. This park is some of the left out preserved wild pockets of Madhya Pradesh of what were once splendid forests that extended across the whole of Central India.

About Bandhavgarh National Park The thick forest of Bandhavgarh National Park sits in a bowl encircled by cliffs and wooded Vindhyan mountains, and its plains have a number of

1|Page

gr ss is hu

r h-

w t i th sh

s wh r Ki gfish rs ws

i st

Egr ts sit i h si

u tur s

th sh r iffs

garh u gle, when it is large enough, becomes a li ing self -

sustaining organism provi ing its own climate, atmosphere, water and nutrition through its recycling systems It even has a sleep wake cycle. As more light fills the sky, Bandhavgarh begins to awaken.

Flor I

Initially just 105.40-s -kms in area, Bandhavgarh with 25 resident tigers, was noted for its high-density tiger population. Today, it has been extended to an area of 437-s -kms. About half the Bandhavgarh park is covered with fine trees of Sal, while mixed forests are found in the higher reaches of the hills. Stretches of bamboo and grasslands extend to the north. The main wildlife viewing is still done in the core of the park with its 32 pictures ue, wooded hills.

M jor W ldlife Attr ctio s - Bandhavgarh Once a hunting reserve of the royal family of Rewa in more recent times, Bandhavgarh was declared a park in 1968. This is also the site where the fanmous White Tigers of Rewa were discovered.

Wandering through the Bandhavgarh national park on an Elephant Back, the chances of seeing a tiger are quite good. Among the other wild attractions include, Nilgai, Chausingha, Chital, Chinkara, Wild Boar and sometimes a Fox or Jackal.

2|Pa ge

h vg rh

Other Attra tion in Bandhavgarh Kalchuri Archeological Remains: Beside the wildlife, Bandhavgarh is also famous for the archaeological remains of the Kalchuri period that have been found here.

Bandhavgarh Fort: The Bandhavgarhpark area is hilly and is dominated by the majestic Bandhavgarh fort, built in 14th century. The fort and the adjacent hills have a large number of caves belonging to the prehistoric period.

Jeep & Elephant Safari: One can enjoy viewing the wildlife by two ways in Bandhavgarh Jeep Safari and Elephant Safari.. Jeep safaris are undertaken during the early morning hours till evening. A forest department guide is always their with the visitors on these jeep trips taken inside the park. Elephant safari trips are organised for tiger tracking early in the morning.

Be t Time to Vi it - Bandavgarh National Park The visiting season of Bandhavgarh national park starts from Mid November to June, as the park remains closed during the monsoon months from July to early November.

RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK A nearby attraction of Sawai Madhopur, in the state of Rajasthan, Ranthambore National Park is an outstanding example of Project Tiger's efforts at conservation in the India.

3|Page

Abo t Ranthambore National Par

Situated in Eastern Rajasthan, where the Aravali Hill ranges and the Vindhyan plateau meet, the Ranthambhore National Park was once the hunting preserve of the Maharajas of Jaipur. The rivers Chambal in the South and Banas in the North bound the Ranthambore National P ark.

Six man made lakes are the central focus of the park and many perennial streams criss-cross the entire park. The Ranthambore National Park has internal drainage and has no link up with any river system, even though two rivers bound the Park in it s north and south side.

Flora in Ranthambore National Par

The landscape is dotted with ancient Banyan Trees, Dhok & Pipal trees, clusters of mango trees and crisscrossed with evergreen belts. The terrain is made up of massive rock formations, steep scarps , perennial lakes and streams and forest suddenly opening up into large areas of Savannah. The terrain of Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary fluctuates between impregnable forests and open bush land. The forest is the typically dry deciduous type, with Dhok, being the most prominent tree.

Major Wildlife Attractions Ranthambore National Park is famous for its Tigers and is a favorite with photographers. For a relatively small area, the park has a rich diversity of fauna and flora - species list includes 300 trees, 50 aquatic plants, 272 birds, 12 reptiles including the Marsh Crocodile & amphibians and 30 mammals.

For the wildlife savvy, Ranthambore wildlife sanctuary today offers an intense diversity of flora and fauna. Tigers, the park's pride makes it one of the best places in the country to observe them. Apart from that a large

4|Pa ge

numbers of Sambar, Chital, Nilgai, Gazzelle, Boars, Mongoose, Indian Hare, Monitor Lizards and a large number of birds.

Other Attra tion n Ranthambore Ranthambore Fort & Jogi Mahal : With a coverage area of 392 sq kms, this park got its name from the Ranthambhore Fort, which sits on a rocky outcrop in the heart of the Park. The fort, which dates back to the 10th century and is probably the oldest existing fort in Rajasthan, was a vital citadel for control of Central India and particularly the Malwa plateau.

The entry point to the Ranthambore National Park, goes straight to the foot of the fort and the forest rest house, Jogi Mahal. The latter boasts of the second largest Banyan tree in India.

Be t Time to Vi it Ranthambore The best visiting season of Ranthambore national park is during the months of October March and April to June.

KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK The land of Rhino is counted among the two major wild pockets, the only surviving habitats of this prehistoric survivor in India.

About Kaziranga National Park Located on the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra River in the far North East of India, Assam, Kaziranga National Park covers an area of approximately 430 sq kms with its swamps and tall thickets of

5|Page



elephant grass making it the ideal habitat for the Indian One -Horned Rhino. Due to limitless poaching of this prehistoric survivor, the Kaziranga National Park was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1940.

Major Wildlife Attractions of Kaziranga Wildlife Sanct ary Beside ofcourse the great one horned Indian Rhino, the other major wild attractions include a large population of Indian Elephants, Indian Bison, Swamp Deer or Barasingha, Hog Deer, Sloth Bears, Tigers, Leopard Cats, Jungle Cats, Otters, Hog Badgers, Capped Langurs, Hoolock Gibbons, Wild Boar, Jackal, Wild Buffalo, Pythons, Monitor Lizards, etc.

Kaziranga National Park is a birding paradise; the grasslands are a raptor country that can be seen on safari makes a remarkable experience. These include the Oriental Honey Buzzard, Black -Shouldered Kite, Black Kite, Brahminy Kite, Pallas's Fishing Eagle, White Tailed Eagle, Grey -Headed Fishing Eagle, Himalayan Griffon, etc. Huge numbers of migratory birds descend on the parks lakes and marshy areas during winters, including Greylag Geese, Bar-Headed Geese, Ruddy Shelduck, Gadwall, Falcated Duck, Red-Crested Pochard and Northern Shoveller.

Other Attractions In Kaziranga Elephant Safari : The vast open country makes Kaziranga National Park very accessible and wildlife viewing fairly pleasurable. Here one can leave in the early hours of the dawn for an elephant-back-ride. Authorized and trained Mahouts who guide visitors through the park train the Elephants. One could see wild Elephant herds roaming around or Indian Rhinos browse past visitors unconcernedly. Since Kaziranga wildlife Sanctuary is easily accessible, its provides a chance to see animals in the wild at such close

6|Pa ge

quarters, thus making a trip to this National Park a very rewarding experience.

Sightseeing in Kaziranga : Tourists can stroll through the lush coffee and rubber plantations of the nearby Karbi Anglong. Or visit the Karbi villages, meet the Karbi people and observe their way of living. Yiu can also venture through the tea gardens that Assam is so famous for and watch how one gets one's daily cup of tea. Film shows on wildlife can be arranged at the various tourist lodges in Kaziranga, on request.

Best Time to Visit Kaziranga National Par

Kaziranga's visiting season is from mid-November to early April months. During the monsoons, the Brahmaputra River bursts its banks, flooding the low-lying grasslands and causing animals to migrate from one area to another within the Kaziranga National Park.

Ever though what it feels like to visit a tiger country, then visit the state of Madhya Pardesh, check out the wilds of Kanha and see for yourself why this place is called a wild hideout taken straight from the famous "Jungle Book".

Abo t Kanha National Par

How many of you have seen a tiger before? Most of the answers will be ambiguous because everyone wants to see a tiger. Then where can one spot a tiger? Well, even if there are circuses and zoo's all over India, there's some kind of a thrill you experiences when all of a sudden you came across a Tiger roaming freely in the wilderness of its natural habitat: the fields and forests of India. There are numerous Tiger reserves in India, that are

7|Pa ge

"

      

KA

A A

A PA K

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.

Flora & Fauna - Kanha National Par

The terrain inside the park is varied, nonetheless enjoyable. Bamboo forests flow into Sal forests and meadows. There are herds of spotted deer to be seen with smaller herds of beautiful Antelope, the Black Buck. With a little luck, you could also spot the timorous Barking Deer. It's snapping warns other denizens of the forest that a predator is around. There is also a very strong possibility that you will see the Rare Barasingha, the Swamp Deer. Once there were only 66 of these in Kanha, but careful conservation and management raised their population to over 400.

Major Wildlife Attractions of Kanha Spotting wild animals is always a matter of luck but Kanha is so rich in wildlife that the odds are titled in your favour. First time visitors are often so keen to spot the larger animals that they overlook the smaller ones. There are 175 varieties of birds in Kanha. So if you happen to be bird watcher, look forward to a full bird show. Most people are keener to meet Kanha's major attraction, the Tiger; still one has to be patient to spot one.

8|Pa ge

But while on a mission to find a tiger, one can easily catch glimpses of all the grazers, a Porcupine, many Gray Langurs, Mongoose, Hyena, Jungle Cat, even a Leopard. Other wild attractions in this Tiger country include varieties of Deer the Barasingha, Chital or Spotted Deer, Chousingha,

Nilgai, as well as the majestic Gaur or Indian Bison and wild Pig.

Other Attra tion in Kanha Elephant Safari : The animals at Kanha are best observed from the elephant back and the open country makes the chance of sightings reasonably good.

Kanha Museum : There is a museum at Kanha national park, depicting attributes and activities of the park and the tribal culture of the state of Madhya Pradesh.

Be t Time to Vi it The visiting season to Kanha national park is within the months of April to June and November to January. The park is closed from July to Mid November that is during the monsoon season.

SUNDARBANS NATIONAL PARK Come to Sundarbans where adventure awaits you at every corner. Known as the largest estuarine delta in the world, this Tigerland vibrates with countless forms of colourful life.

About Sundarban National Park The vast swampy delta of the two great Indian rivers, Brahamaputra and the Ganges extends over areas comprising of

9|Page

&

mangrove forests, swamps and forest island all interwoven in a network of small rivers and streams. The Sundarbans National Park, home of the Royal Bengal Tiger, covering an area of approximately 1330.10 -sq-kms and the largest mangrove forest in the world, form the core of this area. The Sundarban region has got its name from Sundari trees, once found in abundance here.

The Ganges and the Brahmaputra form this alluvial archipelago of 54 islands watered by the Bay of Bengal. The islands Goasaba, Sandeshkal i and Basanti form the northern boundary of the Sundarbans; on the south is the sea; to the west side of the Sunderbans park is the Matla and Bidya Rivers and to the east is the international boundary of Bangladesh.

Flora in Sundarbans National Par

Fascinating life forms await you in this largest estuarine delta in the world, Sunderbans. In April and May the flaming red leaves of the Genwa, edge the emerald islands. The crab like red flowers of the Kankara and the yellow blooms of Khalsi add to the dazzling display. As you penetrate into the forests of Sundarbans, this fairyland unfolds its mysterious beauty.

Major Wildlife Attractions of Sundarbans The Sundarbans forest is home to more than 400 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 Sundarbans you'll be thrilled to see the Chital Dear and Rhesus Monkey. The aqua fauna of Sundarbans include variety of fishes, red Fiddler Crab s and Hermit Crabs.

10 | P a g e

'

There are crocodiles, which can be often seen along the mud banks. Sundarbans national park is also noted for its conservation of the Ridley Sea Turtle. There's is a 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 Barkind Deer is found only in Holiday Island in Sunderbans.

Other Attractions in Sundarbans The Sajnakhali Sanctuary :The S ajnakhali sanctuary, famous for its rich avian population, is regarded as a part of the Sunderbans National Park. The kingdom of birds at Sajnekhati enchants your eyes. The most sought after sights by a bird watcher are seven colourful species of Kingfisher, white bellied Sea Eagle, Plovers, Lap -Wings, Curfews, Whimbrels, Sandpipers and occasional Pelican.

Netidhopani: At Netidhopani, the ruins of a 400 year old temple and legends lend mystery to the atmosphere.

Bhagabatpur: Bhagabatpur is famous for having a hatchery of the largest estuarine crocodiles in the world.

Kanak: Kanak is the nesting place of the Olive Ridley Turtles.

Haliday Island: Haliday island is famous as last retrest of Barking Dear in India.

Piyali: Piyali is the gatway to Sundarbans, 72-kms from Kolkatta by road and close to Sajnekhali, Sudhanyakhali, Netidhopani through waterways. A small river Piyali flows through the green paddy fields and mingles with

11 | P a g e

river Matla. Picturesque Piyali delta makes an id eal romantic holiday destination. A beautiful tourist complex with accommodation and recreation facilities is also situated over here.

Kaikhali: On your way to Sundarbans you cannot afford to miss Kaikhali Island, where nature is so alive and so colourful .

Best Time to Visit Sunderbans National Park The ideal time to visit the Sundarbans national park is during the months of September and May. Winter make the time to see the mighty Royal Bengal Tiger sun-bathing on the river banks.

Assam is the state of the Great One Horned Rhino. Beside the Kaziranga there's Manas another habitat of the Rhino's, located in one of the remotest region among the foothills of Himalayas.

About Manas National Park Manas National Park is situated on the foothills of the Himalayas and a part of it extends to Bhutan. It was declared a sanctuary on October 01, 1928 and was designated a World Heritage site in December 1985. The sanctuary is home to a great variety of wildlife, including tiger, Golden Langur, Wild Buffalo, Hispid Hare, Pigmy Hog, Capped Langur, Indian one -horned Rhinoceros, Elephant, Gaur, Hog Deer, etc.

Manas known for its Project Tigers, Rhinos & Elephants, and is Assam's one of the two Tiger projects. The scenic beauty and rare wealth of wild life

12 | P a g e

2 (10) (

MA AS A

A PA K

combine with this unique world heritage site to offer one of the most enthralling experiences.

Be t Time to Vi it

ana National Park

The ideal time to visit the Manas national park is during the months of November to April.

SULTANPUR NATIONAL PARK Sultanpur national park was a stretch of marshy land that has been remodeled and converted into a water body. The park is home to a large range of birds, both resident and migratory.

About Sultan ur National Park Sultanpur, 46 kms to the south west of Delhi, is a green haven with a lake and wild birds. Sultanpur was declared a water bird reserve in 1972 and its grounds are lush with lawns and trees and shrubs and masses of bougainvillea. It is recommended to spend some time in the small museum and library in the reserve, as one gets a fair idea of the birds and creatures you are likely to see during your visit to the reserve. A good pair of binoculars is a must to clearly observe the wildlife from a safe distance, without disturbing them.

Sultanpur is essentially a bird watching place with few trees obscuring the visitor's view of the lake. The birds can be easily spotted wading, swimming or flying. All this is possible, because the visitors are not allowed to paddle around in boats in this water bird sanctuary, thus allowing the birds to

13 | P a g e

5 4

continue with their activities without human interference. One can very easily spot grey pelicans, cormorants, grey and pond herons, egrets, painted storks who tend to congregate and preen. The black-necked storks, white ibis, spoonbills, etc can also be spotted.

Best Time to Visit Sultanpur National Park The ideal time to visit the Sultanpur National Park is during the months of December and January because it is the main period for migratory birds..

Established in 1973, provides a great wildlife experience with its rich flora and fauna. Short grass makes the months of February-May the best gameviewing season, but the autumn months are perfe ct for visiting, with Himalayan views, and in winter months of December -January, Chitwan has quiet a pleasant climate compared to Kathmandu.

About Royal Chitwan National Park Royal Chitwan National Park ( Chitwan means "in the heart of the jungle ) covers 932 sq. km. in the flat lowland region of southern Nepal. It is one of the most important sub-tropical parks on the Indian subcontinent with populations of the endangered Royal Bengal tiger, Greater One -horned rhinoceros, Gangetic dolphin (Platanista gangetica), Wild Asian elephant, Gaur, Golden Monitor lizard, Gharial crocodile and many more.

The Chitwan region has had a long history of conservation. For many years it was the Royal hunting grounds for the Kings and dignitaries of Nepal and therefore was not hunted by the general public. It did however become a favorite spot for big game safari hunters in the late nineteenth and early to

14 | P a g e

@A B B

A @ 98 7

ROYA

WA

ONA PARK (NEPA )

mid-twentieth centuries. This was coupled with a surge in local human populations following the development of anti -malaria medicines in the mid-twentieth century. The long -term effect was a drastic decrease in jungle habitat and animal populations in the Chitwan valley as jungles were converted to farmland and big game were hunted and poached to dangerously low numbers. The falling rhino (less than 200) and tiger (less than 30) populations in the present park region, focused attention on the Chitwan region and in 1963 the southern two -thirds of the park were declared rhino sanctuary. With sanctuary status came the relocation of 22,000 people from the Chitwan valley and a moratorium on hunting. Since 1963 wildlife populations and ecosystems have been rebounding. In 1973 Chitwan became Nepal s first National Park. The relatively pristine state of the modern park and its unique ecosystems prompted UNESCO to declare the park a World Heritage site in 1984.

Largest and most undisturbed wild area of the Terai region of the Nepal Himalayas. Simialar to Chitwan park, but with a drier climate and a more remote location, Bardia encompasses 1,000-sq-kms of riverine grassland and sal forests.

About Royal Bardia National Park Royal Bardia National Park is the largest park in the lowland Terai covering an area of 968 sq. km. The park situated in Nepal s Western Terai was established to protect representative ecosystems and conserve tiger and its prey species. Initially, a small area was gazetted as the Royal Karnali Wildlife Reserve in 1976. When this area was protected, approximately 1500 people of the Babai valley were resettled outside the park allowing the

15 | P a g e

DE

ROYA BARD A NA

ONA PARK (NEPA )

vegetation and wildlife to flourish. In 1982, it was renamed as Royal Bardia Wildlife Reserve, and in 1984 it was extended to its current size. The reserve was given the status of a National Park in 1988. Greater One horned Rhinoceros were translocated from Royal Chitwan National Park in 1986, 1991, and 1999.

Fauna in Bardia National Park What makes a visit to Nepal's Royal Bardia National Park particularly special is not just its large and intact habitat area and its isolated location, but also the presence here of one of the last known herds of wild Elephants in South Asia. The herd, numbering less than two dozen, roams these remote jungles in western Nepal.

Bardia also boasts the greatest number of deer species in Nepal. The six deer species found in the park are: Chital or spotted Deer with its ubiquitous white spots on a brown coat; Hog Deer; similar to but smaller than Chital; Sambhar, the largest Deer on Indian subcontinent with a shaggy coat and thick antlers; Swamp Deer; Barasingha; and reddish colored Barking Deer, the park's smallest Deer.

Other large mammals are: Gaur, the largest wild oxen in world; wild Boar, an omnivorous black coated creature with large tusks; the agile sloth Bear, a shaggy black bear with a distinctive white "V" on its chest; Blue Bull or Nilgai, the largest Antelope on the Indian subcontinent; and Himalayan Tahr. Serow and Goral, two goat Antelope members, are also found. Small mammals include: Langur Monkey, Rhesus Macaque, Jackal, three species of

16 | P a g e

cats (jungle, leopard, and fishing); yellow -throated Marten; Mongoose; and Indian Otter.

Two species of crocodiles swim in the Karnali, Girwa, and Babai Rivers - the blunt-snouted Marsh Mugger and the fish-eating gharial with its long thin snout. These creatures share the water with the fresh-water Gangetic Dolphin. The Karnali also supports the great mahseer, which weigh up to 90 lbs, an angler's prize catch.

Birds are the park's most conspicuous fauna with over 300 resident and migratory species. Avid bird-watchers will want to visit the park in November or from February to April when migrants arrive, depart or pass through.

17 | P a g e

NATIONAL SANCTUARIES
INDIRA GANDHI SANCTUARY Indira Gandhi Sanctuary situated amidst dense forest landscape in the Anamalai range of Western Ghats, in Tamil Nadu, is a preferred destination of nature lovers. Pollachi is the main town situated nearest to the Indira GandhiSanctuary. The animal reserve is both a sanctuary (958 sq km and national park (108 sq km .

Flora and Fauna in ndira Gandhi San tuary This beautiful wildlife sanctuary is located in the Anamalai ranges of Western Ghats, which are covered with heavy evergreen forests. Anamalai hill forest is known for its dense growth of trees, and evergreen shoals. This geographically rich region is home to a variety of wild beasts like elephant, gaur, tiger, panther, sloth bear, wild boar, wild dog, Nilgiri langur, lion tailed macaque, sambar, four, horned antelope, chital, Pangolin, Sambar, and many other animals including several endemic species.

Avian Po ulation in ndira Gandhi San tuary For bird watchers Indira Gandhi Sanctuary is the perfect location. A large number of birds have their habitation here, which includes Green Pigeon, Tickell's Flower Pecker, Rufus Wood Pecker, Rose Ringed Parakeet, Black Eagle, Racquet Tailed Drongo, Black Headed Oriole, Paradise Fly catcher, Whistling Thrush, Great Indian, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Fairy Bluebird, and Emerald Dove.

18 | P a g e

When to Vi it ndira Gandhi San tuary The weather in the region is pleasant throughout the year. The best time to visit the park is from January to February, but avoid during June to August.

Mudumalai wildlife reserve is a continuation of the Bandipur National Park. The river Moyar that flows along the border or Tamil Nadu and Karnataka separates the two. The Mysore Ooty highway runs through the

park. The 321 sq. km . reserve is situated in Tamil Nadu.

Mudumalai wildlife reserve was the first sanctuary in south India. The terrain is extremely varied with hills, valleys, ravines, watercourses and swamps. The vegetation comprises of tropical moist deciduous forests, dry deciduous forests and scrub forests. Compared to the nearby reserves, the climate is warmer in Mudumalai.

Langur, bonnet macaque, tiger, leopard, wild dog, hyena, jackal, sloth bear, elephants, gaur, sambar, spotted deer, Indian muntjac, mouse deer, wild boar, rodent and flying squirrel are part of the wildlife in Mudumalai. It has a rich bird life that includes Malabar trogan, Grey hornbill, crested hawk eagle, crested serpent eagle, etc.

The best time to visit the reserve is from February to June. The sanctuary can be reached by road. The nearest railway station is Udakamandalam. The

19 | P a g e

MUDUMALAI

ILDLIFE SANCTUARY

P I

nearest airport is Coimbatore. Accommodation can be arranged at forest rest house, guesthouses at Masinagudi, Kargudi, Abhayaranyam and Theppakkadu.

Flora ( udumalai Wildlife San tuary) The vegetation is quite varied in this region. The hilly terrain of the Western Ghats, clothed in dense mixed and moist deciduous forests, make Mudumalai (the ancient hills a most attractive wildlife reserve. Bamboos (Bambusa Arundinacea Natural teak (Tectona Grandis , Anogeissus

latifolia, Terminalia, Crenulata/Terminalia Tomontosa, Grewia, and blooming trees like Indian Labumusum, Aredesia, Solanancea are some of the flora.

Fauna ( udumalai Wildlife San tuary ) The fauna include Elephants, Gaur, Banner, Macaque, Common Langur, Tigers, Leopards, Chital, Panther, Sloth Bear, Python, Barking Deer, Four Horned Antelope, Otter, Crocodiles (Mugger , Giant Flying Squirrel, Sambar, Hyena, Wild Dog, Wild Boar, Mouse Deer, Spotted Deer, Jackal, Hare, Porcupine and Mongoose.

The birds listed in this sanctuary are Peacock our National bird, Grey Jungle Fowl, Red Spur Fowl, Grey Partridge Quails, Goggle Eyed Plower, Malabar Whistling Thrush, Large Racket Tailed Dronge, The Magpie robin, Spotted Babbler, Small Green Barbet, Green Pigeons, Brown Dove, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Bulbuls, Mynahs, etc. Among birds of prey, Eagles, Hawks, Buzzards, Harriers, Falcons and King Vulture are predominant, besides some migratory water birds.

20 | P a g e

Tourist Information Centre (Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary

The drive from Bangalore to Mudumalai runs over wellmaintained State highways. The first stretch between Bangalore and Mysore is a reasonably smooth run. Once you cross the towns of Ramanagaram and Chennapatna, the drive gose through avenues of bougainvil laea which form natural archways. If you are thirsty, you can stop at any of the coconut vendors lininig the road.

Passing through Mysore is a honk - and - crawl affair till the city limits. Beyond Nanjangud, for about 20 km, the road is a narrow concrete strip with shoulders of tar. You need to be very careful on this road as the tar has eroded, leaving huge potholes. There may be times when you will be forced to go onto the tar shoulders to avoid oncoming traffic. Remember, utmost care should be taken then to avoid damage to the underbody.

Once the road enters the Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary limit, it is almost straight with dense forest on both sides. Seven - and - a half kilometers after the Bandipur reception centre, the road crosses over into Tamil Nadu and the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary.

The scenery along the road is varied with a clutter of small towns on the outskrits of Bangalore. These give way to light forest and fields till Mysore. If you have time with you, a stop at the fantastic Mysore Pa lace is worth the extra hour to get to Mudumalai.

The accomodation and hotels for Mudumalai are on the road that runs from the reception centre to Masinagudi. Though there is a sign warning that the

21 | P a g e

road is very steep and that you have to strain your car much with the kind of cars that we have today, it is redundant.

There is actually more to do at the places to stay than in the park itself. Consider yourself lucky if you see bison and deer. Should you happen to see a tiger, take a quick look around for the saint who performed the miracle to make it appear.

VALLANADU BLACKBUCK SANCTUARY Vallanadu Blackbuck Sanctuary, located in Thoothukudi district, is a biodiversity rich and ecologically diverse region. Maintained in the hills of Vallanad, this sprawling sanctuary houses innumerable animals, birds, and other wild creatures.

Flora and Fauna in Vallanadu Bla kbu k San tuary The great diversity of flora and fauna in Vallanadu Blackbuck Sanctuary is simply amazing. This dense scrub forest area houses Spotted Deer, Macaques, Jungle cat, Mongoose, wild hares and several other animals. The sanctuary was founded with the aim of protecting and nurturing Blackbucks in the country. As a consequence of extensive poaching and habitat loss, blackbuck populations have been reduced drastically. Today, blackbuck is an endangered species in India, and is included in Schedule I of Indian Wildlife Act.

22 | P a g e

Avian Po ulation in Vallanadu Bla kbu k San tuary For bird watchers there are many options in and around Thoothukudi. A major attraction just 22 km northwest of Thoothukudi is Mayura Thottam. It is a peacock farm situated at Ottapidaram. Mayura Thottam is spread over an area of 55 acres. A large number of migratory birds also visit this place every year during the breeding season.

When to Vi it Vallanadu Bla kbu k San tuary You can visit Vallanadu Blackbuck Sanctuary during any part of the year. However prior permission to visit is required from the DFO, Tirunelveli Division, KokirakulamYou can stay comfortably in Tirunelveli, which has a good number of hotels.

About Vedanthangal Water Bird San tuary One of the most spectacular breeding grounds in India. Cormorants, herons, storks, pelicans, grebes and many others.The Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary has been protected by the local people for well over 250 years. The sanctuary gets its name from a nearby village and is only 75 Km from Chennai. The bird life (resident & visitors includes Cormorants, Darters, Herons, Egrets,

Open billed Stork, Spoonbill and White Ibis, Little Grebe, Indian Moorhen, Black Winged Stilts, a few migratory ducks and occasionally Grey Pelicans. November to February is the ideal season to visit the sanctuary.

23 | P a g e

VEDANTHANGAL

ATER BIRDS SANCTUARY

Vedanthangal is a home not only to migratory birds but also to many ornithologists who camp here for weeks observing the birds at close quarters. With a powerful pair of binoculars, you can spot a Cormorant or a Snake Bird dive under the water to gobble up a nervous fish which is its staple diet. Soon after the hunt, the Cormorant must come up to the shore to dry its feathers as nature has not endowed it with oil-glands to water-proof the feathers.

The Spot-Billed Grey Pelican, on the contrary, moves in groups lashing the water with powerful wing strokes driving the fish to a shallow corner for the ultimate assault. The Spoon Bill, however, prefers to devour frogs and insects in the muddy water with its bills half open.

The winged visitors regulated by biological clocks land at Vedanthangal after the monsoon with amazing clock-work precision and get into the breeding act quietly. The popula tion of the migratory birds swells to around 40,000 by the middle of January.

GUINDY NA IONA PARK Guindy National Park, probably the smallest national park in the country is located within the city limits of Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu.

The park with an area of 2.82 sq. km has a strong historical background. Originally a game reserve of 400 hectares, it was owned by Gilbert Rodericks, a British citizen. When Gilbert died, in 1821 the Tamil Nadu government purchased it and the surrounding wooded property for a sum of Rs. 35,000/. The place was declared as reserved forests in 1910. The then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru allotted a portion of the Guindy forest as a

24 | P a g e

park for children. In 1958, it was handed over to the Forest department and in 1978 the entire forest area was declared as Guindy national park.

Guindy National park consists of various vegetation zones mainly tropical dry evergreen flora with over 350 species of plants including trees, shrubs, climbers, herbs and grasses. 24 varieties of trees including Amona Squamosa, Atlanta Monoplylla, Feronia Limonia, Azadirachta India and many others are found in this park.

The animals found here include

spotted deer, black bucks (also known as Rare Indian found India ,

Antelope only in

white bucks, river otter, bonnet hyena, monkey,

civet cat, jackals, pangolin, hedgehog and common mongoose. Birds which can be seen here are the black winged kite, the buzzard, olden Backed Woodpecker, Crow Pheasant, Yellow Wattled Lapwing, Red Wattled Lapwing, Blue Faced Malkoha, Shrikes, Koels, pariah kite, Minivets, Munias, Barkets, Parakeets, Grey Partridge, Tailor Birds, Robins, Drongos, Quails, Beak Paradise, Flycatcher, Stone Curlew and so on.

The Children's Park here has playgrounds, swings, mini railway, elephant and pony rides (weekends etc for the kids. There is also a mini zoo with a sizeable collection of birds, deer's, peacocks etc. which gained statutory

25 | P a g e

recognition as a medium zoo from the Central Zoo Authority in 1995. In addition there is a Snake Park established in 1972 with king cobras, pythons, vipers etc. Apart from snakes, certain species of tortoise and turtles- especially the endangered star turtle can be found here. There are also lizards, geckos, chameleons and the common Indian monitor l izard, as well as a large variety of insects and butterflies. Raj Bhavan, the Governor's residence occupies one of the corners of the park. The beautiful forest area continues to the adjacent campus of the famous Indian Institute of Technology.

Surrounding the park there are several other famous institutes such as the Anna University of Technology, Central Leather Research Institute, Cancer Institute and the Chennai race course. There are also memorials to India's great leaders, Mahatma Gandhi, in the vicinity. K.Kamaraj The and C.Rajagopalachari, Lecture -

Bakthavatchalam

park

organizes

demonstrations regularly in languages like Tamil, Hindi and English. Though the park itself offers nothing much for a real wildlife enthusiast, the Snake Park is interesting. The park sums up a favourite picnic destination for the entire family especially school going children.

PERIYAR NA IONA PARK Set high in the ranges of the Western Ghats, in God s Own Country, Kerala, is the Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve. Periyar wildlife sanctuary has a picturesque lake at the heart of the sanctuary. Formed with the building of a dam in 1895, this reservoir meanders around the contours of the wooded hills, providing a permanent source of water for the local wildlife. Thoug h its a Tiger Reserve, tourists come here to view the Indian elephants in the act of ablution and playfulness by the Periyar lake.

26 | P a g e

Ma or Wildlife Attra tion in Periyar National Park Apart from Elephants, the other

are found at Periyar

Common Langur And Bonnet Macaque. Periyar also happens to be the habitat of the elusive Nilgiri Tahr, which is rarely to be seen.

The birdlife comprises of Darters, Cormorants, Kingfishers, the great Malabar Hornbill and racket tailed Drongoes. The reptilian population boasts Of Monitor Lizards that can be spotted basking in the sun, on the rocks along the lakeshore. Visitors who trek into the Periyar national park often see a Python and sometimes even a King Cobra.

In the lap of the mountains, the Periyar wildlife sanctuary's environ is like a canvas of many shades. The fresh air of the moist deciduous forest gives one a chance to experience the peace and serenity and long to return for more.

Other Attra tion in Periyar Wildlife San tuary Kumily : Situated just 4 kms from Periyar, Kumily is a growing town where tourism is fastly catching up just like the spice trade, the major occupation of this small town. The town is also well equipped with the excellent hotels and resorts for accommodation.

27 | P a g e

animals to be seen in the Periyar sanctuary are Gaur, Wild Pigs, Sambar, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer, Dole or Indian Wild Dog and very rarely, a Tiger. There are, now, an estimated 40 tigers here. Four species of primates the rare lion tailed macaque, the Nilgiri Langur,

Cradomom Hills : Periyar and Kumily are the most convenient points from which visitors can easily explore Kerala's beautiful Cardamom hills. Guide will approach you at offers of trips via jeep or taxi to the hills and if you can get a group together, these trips work out as a good travel value.

Boat Cruises : Boat cruises make the best option to check out the wilds of Periyar Sanctuary.Today the Periyar lake presents an excellent boating spot for tourists. Although it is unusual to see many animals from the boat s, still you spot a family of Elephants, Wild Boar, and Sambar Deer by the water's edge. The upper deck is best for wildlife viewing when taking a boat cruise, but better turn up half an hour early to get the best seat. To maximise you chances, take the 7.00 am boat. You can also consider renting your own boat.

Best Time to Visit Periyar The best season to visit Periyar wildlife sanctuary is from the months of October and June.

28 | P a g e