On a wild trail

India’s rich and varied wildlife is found in its sanctuaries and national parks, writes Gyan Marwah

India’s spectacular wildlife and its huge variety of flora and fauna is being preserved beautifully in its national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. In recent years these parks and sanctuaries have added another aspect to their repertoire — that of wildlife tourism. Tourist traffic to these places has increased in volumes with foreign as well as domestic vacationers descending on these places in huge numbers. The best season to visit wildlife sanctuaries is usually from the beginning of November till April-end. Though for a majority of tourists wildlife remains restricted to the majestic lions and the elusive tigers, there is a renewed interest in other species as well among many enthusiasts, who throng these sanctuaries. Kaziranga National Park

Clockwise from top left: Gahirmatha in Orissa is a breeding ground for the giant Olive Ridley Turtles; Ranthambore National Park is the finest tiger preserve in the country; Kaziranga National Park, the habitat of the Great Indian One-Horned Rhino, has been declared a World Heritage Site

There is more to Kaziranga than being the habitat of the Great Indian One-Horned Rhino. Of course, that is its star attraction, which has earned it a place in the list in the World Heritage Sites. Not many know that Kaziranga is also a great place for bird watchers and is habitat to species like the Black Kite, Oriental Honey Buzzard and a vast number of migratory birds.

In the vicinity of the national park lies the serene and scenic Orange Park, which offers a great variety of flora. `A0The Kaziranga trip can be extended by another 70 km to see the mighty Brahamaputra. This is a great spot for ferry rides or angling. But finding the right place to stay can be difficult in Kaziranga, so it is best to have advance booking for board and lodging.

Its name is synonyms with wildlife conservation and Project Tiger. There is no doubt this is the finest tiger preserve in the country where you are likely to spot the big cat.

Though most tourists don’t look beyond due to the thrill of spotting a tiger, but the place has a lot more to offer. Adjoining the safari, there are many parks like Balat and Kundal, which offer great leopard and deer sightings. These are now becoming popular with wildlife enthusiasts and most tour operators arrange special visits to these areas as well

This famous wildlife sanctuary is by no means a mere tiger reserve. Set along a valley between the Himalayas in the north and the Shivalik range in the south, it is a great eco-tourism destination with over 480 varieties of plants. The park also makes a great bird-watching venue as there are around 600 species found here.

The other attractions includes fishing in the Ramganga. But tourists are advised to be cautious, as the river is also home to the gharial and mugger species of crocodiles.

For history buffs too, the place offers some great spots like Kaladhungi, home to legendary hunter and author Jim Corbett. His house has now been converted into a museum. The best time to visit the park is from mid-November till April.

Herds of wild elephants are a common sight in the Periyar National Park. But there is more to the place than its elephants. An interesting aspect about this park is that it is the only sanctuary in the world where the guides are former reformed poachers.

The area around the park also offers many unusual activities like tribal heritage walks and bullock cart rides in nearby villages. Some villages also offer an exotic herbal massage.

Another high point of the trip is a visit to the tribal heritage museum featuring various types of artefacts related to ancient agricultural practices. The best months to visit the park are from October to April.`A0

Though not a popular spot, Gahirmatha in Orissa is a special sanctuary as it is a breeding ground for the giant Olive Ridley Turtles, who travel all the way from the Pacific Ocean to Orissa seacoast to mate and lay eggs here. These wondrous creatures are a major attraction for marine life lovers, which arrive in droves here.

Close to this is the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park that is the second largest Mangrove ecosystem in India and is known for its crocodiles, creeks and canals, and kingfishers. So for marine life lovers, Gahirmatha is the place to visit between October-April. — NF

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