DESTINATION WILDLIFE ( INDIA)

Of all the countries in the world, India is unique in the richness and variety of its wildlife. There are almost 350 mammal species, 1200 species of birds in nearly 2,100 forms and, at a conservative estimate, at least 30,000 known species of insects. There is also a bewildering array of fish, amphibians and reptiles.
 
Unlike Africa where wide open plains have led to the evolution of larger herds of animals that can easily be observed either on the plain or near water-holes, in India the difference in vegetation and terrain in such that animals are often solitary or in small herds, elusive and shy and therefore, always taking advantage of the cover afforded by the vegetation. The sighting of animals is always a thrill, as it can never be predicted. The chances of seeing a tiger, a rhinoceros or a herd of wild elephant is always present and yet never a certainty.

CORBEET NATIONAL PARK – UTTAR ANCHAL

Situated in the foothills of the Himalayan mountain range, and the first National Park in India, this is one of the finest in India. Excellent accommodation, jeep and elephant safaris, wounderful scenery make this a special destination. Corbett is open from 15 November, through visits to the area and the buffer zone can be made year-round. Tigers, wild elephant and much more to be seen. The lodges outside the park also provide excellent bases for mahseer fishing on the ramgango river. Access is by road, about 6-7 hours from Delhi.

KANHA NATIONAL PARK- MADHYA PRADESH

A very large park in central India. Kanha is kipling Country, said to have inspired The Jungle Book. Open from the 1st October, and with excellent accommodation and transportation, the park has a large population of tigers. Indian Bison, or gaur are her, as are herds of Barasingha Swap deer. Many other species and hundreds of birds species can be found. Access is either by air to Nagpur and a drive of 6 hours, or an overnight train to Jabalpur with 4-5 hour drive.

BANDHAVGARH NATIONAL PARK – MADHYA PRADESH

Famous as the original home of the white tiger, now only found in zoos. Set in rugged country with savannah, forest and hills. Tigers and many other species can be seen. Access by road from Khajuraho Airport (5 hrs) By road connected to Kanaha national park (6-7 hrs). Train link from Delhi to Umaria, which is an hour drive.

SARSKA TIGER RESERVE- ALWAR

The former hunting ground old the Alwar royal family, this hunting lodge is a palaces set in a bowl of hills in the Aravalli range. Tigers, blue bulls and more. Easy access by road from Delhi (4 hrs) and Jaipur (2.5 hrs)

RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK – SAWAI MADHOPUR, RAJASTHAN

A ‘Project Tiger’ park of 410 square kilometer, it is open from October. A full range accommodation is available. There is an old fort within the park, providing an attractive and impressive backdrop for the wildlife. There are tigers, leopards and much more in the park. Access is by road from Jaipur and Agra or Train to Sawai Madhopur from Delhi.

KEOLADEO GHANA BIRD SANCTUARY – BHARATPUR ( RAJASTHAN)

A swampy area close to Bharatpur was flooded from exiting canals to produce a wetland. Originally for the purpose of game shooting, this has become an extremely important bird sanctuary, and winter home to a great many migrating species. Cycle – rockshow rides between the lakes given a great opportunity for bird –watchers to get close to the bird life, but also for other tourists to marvel at the large numbers of birds to be seen. Access by road from Agra ( 50 Km) on the way to jaipur

KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK – ASSAM

On the banks of the great Brahmaputra River, this remote but extremely attractive park was first declared a game sanctuary in 1916. As a national Park since 1974, it preserves the Indian one-horned rhino, of which over 1,000 dwell here. Wild buffalo, swamp deer, tiger and many more species occupy the mis of swampy land and forest. Access is by air to Guwahati, some four Hours drive away.

BANDIPUR NATIONAL PARK - KARNATAKA

Halfway down the Mysore –Ooty Highway, it is one of India’s best known wildlife reserves. Endowed with a moderate climate and diverse geographical features, the park supports a remarkable variety of flora and fauna, making it a veritable paradise for wildlife. Access by road from Mysore (80 Km) and Ooty (80 Km). Nearest Airport Banglore

NAGARHOLE NATIONAL PARK - KARNATAKA

Once the Maharaja of Mysore’s reserved forest this park is situated by the Kabini river. The park has elephants, gaur, Indian wild Dogs, and many varieties of birds. Access is by Road From Mysore 90 Kms away

PERIYAR NATIONAL PARK- KERALA

SITUATED IN THE Cardamom Hills this ‘Project Tiger’ National Park surrounds a large reservoir a hundred years old. Boats take tourists to see creatures by the water, abnd there are also jeep and walking safaris. The region supports tes and spice plantations. Open through the year Access is by Road from cochin, Kumarakam or Madurai in Tamil Nadu