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Archive for the ‘WildLife In India’ Category

Location : Elephanta Island, near Mumbai

Acclaimed as : World Heritage Site

Attractions : Rock-cut Temples, exquisite architectural designs

How to Reach : One can easily reach Elephanta Caves by taking Motorboats from Apollo Bunder near the Gateway of India in Mumbai.

Elephanta caves are in the magnificent Elephanta Island, which is 11 km from Mumbai. It has beautiful carvings, sculptures, and a temple of the Hindu God, Lord Shiva. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has been a commercial, military and religions centre for centuries having traces of early Buddhist culture.

The Elephanta caves date back to 9th – 12th centuries. With the Brahminical resurgence during the reign of Gupta dynasty in 3rd century AD, these great cave dedicated to Lord Shiva exploded into existence at Elephanta. According to legends and historians, great warrior prince of Chalukya dynasty Pulkesin ll raised the shrine to celebrate his victory. Some historians also suggest that the Kalchuri King Krishnaraja built these caves in 6th century AD.

It seems that the same craftsmen and sculptors who had worked on the Kailasa Temple and other adjoining Buddhist caves at Ellora were employed at Elephanta. It is believed that the caves were used as target practice after they constructed a fort and put a flag to ward off pirates.

It represents the three-headed Lord Shiva, and renders Him as the Creator, the Preserver, and the Destroyer of the universe. The incredible sense of creativity of the architects and sculptors is noticeable in the serried of sculpted panels, set like tableaux on the walls. Each panel depicts Lord Shiva’s unpredictable nature, and miraculous interplay of light and shade, adds to the overall effect. Another colossal idol stands for Panchamukha Shiva and here the Lord is represented as the savior and bestower of blessings. This image is estimated to have been stood at the same place for possibly a thousand years and is regarded as the masterwork of Indian art.

The Sundarbans is formed by an alluvial archipelago of 54 islands, made by the waters of Ganges, Brahmaputra and the Bay of Bengal. The Sundarban National Park got its name from the Sundari trees found here in abundance. Sundarbans’ also shares its boundaries with the Sajnekhali Bird Sanctuary.

Sundarbans National Park in India is one of the world’s largest deltas and the mangrove forest formed by the confluence of three rivers- the Ganga, the Brahmaputra and the Meghna- covering an area of 2,585 sq km wildlife sanctuary, which extends into Bangladesh too. The Sundarbans Wildlife Sanctuary, the world’s largest estuarine sanctuary is really worth a visit. With a series of densely forested islands and saline water channels, Sundarbans is home to 270 Royal Bengal Tigers along with the spotted deers, wild pigs, monkeys, herons, kingfishers and white-bellied eagles.

The most unique feature of the Sundarbans is the tigers in the park apt at swimming and are strictly amphibious! The Park is also famous for its conservation of the Ridley Sea Turtles. The other wild animals found in the Sundarbans National Park are estuarine terrapins, Olive Ridley turtles, estuarine crocodiles, Ganges dolphins, water monitors and a wide variety of birds, fish and crustaceans. One of the major tourist attractions is the Sajnekhali Visitors’ Centre, which has a crocodile enclosure, a shark pond, a turtle hatchery, and a Mangrove Interpretation Centre.

Sudarban National Park’s Wildlife

The Sundarbans forest houses Royal Bengal Tigers in plenty. At the Sundarbans you are elated to watch Chital Deer and Rhesus Monkey. The aqua fauna in the park include variety of fishes, red Fiddler Crabs and Hermit Crabs.

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 Sundarbans.

Sunderban Jungle camp is a comfortable wildlife lodge located at Bali island in the Sunderban area, opposite the Tiger reserve. The camp is run as an acclaimed wildlife and social project, and is designed for low impact, eco friendly foot print.

The camp consists of six bungalows which are grouped around an amply fishing pont. All bungalows offer a sleeping area with convenient king size beds and a shower bath with western style toilet attached.

Facilities : The camp makes use of solar water heating and for lighting as well, enhancing eco friendly practices. The fans are also operated by generator-energy on demand. The dining area, situated next to the pont, is kept open. On the “Fishermen’s Deck”, one can sit on a terrasse above the pont. A bamboo bridge connects the bungalows on the other side of the pont with the dining area.

Dining : The traditional Bengali Cuisine, as served in the Camp, is uncommon in the big cities. For many Bengali visitors the food is one reason for the return visits. Whenever possible, fresh regional ingredients are used. Mostly a meal is based on rice or chapati-breads, combined with different vegetables, fish, or meat. The Sunderbans are a paradise for those loving Seafood – fish, crab, and prawn.

Area : 1,330 sq km (park);2,585 sq km (reserve)
Altitude : 0-10 m above sea level
Languages : Spoken Bengali, Hindi, English
Annual Mean Rainfall : 1,108 mm (Canning)
Maximum Temperature : Summer 42°C
Minimum Temperature : Winter 9.2°C

Sundarbans in West Bengal is the estuarine phase of the Ganges as well as Brahmaputra river systems. This littoral forest is the only ecological habitat of the tiger of its kind not only in India but also in the world except in Bangladesh. The typical littoral forests of Sundarbans comprises of a host of trees species adopted to the peculiar estuarine condition of high salinity, lack of soil erosion and daily inundation by high tides. The tidal forms and the mangrove vegetation in Sundarban are responsible for dynamic eco-system vigorous nutrient cycling both terrestrial and aquatic. The whole eco-system is sensitive to changes in salinity and the continuous cycle of erosion and deposition is affecting the plant communities giving rise to dynamic floristic changes. The plant communities are continuously adjusting to the new conditions.

Sundarbans Tiger Reserve provides characteristic type of habitat suitable for animals inhabiting vast tidal swamp area. Because of their intimate association with the estuarine environment, sizeable portion of aquatic and semi-aquatic animal communities are inter-related with the animals inhabiting the land areas. The uniqueness of the habitat is said to have contributed to certain behavioral trends, which are characteristic of Sundarbans tigers only. It is considered that man-eating propensity of tiger in this area is hereditarily acquired over a period of generations in the process of consumption of saline water.

History

The word “Sunderban” is derived from sundari and ban, which, when combined, means “the forests of sundari”-an obvious reference to the large mangrove trees.

The 1,330 sq km area of Sunderbans was established as a National Park on May 4, 1984. The Sunderbans had earlier been designated as a Tiger Reserve in December 1973. After this, a wildlife sanctuary was created in 1977.

The word “Sunderban” is derived from sundari and ban, which, when combined, means “the forests of sundari”-an obvious reference to the large mangrove trees.

The 1,330 sq km area of Sunderbans was established as a National Park on May 4, 1984. The Sunderbans had earlier been designated as a Tiger Reserve in December 1973. After this, a wildlife sanctuary was created in 1977.

Tourist Attractions

Moving through the largest estuarine delta in the world is quite a thrilling experience. The flora and fauna of the region are the major attractions here. The mangrove forest presents a unique ecosystem. The wildlife includes the world famous Royal Bengal Tiger, a major attraction in the tiger reserve. Some of the other attractions include chital, crocodile, monkeys, estuarine and marine turtle, dolphins and various kinds of birds. The Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project besides being a hatchery and a sanctuary is the home to the biggest estuarine crocodiles.

Located in the 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, the Sunderbans National Park is the largest estuarine sanctuary in the world. Part of the world’s largest delta formed by the rivers Ganges and the lower Brahmaputra, Sunderbans is famous worldwide as home to the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger. The park is blessed with great scenic beauty and a rare wealth of wildlife, including many endangered species. The tourist Attractions in Sunderbans are excitingly diverse and the park offers the perfect setting to experience the magic and mystery of wilderness.

Spotting wild animals in their natural habitat is almost always a matter of luck. But the wildlife in Sunderbans is so rich and varied that the odds will remain tilted in your favor when you visit the Sunderbans Tiger Reserve in West Bengal. Most popular among the tourist attractions in Sunderbans is the Royal Bengal Tiger. Sunderbans is the only ecological habitat of the tiger of its kind not only in India, but also in the world except in Bangladesh. The Tiger Reserve has the largest concentration of wild tigers in the world. It is home to about 270 Royal Bengal Tigers which have adapted remarkably well to the swampy habitat.

A part of the world’s largest delta formed by the confluence of the rivers Ganga, Brahmaputra and Meghna, the Sunderbans is a vast tract of forest and saltwater swamp stretching for about 160 miles along the Bay of Bengal from the Hooghly River Estuary in West Bengal to the Meghna River Estuary in Bangladesh. Sprawled over an area of 4262 sq. kms in India, Sunderbans is the largest estuarine sanctuary in the world, and habitat to some of India’s most amazing wildlife species.

The Sunderban Tiger Project was formed in 1974 and covers an area of 2585 sq. kms, of which the core area covers 1330 sq. kms and is a national forest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Home to the largest concentration of wild tigers in the world, the Sunderbans National Park in West Bengal received National Park status on May 4, 1984. The park comprises a network of estuaries, tidal rivers, and creeks intersected by many channels, with flat, marshy islands covered with thick forests in between. The littoral forest at the Sunderbans Tiger Reserve is the only ecological habitat of the tiger of its kind not only in India, but also worldwide except in Bangladesh.

Some other tourist attractions in Sunderbans include:

Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project
Also among the tourist attractions in Sunderbans is the Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project, a hatchery and a sanctuary, which is also home to the biggest estuarine crocodiles.

Netidhopani:
The picturesque beauty of Netidhopani is enhanced manifolds by its mangrove forests and teeming wildlife populace. Furthermore, the ruins of a 400-year-old temple here is also among the major draws for tourists.

Halliday Island:
Lying to the south of the Sunderbans Tiger Reserve, are the Halliday Island Wildlife Sanctuary — the last retreat of the Barking Deer, and the Lothian Island Wildlife Sanctuary — a haven for bird viewers.

Kanak:
The shallow waters and beaches at Kanak is one of the well known resting places of the Olive Ridley Turtles in Sunderban. During their breeding season, these turtles migrate from a long distance to the shallow coastal waters. It is believed, that the turtles travel upriver a distance of about 100 km from the sea mouth into the Sunderban.

The Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, Visakhapatnam is the biggest zoo that is surrounded by natural reserve. The region covers an area of 625 acres and is placed between two hills and the Bay of Bengal on the east. The beauty of the natural surroundings and the presence of various kinds of animals and birds attract many tourists to the zoo.

The zoo started on 19th May in the year 1977. The zoo has a collection of over 80 species animals who are placed in different sections of carnivores, lesser carnivores, primates, small mammals, reptiles, ungulates and aves. The section for carnivores contain ferocious animals like the lions, tigers, panthers, pumas, bears, and jaguars. Among the lesser mammals rest the wolves, jackals, hyenas, wild dogs and the hippopotamus. The zoo has a separate section for the crocodiles and reptiles. The zoological park preserves all three kinds of crocodiles in its premises. The visitors may glance through the pythons and water lizards in the reptile section. The primates section houses different species of monkeys. The zoo also has a rare collection of birds that are unknown to the region. The animals are placed under the strict supervision of the authorities and trainers who are particular about the rules and regulations which the visitors must abide. The zoo also offers an opportunity to the visitors to ride the elephant’s back.

The Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, Visakhapatnam remains open for public viewing on all days of the week excepting Mondays between 9.00 A.M in the morning to 5 P.M in the evening. While in Visakhapatnam a visit to the zoo is a must for all tourists.

Sariska National Park, located in the Alwar district of Rajasthan, is spread over an area of 800 sq km of which nearly 500 sq km constitute the core area. Initially the game reserve for the Maharajas of Alwar, Sariska was declared a national park in 1982, long after it was declared a wildlife sanctuary (1958) and a tiger reserve (1979).

The Aravali Hills, third in line to the majestic Himalayas, dominate Sariska National Park’s landscape that is covered with rocks and boulders scattered amidst the arid shrubs and grasses, and dry deciduous forests. The narrow valleys and cliffs created by the Aravali Hills create the perfect habitat for many species of animals, birds and reptiles. Both the prey and the predator exist together in this unique arid eco-system.

Sariska National Park is home to many endangered members of the cat family – tigers, leopards, wild dogs, jungle cats, hyenas and jackals. The park in Rajasthan is also the abode of herbivores including chital, sambar, nilgai, chausingha, langur, rhesus monkey and wild boar.

The diverse wildlife at Sariska National Park is not limited to the hunting games between the carnivorous predator and the herbivorous prey. The bird population at Sariska is quite significant and distinct from the other members of the species dwelling in different regions of India and abroad. Some of the more prominent species that can be seen at the Sariska National Park include peafowls, grey partridge, sand grouse, tree pie and Indian horned owl.

Mornings and evenings are the best time to spot herds of animals that venture out from the security of the familiar landscape to quench their thirst at the many water holes spread through out Sariska National Park. Jeep safaris are the favorable way to tour the park and see its wildlife.

Though Sariska National Park is open all year round, the best time to visit the national park is between the months of October and April. Sariska National Park is easily accessible from Delhi and Jaipur (nearest airport). The nearest railway station is at Alwar, Rajasthan.

Situated in Shahdol district, among the hills of the Vindhya Range, Bandhavgarh National Park is known for having the highest density of Tiger population in India. Spread over an area of 168 sq miles, the sanctuary’s central area-the original 40 sq miles, is said to be the home of over 22 tigers. Known as the White tiger country (the last one was found in 1951), the sanctuary became a national park in the year 1968 and in 1986 the area of the sanctuary was extended to include two large areas of forest adjoining it on the northern and southern sides. The park offers excellent game, bird viewing and historical interest, which attract a large number of visitors.

A game preserve of the Maharaja of Rewa till 1968, the Bandhavgarh National Park enchants every visitor with its wilderness and natural beauty and contains a very rich flora and fauna. The sanctuary has over 35 kinds of mammals, 111 species of butterflies, 250 different species of birds, 16 varieties of snakes and 500 kinds of plants and many more tress and shrubs. Species like Sambar, Barking Deer, the great Indian Gaur, the Indian Bison and Nilgai are the common sight in the sanctuary.

The fort has been under the patronage of many dynasties. The Maghas ruled it in the 1st century AD, the Vakatakas in the 3rd century, the Sengars in the 5th century and the Kalchuris in the 10th century. Finally, the Baghels took it over in the 13th century AD, and ruled it until 1617, till Maharajah Vikramaditya Singh moved his capital to Rewa. Legend has it that Lord Rama stopped at this place on his way back to Ayodhya after defeating the mighty King Ravana of Lanka and the two monkey architects built the fort. The famous 16th century Saint Kabir too mediated in this fort for years because of its wondrous soothing atmosphere.