Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve

On a proposal from Maharaja Martand Singh ji of Rewa royalty, who was distressed by degradation of forests and unabated killing of wild animals which his princely state once controlled, protected and saved from destruction, the central government and Ministry of Environment and forests declared the forests around Bandhavgarh fort as a national park. Initially an area of 105 Sq. Km. was declared protected as a national park in 1965 and later this became the core area for Bandhavgarh Tiger reserve declared so for protection of one of the smartest predators - Tiger.

Situated in forest division of Umaria and Katni is one of the most popular of tiger reserves in India, Bandhavgarh National Park spread over an area of 694 km² today with buffer area of 437 km². The reserve derives its name after the highest hill Bandhavgarh (807 m) which is located in its centre. Mohan, the first white tiger cub caught alive by Maharaja Martand Singh ji was from these forests.

A chain of smaller hills, surround Bandhavgarh hill which is flat on the top and has a fort which is said to be having history of more than 5000 years. Chakradhara, Rajbahera, Sehra-Dadra, Bhitri bah, Kolua bah etc, are some low lying areas found in the valley formed by these hills. Rivers Johilla, Son and Umrar pass through or from the fringe area of the national park.

Bandhagarh National Park is famous for its rich historical past with Bandhavgarh fort being the foremost landmark. There are 39 caves in the surrounding hillocks and forest with the oldest one to be believed to be dating from the 1st century. These caves have embossed figures such as tigers, pigs, elephants and horsemen and many carry inscriptions in Brahmi script. The largest cave – Badi gufa, has nine small rooms and several pillars. The purpose of the caves still remain mystery. "Sheshshaiya" the statue of lord Vishnu in reclining pose is the biggest of all other statues of various incarnations of Lord Vishnu.

Flora and Fauna

The plains are mainly Sal & bamboo forest with many other species like Saja, Dhauda, Tendu, Arjun, Aonla, Palash, Salai, Bhirra, Khamer, Mango, Jamun, Bamboo, etc. Few rare species like insectivorous plants Drocera peltata and many having medicinal value are found in the Reserve.

This park has a large biodiversity and is well known for its high density of tiger population. Bandhavgarh forests have 22 species of mammals, more than 270 species of birds, 128 species of butterflies and number of insects, reptiles and other living beings.

Spotted deer, Sambar, Barking deer (Muntjac), Chausinga (Four-horned antelope), Nilgai, Leopard, wild dog (Dhole), Wolf, Hyena, Jackal, Wild boar, Sloth bear, Common Langur, etc. can be spotted here without much difficulty along with the striped cat – Tiger.

Activities:

Bandhavgarh is best seen by Gypsy safari or Jungle walk. You can directly book your own safari permit through MPOnline portal or ask your Travel agent / accommodation provider to do the same for you. Jungle walks is a very good option and can be arranged by your accommodation provider.

Bird watching is an activity you should not miss if you want to spot the flying wonders. Bandhavgarh is one of the best places in Central India to spot birds. You can also plan visiting a tribal hamlet nearby or may be just relax in the peaceful environs.

How to reach:

Bandhavgarh is most easily reached by cab from Katni, Umaria or Jabalpur all of which have good railway connectivity. Jabalpur also has an airport connecting from Mumbai and Delhi.

Where to stay:

Bandhavgarh has well developed tourist infrastructure and you will find resorts and hotels as per your need and tariff. I will suggest Mahua Kothi by Taj, Tiger garh, The Wildflower resort and Nature heritage.

Suggested itinerary:

Day 1: Reach Bandahvgarh, Check in, have lunch and take a jungle walk in the evening.

Day 2: Take 2 safaris one in morning and one at noon.

Day 3: Visit a tribal hamlet in the morning. Have your breakfast and leave for your next destination.

What can you do at Kanha?

What can you do at Kanha?

Kanha National Park is spread over 2000 Sq. Kms including core and buffer forest area. One of the best managed Tiger reserves of India, it is visited by tourists from all over the world to enjoy wildlife safari, spot tiger and other free roaming animals in their natural habitat. With most of the hotels at Kanha and tour operators, selling tiger safari packages people tend to miss that this one of the most beautiful forests of central India has so much more to offer.

Visiting Kanha tiger reserve only to see the big cat is, I personally feel, the biggest blunder any tourist can make. But, due to dearth of information about other activities and attractions around Kanha I will certainly say it is not the tourists fault since the accommodation providers, wildlife tour operators as well as tourism department does not provide detailed information.  Most tour packages for Kanha National Park only have tiger safari options. Here I present a list of activities and attractions which most of the resorts at Kanha and wildlife lodges at Kanha will be able to help you with.

Tiger Safari: Certainly the most famous activity for this world famous national park. It is conducted in two parts morning and noon wherein tourists visit the core area in 4 x 4 Gypsy vehicles. Safaris are conducted on designated zones and roads with a guide provided by the forest department.

Elephant Safari: A very good way to see the dense forest where your safari Gypsy cannot take you due to lack of roads is on elephant back. But, I personally am against this since we need the elephants for patrolling and not joy rides so best avoided as there are other better ways of exploring the forest like – on foot.

Jungle Walk: Tiger reserve management has made few pathways in the buffer area of tiger reserve where you can take a walk with help of a guide which is made available on payment of a small amount at the Khatia / Mukki entry gate. I will suggest – sacrifice a safari for it and you will never regret your decision. Here you will be able to enjoy the forest more, see those small things which we normally miss sitting on a safari vehicle and certainly be able to appreciate the bio-diversity in much better way. Guide fees of 200/- has to be paid at the ticket counter including which the total cost comes to around 750/- per group of 6 people.

Bird Watching: Kanha forest has more than 280 bird species which can be seen inside and outside the core area. Different species of birds choose different type of forests from open to scrub to dense or grass land. Every season has its own advantage like in winters many migratory birds visit this area but some locals one migrate to further southern region and come back in summers. Near water body or around it is the best area to see birds. You can visit the core area to see those flying wonders that prefer dense forests and take walks in the buffer area to appreciate ones which do not hesitate of humans. Check list of birds in Kanha is available and can be purchased at local store or downloaded from www.kanhavillage.com.

Wildlife Photography: One beautiful photograph can change heart of so many making them fall in love with nature and wildlife converting them in to conservationists. Today wildlife nature photography as a hobby is catching up very fast amongst our younger generation and why not, it is one of the best ways to appreciate our natural heritage and wildlife. When at Kanha you can take wildlife safari in the core forest as well as walks in the buffer area to do photography. Here I would certainly request that always keep photography ethics in mind and do not ever force your guide or driver in any way to break any rule just to take one unusual photograph. 

MPCA visit: Medicinal Plantation Conservation Area (MPCA) located near village Boda Chhapri, in buffer of Kanha Tiger Reserve is one place you should visit to see the diverse plant species found in Kanha landscape. Here you will be able to observe some of those rare herbs which are used in traditional medicines and are even raw material for modern medicine. Ask your accommodation provider in Kanha to arrange a local Vaidya or Ojha who will be able to describe in detail about all trees and herbs you see and tell about its medicinal properties. This costs around Indian Rupees 750/- to 1000/- per group of 6 people.  

Tribal village visit: Plan to visit one of those Baiga villages around Kanha to see how the actual guardians of central Indian forests used to live. Baiga tribal are one of the oldest inhabitants of our forests and understand the local biodiversity as the back of their palm. One of the most famous of them was Late Manglu Baiga about whom we hear stories that how he has helped officers earn their Doctorate degrees but he himself always remained what he was from the first day, a true nature warrior and lover of Kanha’s vast natural heritage. Although modern world and influx of tourists has certainly changed their life style to certain extent but visiting a Baiga village has its own appeal.

Yoga and Meditation: Today’s demanding life sucks out all life juice from our mind and body. Just sit back and relax under any tree enjoying the beautiful natural heritage around, listening to the music of nature, reading a book, making a painting or sketch. Believe me even though resorts in Kanha do not offer it but this is one of the best activity and least harmful for our forests. If a group of people are planning they can take a Yoga or spiritual guru along and take full advantage of calm atmosphere of Kanha.

Rejuvenation and wellness: Peaceful and relaxing atmosphere around Kanha is one of the best places to rejuvenate and re-energize your mind and body. Hotels in Kanha can arrange massage for guests which along with jungle walks, swimming and simple food can help a lot. Although we do not have specialized spa and wellness resorts at Kanha but facility for same can be arranged by many.

Star gazing: ‘Twinkle Twinkle little star, how I wonder what you are’ – we all have heard of this beautiful poem sometimes or other. In cities we do not see those twinkles due to lighting all around, pollution and Television. At Kanha you can sit out with all lights shut off and see the stars and constellations, remembering those good old times when you were young and so fascinated by those diamonds in the sky and lady on the moon.

Kanha national park is in Mandla district with its head quarters just 45 Kms from Khatia. Interested people can see Fort and Palace of Gond kings, some old temples or take a dip in holy river Narmada. There are a few souvenir shops in Kanha where you can purchase items made by local tribal and villagers for your loved and dear ones.  

Before I forget, one activity which I like the most when at Kanha, forget all your work, just give time to your other half and try to understand him / her better. Take a stroll with her / him while birds singing in the background provide perfect musical romantic mood and trees ideal ambience.

Come Celebrate Nature Celebrate Life

Rejuvenate with Yoga

Yoga and Meditation had been practised in Indian sub continent for time unknown with earliest identified documentation done by Patanjali in first millennium BCE in Yoga Sutras. Connection between the Indus Valley and later yoga and meditation practices is seen in some of the seals found in excavations. Physical, Mental and Spiritual upliftment are the basic idea behind yogic postures which were adopted by different religious sects and traditions in coming time.

 

While the Yoga Sutras focus on discipline of the mind, Hatha yoga concentrates on health and purity of the body. Many studies have determine the effectiveness of yoga as a complementary intervention for cancer, schizophrenia, asthma and heart patients and it has been reported to have shown muscular, skeletal and mental health improvements. In the specific sense of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, its purpose is defined as chitta - vṛtti - nirodhaḥ (inhibition of the transformation of mind). Today yoga is used to alleviate health problems, reduce stress and as a complete physical and mental exercise program all over the world.

There are many Yoga teaching centers all over the world where you can learn the nuances of this age old tradition of living happily and healthy. One such upcoming school is – The Yoga Village Project. It is a non-profit, Eco friendly yoga centre planned in Northern Spain by Greg and Deva both well trained and experienced in science and art of Yoga. The vision is for it to be as self-sustainable as possible, using sustainable power sources and natural building materials. This will in turn sponsor a charity called The International Yoga Teacher Training Fund (IYTTF), which will support yoga practitioners all over the world who are unable to afford the expensive tuition fees.

 

Greg and Deva the founders of the project are currently learning a few methods essential in eco- house building and perma-culture. It is an ambitious project which will not only help people benefit from age old Yogic methods but also base itself on Sustainable living. I am really happy to see young and energetic people like them taking up a just cause to help people. Further details about the project can be checked at:

 

Webpage http://yogavillageproject.wix.com/yogavillageproject

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Yoga-Village-Project/354244527992222



Photograph from Net.

8 new Tiger reserves

WWF-India Selects Youth Tiger Ambassadors Ahead of International Tiger forum Addition of 8 New Tiger Reserves- Jairam Ramesh



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



19:56 IST

There will be an addition of new eight Tiger Reserves to existing 39 Tiger Reserves in the country within next 6 to 8 months. They will be one each at Satyamangala in Tamilnadu , Ratapani in Madhya Pradesh, Sonapeda in Orissa, the Biliriranga Hills near Mysore in Karnataka and two new Tiger Reserves each in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh. They will be Nave Goan Nagzira and Bor and Pilibhit and Suhelwa respectively. Introducing Two Young Tiger Ambassadors of India here today, Shri Jairam Ramesh, Minister of State for Environment and Forests (I/C) said others talk of saving tigers, we actually save the tigers. “WWF is taking thise youngsters to Tiger Summit and I hope that many will join in their efforts to save tigers when they come back. The Ministry will mobilize help for their gigantic effort to save 1400 tigers that remain wild in India,” he added.



The Minister stressed India’s commitment towards conserving the big cats. He said, “ India harbors a large proportion of the world’s tiger population, we are committed to make all efforts to conserve wild tigers and their habitats.’’ He further added that’’ Our commitment to put the tiger on an assured course of recovery goes back 37 years when India launched the worlds most extensive and intensive tiger conservation programme since 1973-Project Tiger. We hope that this Tiger Summit will foster the political will and commitment at all levels, for tiger conservation efforts in all range states. Involving the youth will send the message that by saving tigers, we indeed save much more.



Giving details about recent loss of 3 tigers, 2 in Kaziranga where one tiger lost in a fight with buffalo and the third tiger died in Pilibhit in-fighting.At the same time he gave good news of 5 tigers cubs born in Pench. The tiger census will be released in about two week’s time, he added.Talking about very promising areas for tigers he said Kaziranga is one of them. It is known as a Rhinoceros habitat, but today it has highest tiger density in India. Kaziranga has 35 tigers per 100 sq. km. Some tigers in south also show good tiger density.



Disclosing Ministry ‘s efforts to improve tiger’s situation, Shri Ramesh said few important steps have been taken which include increase in allowance of ground staff in Tiger Reserves, more funds from Finance Ministry for voluntary relocation of families from core area of Tiger Reserves, decentralization of National Tiger Conservation Authority(NTCA) and partnership of local tribal’s and non-tribal people in tiger conservation.



The incentive of increased project allowance to 10,000 people at ground level staff will include forest guards, forest rangers, forest officers. It will be doubled.



The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) will be decentralized. There will be 3 new offices, each one in Nagpur, to cover central Tiger habitats, Bangalore to cover South Indian Tiger habitat and one in Guwahati which will cover eastern and north eastern tiger habitat. The NTCA at Delhi will look after northen habitat and coordination work.



Additional allocation of Rs 800 Crore in 2010-11 and Rs 1000 Crore during 2011-12 has been requested to Finance Ministry for relocation of families from the Core areas of Tiger Reserves.The Minister told, “50,000 families have to be relocated, out of which 3000 families have been relocated so far . This process will go on for next five years. Per family Rs. 10 lakh is given and it is done in a very democratic manner.”



As part of ‘Partners in Tiger conservation’, initiative giving recruitment as tiger guards and tiger watchers started in Corbett Park where local van-gujjars. In Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve, of Andhra Pradesh, over 400 local tribal youth from the Chenchus have been recruited. This model is being followed in many tiger reserves. The local community must develop a stake in the conservation effort the Minister said.



Referring to tourism, the Minister appealed for sustainable tourism.He said, “ The Money earned by tourism is be used for local communities.” Giving example of Corbett Park he informed the earnings of Corbett park is about Rs 2 crore and Kanha national park earns about Rs. 3Crore a year. This amount will be retained by Tiger Reserve for eco-development, restoration and participatory activities. This will make a very substantial difference between relationship of man and tiger. Shri Ramesh said this transformation is visible in Sunderbans today.



Tiger Ambassador Anusha Shankar, a student of M.Sc Ecology and Environmental Science at Pondicherry University, said, “The natural world has always fascinated me. I decided, long ago, to pursue this passion professionally. The Youth Tiger Summit is a great opportunity for me to contribute to tiger conservation initiatives; I believe that the onus is on the youth to build a better tomorrow. It is our responsibility to develop a future that is better than the past, and I intend to use innovative and creative ways to spread awareness about this.”



Tiger Ambassador Devanshu Sood, who has been a core member of his schools’ Junior Tiger Task Force since the last 8 years feels that being a part of the tiger conservation programme has been a life-changing experience for him. He said “I feel that the youth are the future of the tiger, and I will continue to spread awareness about tiger conservation to the best of my capacity.”



Earlier in his opening remarks, Mr Ravi Singh, CEO, WWF-India said, “Holding a youth summit alongside the High level summit will be critical in conveying the voice of the youth at the International Tiger Forum thereby drawing the worlds’ attention to the fate of these big cats .The Youth Tiger Summit presents a wonderful opportunity to the young generation to learn from others, share experiences and contribute towards tiger conservation efforts in their countries. We hope that the interaction with other youth delegates from different tiger range countries at the Summit will enable our Tiger Ambassadors to develop a vision for the youth movement in India.”



Before the WWF Youth Ambassadors embark on their journey to Russia, both the delegates today signed a pledge of support to the cause of tiger conservation in the presence of ­Hon’ble Minister for Environment and Forests, Shri Jairam Ramesh.



World Wildlife Fund (WWF) selected these two Youth Tiger Ambassadors from in the age group of 18-22 years after a three step process of scanning application. Over 150 applications were received. 5 individuals were short listed on criteria’s of passion for wildlife, educational background, ability to learn about conservation, and the age limit. In final selection, two were selected. They will be a part of the delegation comprising representatives from all tiger range countries. They will visit Siberian tiger trails and get a first hand account of the state of wild tiger populations in Russia and measures being taken for their conservation.



They will represent India at the Youth Summit from 19-24 November 2010 in Vladivostok, home to the Amur tiger, at the same time as the high level International Youth Summit will take place.


Navneet Maheshwari
http://www.kanha.in/

Snake with legs?

Snake with frog catch at Kanha National Park

Kanha Village Eco Resort gets Award

Eco Tourism Initiative Award 2010

Kanha Village Eco Resort near Kanha National Park and Tiger reserve our eco initiative gets award at 81st TTF, Ahmedabad. We thank the well wishers and supporters it's due to there wishes we have recieved this award. Thank you TTF board and jury for recognizing our effort to develop eco tourism around national parks.