Rejuvenate and revitalize at Kanha

Yoga, Meditation and Rejuvenation at Kanha

India is a renowned destination for yoga, meditation, spirituality, rejuvenation and associated tourism. People from whole world visit holy places like Haridwar, Benaras, Jabalpur, etc., to get together and understand God and Indian philosophy of life from the famous Gurus. Scriptures tell us to leave all luxury, lead a simple life with only basic facilities to know and reach God within and around. Do ‘Tapa’ by meditating on self or / and on things around, serve the sick and deprived and do your Karma to your best. Most of the Ashrams are either in isolated forest areas or near water bodies with difficult approach. With today’s hectic and stressful life number of people looking for inner peace has gone up many times making most of the well known Ashrams and destinations overcrowded and commercialized.

Places with natural surroundings are best to revitalize yourself with Yoga, meditation and spiritual healing. We need to stay at places which are near nature, with simple food and perform your Tapa. I feel Kanha national park is one such destination. Why Kanha, well you have all the required ingredients here, proximity with nature, serene atmosphere, tribal and underprivileged people to help and work for (the best way to please God), peace and tranquility which is incomparable. The environment around Kanha is so quiet and comforting that you can do yoga, meditate and understand natural world in a much better way which makes it easy to reach your goal. Remember, one of the best ways to understand God is to understand nature, contemplate on your karmas and improve on them besides serving the poor.

At Kanha Tiger Reserve you can go for Gypsy safaris to enjoy the wilderness and its inhabitants including the mighty Tiger – vehicle of Goddess. Jungle walk or Cycling in Buffer zone to experience and understand nature, get massage done from a local masseur or just relax and meditate. These activities along with, fresh air, pure water and serenity of the area facilitate your rejuvenation and revitalization.

Just leave behind today’s stressful life for some time and let your body and mind renew and recuperate itself. You can visit old temples, tributaries of River Narmada or Narmada itself. Activities like nature / wildlife photography, sketching, painting, writing about yourself, your experiences or a novel, singing or playing pleasing instrument like flute or guitar which harmonize with local surroundings help you discover your inner self, lets you speak your mind out and thus help you progress in all phases of life.

 

When and where is a big question since most hotels in Kanha are commercial and full of general and wildlife tourists? Well just chose an accommodation provider which is not on the main road, to keep you away, from the cluttered day to day life and general tourists. A property which can offer fresh and healthy vegetarian food, has a good library, along with tranquil jungle atmosphere. Plan your trip for a week or a month as time permits keeping in mind to avoid prime tourism season like mid December to 1^st week of January when Kanha is overflowing with tourists.

Want to prepare for a spiritual and rejuvenating trip to Central India, just do not think, plan and reach for a better and healthier life.

 

Come, Celebrate Nature, Celebrate Life.

 

Author: Navneet Maheshwari is a nature lover by heart, wildlife photographer by hobby and business person by profession. He is a Pushtimargiya Vaishnava and believes, to know and reach God lead a simple life, help ill and poor to become better and improve our Karmas. A passionate wildlifer he does his bit for conservation and has been appointed as Special Officer, Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, Ministry of Environment & Forest, New Delhi.

Gaur – The largest Bovine

Gaur – The largest Bovine

Native of South Asia – Gaur (Bos gaurus) is the largest of Bovine (Cattle) family in the world. It is also called as Indian bison although it is not a bison. Three subspecies of Gaur have been recognized, one found in India, Nepal, and Bhutan is known as - Bos gaurus gaurus. The domesticated form of gaur is called gayal / mithun (Bos frontalis).

Gaur - Bos gaurus, at Kanha National Park

Characteristics

One of the largest living land animals – Gaur is a strong and massive animal with a prominent ridge on the back. The adult male gaur is dark brown to almost black in colour; the lower parts of the legs are pure white or tan giving impression as if the animal is wearing socks. The cows and young once are paler in colour. The hair is short and glossy, and the hooves are narrow and pointed. With body length between 8 to 10 feet and tail of 2 to 3 feet they can weigh anywhere between 600 to 1000 Kg. Large male bulls can sometimes weigh up to 1500 Kg’s.  Females are bit shorter and less bulky than male counterparts; both carry pale green to yellow coloured horns with black tip, which grow from the sides of the head, curving upwards and grow to a length of 24 to 40 in.

Distribution and habitat

Range: Although fragmented within its range once Gaur occurred all over mainland South and Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, China, Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and India. Today except India their population has decimated to such an extent that its reversal does not look viable. Most gaur populated national parks are in southern India but seeing them here is difficult due to dense forest tracts. In Central Indian national parks like Kanha, Pench, etc. they can be seen relatively easily.

Gaur can be seen from sea level up to an altitude of 6000 feet in evergreen, semi-evergreen and moist deciduous forests. It prefers undisturbed forest tracts, with availability of water and plenty of forage in the form of grasses, bamboo, shrubs, and trees.   

Ecology, Behavior and Food

Basically diurnal animals they can be seen in undisturbed forest patches like Kanha national park at any time of the day. In monsoon they climb hilly areas but with onset of summers and lack of water in higher ground they descend to lower regions and open grass lands with good water bodies. They live in herds of 10 to 50 which comprises of females and young ones led by one old adult patriarch female. Adult males are mostly solitary and join a group only at the time of mating. Although not very vocal Gaur have been known to snort, make a low, cow-like moo or whistle for help. Solitary bulls are very aggressive but in general they are very shy and when alarmed, run into the dense undergrowth at an unexpected speed.  

Occasionally tiger and crocodiles have been reported to kill fully grown adult but due to their formidable size and power most animals prefer to keep a distance. Tiger, Leopards and wild dogs kill unguarded calves or young ones at times. When confronted by a predator, the adults of a herd form a defensive circle around vulnerable young calves to save them. Author has seen at Kanha, Dholes killing a young gaur making inroad into the defense circle made by adults.

Gaurs consume herbs, young shoots, flowers, fruits, grass, stems and seeds of many varieties. They have been seen consuming tree bark at times and prefer fresh grass when available to maintain the mineral and nutrition levels.  

Reproduction

Males make a mating call of clear, echoing tones which may be heard at long distances. Mating peaks between February to June although they have been seen breeding almost whole year round. Female Gaur gives birth to one calf after a gestation period of about 260 – 270 days; calves are weaned after 10 to 12 months.

Threats

Gaurs are highly threatened by poaching for commercial trade in meat and trophies. Fragmentation of forests and loss of habitat for commercial use and agriculture is also taking its toll on their population. Where ever the wild population is coming in touch with cattle chances of disease like rinderpest decimating the most of the population has been recorded.  

Conservation

Gaur is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to the population decline in the species range. Listed in CITES Appendix I, Gaur is legally protected in whole of its range. They are protected in most national parks in India and can be seen in Kanha National Park and other central Indian reserves very comfortably.

Author: Navneet Maheshwari is a wildlife lover by heart, hotlier by business and wildlife photographer by hobby. He owns Kanha Village Eco Resort at Kanha.
 

Jungle cat (Felis chaus)

Jungle Cat

The Jungle cat (Felis chaus) is a close relative of domestic cat. Although wide spread and common at most of its distribution range it is difficult to see due to its camouflage and habit. With pale grey brown to tawny brown fur, dark rings on tail and distinctive tufts on ears it can be differentiated with domestic and other cat species. It was thought to be a member of Lynx family earlier and at times even called Jungle Lynx.

Jungle Cat in search of prey sits well camoufledged in tall grass
Taken at - Kanha National Park

Characteristics

With slender face, tuft on the ears, short tail and long legs Jungle cat is largest species of Felis genus. Fur colour varies as per region and sub species from yellowish grey, reddish brown, pale grey brown or tawny brown with black spots and visible black bars on tail and legs. Somewhat larger than domestic cats standing around 37 to 50 inches long (including tails) and 14 inches tall they weigh around 8 – 10 Kgs. Females are slightly shorter than males. Its tufted ears are long and pointed towards the end set fairly high on the head.

Distribution and habitat

Range: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Egypt, India, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Laos, Mongolia, Burma, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Sri Lanka, Syrian Arab Republic, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Vietnam.

The jungle cat, can be found in variety of environment but prefers habitat with dense vegetative cover, especially reed swamps, marshes, grass lands and oasis in deserts with availability of water being an important factor. They have been observed to have adapted well to irrigated cultivation throughout their range and can be seen in jungles or open country in the neighborhood of villages. They can be found from sea level to an altitude of 8000 ft in Himalayas.

 

 

Ecology, behavior and Food

The Jungle Cat is a carnivore and preys on small animals mainly hares, ground birds, snakes, lizards, squirrels, frogs, etc. Although mainly nocturnal they hunt during both day and night and in winters mostly in early morning as well as late afternoon. They maintain their territory by urine spraying and scent marking and hunt by ambushing and stalking their prey from behind tall grass cover or reeds and catching them with a final pounce. Most of its preys are small in size say less than a kilo in weight but it has been seen killing chital fawns, young of other animals, water birds and scavenge on other animals kills at times. Solitary in nature they use abandoned burrows, tree holes, and coves or dense vegetation to rest and can be seen sun bathing in winters.

Their most common predators include crocodiles, bears, wolves, Jackals, and other larger felines such as tigers and leopards. When countered by a threat, the jungle cat will produce small roars before attacking. They have been seen jumping on attacker trying to catch from the larynx if threatened. There have been known cases of jungle cats attacking probing humans near their kittens. They can swim well and walk up to 3 Km’s at a stretch. They have been known to live for 16 – 20 years in the wild.

Reproduction

Females give birth to litters of three to five kittens, usually only three and have been seen raising two litters in a year although rarely. Gestation lasts 63–66 days; birth generally takes place between December and April, depending on the local climate. Kittens are weaned generally after 100 days.  Before birth, the mother prepares a den in an abandoned burrow, hollow tree, or grass / reed bed. Although Jungle Cats do not give birth to young once around human habitation but the author noted in December 2012 that it had given birth to kittens at KanhaVillage Eco Resort, Kanha National Park which shows that if local habitat is left undisturbed and it feels safe Jungle cats do not hesitate to use inhabited places.

Kittens weigh 80 to 160 grams at birth, initially blind and helpless. They open their eyes at ten to thirteen days of age. Raising the kittens is female’s job but males have been seen to be very protective of their offspring. Kittens start catching their own prey at roughly six months, and leave the mother after a couple of months.

Threats

Some populations of jungle cat subspecies are declining in several countries and areas due to decline in habitat and poaching.

Conservation

Jungle Cat - Felis chaus is listed on CITES Appendix II and its hunting is prohibited in Bangladesh, China, India, Israel, Myanmar, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Thailand, and Turkey but it does not get enough protection.

Where to see:

In India Kanha National Park is one of the best places to see this beautiful animal along with Ranthambhore, Pench, Sariska, Panna, etc.

 

Tiger & Wildlife Photography Package for Kanha

Shutterbug Nature Tour

5 Nights / 6 Days

Kanha Tiger Reserve is well known for its bio diversity, dense forests of Sal and Bamboo, Meadows and water bodies. It is famous for having a glimpse of the King of the Forest – Tiger and Jewel of Kanha - Hard Ground Barasingha, the twelve tined deer. Landscape falls in the path of migratory birds which is an added advantage for birders as more than 290 species of birds can be seen here. With 117 known Butterflies species, thousands of insects and other big and small one fill this bio diversity hot spot which is a nature lover’s paradise. Kanha National Park is known as paradise for wildlife photographers and nature lovers and some world famous photographers visit this natural heritage of India on regular basis.

Day 01

Kanha (L, D) Jungle walk: 1 Evening

Welcome on arrival at Kanha Village Eco Resort, Kanha National Park and check in at the resort. After an introduction session with lunch we take some rest before we go for our first Jungle walk for Bird watching in the buffer zone of Kanha National Park. We may also see Spotted Deer, Sambhar deer, Barking Deer, Foxes, Jackals, Hyena, etc., Around Dinner time we will have discussion / orientation session where we will discuss about the rich bio diversity of central India.

Day 02

Kanha (B, L, D), Safari: 1 Morning, 1 Evening

Morning safari drive in the national park will enable us to see those animals and birds which prefer dense forested areas and least human disturbance. Here we will be able to see the King – Tiger with other denizens of the jungle. Enjoy packed breakfast in the forest. After return from the park, freshen up, relax for an hour and have lunch.

Evening we go for our second safari in the core area where we will be able to see our flying friends and other animals like Sloth Bear, Spotted Deer, Dhole, Gaur, etc., Water bodies in the area are a big advantage for us as many animals and birds can be seen in the vicinity. Tiger, Leopard, Jungle cats and other carnivores prefer to move in the dusk preparing to make a kill and give us a chance to shoot them with our camera. At the resort we will discuss about taking better photographs and how to improve on our photography skills.

Day 03

Kanha (B, L, D), Safari: 1 Morning, 1 Evening

Morning and Evening safari drives in another zone with different habitation will enable us to see birds which prefer Meadows to dense forest areas. Here we will also get a chance to see Blue Bull, Hard Ground Barasingha, Sloth Bear, Tiger and Leopard along with other wild animals. Abundance of bird life along with mammals is an advantage and chances of clicking an award winning photograph always present so keep yourself forever ready with your gear as any moment lost means waiting for time unknown for same type of image. At night we will discuss about photographs taken and opportunities available after Dinner.

Day 04

Kanha (B, L, D), Safari: 1 Morning, Jungle walk: 1 Evening

Mornings in Kanha are always bit cold due to Sal forest and a drive in is always pleasing. With packed breakfast we go on open 4x4 Gypsy looking for the beautiful creations of God around the numerous water bodies and roads. Just keep your eyes open and remain on a watch for that perfect moment to capture. Evening we take a Jungle walk in the buffer zone on lookout of some of our feathered friends who prefer dusk time and other denizens of the forests.

Day 05

Kanha (B, L, D), Safari: 1 Morning, 1 Evening

Today we will have a morning safari at Kanha national park, yes, as you thought chances of seeing Tiger, Gaur, Sambhar, Barking deer and other small and big mammals is there. Remember patience and perfect understanding of wild animals is very important for any wildlife photographer.

Evening, keeping in mind those flying friends we have missed out and mammals which have been elusive till now we will and try to cover them all in our last safari of the tour.

Day 06

Kanha (B)

After a relaxed sleep we meet in the morning for breakfast at restaurant in the resort. Today is the end of present trip to Kanha and we leave for home with beautiful memories and stock of photographs of mammals and birds of central India.

Net Price per person: (On twin sharing basis)

For Indian Tourists: Cottage: 22,299/- Standard: 14,999/-

For Foreign Tourists: (Ask for Special Rates)

· Package is valid between:

§ Group 1: 19^thMay 2013 – 24^th May 2013.

§ Group 2: 03rd June 2013– 08^th June 2013.

Check following link for further details:

http://www.kanhavillage.com/package-shutterbug-nature-tour

Butterflying in Kanha

 

With more than 18,000 species of butterflies in the world, India is known to have 1501+ species. Today butterfly watching has become a major hobby for many and information about these beautiful insect is available from books and online through net. We can see 140+ butterflies in forests of Central India. Butterflies can be seen in open grasslands, thick forests, bushes and especially around flowers and water bodies.

Butterfly fall under insect order Lepidoptera, have 4 wings, 6 legs, 3 parted main body comprising of head, thorax and abdomen, compound eyes, exo skeleton and a pair of antennae. They are classified into two Super families: Hesperioidea and Papilionoidea. It is a pleasure to see these beautiful creations of god.

Kanha  National Park is a very good place to observe and study butterflies with more than 115 species listed till now although Satpuda / Panchmarhi area is known to have more than 130 species and is more famous for watching these silent flyers. Kanha Village Eco Resort has planted host plants which help to attract native butterflies species to lay eggs. They also have spots with flowers, grassland, trees and shrubs which act as perfect hosts for our colored friends once they start flying making their property a hot spot for butterflies and their predators spiders and birds.

 

If you are interested in photographing butterflies or are interested in studying them do remember to carry a binocular and good guide book on butterflies of Central India and for photography a good macro lens with flash and light tripod or monopod. Butterflies can be seen in all the seasons  but late June onwards till early December is one of the best time to see them.

Here is a small list of Butterflies found in Tiger reserves of Central India. Full list of Butterflies found in Central India can be checked at Kanha Village Eco Resort's website.

1) Swallowtails (Common Rose, Pachliopta arstolochiae, Crimson Rose, Pachliopta hector, Common Mime , Papilio clytia, Lime Butterfly, Papilio demoleus, Common Mormon ,Papilio polytes),

2) Whites & Yellows (Common Jezebel, Delias eucharis, Yellow Orange Tip, lxias pyrene, Lemon Emigrant , Catopsilia crocale , Common Grass Yellow, Eurema hecabe, Small Grass Yellow, Eurema brigitta, rubella

3) Blues (Zebra Blue , Leptotes plinius, Pale Grass Blue , Pseudoziziria maha, Gram Blue , Euchrysops Cnejus, Common Silverline , Spindasis vulcanus, Plum Judy , Abisara echerius),

4) Milkweed butterflies (Plain Tiger , Danaus chrysippus, Common Tiger, Danaus genutia, Glassy Tiger, Parantica aglea, Indian Common Crow , Euploea core) ;

5) Browns (Common Evening Brown, Melanites leda, is meme Dark Evening Brown, Melanitis phedima)) ;

6.) Nymph Lids (Angled Castor, Ariadne ariadne, Common Castor , Ariadne merione , Common Leopard , Phalanta phalantha, Lemon Pansy , Junonia lemonia, Yellow Pansy , Junonia hiertas, Peacock Pansy, Junonia almanac, Chocolate Pansy, Precis iphita, Blue Pansy ,Junonia orithya, Grey Pansy, Junonia atlites, Danaid Eggfly, Hylpolimnas missipus, Orange Oakleaf , Kallima inachus, Common Sailor ,Neptis hylas, varmona, Baronet, Euthalia nais Synphaedra nais, Tawny Coster ,Acraea violated.

7) Skipers (Indian Grass Demon , Edaspes folcus).