Land of King Kubera - Sri Lanka

Land of King Kubera – Lord of Wealth, known to have been created by the divine sculptor and architect ‘Vishwakarma’ – Sri Lanka. With history of more than 1,25,000 years or may be much more it is an island nation well known for its bio diversity and natural wonders. Once inhabited by the Vedda Tribal of which only around 2500 are known to be still there it is also known to be abode of King Ravana and it is said that Lord Rama fought for her concert Mata Sita here.

Tourism map of Sri Lanka

One of the top 25 biodiversity hotspot of the world Sri Lanka is well known for its Big 5 – Leopard, Sloth Bear, Elephant, Sperm whale and Blue whale. 27% of its 3210 flowering plants and 22% of 113 mammal species found here are endemic to this beautiful island nation. Although it has lost a big part of its forests to growing population and modernisation in last few decades still its natural beauty and wildlife is second to none. Government of Sri Lanka has preserved its existing natural heritage under 24 national parks situated in different part of the country. With 1585 Km of sea coast, 103 rivers, 45 estuaries, 40 lagoons and 7000 hectares of mangroves it is also a birding paradise with 433 known species of birds of which around 240 are residents and rest migratory.

Leopard are easy to spot in Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a treasure trove for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers who can visit reserved forests spread over the island with some famous ones being Yala national park, Minneriya national park, Kaudalla National Parks, Uda Walawe National Park, Udawalawe National Park, Wilpattu National Park, Wasgamuwa National Park, Kumana National Park, Bundala National Park and Gal Oya National Park. Mirissa, Trincomalee and Kalpitiya are the best places to spot both Blue whales (the largest mammal on earth) and Sperm whales.

Blue Whales can be spotted in Sea around Sri Lanka

The spotted predator – Leopard is king of Sri Lankan jungles and best seen at Yala national park with elephant congregation at Minneriya national park famous for spotting even up to 300 of these largest land mammal at a time in summers. Mirissa is well known for spotting blue whales and Kalpitiya for spotting Sperm whales along with its bigger cousin. Gal Oya is often visited by bird watchers as being one of the top birding site in the nation.

Visiting Sri Lanka is not limited to wildlife but this island nation has history spread over the whole place. Archaeological excavations have shown that the land was inhabited for thousands of years and it is said that the remnants of Ramayana age can still be seen. Sri Lankan culture is very rich and one of the oldest Buddhist settlements can also be seen here.

Vedda Tribal Community has inhabited Sri Lanka for Thousands of years

So, if you want to enjoy wildlife, nature, culture and history at a place just do not think just plan a trip just visit – Sri Lanka.

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.

Wildlife in Central India – There is much more than the Big Cat

Planning a safari to Central India to see the majestic striped cat – Tiger is a great idea but do look beyond Tigers. Central Indian forests are wildlife lover’s paradise with 22 mammalian, more than 250 bird, 120 butterfly species and number of plants, trees, reptiles, etc. Mostly we plan our trip to spot the most famous big cat – Tiger and forget the others although all are important and integral part of the biodiversity and eco-system.

When going to Madhya Pradesh you can visit any one or two of Tiger reserves be it Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Pench, Panna or Satpuda. I personally suggest Kanha and Satpuda if you actually want to enjoy the natural heritage of Central India. At Kanha you stand a very good chance of spotting the striped cat along with the lesser known denizens of the forest. At Satpuda you may enjoy the bird life and take some walks in the wilderness. Kanha is also famous for Hard ground Barasingha (Swamp deer) so called because this particular species has adopted to the central plains instead of swamps where its brethren live.

Do ask your travel agent or hotel where you are staying to arrange a couple of jungle walks along with jeep safaris. Jungle walks are the best and most sustainable way of enjoying and understanding any wilderness area. If possible also plan a visit to local tribal hamlets to see their culture and simple way of living.

So, just do not stop at the Tiger, look beyond……..

Rejuvenating Wildlife Holiday

Come, Celebrate Nature, Celebrate Life............

Getting up with chirping of birds and slight breeze flowing from the forest carrying nature’s smell and fresh oxygen, is an experience very few get to enjoy. Our modern city life has made us so busy that many of us especially our children have not even experienced the beauty of nature with which once we used to live and grow. Our life has become so stressed with work and running around to save time for further work that we have no time left for our children, our parents and even god. We have computers and they say whole world has become so small but isn’t it amazing that we don’t even know who our neighbors are or we get a chance to enjoy those beautiful flowers hanging on the branch just outside our window. Our culture is entwined around nature and ‘Sanatana’ religion believes that god and nature are one. But we don’t have time to either enjoy nature or to know god more intimately.

One of the good ways to enjoy your time with your family is to have a holiday in a wildlife reserve. Be rest assured this wilderness holiday will be a perfect break for you and your family from the monotonous daily routine as well as give you enough time to spend together. Nature is the best healer – you must have heard it so many times but rarely got a chance to experiment this phrase. Now, plan a trip to any famous or not so famous wildlife destination like Kanha or Pench national park. Normally tourists visiting these national parks and Tiger reserves are here for wildlife excursions on vehicles and this is what even you must have thought. But, here is the clinch; plan a holiday which is different.

Yes, taking morning safari excursions and planning evenings for walks, tribal village visits, just sitting under trees and having a chit chat and other like activities will help you in spending more time with your family. Or maybe the other way round, use your mornings for walks or at leisure and evenings for safaris in the national park. This also has an advantage; you get more time for family and friends and while enjoying the natural heritage of the tiger reserve. Do some Yoga and meditate under any tree around in the lap of nature. At the end of your holiday you will see that you have not only renewed all your family ties but this relaxed holiday time you have spent has also de-stressed you making you ready to face the hectic life again with improved energy.

Trees in ancient Indian culture

ब्रम्ह तद वनमं, ब्रम्ह सा वृक्ष: असा ।।

Brahma tad vanam, Brahma sa vriksha asa (Rig Veda, X.81.4)

Forest is god, tree is god.

Trees are God

Be it oldest rock paintings or seals of Indus Saraswati civilization we see tree inscribed everywhere with reverence. Even the Vedas have praised trees and given them utmost importance. In above shloka trees and forest have been correlated with Brahma or God. There is a long list of trees, plants, shrubs and even grasses which are listed in the Vedas as sacred. Most of these trees have also been found in seals of Indus Saraswati civilization which indicates that both cultures are correlated. In ancient Indian scriptures wood of Peepal (Ficus religiosa) and Shami (Prosopis spicigera) are used to kindle sacred fire, drink made of Soma plant is said to make the user immortal, Peepal tree was known as 'Akshaya Vat' (meaning Indestructible tree) and Bargad (Ficus indica) or Banyan tree was said to be a Cosmic tree.

Trees have been praised in all Hindu Scriptures, it continues to Ramayana, Mahabharata and many rituals related to trees have even continued to modern times. You can see women worshiping Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum) or Pepal tree even today. Tulsi is known to be a very sacred shrub, dear to lord Vishnu and planting it in house is said to bring good luck. Even Jain and Buddhist scriptures have named many trees as sacred and all Tirthankaras and Buddhas are known to have attained enlightenment under specific tree. Many trees find place with stories of Lord Krishna like Kadamb (Neolamarckia cadamba) is always seen with him in most of his pictures. In one of the stories it is narrated that Agni disturbed lord Shiva and his concert Parwati wherein she gave a curse to all devetas (demi gods) to become trees. On penance she agreed to reduce the intensity of her curse and now a part of all devetas remain in the trees.  It is said that Lord Vishnu lives in Peepal, Goddess Lakshmi in Neem (Azadirachta indica) and Lord Shiva in Bargad. Hence, killing trees or cutting a live one is a crime against devetas and we are killing a part of them.

Matsya purana compares planting and rearing of one tree with 10 sons. Mahabharata, the great epic also talks of saving trees and forests and goes on to say that devetas, yakshas and rakshasas live on trees as such we should never hurt or injure them rather worship them as deities as they also have life. Rig veda goes on to say that plants incarnate the god and trees are 'Vanaspati' or lord of the forests, everlasting and self-regenerating. Most of these trees, plants or even grasses have been praised or known as sacred due to their inherent curative properties which are very useful to humans and environment. This shows how foresighted our ancestors were. They understood very well that human race and earth’s environment is dependent on trees and forests as such they in some or other way related trees to gods to save them from destruction.

छायाम् अन्यस्य कुर्वन्ति तिष्ठन्ति स्वयम् आतपे |

फलन्त्यपि परार्थाय वृक्षा: सत्पुरुषा इव ||

Chhaayaam anyasya kurvanti tiShThanti svayam aatape

phalantyapi paraarthaaya vrukshaa-haa sat-puruShaa iva

They give shade to others, while standing in the heat themselves.

They bear fruits for the benefit of others, trees are like the virtuous Men.

Banyan Tree