Exotic India Blog Wildlife Resorts & Places

Like the white tiger the black panther or leopards has become an esoteric find. While the white tiger was found only once in the wild the black panther is being seen frequently in many tiger reserves of India chiefly in what was considered old Central India.

Although the black panther is a rarity it is genetically the same as our common leopard. The only difference between the two is excessive black pigments. If you carefully observe the black find you will see black spots like in the common specimen covered with a sheen of hazy black. Thus, in this case the black pigment has spread all over the body and the predator appears all black whence seen from far.  This phenomenon is known as melanism and is seen in other animals also. Anyway the melanistic leopard looks majestic and wildlife photographers have begun to frequent destination wherever it is seen in the country. 

In the case of the white tiger the absence of orange in the skin and presence of extensive white is due to a recessive gene. Maybe hundreds of years back the tiger which originated in the intense cold region of Siberia adorned a white color to match with the snowy surroundings. This could explain the prevalence of white colored pigments. Remember the first and only white tiger was found in Sanjay Dubri National Park in the Siddhi District of Madhya Pradesh.  

Anyway coming back to the black panther they are found in India and Africa. in India, they are frequently seen in the following reserves.  

Pench National Park

Tadoba Tiger Reserve

Nagarhole

Kabini National Park

Manas National Park

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary

Nagzhira Tiger Reserve

Unlike the white tiger, which is likely to be born after every 10,000 births black panthers can be spotted anywhere. The likelihood  of coming across a melanistic specimen is reasonably high since the genetic anomaly has been witnessed since ages. The animal finds mention in the famous “Jungle Book” by Rudyard Kipling.  

So when visiting any of the above mentioned parks keep a eye for the black one. Organize a leopard safari to reserves in India where black leopard is seen. I am sure you will not be disappointed. 

Long time back when internet and WWW were in nascent stage around year 2000,  I made a website. WWW was limited and I could make a free website on Yahoo Geocities. This was my first foray into content writing and SEO this was purely accidental. I was running a high end computer training centre with access to Internet that took bewildering number of frustrating tries to get connected. Not being a techie, I decided to make a website on Tiger Heavens of India.     

Wildlife was my passion right from the childhood, and I was visiting tiger reserves right from a young age being a bidi manufacturer. 

Kanha National Park was my favourite reserve about 160 km from Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh. In spite of being in business, I often worked as a naturalist with a resort at Kanha. It was like giving vent to my passion to be among the tigers, birds and the bees.I have been a passionate birder since the age of fourteen?   

This happened because of my website, and wildlife resorts came in touch. The  website was a great success, and I came in touch with wildlife enthusiasts, and even got some hefty bookings.  

The Tiger Heavens of India

Kanha National Park

Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve

Ranthambore Tiger Reserve

Pench Tiger Reserve

Although Pench was in a nascent stage at that period,  my prior visit was in the 1990, when there was no tourism infrastructure. Poachers were running loose and during our time of visit, a tiger and sloth bear were electrocuted. The rest house was busy catering for high dignitaries, and they were least bothered. We discussed with the police at Seoni and they were least concerned.  

Anyway, the Kipling Country is well protected now, and teeming with wildlife. Tourists abound, and only those with permit are allowed inside the park for excursions.

My visits to Kanha and Bandhavgarh had begun in the seventies or perhaps earlier. Tourism was being organised, and it was cheap. After paying a minimal fee you could drive in with your own vehicle. A forest guard accompanied the vehicle, the guides made an entry much later. A handful of locals from Jabalpur and a couple of overseas researchers, notables like George Schaller visited Kanha for the conservation of Hard Ground Barasinga only race found in the World.I saw the pen with the deer enclosed. Not to mention the projects was a great success and the swamp deer population has risen from 66 to over 500 hundred now.     

In all the reserves, tiger spotting was not easy, although I sighted tigers now and then in both the parks. The numbers had come down drastically, and the big cat population was on the path of recovery. Ranthambore, I have never been but it is globally famous for tiger sightings and tourism. 

There were no resorts in the tiger heavens of Central India, and the accommodation was limited to rest house. Tourism bloomed in late 1990, and the resorts came into the picture at that time. Wildlife documentary makers had made these destinations globally popular overnight. Soon there was huge rush and number of accommodation increased within that period. 

Despite severe criticism from some quarters, tourism has paid rich dividend. Locals have got employment, tribal empowerment has taken places and schools and clinics have been established. Communities living in deep interiors have been connected to main stream. Due to active eco-development and conservative initiatives, education and training, the next gen is finding jobs all over India.         

Moreover the endeavours have brought revenue to locals and the park as well. Tourism generates substantial revenue for the conservation of the parks. Despite severe doubt, the ecosystem and niche habitats have improved tremendously and wildlife is flourishing thanks to regulated tourism and the protected area concept.  

In all the heavens wild populations are on the rise including that of the big cats. For the uninitiated, for excursions you need to book a permit in all tiger reserves.  Without safari permits you cannot enter the park for excursions. Contact MPOnline, or respective field director’s office to know more.The entries are limited hence book in advance.  

For expert booking contact a safari holiday organiser in India. They offer an all inclusive package. You just have to book air ticket to India and back.  

I have been to Corbett National Park many times as a group leader, birding guide and naturalist. Taking care of 11 to 16 overseas guests was not easy. They were in a foreign land, and needed extra care and warmth. Which I delivered. I had help from a local birder, and trips were smooth.     

The focus was on birding, but that was not the end since everyone wanted at least on look at the tiger. So I had a double task at hand, and it was need of the hour to succeed. Tigers were hard to come by in those days a decade back, and I was facing a great challenge. 

There was one German group very eager to see the striped cat, I remember, and they were pressing me to come up with one. 

Corbett tiger landscape is a true heaven with amazing panoramic grandeur of the Himalayan Foothills or Terai as it is known in Hindi. The euphoria sets in as soon as you reach Ram Nagar. This is where our hotel Tiger Camp was situated and we reached there from New Delhi after many fruitful birding stops. I was lucky to see a red necked falcon on that trip for the first time.       

Ramnagar is a busy town situated right on the edge of Corbett Tiger Reserve’s buffer zone. This is where at Sunderkhal a man eating tigress had killed a women. And we birded there with great caution moving in groups all along. We stayed a day at Tiger Camp and went bird watching at a few chosen stops like Mohaan, Garjiya Temple, Sitavani, Kosi River Bank, Kumeria and Marchula. 

We could sight the Ibis Bill, Little Forktail, Nepal Wren, Long Billed Thrush  among many wonderful avian. Our next stop was Dhikala Complex with loads of grasslands, dense forests, Ram Ganga River and the famous crocodile pool. Dhikala Complex is where Jim Corbet Stayed during his tours to kill man eaters. Behind the complex is famous Dhikala Chaur a tall elephant grassland that stretches over 11km. Here you can see wild elephants, hog deer and the tiger from the complex.   

The birding experiences were fantastic but the the big cat was missing. On the last day, I requested the group for a tiger stop in between. They all agreed. So as I was moving in one jeep along the Ram Ganga River I heard an alarm call on top of the hillock next to us. “Stop!”

  The perplexed driver did as he was told. The alarm cry was  that of the Sambar Deer, least to be frightened by other animals except the big cats. As we stopped, I saw a herd of spotted deer scampering along in the opposite direction across the river and vanish into the dense canopy.  

That’s It ! I told the driver not to move an inch, and requested the guests to sit absolutely still without making any noise. By this time all the five jeeps had rolled down, and I told the drivers not to move and stay quiet.  

And then nothing happened for a long time. I could see frustration creeping in. We had waited for over 45 minutes the forest was quite as usual. Am I going to lose my job? “What are we waiting for?  A guest asked me as politely as he could.  

“The tiger,” I whispered losing confidence, but I was sure the striped cat was in between us and the river bank hidden in dense canopy under a tree perhaps. I was taking a risk as I was wasting precious birding time. The guest sat quiet but perplexed, and the drivers were getting impatient. Worst, there were no birds around. Everything was still and quiet. Anyway, I stuck to my order, and the impatient drivers obeyed. 

After what seemed an eternity, we saw a troupe of rhesus macaques heading towards us. Eager as usual, I signaled the guests to get the camera ready. I knew that the monkeys will head straight toward the tiger or the leopard whatever was hiding near us. It happened, and to my relief irritated by raucous alarm cries the tiger came out. It was walking parallel to us. The sight was mesmerizing, and the guests forgot to shoot (camera). Anyway on our last tiger trip the big cat had been sighted. The guests were stunned, and I was their hero till the end of the birding safari. Elated I asked the team to head straight to the rest house but drive slowly. We saw another tiger near the rest house as I had predicted a day earlier. This time one guest could photograph the tiger with its head hidden behind a tree. ha!           

Kanha National Park is one of the finest tiger landscape in India. Situated in Central India or Madhya Pradesh, it is home to amazing biodiversity,  The National Park and tiger reserve lies in the Satpura Ranges also known as Central Indian Highlands.  

For people the main attraction is tourism and tiger is most target species. The big cat number more than hundred and hence attract people from India and overseas as well. Tourism is organized twenty percent of the area which is 940 sq.km core while it is also organized in buffer or the outer ring.     

Working as a naturalist at Courtyard House Kanha I conduct safaris and birding trips. The core focusing at this tiger reserve is on excursions in the wilderness. There is no other venue for recreation at Kanha except safaris and the stay is in the accommodations that never let down. 

My guests from France on very first safari saw a big cat but what was to follow the next morning was beyond our imagination and expectations. While the jeeps preferred to scour the meadow for big cats we decided to move away from the crowd and decided to explore a place with two water bodies. This area was frequented by a tigress with cubs which had to be seen yet being very small. The morning was cool with sun emerging from the mountains in the background. This is an amazing panoramic landscape dominated by table top mountains, dense forests and grasslands dotted here and there by small water bodies. 

On that fateful day, we were lucky to be the only jeep in the early morning and were cruising smoothly with senses on full alert. For a long time only silence greeted us, there were no alarm cries a sound all naturalists eagerly await on safari. But surprisingly after a long drive we came across the tigress sitting peacefully in the grassland in open. But I could sense an unease by the behaviour of the big cat. I knew by her glances towards deer that she was looking for a prey. And so apprehending an exciting hunt we waited quietly for a long time till a mother and her fawn appeared. 

The big cat had seen them from a distance and had moved in the grass waiting. The attack came not as a surprise for us but for the poor deer. She began chasing the fleeing fawn and bang in front of us she pounced on it. I had managed to film the event on my smart phone. 

Excitement over we moved towards the center point. The delicious breakfast organized by Courtyard House was simply a gastronomic delight. That evening we celebrated the big event with amazing mocktail and delicious snacks.

Courtyard House a luxury accommodation is situated few kilometres from Khatia Gate near the Patpara village. it serves food like no other resort does. A luxurious boutique accommodation, it is simply a fabulous living experience. The rooms are spacious and well appointed equipped with room fridge, AC, heater and business desk. The well spread King beds and smooth satin silky accessories and equally aesthetic furnishings and decor.               

The sit outs and terraces all complement the luxurious living space. The camp fire is organized in the open and under the Banyan tree the latter being a perfect romantic rendezvous.

In the evening dining after the warmth of camp fire accompanied by adventure tales is a fulfilling experience. The gastronomic delights are unbelievable and a perfect ending for an exciting day. 

The resort is limited, with just five boutique room accommodation it is ideal for serenity and peace. Courtyard House is a perfect holiday resort at Kanha National Park. It organizes exciting safari and birding trips besides a wonderful stay in modern ambience with first class facilities. 

Our guests from France has a wonderful safari holidays at Kanha National Park. 

We could hear the tiger’s roar coming from behind a bush, it was right in from of us. We could not see the beast as it was completely hidden in the dense canopy. We waited, but then there was complete silence after the roar. 

After few minutes, the roars culminated again but from a greater distance this time. My guests stood still perplexed. They wanted to see the big cat desperately but no luck.  Suddenly the naturalist from Pench shouted “Look!” He was pointing straight to the river bed where a lone tiger cub sat coolly on a rock under the tree nearby. He had crossed over the shallow river without us noticing it. 

The tiger had moved from the bush to where it was now, and was waiting feeling safe at the distance he had managed to cover. My guests were at peace watching the tiger resting on the rock under the shade. In another moment of surprise its sibling emerged from the canopy nearby and now we were watching two big cats near the edge of the river.        

We had arrived at Pench at a luxury resort near the Turia Gate of the tiger reserve. After a warm welcome we had settled down for lunch and some rest before embarking on an evening safari. Our naturalist guide accompanied us, and being a birder, I had set to work straight away looking for winged creature. The naturalists was busy searching for big cats in a turf much familiar to him than me.  One more safari in the morning ended up in disappointment. Eventually we decided to move along the Pench  River which is the lifeline of this ecosystem, and is home to large number of mammals and bird species, in the summer they congregate on the banks whence the water elsewhere dries up.     

The move paid rich dividends and my guests who had never seen a big cat in their lives saw one. We waited for the mother to arrive but to no avail, and we had to contend with the cubs which anyway were big enough.  

Contended we drove back to luxurious confines of the luxury resort. By all means they served mouth watering curries and rice dishes. Back in the hotel we immediately plunged into the pool with glassful of mocktail. Not in mood to exert, we relaxed in the pool for sometime with the chiller. A camp fire was slated for us in the confines of the wood nearby and we spent the whole evening enjoying some fine snacks and lot of tiger tales.     

At a luxury resort you can relax on a hammock stay at a luxury tent or a well done suite for comfort. The interiors are warm and cozy and embellished  aesthetically to accord feel of the generous space all around. Airy with a large windows, the living experience was accentuated peace and serenity that prevailed in the property. 

For those not willing to wager camp fire in the open, a pool table awaits. Indoor games facilities are well equipped in a big hall near the conference hall.  Open ground is inviting for bird watching or simply ambling along to enjoy the tranquility and fresh air.  

The fine dining is in restaurant or rather a huge dining well done up and equipped to eat like a king. Service is prompt a a large menu accommodates every taste and choice. Dinner is also organized in the bush on request, and if you are staying in luxury tent than food can be served in the open under the starlit sky with a romantic moon hanging around for company.

Our stay at the luxury resort in Pench was amazing experience. A safari holiday well organized. Thanks to our naturalist guide, we had sighted number of wild animals, birds and two tigers were in our bag. We are sure to come back to Pench National Park in Central India. 

In Central India or the State of Madhya Pradesh the tiger trail is extensive landscape that comprises of extensive Central Indian Highlands. Once a contiguous patch of forest that was cradled by Vindhya and Satpura Hill ranges they are now scattered with corridors ruptured by invading human settlements and their live stocks and fields.     

Panna in Northern Madhya Pradesh is home to the big cats in the broad leaf forests and tortured terrain of ravines, steep mountains and rivers. Having lost its big cats to extensive poaching the park lost lot of lustre but has recovered, and the predators can be seen with ease now. 

The next in the tiger trail is Bandhavgarh with  unspoiled beauty, pristine and wild. This the best place to see the tiger in their natural habitat. The wilderness also encompasses remains of ancient human civilization creating an esoteric realm of the living dead.     

Kanha as described by many is an epitome of serenity bustles with wild lifeforms and amazing Sal forests. With more than hundred tigers, it is the best place in the World to see these magnificent predators roaming free in the vast wilderness. The reserve is also home to majestic hard ground swamp deer known as barasingha which is the only race found in the World.      

Pench also known as Kipling Country is home to these magnificent beasts and the Indian Wolf. It is Mowgli Land where the Jungle Book took birth whence the naked wolf child was first discovered. The discovery reached Kipling who wove a fantastic tale in the eponymous book that spread like wildfire all over the globe. The characters still live here and can be seen on a tiger safari with ease. 

Wildlife resorts or hotels in tiger reserves like Kanha National Park in India differ in concept and delivery from their urban counterparts. This is evident on one visit to these amazing accommodations in the remote wilderness. Managing safari hotels in remote is not at all an easy task with difficulty in establishing supply chain, adequate man power and maintenance.   

The remote establishments require frequent maintenance of electrical, mechanical and electronic equipment without local availability hence the expertise has to be sourced from the nearest town which is costly and time consuming. Local or in house help is with limited skills hence outside services have to be involved on regular basis.

Supply chain management is an onerous task with kitchen supplies and other needs have to be sourced from a distance on regular basis. Small services like laundry frequent repairs have to be sourced due to these skills being unavailable among the severely restricted staff in the hotel.   

In spite of these short comings a unit has to offer recreation to the guests in the remote wilderness, stay comforts with modern amenities and facilities like experienced waiters, chefs and trained naturalists.  

In times of pandemic like Covid 19 the cost increases many fold due to frequent sanitization besides accommodating fewer guests. There are two kinds of experiences that guests are looking forward to: 

Comfortable Stay 

Exciting Safari    

Modern amenities, well trained staff, cozy interiors, furnishings, ambiance and state of art facilities delivered with finesse take care of this. The staff should act as well mannered polite hosts and take care of guest needs whenever required. They stay experience counts a lot in order to make the guest loyal to the property.    

Exciting safaris as well as wildlife experience during the stay counts as well. The onus of this experience is on the luxury safari hotel as well. The property should be able to engage experienced naturalist services besides organizing safari in the park and nature trail and bird watching trips in he neighbourhood of the property. Excellence in these two services will lead to a successful long term business near the tiger reserves. 

Being a large park Kanha offers many options to organize exciting game rides. The tourism area comprises of four zones in the core and three in the buffer for excursions. 

Pench also known as Kipling Country is the destination upon which the story Jungle Book is based. Discover the destination on tiger safari and see the Jungle Book character come alive. Read how to book right accommodation at Pench National Park in Central India.

From relative obscurity to World fame the story of Pench National Park is mired in esoteric. Long time back a wolf child was discovered in the confines of Sant Vavadi Village. The discovery was made by Lt.Moor of British Army during the Raj in India.

The story did not go much far and was limited to few officers but as time went past the antics of a naked human child in company of wolves became a bizarre tale. Kipling came to know of the happening and he quickly wrote a story with Mowgli at center stage. The master creation encompasses the jungles of Seoni Hills as well as the wild denizens that lived there. The “Jungle Book” is a beautiful and esoteric account of an exotic destination in Central India also called Madhya Pradesh officially.

The fascinating depiction of the naked child roaming with the wolves and his antics in the company of Baloo the bear, Baghira the black leopard and Kabaki the wolf is in the imagination of people all over the globe. It is the ever hungry Sher Khan and Kaa the slithering python that accords a twist to the tale and highlights Mowgli’s escapades in the dangerous jungle he lives in.

The movie “Jungle Book” popularized the esoteric saga all over the World and Pench became an overnight sensation. The forests of Seoni Hills now encompass Pench National Park are thriving with tourists ion search of Mowgli and Sher Khan. Many Mowglis now lives in villages that abound in the neighborhood and the jungle characters thrive within the park.

On a tiger safari you can come across many wild denizens and birds that make Pench their home. These are exciting excursions in the reserve well organized and fruitful. To go on a tiger safari you need a permit which you should have procured in advance. Hence before finalizing the trip to Pench book safari permits online at MPOnline Website. The entry is limited hence you should book without delay.

In order to facilitate tourism a number of wildlife or jungle resorts have come up. These are luxury hotels in Pench that provide high end facilities. You will also get budget facilities or still higher up deluxe hotels but prefer the high end ones for ultimate comfort and state of art service.

To choose an accommodation read reviews online or seek a referral from earlier visitors. But reviews are most reliable and you should read them carefully. Almost all the accommodations have a website on the Net. Thus you can contact them and know what all they are providing. Whence you are assured of proper services and facilities book online. The budget properties can be contacted whence you reach the reserve. You can expect discounts from the properties only in the summers season but this is not assured.

Tigers are on the focus on all the safaris conducted in open jeeps. But whence we discuss tiger photo safaris we mean that the center of attraction is the tiger  for photography or film making. Normally wildlife film makers and nature photographers take part in a single subject expeditions in the National Parks of India. Amateurs and tourists are fixated on the big cats but they are ready to photograph or make footage of any wild encounter or sighting that takes place in case of other mammals and birds. At Ranthambore there are plenty of birds and reptiles as well and if you include images of insects and floral elements then the sky is the limit.  

At Ranthambore lot of amateurs arrive for photography including the tourists with small camera. There is one thing in common between both and that is the intent. They wish to capture good images and take back home for their families and friends. A good photograph is a strong tool for reminiscence and yes to be admired by friends.   

Hence safari is not just excursion like sightseeing the amateur photographers and tourist alike have work to do. They wish to admire the majestic carnivore as well as to click pictures. Well it is not easy to get the right image that too with a small camera. But then images have been taken with minimal equipment and they have come out excellent. This happens very often thanks to better lenses being built and the zeal of the visitors. Even good video clips are being thanks quality handy cams available. This has given rise to online stock agencies which become a medium to sell images and video clips to major companies all over the World. Many amateur lens men have sold clips and images of wild animals and birds at record price. This does not men every amateur goes online to sell he or she may be content with getting good pictures and be happy.   

   Often it is the moment that offers right opportunity to an amateur. At many lakes in Ranthambore tigers ambush their prey in the water an amateur may film it or a tourist with small camera will capture the image at the right moment and create a masterpiece. All this may be missed by professional photographer or film maker hence it is anybody’s chance to be at right place at right moment. Providence makes the difference.   

Thus as an amateur or tourist tiger photo safari may emerge as fruitful anytime. Ranthambore along with many other reserves can provide you with a wonderful photo opportunity with minimal equipment. Be on alert on game rides whence searching for the tiger and come up with phenomenal shots and footage.  

Ideal place of holiday in India is the Rajasthan State. Culturally inclined towards hospitality that states has all attributes to make your holiday fun filled and memorable. But the jewel in the crown is the safaris at Ranthambore which share a big chunk of tourism revenue of the State.

Well if you wish to see a tiger in an ancient fort head straight for this magical kingdom of wild animals and birds. The tiger rules supreme and is the most sought after animal on safari. A unique patch of forests the reserve and National Park exhibits affinity with Kathiawar region. It is situated in Aravalli near Jaipur the pink Capital of Rajasthan. It accessibility is enriched by being included as an extension in the Golden Triangle Circuit.  

Rajasthan is history entwined with culture and majestic architecture. It is rare not to come across forts and palaces. This popular window to wilderness narrates its own history etched on the walls of a Fort and numerous ancient edifices. A hunting reserve of the Jaipur Maharajahs the place was a mini complex comprising of fort, temples, haveli or noble houses now rotting and neglected. The premises is now encapsulated as a tiger reserve and no human habitation is allowed. The Maharajahs hunting den is now converted to a high end hotel and serves guests from far and wide.  A characteristic feature of the park is presence of natural and man made lakes that are witness to adventures of wild animals the prey and predator encounters.    , 

The prey and predator encounters has a third angle to it the presence of crocodiles in the lakes. The tussle the ensues whence they try to snatch the prey from the jaws of death of majestic tiger is the crux of tiger safari holiday in Ranthambore. The big cats here have learned to ambush from grass at shore and snatch their prey from the water. This is a rare sight but manages to draw large number of tourists, photographers and film makers for overseas and all over India.     

Made famous by films from major documentary makers the legendary tigers are permanently stored in the memory banks, books, films and photographs. The dominant males and females make history in decade of their arrival and eventual prominence. Their exploits never fade as they make their mark in the annals of Ranthambore. This is a regular phenomena in this amazing National Park which incidentally is the best breeding ground among the reserves in the country. The fecundity insures the species survival in India at present critically endangered but on verge of recovery. 

Not only the exciting adventures the presence of heritage and luxury hotels ensure a memorable holiday. The Marwari hospitality and food and the spirit of Rajput valor shades the classic style of being good host to guests. The properties provide much needed recreation, comfort and rest to the guests. This enhances tiger safari holiday in Ranthambore.  Most of the resorts are situated at Sawai Madhopur on outskirts which is connected to Jaipur by road. Booking for accommodation is done online or through the tour operators in Rajasthan.  

The long drive is tiring and you wish for some rest and food. This can be overbearing if you are going on a safari after reaching. Kanha is at a long drive from Jabalpur and takes fours hours to reach.  

Courtyard House Kanha

But never mind if you are planning to stay at a high end or luxury hotel than youwill well taken care off. Whence reach late in the afternoon and have a drive in the evening do not worry lunch will be waiting for you. At the reception  after checking mandatory papers and Covid 19 formalities you can have lunch rest a bit and then move on for a  well organised safari with the resident naturalist.   

Courtyard House Kanha

There are some virtues of luxury hotels in Kanha that are lacking in properties not up to the mark. If you read reviews and testimonials of good accommodations you will discover a lot of virtues they carry. The reviews are the best means of judging the properties before booking one. 

Celebration Hotel

It is the quality that matters of peripherals,amenities and services. In upscale hotels they are assured well not only the stay but the wildlife experience as well. The first thing you notice whence you land is the grand architecture full of aesthetics and no where gaudy. The ambiance is striking peacefully and serenity prevails all over.      

The welcoming staff the food and the rest invigorates and prepares you some exciting safaris. The in house experience on a holiday counts as much as the jungle thrills. A good property should deliver both. 

Though you pay a higher tariff as compared to medium budget or budget hotels it does not pinch. The boutique or luxury properties try to  out do each other and end up delivering the best. In fact the customers get much better facilities and services thanks to the competition. But things can turn out worse since there are accommodations that simply do not care hence reading reviews and testimonials is a prerequisite. This also means you should be careful about properties that have monopoly but likely this is not the case with Kanha National Park in Central India. 

A large number of establishment assure better services due to competition and the need to survive. The luxury you get is satisfactory in shape of facilities, services and amenities. Even in house you will enjoy wildlife interpretation from the naturalists and the library. The surroundings are rich in life forms be it birds. butterflies and wild animals that stray inside. This is a learning experience and you should enjoy immensely.          

Most of the luxury hotels in Kanha are family safe and friendly. In times of pandemic they follow the SOPs to keep you safe from Covid 19 or any other type of infection. Hence with the right choice enjoy life of luxury at Kanha.   

Ranthambore is a unique land of the tiger that contains ancient monuments in the midst. The forest were erstwhile hunting reserve of the Maharajahs of Jaipur in Rajasthan. Jaipur is the state Capital and well connected with New Delhi in India.       

Panoramic, pristine and salubrious Ranthambore is land of tigers which breed here prolifically. Famous for tiger safaris the destination is very popular with tourists. The Golden Triangle Tour organised by the tour operators link this tiger reserve as an extension.  

There are number of monuments inside and outside the reserve and they include:

Trinetra Ganesh Temple

Jogi Mahal

Ranthambore Fort

Chauth Mata Temple

Ranthambore Ganesh Temple

Khander Fort

Chamatkar Jain Temple

Kala Guara Bhairava Temple

The ancient structures can  be visited while on tour to Ranthambore National Park near Sawai Madhopur. Tiger safaris are conducted from Sawai Madhopur and most of the hotels are situated here. It is about four hours drive from Jaipur the Capital City of Rajasthan.  

The monuments where built a succession or rulers belonging to the Kchawaha Rajput Dynasty who came to rule the region and remained till independence. 

The name Ranthambore is derided from two hills in the Aravallis near by. They are Rann And Thambor both close to each other. An area has now been notified as a tiger reserve and National Park which was previously hunting reserve of Maharajahs of Jaipur.  

After the Wildlife Protection Act was passed in 1972 hunting was banned in India and subsequently tiger reserves were notified. These protected areas are under the aegis of Project Tiger Program.    

Tiger safaris are organised in twenty percent of the area. These are regulated by the forest department of Rajasthan State. A Government permit is required for excursions in open jeep and canters. Without permit you cannot enter the ten zones established for safaris in the park. You can book a permit online or through the numerous tour operators who will assist you in the process. The entry is limited hence book all the permits in advance. 

The accommodations are provided by resorts and hotels pertaining to various category and tariff. Choose the best online after reading reviews and seeking reference. 

The park is situated near Sawai Madhopur and can be accessed via Jaipur. Jaipur Aiport is well connected to New Delhi. You can also use the rail and road route. The park is closed in the monsoon.     

A land of colors and a rich culture but the land has a dark feature. The turbulent wars during the Mughal conquests this was a sordid saga of the land. The valiant people fought wars and yet retained the essence of Rajasthan. This enchanting land is a tourists paradise and the large number of arrivals stand as testimony to the incredible potential.       

The tourists delight in the robust colorful culture, rich history and dazzling monuments. All this creates a dream holiday, not only major towns even small places in this state of India have monuments, culture and history that captivates. The state is worth an extended tour for there is so much to experience not only sightseeing or culture a fantastic safari adventure awaits.   

The most popular places are Jaipur which is the Capital City also known as the pink city. This is followed by Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaiselmer, Bikaner, Ranakpur, Bharatpur, Thar desert land,  Pushkar and Ranthambore Tiger Reserve.  

The most famous are the monuments like palaces, forts, cenotaphs, temples that were built way back and remain the cynosure of the tourist eye. The wildlife at Ranthambore and Sariska are as enchanting as the monuments.   

The architecture af the structures is unique with great diversity. Skilled craftsmanship is visible on each and every monument during sightseeing tours. The rites and rituals are intriguing and fascinating, and they are meaningful for spiritual and religious purpose. The temples are the elaboration of beliefs of Hindus and Jain they exhibit an illustrious craftsmanship unparalleled and unique. The Dilwara and Ranakpur Jain temples stand testimony.  Numerous fairs and festivals portray a life of gender equality and freedom from social bondage.                 

The hospitality of the land is World renowned and Rajasthan teems with guests. The food too is unique and not influenced much by later day arrivals like the tomato. Local ingredients and original style of cooking from the days of the Maharajahs still prevails to deliver tongue tingling delicacies. 

Padharo Mare Desh are the  welcome words. Come to the enchanting Rajasthan and hear them. A holiday here is a dream come true and people yearn to experience it themselves. .      

One could spend days and days searching for tigers and still they remain illusive. Well this happens only in some tiger reserves in India but not at Ranthambore. 

Tiger is an illusive animal for sure and they are secretive as well. Their survival depends upon being well camouflaged and hidden all the time. But this behavior is during the hunts and whence they feel insecure. Very often you can get tired of seeing them as they go to sleep or sit still for hours. Most of the acclimatized big cats in the parks are not at all vary of humans at a distance. But their instincts often make them dangerous at close quarters. Most of the man killing takes place due to surprise encounters and that too very close. By nature this big cat is gentle and very much cautious of humans man killing is an accident often for self defense but man eating frequently is an aberration. The animal does not include humans in its food chain even when extremely hungry we have moved out of his sphere from the prehistoric times. Literally it kills anything that is live and moving except man. 

Very rare cases of man killing has happened at Ranthambore that too in areas inhabited by man in the buffer zone or the outer ring. The park is most popular for safaris and hence visited by many tourists from India and abroad. Tourism is a regular feature of this park with safaris being organized in the early morning period and late evening. People often confuse safari with a zoo setting which is not true in Indian jungles. The big cats roam in the wild free as a bird and live a natural life without any constraints. Humans manage the park and initiate conservation activities nothing more. In the core zone or the critical tiger habitats of the park there are no human settlements and no activities except tourism in the twenty percent area.   

Safaris organized on open jeeps and canters score the zone they are allotted one of the ten zones of divisions. In order not to clutter the vehicles are restricted to the allotted zone. Here they can enjoy the panoramic settings, sights of tigers, sloth bear. hyena wolf, fox, jungle cat, caracal and jackals besides the common deer species, langur monkeys, wild boar and the peacock pheasant. The experience is magical especially enhanced by the sight of the old fort, hunting pavilions and the lovely temples. The sight is to behold the nature among the ancient ruins. The Maharajahs used to hunt here before hunting was put to a ban in 1972. In their zeal to hunt the majestic tiger they ended up protecting the ecosystems from marauders. Hence many reserves in India are erstwhile hunting reserves of the Maharajahs like Ranthambore.       

The Royal Bengal Tiger thrives here in good numbers and some heads have been trans-located to other reserves in order to repopulate. The safaris in this reserve are most exciting with the big cats hunting in the waters or the lakes and the ambush from the nearby grass. This is a magical spectacle hardly seen anywhere else. 

There is a beeline of wildlife photographers and film makers to capture this event. The park is a jumble of delights with animal actions and its charismatic beauty. The bird life is equally exciting especially whence pale-arctic migrants arrive in winters.       

The country is a birders paradise with thirteen percent of World’s birds the number of species stands at 2000 along with subspecies. The number of avian families in India is more than hundred. The families with largest number of species are:

Timaliidae

Turdidae

Sylviidae

Accipitridae

These are just examples of unique features the species contain in India. The rich zoo geography, diverse terrains and equally diverse habitats offers home to large number of birds including the winter migrants.  

For bird watchers there are many hotspots spread all over India. These places are most popular with overseas enthusiasts. But the net is widening and more and more destinations rich in avian species are being explored. The improvement in tourism infrastructure and the increasing number of trained guides is encouraging birders to explore offbeat destination and discover interesting species that have been out of bounds so far. The upcoming and established birding tour operators are creating a huge market for this industry and inviting Nationals from Europe and USA.   

The popular hotspots in India are Bharatpur, Ranganathittu, Chilika Lake for wetland and shore birds. For species in North Himalayan Foothills Corbett Tiger Reserve, Sat Tal, Pangot, Binsar, Chopta, Chail, Sangla, Tirthan and Banjar valley  are the best places to watch the cheer pheasant, koklass pheasant, monal, blood pheasant, accentors, partridges, raptors like bearded vulture, Himalayan vulture  and many avian species that keep to high altitudes and the foothills.    

For forest species the Central India Tiger Reserves are the best namely Kanha National Park, Bandhavgarh and Panna National Park to name a few. There are many wildlife sanctuaries like Chambal River Sanctuary, Nauradehi WLS, Amarkantak and Pachmarhi WLS and other reserves in Madhya Pradesh or Central India where birders enjoy tiger safari as well. The winged wonders here will in no way disappoint the enthusiasts and some of the WLS described above are unexplored where no quantitative survey has been carried out. Some ornithological tour operators organise trips to these areas with guides.

In Gujarat and Goa in Western India organized ornithological surveys are being carried out. The Little Rann of Kutch is popular for flamingos, pelicans, bustards, cranes, palearctic migrants and common forest species. Breeding of flamingos in Greater Rann of Kutch a saline desert  is a matter of interest among many overseas visitors. In Goa Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is receiving many visitors interested in birds like green munia, Malabar Trogon and Ceylon frogmouth and some endemic species with affinity to Western Ghats. 

In Eastern India destinations like Eagles Nest Sanctuary, Kaziranga NP, Manas NP and Namdapha, destinations in Sikkim are highly popular for avian adventures. These areas are famous for greater adjutant stork, great hornbill,  marsh babbler, white winged wood duck, falcated Teal and white-eyed pochard, coral billed scimitar babbler, fire tailed sunbird, Myzornis, dark fronted babbler and many more.         

In Southern India Western Ghats Thattekkad, Munnar, Thekkady, Topslip, Ooty and Chinnar are some of the popular hotspots besides many. South Indian forests are home to many endemic species like the Nilgiri pipit, Ceylon Frogmouth, Nilgiri Laughing Thrush, Malabar Singing Thrush, Malabar Parakeet, white bellied woodpecker, Pompadour green pigeon, grackle, vernal hanging parakeet, Nilgiri Pigeon and many more. The list of birds found in Southern India is endless and only few find mention here.     

In the remote confines of India exist wilderness raw and esoteric. For those with spirit of adventure and exploration a window to the world of tigers, leopards, bears and bison exists. Be it Central, North, West, East or South you will find a wildlife haven that will enchant you with magnificent animals and birds. A visit will be a discovery of a lifetime.  

India’s wild haven now exists as protected areas with focus on tiger. lion and other animals like rhino, red panda, hoolock gibbon so on. The biodiversity is amazing special the mammals that can out number the species list of Africa. The country has affinity with trans zoo-geographical regions and that precisely is the reason for diversity of life forms that thrive in the wild.

In The Western State of Gujarat the Asiatic Lion now thrives in good numbers. It is the only Asian race surviving on this Earth. Protected and breeding in the Gir National Park it has been a great conservation success. Another animal that attracts visitors is the Wild Ass found in the Little Rann of Kutch along with mammals like the black buck caracal, leopard, hyena, fox and wolf. The habitats like saline desert in LRK, grasslands, thorn and scrub dry forests suits these animals well and hence the abundance.    

The tiger reigns supreme in the wild realms of Central India. It can be seen roaming wild in number of tiger reserves that receive ample protection and conservation inputs. Well on the brink the big cat will be saved if efforts continue. Around three thousand survive all over the country and the breeding successful. The best place to see them in the wild is Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Pench National Parks. These are situated in the state of Madhya Pradesh and are easily accessible.   

In North in the Indomitable Himalayas another big cat thrives in the inaccessible snowy terrains. This is the silver ghost the snow leopard an animal will thick cryptic fur it gels with the snow mountains and is one of the most difficult animal to spot. Along with this illusive cat lives a number of mountain goats that are its prey base. Each ecosystem in India has a unique food chain and some endemic participants. 

 In Eastern India lives another group of charismatic animals like the red panda, Hoolock gibbon the ape, clouded leopard and the golden langur or monkey. These are found in the confines of Manas National Park and Namdapha National Park to name a few. The Indian Rhino is also found in the North East at Kaziranga National Park along with the tiger, wild water buffalo, elephant and the swamp deer. 

In the Southern India live primates that are not found anywhere, the Niligiri langur and the Lion Tailed Macaque along with number of goat antelopes like the Nilgiri Tahr. The region is also land of the tiger where thrives with the elephant and the bison. The Western Ghats are home to many wild creatures that thrive in wild abundance of the true tropical forests. 

In the wilderness of Central Indian jungles one destination stands out among many. That one destination is Kanha National Park. Situated in Madhya Pradesh or Central India it is the jewel in the crown. Not only wildlife enthusiasts film makers and photographers throng this dense canopy  it is full of holiday makers from India and foreign lands. 

One visit to this prized holiday destination is enough to know what magic nature can spell. Albeit this miracle has come about to be in eons the present is the result of evolution a web of life so enchanting and yet so fragile its very existence is hard to believe. Nevertheless in spite of large scale deforestation and influx of hordes of humans the paradise still survives. 

Out of steaming moist and marshy jungles emerge fascination creatures animals, birds and reptiles which are the attention grabbers. One cannot forget the colorful butterflies, delicate damselflies and dragons extremely vivacious in real life. Yes the biodiversity casts a magical spell and transfixes your sensory apparatus.       

The most coveted animal on jeep safari is the tiger the big cat with magnificent eyes that glow in the dark and  and golden fur with black stripes the animal encapsulates the spirit of the jungle.  In nature none other could be so beautiful as the mystical tiger you have to see to believe it. 

Can anything come close to the tiger in beauty and grace. Yes the swamp deer the graceful and majestic both enshrined in the heavenly creature. This is one of the rarest race of red deer in the World the hard ground Barasingha or the swamp deer. It is shy and trepid and timorous like an underground bandicoot. But the handsome stag in mesmerizing and absolutely stunning with the imposing antlers like a regal headdress. 

The dhole or the wild dog not at all an timorous kind bold and brave in a pack they can bring a big cat down. There are most gory killers and start feeding while the prey is still alive. That is nature and they way it has designed these nimble footed canids. Their role as carnivores is as important as the tertiary predators.  The golden orange fur black bushy tail and shapely ears are nature’s beautiful creations howsoever gory their role may be. 

The birds are no less enchanters with their maddening melange and lythe wings they never fail to impress. The songsters rival our best singers and musicians. Bird watching is an addicting recreation and Kanha fulfills all the desires.   

If you are into micro fauna then there is no shortage of fluttering damsels and butterflies these are the most enigmatic creature s that can never stop enchanting with their amazing fabrics and adornments