Bandipur National Park

Nestled well amidst the towering Western Ghat Mountains on the Mysore-Ooty highway, the Deccan Plateau houses one of the first Tiger Reserves of the country - The Bandipur National Park. Situated in Karnataka, the Bandipur National Park includes the neighbouring wildlife sanctuaries of Mudumalai National Park in Tamil Nadu and Wayanad in Kerala. A moderate climate and diverse geographical features support a remarkable variety of flora and fauna. Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the 15 sanctuaries belonging to the Project Tiger Scheme launched in 1973, by the World Wide Fund for Nature. In 1974, the Bandipur was declared a National Park under the Wildlife Protection Act. The Bandipur National Park is one of its own kind in Asia as it has huge elephant herds.
Flora and Fauna in Bandipur National Park

The Bandipur National Park is covered with a mix of deciduous forests, evergreen forests and scrub, which is provided by the waters of the Moyar River. The major types of fauna in this reserve are the Asian elephant, gaur, sambhar, chital, mouse deer, four horned antelope, wild pig, black naped hare and the Indian porcupine. Apart from being home to the Asiatic elephant, Bandipur also has a large number of tigers, which count around 66 in number. The scrub jungles consist of stunted trees, bushes and open grassy patches. In the northwestern area, the vegetation contains the open dry deciduous forests to tropical mixed deciduous forests.
When to Visit Bandipur National Park

Bandipur is a tourists' paradise from April to October. During summer, the backwaters of the Kabini Reservoir provide the best opportunity to the tourists to observe large mammals, especially the elephant and the gaur. The best time to spot elephant herds is in the rainy season. Other animals found in this forest are gaur (a type of bull), sambhar, chital, mouse deer, four-horned antelope, wild boar, jackal, sloth bear, panther, Malabar squirrel, porcupines, and the black-naped hare.


How To Reach Bandipur National Park
By Air : The Bangalore airport is the nearest airport and is 220 kms away from Bandipur.
By Rail : The nearest railhead is Nanjangud, 55 kms away followed by the Mysore station at a distance of 80 kms. One can easily hire a taxi or catch a bus or train from Mysore or Ooty.
By Road : The Bandipur National Park is 220 kms from Bangalore; 80 kms from Mysore and 80 kms from Ooty. The Gundulpet town is 20 kms away from Bandipur and is the nearest road head in Bandipur. The national park is well connected through road with every big or small town.
General Information
You cannot tour the national park in your private vehicles are not allowed to tour the park. The tourists can go around the park in the forest department jeeps and vans. The elephant rides are also organised by the Forest Department for an hour (or more) or so. One can also book a 'Machan' near the watering hole to have a close view of the animals. The tourist places near the Bandipur National Park are Gopalaswami Betta and Rolling Rocks. These places are certainly picturesque and photogenic.
General Information

You cannot tour the national park in your private vehicles are not allowed to tour the park. The tourists can go around the park in the forest department jeeps and vans. The elephant rides are also organised by the Forest Department for an hour (or more) or so. One can also book a 'Machan' near the watering hole to have a close view of the animals. The tourist places near the Bandipur National Park are Gopalaswami Betta and Rolling Rocks. These places are certainly picturesque and photogenic.

Manas National Park

Lying on the foothills of the Himalaya, Manas is the most stunning pristine wildlife habitat in India, comparable to the best in the world in the beauty of its spectacular landscape. It is also a UNESCO Natural World Heritage (in danger) site, a Project Tiger Reserve, an Elephant Reserve and a Biosphere Reserve – a unique distinction. This Brahmaputra Valley semi-evergreen forest Terrestrial Eco-region is also the richest in species of all Indian wildlife areas and the only known home for the rare and endangered Assam Roofed Turtle, Hispid Hare, Golden Langur and Pygmy Hog.
Manas is the closest I have come to seeing paradise on earth in my life – but that was 25 years ago. Today, Manas looks like an aged diva wearing rags, though I think I still caught the familiar sparkle in the eye.
The focus point of Manas National Park is the enchanting Manas River, named after the serpent goddess Manasa. It is the largest Himalayan tributary of the mighty Brahmaputra. Coming down the Bhutan Hills from the north, the crystal clear waters of the Manas river runs through the heart of the 500 sq. km core area of Manas Park. The main tourist spot of Mothanguri, on the northern border of Manas with Bhutan, is situated on the banks of this river.
Situated in the north bank of the Brahmaputra river, in Assam, Manas lies on the international border with Bhutan. It is bounded on the north by the Royal Manas National Park in Bhutan, on the south by populous North Kamrup district and on both east and west by buffer forest reserves which are part of 2,840 sq. Km Manas Tiger Reserve.
The Manas River flows through the west of the park, where it splits into two separate rivers, the Beki and Bholkaduba. These and five small rivers drain the Reserve which lies on a wide low-lying alluvial terrace below the foothills of the outer Himalaya.
Limestone and sandstone form the bedrock of the savanna area in the north while the grasslands in the south consist of deep deposits of fine alluvium.
 
Vegetation: The Burma Monsoon Forests of Manas lie on the borders between the Indo-Gangetic and Indo-Malayan bio-geographical realms and is part of the Brahmaputra Valley Biogeographic Province. The combination of Sub-Himalayan Bhabar Terai formation with riverine succession leading up to Sub-Himalayan mountain forest makes it one of the richest biodiversity areas in the world.
Fauna: Manas is the melting point of the west and the east, with many species at the westernmost and easternmost point of their range representing a gateway for species exchanges between the typically Indian and Malayan’ faunas.
A total of 55 mammals, 50 reptiles and three amphibians have been recorded, several species being endemic. Manas contains 21 of India’s Schedule I mammals and at least 33 of its animals listed as threatened, by far the greatest number of any protected area in the country. Some, like the Assam Roofed turtle Kachuga sylhetensis, Golden Langur Presbytis geei, Hispid Hare Caprolagus hispidus, Pygmy Hog Sus salvanius and the only pure strain of Asiatic Wild Buffalo Bubalus arnee, are only found/best seen here.
Bird life: The diverse habitat of Manas is ideal home for a variety of specialized birds. Manas boasts the largest population of the endangered Bengal Florican in the world and is also a great place to see the Great Hornbill. The National Park lists around 380 species and the adjoining hilly terrain in Bhutan can easily add a hundred birds to that total. Good birds to look for are Greater Adjutant, Black-tailed Crake, Red-headed Trogon, Swamp Francolin, Wreathed and Rufous-necked Hornbill, Marsh and Jerdon’s Babblers, Pied Harrier, Rufous-rumped and Bristled Grassbirds, Hodgson’s Bushchat, Rufous-vented Laughingthrush, Finn’s Weaver, Ibisbill and a variety of foothills species.

Gir National Park

Gujarat situated in the extreme western part of India is a unique state that has many kinds of habitats. These varied landscapes include dry deciduous forests, majestic grasslands, wetlands, marine ecosystems and rich moist deciduous forests. These environments are home to some extremely rare wildlife species. The Asiatic Lion is found only in Gir. The Wild Ass in the Rann of Kutch, the rare great Indian bustard in the bird reserves, the world’s only four-horned antelope and the Black Buck are some other valued species protected and conserved in Gujarat. The dugong and the rare boralia species also find a safe haven here.
Besides, Gujarat has numerous other attractions, one would not elsewhere. It is one of the most growing states of India with several large, medium and small scale industries.
Key Factors
Zone : West
Location : To the western region of India.
Capital : Gandhinagar
Best Time to Visit : Most of these areas are open to visitors round the year. But the best time to visit is during November to March.
Travel Tips : Consult your doctor before you start your journey to Gujarat. Make sure that you have all the required documents to visit Gujarat India Wildlife.
Get There
International Aiprort : Mumbai Sahar International Airport.
Airport : Ahmedabad
Railways : All the major cities of Gujarat are finely connected by a railway tracks and the major cities of India.
Road : Gujarat has well defined roads.


Stay There
There are numerous luxury, deluxe, heritage and budget hotels in Gujarat. You may take your pick from a range of luxury and budget hotels in Gujarat besides the star categorized accommodation hotels around the landmarks of Gujarat offer excellent view of the landmarks through their suites. Most of the places to stay in Gujarat are strategically located in the business district or near the airport and the railway station of the cities. Some places where you can stay are – Holiday Inn Hotel, Taj Residency Ummed, Cama Park Plaza, Comfort Inn Sunset,
Hotel Fortune Landmark, Hotel Holiday Inn, Hotel Park Inn, Yuvraj Hotel.
Venture in Gujarat
Some Major Wildlife Sites in Gujarat :
Gir National Park, Gujarat
The home of lions – Gir National Park is the most ideal place if you are here to observe Lions. Jackal, Panthers, Wild Cats and Hares and Hyena. The suitable climatic conditions prevalent within the park has made it a home for a large number of bird species. Numerous birds like Paradise Flycatchers, Black headed Cuckoo Shrike, Gray Drongo, Pied Woodpeckers, Coppersmiths, Indian Rollers, Crested Swifts, Fish Owls, Black Vultures, Shaheen Falcons, Bonelli’s Eagles, Flamingo, Crested Serpent Eagles, Painted Sandgrouse, Rock Bush Quail, Gray Partridge, Painted Storks and White Necked Storks are found here.
Little Rann of Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary, Gujarat
About 195 km from Ahmedabad is the Little Rannof Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary in the state of Gujarat. The sanctuary is home to wild ass (Khur)
A variety of desert life can be found here, notably the surviving herds of the Indian wild ass(khur); also wolf and caracal (a large, pale cat with tufted ears).
Ratan Mahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary, Gujarat
Ratan Mahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary is home to Sloth bears (57 as per the latest census), panthers (9), large-size monkeys (900), langoors (800), jackals (100), antelopes (four) and hyenas (8), besides others numerous jungle cats, foxes, honey badgers, hare, porcupines and reptiles. To believe the beauty of flora and birds (120 species) you got to visit this place.
Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary, Gujarat
Gujarat has some outstanding places for viewing birds of the wetlands. Just 80 km from Ahmedabad is Nalsarovar. Nalsarovar is a seasonal lake spread over an area of 115 sq km. It is known to harbour more than 250 species of birds. In winter the migratory birds descend on the Nalsarovar in their thousands. Visitors are ferried in small boats and to view the sunrise and sunset while cruising gently through the silent waters, with birds silhouetted in the golden orange glow will lift any sagging spirits.
Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary, Gujarat
You can find – Sloth bear, leopard, sambar, blue bull, wildboar, porcupine and variety of birds in this wildlife sanctuary. The sanctuary is very close to the state capital Ahmedabad (190 km).
Marine National Park, Gujarat
Gujarat has the distinction of creating the country’s first Marine National Park spread over an area of nearly 458 sq.kms. in the Gulf of Kutch, 30 km. from Jamnagar. Here corals create fantasies in stone and are the master builders of the Park.
Here you will find plants that look like animals and animals that look like plants. Turtles, shrimp, sponge, eels, sea urchin lurk among the corals and huge schools of fish create a brilliance of colors that are unknown, unseen and unimaginable to us.
Porbandar Bird Sanctuary
Situated in the heart of the city Porbandar, The Porbandar Bird Sanctuary is home to variety of wildfowls, flamingos, ibis, teals, Curlews and Sizable number of migratory birds. It is just 5 km from the Airport and the railway station.
Velavadar Black Buck Sanctuary
This is the home of the Indian black buck. Velavadar in the Bhal region of Saurashtra is a unique grassland ecosystem that has attracted fame for the successful conservation of the black buck – the fastest of the Indian antelopes, the wolf and the lesser florican.
Gujarat is home to numerous attractions. Ahmedabad has got numerous places of interest for tourists, ranging from monuments to amusement parks. The charm of the various museums, mosques, and forts complements the simplicity of the Ahmedabad city. Gandhinagar, Porbandar, Somnath, Veraval, Junagarh are worth a visit. Visit the beaches of Daman & Diu and Veraval to rejuvenate your body and soul.
Few Difficulties
You might not face any difficulty here, as Gujarat is well planned and well prepared for its visitors and tourists. There are numerous major cities which offer best facilities and services to its visitors. Again, you might face problems while communicating to the locales, as English is the learned man’s language. If you need your choice of food then you have to book with the luxurious hotels and accommodation facilities, which are abundant in some of the major cities of Gujarat. You may not find a luxurious facility in the remote areas of Gujarat.
Few Suggestions
Drink only packaged bottled water and consume food from authentic restaurants. Avoid the crowded place. Don’t get into any unknown or illegal activity. Do not disturb the local culture and local atmosphere. Try to be well informed about the routes and the place you are going to visit. Contact us when and where needed, while on a wildlife India Tour.

Anshi National Park

Anshi National Park is Karnataka In the district of Uttar Kannada Anshi National Park is located. The scenic beauty of this park is non-parallel. An animal lover will definitely fall in love with Anshi National Park. The flora of this place has been blessed with plants like eucalyptus, bamboo, teak, xylia xylocarpa, silver oak, bauhinia and others. This 340 square kilometer park is located in the Western Ghats. The mountain forms the beautiful backdrop of the park. The altitude of the place varies from 27-927 meters. Although the rainfall is heavy but the laterite soil fails to retain water. To fight this problem the park has set up bore well pumps.
The Anshi National Park in Karnataka is spread over an area of 340 square kilometers. It was made into a national park in the year 1956. The national park is an important nesting place for various species of birds and insects. In addition, there are also diverse species of mammals and reptiles in the forest.The Anshi National Park, Karnataka is set amidst the Western Ghat range. The vegetation of the forest consists of rain forests and deciduous forests.
A wide range of flora and fauna are found in the Anshi National Park. The forest is an ideal habitat for species like black panthers, elephants, tigers, deer, wild boars and other animals. In addition, there are various types of reptiles in the forest.Bird watching is a popular activity in Anshi National Park in Karnataka. The forest has an array of bird species. The ideal time to watch birds is in the spring season when the trees are at full bloom.
Tigers, Indian Bison, Bonnet Macaque, Deer, Mouse Deer, Spotted Deer, Malabar Civet, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Pangolin, Sloth Bear, Black Panther, Elephants, Adjutant Stork, Ashy Woodswallow, Black-crested Bulbul, Blue-headed Pitta, Brahminy Kite, Broad-billed Roller, Crested Serpent Eagle, Great Hornbill, Golden-backed Woodpecker, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Sri Lanka Frogmouth and Yellow-footed Green Pigeon.


Mammals:
They include the elephant, gaur, wild boar, sambar, spotted deer, barking deer, mouse deer, common langur, bonnet macaque, slender loris, tiger, jungle cat, black panther, mongoose, wild dog, sloth bear, Malabar giant squirrel and the porcupine.
Gokarna:
The Coastal town of Gokarna is a pilgrimage centre as well as a centre of Sanskrit learning, 56 km from Karwar. It has the Mahabaleswar Temple with the ‘Atmalinga’ dedicated to Shiva. There is an enormous chariot, which is taken out in a procession on Shiva’s birthday in February. The Tambraparni Teertha here is considered sacred to perform obsequies of the dead. There is a beach called Om Beach.
Udupi:
One of the holy place and it is 58 km from Mangalore. The Krishna temple here is founded by Acharya Madhwa during the 14th century. He founded eight mathas to conduct the services of Lord Krishna in turns. Paryaya festival is held once in two years in January. The place has Kadiyali Durga temple, Ambalapadi Shakti temple, Raghavendra Matha and the Venkataraman swamy temple. Malpe is the port near here. It has a beach and the Vadabhandeshwara temple of Balarama.
Karkala:
Karkala 50 km from Mangalore and 20 km from North of Moodabidire, is Karkala, an important centre of Jainism. There are several temples and a 17 metres high statue of Bahubali (Gomateshwara), situated on a small hill. The statue is a naked figure reached by a flight of rock-cut steps. Some of the temples are Chaturmukha Basti (1587), Neminatha Basti, Ananthapadmanabha Temple(1567) dedicated to Vishnu, and Venkataramana temple(Padutirupathi).
Venur:
Situated 50 km NE of Mangalore, has eight Bastis and ruins of a Mahadeva temple. The largest of them is the 17C Kalli Basti, dedicated to Shantinatha. There is a Gommanteswara Monolith, 11metres high dating back to 1604 in Venur.
Abbey falls:
Previously known as Jessey Falls, this beautiful waterfall lies about 5 km from Coorg. A big attraction for tourists and filmdom alike is the Abbey Falls, 8 km from Madikeri. Even during the summer there is plenty of water in these falls. The roar of the falls can be heard from the main road, from where a path goes through lovely coffee and cardamom plantations right up to them. The chirping of innumerable birds which are easier heard then seen, fill the air with sweet music. Do remember to take your binoculars and camera when you go there.

Gugamal National Park

Accommodation :
Arrival information :
– By rail : The nearest railway stations are at Badnera / Amravati, 110-km away from the park.
– By air : The nearest airport is at Nagpur, 225-km away from the park.
– By road : Tourists can reach at Semadoh from Badnera / Amaravati (100-110-km) within 3 hours drive by road.
 
Nearby excursions : Melghat jungle safari


Nearby cities :
Melghat Tiger Reserve is located in Chikhaldara and Dharni tehsils of Amaravati district in Satpura hill range. This is one of the last remaining habitats of Indian tiger in Maharashtra. The Melghat Tiger Reserve was constituted in 1974 and the Directorate of Project Tiger, Melghat started functioning from 22nd Feb 1974. In view of the ecological, floral and faunal significance of the region, on 5th Sep 1975, the Melghat Tiger Reserve was designated a sanctuary.



Flora :
The forest in rugged and hilly area of Melghat is typical Southern dry deciduous forest. There are 750 species of plants in the area. There are 90 tree species, 66 shrub species, 316 herb species, 56 climbers, 23 sedge species and 99 grass species. Approximately 50-75 more species have been identified and several more are expected to identify in the future at the Melghat Tiger Preserve.
Tectona grandis, Ain, Tiwas, Aola, Lendia, Dhawada, Kusum are the important tree species. Bamboo and Teak is widely spread in the forests. The area is rich in medicinal plants.
Fauna :
The area is rich in wild mammals including Tiger, Panther, Sloth Bear, Wild Dog, Jackal, Hyena, Chausinga, Sambar (largest Deer on earth) Gaur, Barking Deer, Ratel, Flying squirrel, Cheetal (type of Deer), Nilgai, Wild Boar, Langur, Rhesus Monkey, and Macaque. Also found here are 25 types of fishes and many varieties of butterflies.

Jim Corbett National Park

Welcome to Jim Corbett National Park, the first wildlife reserve of India, extending over an area of more than 500 sq km in the Himalayan foothills. Corbett national park was established in 1936, as the Hailey National Park. In 1955-56 it has changed to Ramganga National Park and finally Jim Corbett National Park in the honor of legendary hunter-turned- conservationist, best known for hunting man-eating tigers and leopards in the Kumaon and lower Garhwal in the 1920s.


Corbett National park is known for its varied wildlife, and as the site for the launching of Project Tiger. Corbett National Park was one of the nine tiger reserves created at the launch of the Project Tiger in 1973. The original area of the Corbett National Park was 323.75 sq. km. to which 197.07 sq. km. was added later. In 1991, an area of 797.72 sq km was added as buffer area of the Corbett Tiger Reserve. It area includes kalagarh forest division and Ramnagar forest division.

 

The Main wildlife animals found in the Corbett National Park include the tiger, elephant, chital, sambar, nilgai, gharial, King Cobra, muntjac, wild boar, hedgehog, common musk shrew, flying fox, Indian Pangolin, and nearly 600 species of birds. Corbett National Park receives thousands of visitors every year. A variety of facilities are available to house tourists within and outside the park.

 

Developed and nurtured by Late Jim Corbett, the former hunting ground of the British, the Jim Corbett National Park was set up in 1936. Initially named as the Hailey National Park, the park was renamed as Jim Corbett National Park and became one of the tiger reserves in the country in 1973 with the launch of the Project Tiger scheme. This 201 square miles park is known for the large population of tigers, leopards and elephants. The national park is home to the most precious wildlife in India and the diverse species of flora and fauna accommodating around 110 tree species, 50 mammal species, 580 bird species and 25 reptile species.