Tadoba Wildlife Sanctuary-Chandrapur, Maharashtra

Category : Indian wildlife

Tadoba Wildlife Sanctuary-Chandrapur, Maharashtra is a famous tiger reserve and one of the biggest Tiger Conservation projects in the world. Located in a district named Chandrapur, this place provides one of the most pristine environments in the world. Some believe that this place has some of the best forest tracks in the world along with a bio-diversity that is unique in its own way. The natural heritage of this place makes it a class apart from others. Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is the second such wildlife conservation project in the state of Maharashtra. The total area coverage of this sanctuary is around 625 square kilometers. The Tadoba Wildlife Sanctuary was created in the year 1955 and has a total area of 116.55 square kilometers. The rest is occupied by the Andhari Tiger Reserve Project. The forests covering this area are of dry deciduous type. There are varieties of trees that can be found here; some of them are- Teak, Bija, Ain, Haldu, Dhauda, Bamboo and Tendu. In the same manner-there are a number of wild animals that can be found here. Tigers are found mostly in the Tiger Reserve areas and do not require special mentioning. Apart from this animals like Indian Bison, Sloth Bear, Spotted cat, Leopard and Flying squirrels are found every now and then. A variety of eco-development projects have been taken up by the Maharashtra Government in order to protect the environment. These villages are located in the periphery of the Tadoba biosphere. The best time to visit this place is between Novembers to June since this period provides the best climatic conditions to the tourists.

Located in the northeastern part of Maharashtra, Tadoba Sanctuary has earned a good name for itself. Some people call it the Jewel of Vidharba and are one of the oldest national parks in the whole of India. This park had already been established in 1935 and later on in the year 1955, it was declared as a national park. The major attraction of this sanctuary is the team of 50 Bengal Tigers. These beautiful beasts are best seen at night when they are at their height of physical agility. A night safari would also bring into glimpse a number of wild animals like Leopard, Chital, Sambar, Gaur and Nigel. These animals are rarely visible during the daytime. One may consider this place to be a paradise for any ornithologist since the variety of birds present here is mighty. A huge array of exotic birds comes to this place; migratory birds are no exception.

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Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary Kerala

Category : Indian wildlife

A dedicated bird sanctuary is a rarity, but Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary Kerala is an exceptional ecological conservation project. Migratory birds have chosen this wonderful place over others since it has an ambience that is perfect for bird life. Long back this very place was known as Baker’s estate since it was owned by an Englishman. He himself turned this into a bird sanctuary and today it is one of the best bird sanctuaries in India. Ornithologists around the world wonder as to how this place has evolved into a unique sanctuary for birds. They come here for observational projects as well as research work on birds. It is located close to the Kavanar River that has enhanced the overall beauty of this place.

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Velavadar Black Buck National Park

Category : Indian wildlife

This national park was established in the year 1976and is located in the Bhal region of the state of Saurashtra. It hugs the coasts of Gulf of Khambhat and covers a total surface area of 34.08 square kilometer. It was once under the area of vidi, which primarily is grassland. This particular ecological uniqueness has helped in the conservation of the black buck along with a few other exotic animals. Most of these animals were once endangered due to massive poaching. Wolves and Lesser Floricans are also found in these regions. Geographically, this place is primarily covered with grasslands, but due to its adjacency to the coast, some parts get water. This adequacy of water occurs when there are high tides. These areas have been converted into saline lands due to its contact with seawater. One can experience different geographical patterns in Velavadar Black Buck National Park.

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Simlipal National Park – Bhubaneshwar, Orissa

Category : Indian wildlife

It is regarded as one of the largest national parks of India. Hence, there is a lot of craze about this particular national park. It covers an area of 2750 kilometers. A number of wild animals and over 200 species of birds, make this an unique place for every traveler. It is nature redefined and in its purest form. Leopards, lions, elephants, bison and deer form an integral part of the animal population of this place. The flora and fauna of this place is simply amazing since it has over a thousand species of plants. These plants belong to 102 families. There are around 92 types of orchids, which have been independently identified in this part of the national park. Hence, it is a truly wonderful experience for botanists who visit this place for research related work. It is a great tourist destination since people like to be one with nature. It is located at a distance of about 320 kilometers from Bhubaneswar. Hence, it is not a very inaccessible place; rather it is very easy to reach this particular place. Semi-evergreen trees and deciduous trees cover most of the areas of Simplipark National Park. The savanna grasslands of this region act as a camouflage for the predators. It has developed into a very favorable hunting ground for predators like leopards.

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Srivilliputhur Giant Squirrel Sanctuary

Category : Indian wildlife

There is a growing awareness to safeguard our forests and conserve the natural environment. Hence, governments around the world are trying to take several steps to safeguard the natural resources. In our country, the government is looking after the natural resources and safeguarding animals by building sanctuaries. The Srivilliputhur Giant Squirrel Sanctuary is one of them. It is an effort to protect the squirrel species from the brink of extinction. Virundhunagar district in Tamil Nadu is the home to an immense biodiversity. Hence, in the year 1989, this place was transformed into a sanctuary. It is on the Western Ghats of India and the variety of animals and plants found in this area is immense. Some districts of Maduari have even come under this particular wildlife sanctuary, owing to its immense size. Hence, one can only imagine the stretch, which this sanctuary covers. It is home to the grizzled giant squirrel that is completely endangered. Apart from this, there is a mountain range in this area too. Deciduous forests and grasslands cover most of the areas of Srivilliputhur Giant Squirrel Sanctuary. Rainfall is substantial throughout the year. The Western Ghats is famous for rainfall it receives throughout the year. Over 800 mm of annual rainfall is recorded each year in and around the areas of the Giant Squirrel Sanctuary.

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Shenduruny Wildlife sanctuary – Kerala

Category : Indian wildlife

Kerala is often described as nature’s most blessed child, and there are ample reasons to justify this. This sanctuary is twenty-seven years old and has derived its name from the Shenduruny tree that grows in that area. The area is known as Pathanapuram Taluk. It is at a distance of 66 KMS from Kollam town. The Kollam highway is located exactly at a distance of 66 kilometers from the wildlife sanctuary. The total area coverage of this sanctuary is around 101 KMS. It is a place where nature has created an environment blessed with pleasant climatic conditions. The pleasantness prevails throughout the year and hence a traveler can visit this place any time of the year. It would be great fun and entertainment at the same time. There are a lot of arrangements that the forest officials have made for the tourists. One has to visit this place in order to understand what it is really like.

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Silent Valley National Park

Category : Indian wildlife

Kerala is also known as God’s own backyard. This statement is justified by the immense greenery and the beautiful landscape of this part of the world. The backwaters of Kerala have become so popular that thousands of tourists are visiting each year to enjoy the incredible natural beauty of this place. This place is famous for the Silent Valley National Park. It is located in a region called the Western Ghats and this place has an eventful history too. In the mid 70s and the 80s, there were several uprisings regarding a few
government projects? Finally, the government managed to set up a national park after a plan to construct a power plant failed completely.

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Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary Kerala

Category : Indian wildlife

Biodiversity is one of nature’s most unique creations and to experience it one must visit the rainforests of the Western Ghats. The geological composition and ecological balance has resulted in the coexistence of a unique diversity of various animal species. Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary Kerala is one such place located in the Western Ghats. It is a place of unique bio diversity along with a lot of other attractions. It is located between Nelliampathy ranges of the state of Kerala and the Anamalai range of Tamil Nadu. This place is full of natural reservoirs and the sight of the mugger croc is quite common in this part of the world. A large number of tourists are attracted towards this place due to this reason.

One may say that this is one of the most ecologically protected places of the entire Western Ghats region. There is minimal human encroachment or human interference in this part of the Western Ghats. Hence the natural flora and fauna of this place has been well protected. Eco-tourism is a very modern concept in tourism. It is primarily aimed at providing the tourists the requisite environment to enjoy a vacation. This place is free from any artificial intrusion and therefore it is as fresh as a fiddle. For a change this place can rejuvenate the mind and soul. The body can also feel a lot more relaxed after a trip to this part of the world.

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Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary

Category : Indian wildlife

The Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary is a composition of the Peppara Dam and the dense forests around that area. The dam was solely designed to provide quality water to the adjacent areas of Thiruvanathapuram. Kottoor and Palode sanctuaries have been partially merged with this particular area since a reserve cannot have well defined geographical boundaries. The area is quite hilly and a topological analysis would show that there is substantial undulation. The total area coverage is approximately 53 square kilometers. The flora and fauna of this amazing place has attracted a number of conversationalists and researchers to this particular place. Boat rides in and around that place would be very enjoyable since one can enjoy the lush green forests and wildlife at the same time.

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Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary- Nature’s Blessed Child

Category : Indian wildlife

Nothing is more entertaining and exciting than a wildlife safari out in the open jungles of the Western Ghats. If you want a similar experience then you must surely visit Wayanad Wildlife sanctuary in Kerala. It is god’s own place as described by some foreign tourists. This sanctuary is a part of the greater Nilgiri biosphere. This place earns its fame due to the famous tiger conservation project, which was undertaken in the year 1991. This part of Kerala is one of the least populated areas and therefore the natural beauty has remained unaffected. People would never feel like they are living in an urbanized landscape. The animal population of Wayanad Wildlife sanctuary can dwell in peace since there is little human interference. Human interference can reduce the attraction of a particular place especially if it is in a region like the Western Ghats.

A number of animals like elephants, sloth, cheetal, leopards and jackals are found in this region of the Nilgiris. Hence, one can enjoy a fair deal by going for conducted tours around this reserve. Hunting is strictly prohibited and there is full proof security all around this place.

Safaris are not on offer here but one can take his own sports vehicle into this terrain. A jeep is strictly recommended because of the terrain. A local guide’s assistance may be needed since the total area is very big and large parts of it are totally beyond any human supervision. It is all natural with wild animals and plants all around the sanctuary.

If you want to spot any wild animals around this place, then you must go during the wee hours of the morning. Early evening is also a time when many wild animals return to their resting places. Nevertheless, one must be very careful since the animals may feel insecure due to the presence of human beings around them.
A birdwatcher’s den- some people may call it since there are a huge number of birds that come there to rest and one can get a close glimpse into their lives. The birds have different behaviors in different seasons. One should avoid wearing very brightly colored clothes since they distract the wild animals.

Special precautionary measures have been introduced by the forest department in order to prevent any kind of mishaps during any trip to this part of the world. Vythiri and Meenmutty are resorts in the in this part of the world which can provide extremely good quality of accommodation and food. Food may not be easily available in a place like the Western Ghats but these resorts have changed the entire concept in those regions.

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