Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: Beauty of Wild Nature

Since my childhood the thought of wild adventure in jungle remained a matter of fascination for me. And every time I saw the world of wild creatures in various cinemas, books, magazines and newspapers my childhood fascination increased manifold. The wild roaming among the wild flora and fauna of jungle came true with my friend's invitation from Kerela. My friend is a forest ranger and is posted in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. 

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

The invitation was so prompting that without a second thought I rushed to this place. The two days of exhaustive journey took me to the entrance gate of  the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Here, I felt the refreshing beauty of nature with sweet aroma of wild flowers and cacophony of various birds. Beside all this I saw my childhood friend waiting for me in an open Jeep. On our way to guest house he briefed me about this place. 

The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is located at Thekkady, 4 km from Kumili in Idukki district of Kerala.  Situated on the banks of the Periyar Lake, it is one of the most famous wildlife sanctuaries of India. This sanctuary is known for its  dense evergreen, moist deciduous forests and savannah grasslands surroundings. According to the census of the forest department this Sanctuary  has around 40 tigers, 20 leopards, 900 elephants and 280 gaurs and a wide variety of other wildlife. The reserve is also known for the Lion-tailed macaque, the Nilgiri langur, the Malabar giant squirrel, porcupine, wild dog, sloth bear, jungle cat, sambar, palm civet, wild boar and jackal. Approximately 180 species of birds are spotted in this National Park. 

The two day stay in a guest house with the ambience jungle is beyond description. Here morning is greeted in the numerous tones from various bird species and evening with beautiful sunset. The silence of night is broken by numerous unrecognisable sound from various animals. The sight of wild animals in their natural habitat is full of fascination and thrill.

Next day my friend guided me through various interesting spots of this sanctuary. The view of flora and fauna was so much engrossing that it made me speechless. The outstanding beauty of nature and wild animals in their natural habitat is beyond imagination.

I wished to visit the tiger reserve of this sanctuary but it was not allowed at that time by the sanctuary authority. But my friend promised me to take me there for tiger sighting on my next visit. I generously thanked him for his support. To some extent I was satisfied with this short tour which kindled my fascination into burning desire to explore more wildlife destinations.

Next morning my friend dropped me at the Idukki railway station and from there I boarded the train to Delhi. Throughout my train journey the sights of wildlife which I saw in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary raced through my heart filling it with great joy. 

My Tour to Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary: A Fantasy of Feathers

The story starts with the dense greens of Bharatpur National Park in Rajasthan, about 56 km from Agra, when I found myself in waist deep water while attempting to file some Siberian Cranes. I put the stand and camera on my shoulders and got a hide out constructed as the birds were frightened. The hide out was like a small thatched hut, two meters high with a few peep holes for the tele-lens. That was the most exciting experience of my life when I was trying to capture some best birds in my camera.

Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

In this bird paradise, I also spotted sambars, bluebulls, wild boars, blackbuck and nilgai waded through Bharatpur Lake. Though a guide told me that lucky tourists can also get to see jungle cat, leopard cat, fishing cat, chital, chinkara and a few reptiles in the forest – but I didn’t get that opportunity. The sun was up and the birds started moving around, and I was happy with the view. My movie camera, an Éclair, also began to whirl. Serving as one of the finest bird parks in the world, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (Keoladeo Ghana National Park) is a reserve that offers protection to faunal species as well.

Looking back to its origin, Keoladeo was named after an ancient Hindu temple standing at he centre of the park, devoted to Lord Shiva. On the other side, 'Ghana' means dense, which refers to the thick forest. Wildlife texts and books claim that the park serves as a home to over 400 species of birds including cranes, pelicans, geese, ducks, eagles, hawks, shanks, stints, wagtails, warblers, flycatchers, buntings, larks and pipits, etc. But I visited the park for three consecutive days just to have a glimpse of the world-famous Siberian Cranes.

I was unlucky for that glimpse, but one afternoon, a Kingfisher came near the Bharatpur Lake and starting hunting its prey. Its technique was very interesting. It hovered at a fixed point in the sky keeping a watch over the fish in the water. As soon as a shoal of fish came directly below, it would dive – its aim was unerring. It caught its prey every time. One of the twigs in my hideout was projected. The kingfisher perched itself on it to devour its catch. All this was happening so close to me that the water drops flung away by the bird fell on the tele-lens. I could observe the bird, but it could not spot me! 

I also enjoyed a trip to the forest trails, which I covered on foot. I enjoyed the best experience of bird watching there. A guide assisted me throughout the trail, who told me that the park has a total area of about 2900 hectares (29 sq km), mostly low lying land that gets inundated by rainwater. During monsoon & winter, 500 hectares of land are transformed into a vast natural lake. This 'Ornithologist's Paradise' was declared a National Park on 10^th March 1982, and later a World Heritage Site in December 1985. Flora at Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary consists of 64 families, 181 genera and 227 subspecies – of which I captured almost all the major ones, I think!

The abundance of aquatic vegetation, fish, frogs, insects, mollusk & plankton in shallow and widespread waters provide ideal conditions for nesting. More than 400,000 birds belonging to over 400 species arrive at Bharatpur every year. The Bombay Natural History Society has been studying the migration of the birds that come to Bharatpur for quite some time by putting rings on the legs of nestlings. The entire bird sanctuary becomes a vast breeding sanctuary for birds during the rainy season.

Mussoorie Tourism: Heaven for Holidaymakers

The best part about ‘birthday’ is that it is the first day of another 365 day journey around the sun. ‘I had a blast on my birthday this year with my friends’ doesn’t mark any story to tell, obviously. But I specially planned a Tour to Mussoorie with some of my friends just to celebrate my birthday, is certainly an experience to share. So, the story starts with our arrival in Mussoorie – the Queen of Hills in north India. Marvelous beauty at an altitude of 2000 meters, cool and pleasant climate conditions, vast carpet of greenery, rich variety of flora and fauna, and breathtaking snow capped mountains!

Mussoorie Tourism: Heaven for Holidaymakers

While enjoying our morning breakfast in the hotel, the manager told us that the best thing about Mussoorie is that it serves as a gateway to Gangotri and Yamunotri, two sacred destinations known to be the origin of rivers Ganga and Yamuna respectively. We started our exploration with the perennial Kempty waterfall. We found it actually very crowded, therefore we visited a more secluded place by climbing the steps lined along the flow of the stream, and find ourselves in a rocky enclosure formed naturally by the stream. After spending a couple of hours there, we headed for the Happy Valley that houses the IAS Academy, Tibetan temples and the Municipal Gardens. The municipal garden there proved to be a wonderful location to us for photography. Also known as Company Bagh, the garden attains an impression of old colonial gardens and has a wide green carpet of neat and clean lawns & a fountain in the center.

We stopped for a quick bite at a nearby restaurant and then visited the Gun Hill. A guide there told us that this hill dates back to the pre-independence period when a canon was fired from here every afternoon to help people know the time and adjust their watches. The hill is so significant to the entire town because it accommodates the entire water reservoir. We got back by a ropeway ride which offered awesome views of the entire valley. Later, we visited Jwala Devi Temple (atop the Benog Hills) closer to the Benog Wildlife Sanctuary – after all it was my birthday!! We enjoyed the views of the valley adorned with colorful flowers and gushing streams from the temple.

Next day, our first halt was four kilometer long Camel’s Back Road. This natural layout of rocks actually looks like the camel’s hump back. It served as a perfect spot for our morning walk. We also paid a short visit to the Christ Church, which was built in 1836 as per the Gothic design. The events in the life of Jesus Christ, which are depicted in the glass windows of the church, are also quite admirable. We also wanted to visit Lal Tibba – the highest point in Mussoorie, but access to the hill is restricted because of Indian Military operations. Therefore, we headed towards The Mall, the heart of Mussoorie. The area is dotted with video game parlors, skating rinks and other attractions. We also picked a few skating rinks on rent at Rs. 80 per hour and spent a couple of hours in skating. We did not get the opportunity to visit Cloud’s End, the end of Mussoorie. But we refreshed our senses at the Jharipani Falls, located 6 km downhill from Mussoorie. This way, our trip was full of fun and frill and we had a great time amidst the pure and unpolluted environment of Mussoorie.

Tour to Sarnath: Gem among Religious Tours to India

Sarnath, a small Buddhist place in the wonder state of Uttar Pradesh, came into limelight with a UNESCO project a few days back. The project was funded by Japan and it declared Sarnath as ‘the biggest Buddhist settlement in all of Central India’. Quite fascinating!! Every news channel & newspaper was full of stuff like ‘eight structures identified’, ‘14 more monasteries revealed’, ‘23 stupas found’ etc. Luckily, two friends of mine organized a short trip to Sarnath on the occasion of Buddha Purnima (last week of April). The journey from Delhi to Varanasi was smooth and relaxing, but reaching Sarnath from Varanasi (only 10 km) proved to be really hectic and tiring because of a big fair to celebrate the day of the Buddha's birth, nirvana and death.

Tour to Sarnath

Next morning, we hired a Toyota Qualis and started our exploration. Our first halt was Dhamekh Stupa, the largest in the region. Built around 500 AD, this remarkable structure is cylindrical in shape with 28 m diameter and 43.6 m height. While listening to a guide who was leading a Spanish group, we came to know that it marks the spot where Lord Buddha proclaimed his faith in front of his first five followers. All three of us were surprised to see the architectural beauty of the Stupa, which lays in its fine floral carvings of Gupta origin and Buddhist inscriptions dating back to 6^th century.

While having lunch at a restaurant, the driver told us that Emperor Ashoka visited Sarnath around 234 BC and spread Lord Buddha's message of love and compassion throughout his vast empire. He also constructed a stupa here, named Chaukhandi Stupa. We visited the site, which is a lofty mound of brick work. Its square edifice is surrounded by an octagonal tower.

In the evening, we also paid short visits to the Archaeological Museum and Chinese & Tibetan Temples. The best part with the Archeological Museum is that it houses the superb Lion capital of the Ashoka Pillar, which has been adopted as the National Emblem of India. Most of the structures were built between the 3^rd century BC and the 11^th century AD. Still Sarnath boasts of having the most expansive ruins among the places related to Lord Buddha.

Darjeeling Tourism: The Best Of Sightseeing & Adventure

It wasn't easy. I've experienced sleepless nights. Coffee was my only companion in silent nights when I was going through a number of Indian tour guides searching for a quiet, relaxing and lazy destination. Finally, I noticed a small town – Darjeeling – at the foot of Himalayas, filled with clean fresh mountain air and offering marvellous views of snow capped Everest, Kabru, Kanchenjunga, Jannu and other peaks. Around 6 km away, before reaching Darjeeling, I stopped at Ghoom – a renowned place dominated by the famous Yiga Choeling Monastery. As I entered the monastery, I found 15 images of the Maitreya Buddha, ancient palm leaves and paper manuscripts in Tibetan language.

Darjeeling Tourism

After having a quick bite at a roadside dhaba, I visited the Museum of Natural History that showcases a wonderful collection of Himalayan animals, reptiles, birds and insects. On my way to the city centre, I also paid short visits to Aloobari and Bhutia Busty monasteries. These holy Buddhist places not only showcase the rarest of antique articles and manuscripts but also depict an excellent architectural pattern. My hotel was quite close to the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park that is the only center in India for the breeding of snow leopard.

The next morning, I started my exploration with the Mountaineering Museum (run by the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, which trains mountaineers). I also wanted to experience the thrill of mountaineering, for which the museum authority provided me with all the equipments and clothes along with a trained assistant. Sanjog, my assistant, told me that it is the first place in India where Dr. Hooker organized trekking in the 1840s. I also enjoyed breathtaking views of Everest and Kanchenjunga peaks from high altitudes.

My next destination was the Observatory Hill, which is attached to strong religious faiths for the Hindus. The renowned Mahakal temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a holy Hindu site here. Post lunch, I headed towards the market, where I found all the shops loaded with good quality woolens and other Tibetan crafts like carpets, wood and leather work. My driver took me to the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center for the best of souvenirs, which is frequented for ethnic Tibetan artifacts.

At the end, I also enjoyed a journey in the Toy Train of Darjeeling. Started in September 1881, the train was declared a World Heritage icon in 1999 by UNESCO on the recommendation of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. That short journey left a long-lasting memory to me.

Honeymoon On Goa Beaches: Simply The Best !!

Finally, my long awaited dream came true and I tied a knot with my childhood lover. I always had a wish to visit some exciting destinations with her. As we were planning for a romantic honeymoon trip, she insisted me to explore Goa beaches. She, being an adventure enthusiast, loves to go for water sports while I am a lazy spirit and love to spend days in seclusion. And we came to a conclusion that a trip to Goa is full of attractions for all kinds of tourists with varying moods. I contacted Monika, a friend of mine who works with Caper Travel Company Pvt. Ltd. (a reputed India tour operator company), and asked her to plan a honeymoon tour to Goa for me.

Honeymoon On Goa Beaches

On arriving Goa, both of us were amazed to see the perfect blend of sea, sand, sun, surf and sea-food. The land abounds with scenic beauty all around and this makes it one of the picture perfect destinations in India. Roaring sea waves in Goa ensure a special bond between couples. The best part with this hot and happening place is that its 105 km long coastline is endowed with lovely beaches. Moreover one can avail the best of luxury services and facilities at various hotels and beach resorts in Goa. I also booked a cozy room in a beach resort near the Anjuna Beach in north Goa.

We started our exploration with north Goa and its capital Panaji/Panjim. I spend one entire day visiting the ancient Portuguese churches, monuments, gardens and statues. The next day was dedicated to all kinds of water sports, for which we visited Anjuna, Baga, Arambol, Dona Paula and the Calangute Beach. My beautiful wife enjoyed parasailing, water-scootering, wind-surfing, scuba diving, water skiing & angling, and I accompanied her in almost all the sports. In the evening, we spent some quality time on the white sands feeling the touch of cool air with some lip-smacking sea-food delicacies.

Now was the turn to explore south Goa. We visited attractive Portuguese-style villages, the cultural city of Margao and the picturesque beaches like Bogmalo, Colva, Agonda and Palolem. We spent romantic evening there while strolling hand in hand down the beaches, dancing by the fireside at midnight, and singing old songs to the beautiful notes of strumming guitar. We celebrated our newly found companionship in the trance parties till the wee hours in the night. At the end, Goa is simply the best to enjoy a memorable honeymoon. Whether you want to spend relaxing vacations together or want to have fun as a couple – Goa beaches are incomparable !!

Varanasi: The Cultural Centre of India

Varanasi: Cultural Centre of India

Banarasi Silk Sarees and Banarasi Paan have always been fascinating elements in Bollywood movies. And luckily I got a chance to visit Varanasi – the city of Moksha for Hindus since centuries. In school, I had read that the holy city not only boasts of being the oldest city of the world but is also one of the Shakti Peethas and the twelve Jyotir Linga sites in India. After arriving in the city, I rushed towards my hotel. I could hear pleasant prayers and chantings as it was quite close to the popular Dasaswamedh ghat.

I enjoyed bathing in the holy river Ganges at the ghat and explored the nearby sites and famous temples while boating there. After enjoying the boat ride for an hour, I had awesome jalebis (a traditional sweet) and spicy kachoris at a roadside shop. Meanwhile, the shopkeeper told me that it is believed that those who die and are cremated here get an instant gateway to liberation from the cycle of births and re-births. I could see many people singing alongside the ghat. The abode of Lord Shiva is more than 3000 years old.

After that, I hired a taxi ad headed towards the Buddhism pilgrimage Sarnath. Located at a distance of 10 km, this is the place where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon 'Maha- Dharma-Chakra Pravartan' (in Buddhist terminology – 'turned the wheel of the law') after his enlightenment. The ruins of the brick temple representing the Mula – gandha kuti, ruins of stupas and monasteries are the major attractions here. I also paid short visit to the Dhamekh Stupa, which is adorned with delicate floral carvings in the lower part. My driver insisted me to visit the ancient Chaukhandi Stupa and Mahabodhi Society's Mulgandha Kuti Vihar Temple as well. But we were running short of time, therefore I decided to go back to Varanasi.

I stopped for a quick bite at a restaurant and then headed towards the other popular ghats. Someone told me that Varanasi has a rich collection of over 81 ghats, but I paid short visits to the prominent ones like the Assi, Manikarnika, Tulsi and Panch Ganga ghats. Another fascinating element in Varanasi is the 18th century Durga Temple. My last halt in Varanasi was the market area, which was loaded with good quality Banarasi Carpets, Silk Sarees and several other things. Although the trip was short but perfectly enjoyable. I could feel the positive spiritual vibes in the atmosphere.