Subhasis Banerjee

SATKOSIHA GORGE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY In the Dhenkanal district of Odisha in the Eastern Ghats, spreading along a long river gorge created by River Mahanadi lies 400 sq km of deciduous forests of the Satkoshia Gorge Wildlife Sanctuary. The water of the river here is notoriously infested with Crocodiles. The representative fauna of the sanctuary includes Tiger, Leopard, Elephant, Wild Boar, Common Langur, Squirrel, Chital and Chinkara. Accessibility : 124kms from Cuttack, the sanctuary is approached by road via Angul. Cuttack , lying on the major Kolkata-Chennai rail route, is the nearest railway station to the sanctuary. Cuttack is also well connected by road. Accommodation : There are Forest Rest Houses inside the sanctuary and tented accommodation outside. Season : November to June.

BHITARKANIKA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY This 650 sq km of pristine mangrove is predominantly an Olive Ridley Turtle preserve. These turtles flock in thousands from distant countries, even South America, to lay and hatch their eggs on the pristine Ekakula beach of the Gahirmata Island in the eastern fringes of the sanctuary. They start coming here from November and moves away with their offspring by April. The sanctuary spreads over the confluence of the Brahmini and the Baitarani rivers, continuing up to their estuary in the Bay of Bengal, housing around 62 out of the 70 species of mangrove found in the world. The waters of the two rivers are replete with Crocodiles, attributing to a breeding centre inside the sanctuary. A strong birdlife of over 170 species also inhabits the sanctuary. The sanctuary can be traversed only by motor boats. Accessibility : Lying on the major Kolkata-Chennai rail route, Bhadrak is the nearest railway station to the sanctuary. A 50kms drive south-east from Bhadr...

PALI BIRD SANCTUARY Lying between Jodhpur and Ranakpur, the Sardar Samad Palace is a superb hunting lodge overlooking a large lake. The spectacularly spacious lodge was built by Maharaja Umaid Singh. It provides a breadth taking view of the famous Sardar Samad Lake, teeming with birdlife. Apart from the echoing birdlife on the lake, spotted deer and black buck also roam in the gentle forests around the lake. Accessibility : 70kms south-east of Jodhpur, this sedate lake and summer palace of the rulers of Jodhpur is approached by road. Accommodation : The erstwhile palace has been turned into a luxury Hotel. Season : October to March.

SASAN GIR NATIONAL PARK Situated in the south-western half of the state occupying 1422 sq km in the Kathiawar Peninsula, Sasan Gir is the last home of the Asiatic Lion. The Asiatic Lion is slightly smaller in size, having a smaller mane than its African cousin. It is primarily a mixed deciduous forest consisting of Teak, Flame of The Forest, Acacia, Banyan trees and thorn bushes. The other fauna of the sanctuary include Leopard, Sambar, Chital, Nilgai, Chowsingha, Chinkara, Wild Boar, Jackal and Hyena. A Crocodile Sanctuary and a hot spring are the two other added attractions of the sanctuary. Accessibility : A 59kms drive from Junagarh takes one to Sasan Gir village, the entry point to the Park. Junagarh is well connected by road and rail with Rajkot , which in turn is well connected by air, rail and road. Accommodation : Forest Rest Houses and a Tourist Lodge are available at Sasan Gir village. Season : December to May.

JESSORE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Lying in the Gujrat – Rajasthan border, this dry deciduous forest is basically a Sloth Bear preserve. Other interesting wildlife of the sanctuary includes Leopard, Jackal and Nilgai. Accessibility : About 125kms drive, north of Ahmedabad, reaches one at Palanpur, the nearest town of the Park, which is another 28kms away. Accommodation : Forest Rest Houses are available inside the Park. Season : November to March.

DHANGDHARA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY This sanctuary, situated on the Indo-Pakistan border on the Little Rann-of-Kutch, sprawls over an area of 4840 sq km and is the only home of the Asiatic Wild Ass, a highly endangered species with a scanty population of only 250 at present. Other major wildlife found in the sanctuary includes Chinkara, Black Buck, Jackal, Wolf and Desert Cat. In the winter, the sanctuary is crowded with thousands of Flamingos. Accessibility : Dhangdhara is135kms from Ahmedabad on the Ahmedabad – Gandhidham rail route. Accommodation : There is no accommodation inside or outside the Park. Only day visit to the Park is recommended. Season : October to February.

Satpura National Park Dense forests, wide valleys, dark mountains, serpentine rivulets and majestic waterfalls spreading over an area of 52 5sq km on the Satpura Range in central India constitutes this spellbinding National Park. The captivating natural beauty of Panchmari with its Sal, Teak and Bamboo forests give this Park a unique variation which stupefies its visitors with its grace, modesty and splendour. The inhabitants of the Park include Tiger, Panther, Wild Boar, Bison, Nilgai, Barshingha, Four Horned Antelope and a rich variety of avian species. Accessibility : A 47kms drive from Piparia railway station on the Kolkata-Mumbai railway line transports one to the Park. Accommodation : Tourist Lodge, Resorts and Hotels afford excellent accommodation to the visitors. Season : November to June.

Sanjay Gandhi National Park A sprawling stretch of 1,938 sq km of predominantly Sal forests, today’s Sanjay Gandhi National Park is the extended version of the erstwhile Dubari Wildlife Sanctuary. Located in the Sirdhi district of Madhya Pradesh, this fabulous Park abounds in Tiger, Leopard, Panther, Wolf, Jackal, Sloth Bear, Sambar, Chital and Nilgai. Accessibility : A 105kms drive north from Satna transports one to this Park. Accommodation : Forest Rest Houses are available inside the Park. Season : November to June.  

PANNA Only 28kms from the ancient ruins of Khajurao along the banks of the River Ken, this National Park of 542 sq km of natural Teak forests harbours a variety of wildlife. Alternating valleys, steep gorges, grassy meadows and cascading waterfalls forms the ecosystem of the Park. It is home to a variety of wildlife species like the Tiger, Panther, Wolf, Caracal, Dhole, Black Buck, Chowsingha, Nilgai, Chinkara, Sambar and a variety of primates. A Gharial Sanctuary has also been formed in the River Ken near the beautiful Raneh Falls . The avian population includes Paradise Flycatcher, Common Pochard, Teal and a variety of Geese. Accessibility :   The Park is only 28kms drive from Khajuraho and 87kms drive from Satna. Khajuraho is connected by air and Satna is well connected by rail and road. Accommodation : A Forest Rest House is available inside the Park. The state Tourism Department also runs a Tourist Lodges at Panna. Season : November to June.  

KARERA This 202 sq km bird sanctuary was created mainly to preserve the highly endangered Great Indian Bustard. The sanctuary houses a huge lake inside, which is replete with birdlife throughout the year. The population of birds in this sanctuary also includes a large variety of Goose, Duck, Flamingo, Stork, Cormorant and Hornbill coexisting with some wildlife like Indian Wolf, Indian Wild Dog, Jackal, Hyena and a variety of antelopes. Accessibility : A 62kms drive from Shivpuri on the Jhansi - Shivpuri road takes one to the sanctuary. Shivpuri is situated 115kms southwest of Gwalior and is well connected by roads.   Accommodation : A Forest Rest House is available inside the Park. Season : November to June.

Chambal A huge wildlife sanctuary of 3,902sq kms in the Chambal valley, it abounds in wildlife. With a typical central Indian terrain covered with mixed deciduous forests and large grasslands, the Park extends into the neighbouring states of Maharashtra and Rajasthan. The sanctuary houses a major Gharial Sanctuary and Breeding Centre inside. Fauna of the sanctuary includes Tiger, Leopard, Panther, Dhole, Hyena, Jackal, Indian Wolf, Caracal, Chital, Gaur, Barking Deer and Indian Wild Buffalo. The sanctuary is also very rich in avifauna. Accessibility : 65kms from Gwalior, the sanctuary is accessible by road. Gwalior , on the other hand, is very well connected by air, rail and road, which is only 64kms south of Agra and 275kms south of Delhi . Accommodation : Forest Rest Houses are available inside the Park. There are also a number of standard and luxury Hotels in Gwalior . Season : November to June.

ANDAMAN ISLANDS Stretching along the southern expanse of the Bay of Bengal, the emerald archipelago of Andaman and Nicobar Islands appear like a string of pearls amidst an azure environment. This isolated chain of 570 undulating islands of more than 8,249 sq km enjoy a tropical humid climate with intermittent showers and is home to three of the oldest tribes of Homo-sapiens in the world – Jarwa, Sentinel and Onge. Existing in isolation, their dwindling population still eke out of primitive living in the densely forested islands of exotic birds and indigenous flora. Out of the 2000 variety of plants found in these islands, 221 are not found anywhere else on earth. Andaman is an ideal destination for those who are inclined to take a bit of sun and wind and enjoy a laid-back holiday amidst the silver-sandy beaches and creeks spread over the meandering coastline, offering an excellent variety of water sports. Port Blair is the capital of this union territory and has a bleak historic pa...

MATHERAN At an altitude of 803 metres, it is a pristine hill station amidst the lush green Jambol Forests of the Shayadri Range . There is a blanket ban of motor transport in this virgin hill station and therefore, one has to travel by the heritage Toy Train through the forests crisscrossed by streams, waterfalls, mystic valleys and floating clouds with sudden glimpse of the pertaining wildlife. Like Mahabaleshwar, Matheran is also dotted by viewpoints, the major ones being Panorama, Park You, Alendria, Louisa, Monkey and Khandala points. The splendid Charlotte Lake behind a dam also provides the drinking water of the town. Accessibility : Mumbai is 108kms west of Matheran. By road or rail, one has to reach Neural and then take the toy train to come to Matheran. Accommodation : There are a variety of Hotels and Resorts in Matheran along with a Tourist Lodge. Season : October to May.

SHIMLA The erstwhile summer capital of British India, after the capital was shifted from Kolkata to Delhi, in the foothills of the Shivalik Range is a glamorous and popular hill station. The 12kms crescent shaped ridge at 2,213 metres, which is surrounded by woods of stately Oak, Fir and Rhododendrons, offer a splendid view of the snow-clad ranges of the upper Himalayas. The places of interest include the Mall, the Viceregal Lodge, Himachal State Museum, Summer Hill, Jakhoo Hill, Prospect Hill, Sanjhwali, Chadwick Falls, Glen and Annandale. Interesting excursions from Shimla include Kufri, Fagu, Theog, Craignano, Masobra, Taptapani, Naldera, Solan, Narkanda, Hatkoti, Rohru, Jubbal, Rampur, Chail and Kasauli. All these places have earned their reputation as pristine hamlets in the Shivalik Hills for their natural beauty and uninterrupted views of the perennially snow-clad Himalayan peaks at a distance. Accessibility : Kalka is 96kms and Chandigarh 117kms south-west from Shimla by r...

MANALI Resting at an altitude of 1,928 metres and girdled by Pine and Oak forested hills on the three sides and snow-clad ranges of the upper Himalayas on the other, Manali is a pristine, quaint and popular hill station dotted by grassy meadows and wild bushes. The River Beas flows by this magnificent hill station. Places to see around are Hadimba Temple, Arjun Gumpha, Vashishtha Springs, Jagat Sukh, Rahala Falls, Neheru Kund and Beas Kund. But, beyond everything, the natural beauty of Manali reigns supreme. The British started growing apples here about a hundred years back and today, the apples of Manali have a worldwide market for its quality and taste. The 1500 year-old Naggar Castle is 23kms from Manali and is worth visiting. The Rohtang Pass, 50kms north, is a very adventorous excursion from here. Accessibility : Manali is best approached by road from Kalka, which is 351kms south, and Chandigarh 310kms south-west, both of which are well-connected railway stations. Bhuntur, 50...

WEST SIKKIM With Mt. Kanchendzonga looming large on the background, the recorded history of Sikkim began from this beautiful district with the coronation of the first Chogial in 1641 AD. Two prominent monasteries, the Dubdi Monastery – Sikkim ’s oldest monastery and the Tashiding Monastery – Sikkim ’s most sacred monastery, are located in this district along with the Pemayangtse Monastery. The holy Khechopary Lake is a trekkers’ delight and a pilgrims’ enchantment. The world’s second highest suspension bridge, Shinishore Bridge , is another attraction of the region. Some majestic and magnificent waterfalls are present in this region like the Singe Falls , Rimbi Falls and the Kanchendzonga Falls . The svelte and sylvan valleys of flowers, Varsey and Rangeet, encircled by the eternally snow-capped peaks of the Eastern Himalayas, make this place an exotic destination. Yuksom is at the end of the road in west Sikkim and is the jump off point for the Zongri-Goecha La trek. Access...

NORTH SIKKIM The road from Gangtok to the most serene and beautiful district of Sikkim is an adventure in itself. The road cuts through vertical hills, passes through dense alpine forests, moves past gushing streams and waterfalls and crosses cavernous gorges, making one sit on the edge of one’s excitements. The region falls in the Indo-Tibetan border and is harnessed by the spectacular majesty of nature. The plight of the terrain, married with the stupendous beauty of virgin nature, has turned the region into a veritable paradise. Over 500 waterfalls, deep gorges, steep forested hills, wide valleys covered in rich natural mosaic of rhododendrons and primulas, the aroma of natural incense herbs, hot springs and eternally snow clad peaks of the eastern Himalayas ensemble to welcome the visitors with one of the most romantic adventure of their life. All accolades fall short of any literary praise of the spectacular romance of the region. It can only be conceived through one’s senses by...

THATTEKAD WILDLIFE SANCTUARY This acclaimed sanctuary owes much of its fame to Dr. Salim Ali, the world renowned ornithologist, whose efforts were instrumental in its formation. Home to over 500 species of exotic birds amongst dense tropical evergreen and deciduous forests and scattered grasslands in the Ernakulam district of central Kerala, this 25 sq km bird sanctuary lies between two tributaries of the Periyar River. Vegetation of the sanctuary is mainly Teak, Rosewood and Mahogany. The avifauna of the sanctuary includes Crimson Throated Barbet, White Breasted Water Hen, Bee Eater, Sunbird, Shrike, Black Winged Kite, Night Heron, Falcon, Grey Jungle Fowl, Hornbill , Ceylon Frog Moth, Rose-Billed Roller and Blue Winged Parakeet. The sanctuary also supports a huge variety of reptiles along with Elephant, Tiger, Jungle Cat, Dhole, Bison, Sambar and Wild Boar. Accessibility : At a distance of 71kms northeast of Kochi, the sanctuary is approached by road. Accommodation : There a...

PERIYAR NATIONAL PARK Situated on the banks of the artificial Periyar Lake created by a dam on the Periyar River flowing through, this National Park is the pride of Kerala. Located at Thekkady in the Idukki district of central Kerala, the Park spreads over the high ranges of the Western Ghats covered by dense evergreen and moist deciduous forests and savannah grasslands. The Park is a natural habitat of Elephant, Sambar, Gaur, Tiger, Nilgiri Langur and Lion Tailed Macaque with an equally impressive birdlife. Cruising on the lake offers unique opportunity to watch wildlife at close quarters. Accessibility : The Park is easily reached by an 114kms drive from Kottayam. Accommodation : Forest Rest House and Tourist Lodges are available inside the Park and standard Hotels at Kumili. Season : November to June.

PEPPARA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Located on the Thiruvantapuram-Ponmudi road around the picturesque Neyyar Dam, the sanctuary is a natural home of many rare medicinal herbs and plants. The resident fauna of the sanctuary includes Elephant, Tiger, Wild Buffalo, Wild Boar, Porcupine and a variety of snakes. A Crocodile Breeding Centre and a Lion Safari also form parts of the sanctuary. Accessibility : A 52kms drive from Thiruvantapuram takes one to this verdant sanctuary. One can also day-visit the sanctuary from Thiruvantapuram. Accommodation : Government Guest Houses and Tourist Lodge afford good accommodation. Season : November to June.