King of Jungles: Kaziranga, Nameri & Bhalukpong

The great one horne rhino  at Kaziranga - Bagori Range

By: Safique

Just like a migratory species of wild, I also return to Kaziranga during Nov-Dec every year. But this time I thought to package it with Nameri and Bhalukpong. Believe it or not – it turned out to be a thrilling experience, especially venturing Nameri forest on foot, and encountering wild jumbo, rhinos face to face, was a saga worth sharing

Kaziranga flourishing with the wild animals, I was extremely happy to see the conservation work inside the sanctuary, especially the way the habitat is being built and preserved. The growing rhino population (2048 now), is a testimony of these excellent ground work by forest staff. But on the contrary, I definitely hesitate to say the park is well protected from external poaching threats, and I felt situation is rather alarming. To my dismay the month I was there two mysterious death one tiger and a rhino was reported, and the horn of the rhino was missing. While traveling I spotted several illegal migrants recently encroached and put up their huts other side of the road/park near the eastern range (Bura-Pahar area). This remains as the key risk to the park. I read in the news paper that the forest ministry clarifies the other side of the road/park doesn’t come under them. Irony is - tackling risk to wild animal from poaching a de facto role of this ministry. What appears to me is Illegal migrants mushrooming in that area means, the vote bank is also growing at the same proportion, perhaps this is the most influencing factor then protecting animals.

Scenic tree & lots of animals the
other side of the lake - Bagori R

Need to mention that Kaziranga witnessed the horrifying history of carnage. By 1908 rhino population was almost driven to extinction, and left with around 12 individuals only. Over the years many poachers either caught alive or died in encounter were identified to be illegal migrants who are being used as field helper’s, originating from east Bengal/Bangladesh. Poaching risk multiplies with the present context, that more than a rhino habitat, Kaziranga now has world’s highest density of the big-cat (Royal Bengal Tiger), i.e. 32 tigers per 100 sq. km and the protected area is about 430 sq. km. Demand for tiger parts are ever known for which the entire world is struggling to save the big-cat from extinction, but very few knows that an Asiatic rhinoceros horn composed of keratin fiber is believed to have aphrodisiac value (used to cure impotency) and can fetch up to Rs. 1.5 million per kg in the international markets which are smuggled to South Asian countries. With these facts needless to say that this nature’s paradise is most naturally a poacher’s paradise as well.

Kaziranga housed 70% of the rarest one-horned rhinos, when the buzz and funding is at its peak to save tiger now, poachers most likely to turn their barrel towards their best alternative here. And guess what? This is actually happening, poaching has increased in the recent months, 10 rhinos were killed in this year till date. Park securities say it is impossible to guard the entire stretch of the park as poachers are always on the lookout for a fresh kill. Hence it is paramount that conservation not just focuses on building the habitat, and that’s actually been done fairly well, but the visible poaching risk from surrounding areas needs to be tackled wisely. Another disturbing fact, tiger conservation in India started in 1970. As a result tiger population increased from 1200 in 70’s to 3500 in 90’s, but suddenly 2008 census shockingly published that population dropped to 1411, and the primary reason was poaching. If this can be the reality, there is a full scope and potential that the 100 years of rhino conservation that build up the rhino population which is at its peak now, will continue to face the greatest risk to replicate a tiger like story.

Nameri and Bhlukpong:

Nameri is the secluded forest and share the easiest route from Kaziranga through Tezpur district. ). Located on the bank of river Jia-Voroli, Nameri is famous for Mahseer fish, Bison (The ferocious wild buffalo), elephants and Tiger (some even claims it has Black-Panther). This forest is secluded/untapped mainly because of its remote location, and the risk of local extremist. Bhalukpong is 30 kilometer ahead of Nameri (on the Arunachal border – gateway to China) . Here you’ll see nature’s majestic beauty surrounded by lofty mountains and Kameng River flowing out of Himalayas.

Bhalukpung - Kameng River

I thought to explore this hidden treasure and drove down to Bhalukpong first just after few day's of visiting Kaziranga. I was accompanied by Rajkishore (RK) - friend from my college days. RK and I share some good memories, especially bunking classes, and the scooter crash while riding on full throttle on the way to our picnic etc. From those days to these, a lot has changed, that time some of us will enter jungles/tea gardens to hide ourselves after bunking classes :-), and to play in the weekends. But today I venture on it to understand natural habitat. Those days I’ll veture forests with an air-gun with the intention to game/hunt – and I did for a long time, but when I came out of the teenage immaturity I realized that it is indeed important to shoot in nature, but with a camera not with a gun. Now whenever I enter a forest my concience reverbated with these impeccable nostalgia.
We reached Bhalukpong towards the afternoon and check-in to Directorate of Tourism bungalow (ATDC), this is the cheapest and the best one there for budget travelers. It can be bit confusing to find this place because in the same compound first (AP guest house) and last (IORA – Pvt) are different resorts, and this one is in the middle, we actually had to drill first and the last resorts to pint point this ATDC bungalow. After check-in, the staffers whispered that situation is tense since last couple of days, as extremist beefed up their activities. We decided to inform local police about our presence. We’re bit concerned especially because sun was setting and one of RK’s friend hadn't arrived as  yet. He was stuck in a nearby forest range office, and vehicles were not allowed plying without police escort after twilight. We appraise the situation to the local police in charge, and in-fact they picked him up in their escort van and dropped him right at the bungalow. It was already 7pm by then, and staffers again alarmed us about an elephant fury. They suggested us not to roam around outside much as last couple of days one single elephant roaming around in the night, and he often kicks opens the compound main gate to demand food and will not leave until something is given to him. I was quite curious to see this incidence as anyhow we’re staying in the upper floor – but guess what? He didn’t come that night at all.

Bhalukpong

The kitchen was empty as they only prepare depending on guest availability. We had to go to the nearby market and got the famous local river fish Hilghoria. It was tasty and cooked very nicely though. Upper floor has the best view of the river and the jungle. The vibrant sounds of the Kameng River flowing out of hills change its tune frequently as the air-flow changes. Slowly night got gloomier, the mix sounds of air, river, insects, animals, and birds have given me the real feeling of being in a wonderland. Next morning I got up early, packed my gears and moved towards the river through the forests. Morning was bit foggy; track leading to the river was narrow and covered with long grasses – definitely very scary and I was alone. After a while I discovered that I am actually walking on some pug marks. I look at it closely and these were medium size marks, very fresh must be of last night or early morning, because cracks on dust in the circles were clearly visible. It was not a dog or wild dog because no nail marks were visible. The wild cat family doesn’t leave nail marks (in a flat dusty surface) and you’ll not see those extra dots on fingers, unlike dogs. Hence I interpreted that it must be of a leopard or similar from wild cat category, but not a tiger. After about 5 minutes the sound of the river become more prominent, and the moment grass land ended I could see the beauty of fast flowing river over a thick layer of stones. Landscape was amazingly beautiful; I took as much pictures as possible. By the time RK also arrived to the river side, and we decided to go to Tipi, 3 km ahead of Bhalukpong to see the Arunachals famous orchid garden before leaving to Nameri.

At Tipi Orchid Garden

At Tipi Orchid Garden

Our plan for Nameri was to do rafting first in the Jia-Voroli River and then the safari towards the after noon. But we miscalculated the timing, road leading to Tipi was so bad that we end up taking close to two hours time and arrived Nameri in the afternoon. Rafting is conducted from Nameri Eco Camp, run by Angling Association. They told us that rafting takes almost three hours, if we choose this then obviously we can’t go to safari, ultimately we decided in favour of safari, and I was quite disappointed missing the rafting opportunity. Without wasting time further, we contacted forest department to provide us a forest guide. Unlike other wildlife safari’s where one either has to go on a vehicle or on an elephant, safari at Nameri can be done on foot – sounds thrilling and risky? Yes - it was indeed a unique experience walking on woods. Other side of the river Jia-Voroli is the dense Nameri forests. We crossed the river in a small boat, this is the river where famous game fish Mahseer is found and the Angling Association allows protected fishing.

 After crossing the river I saw two forest guards waere carrying an injured barking deer on their shoulder.

Barking Deer - escaped from Tiger



Crossing the river Jia-Voroli

They found the deer deep inside the jungle, and he escaped from the tiger’s clutches with the back bone broken. Foresters now taking him for treatment to the nearby veterinary hospital. They said the deer will be OK after treatment and they’ll release him in the jungle. What a luck and life for this little creature. And what a devotion by these foresters. I couldn’t stop praising them. The guide accompanied us told that many time they seize fish or wild animals killed by poachers, but they’ll never eat them, instead they’ll burn it. I instantly believed him, as I saw the greatness and dedication with which they tried to save the deer, which could potentially be in the dinner table after escaping from Tiger. I witnessed a true love for nature, and these are true protectors of our jungles and should be titled as Forest Guardian rather Forest Guard.

Face to face w/the Jumbo

Immediately after entering the jungle trek I saw a big wild elephant and all my partners rejected to move ahead. Guide said, it must be our domestic elephant - dont worry! but when we were nearing I saw him staring at the elephant, and sensing his doubt I asked what happen? He slowly replied – ours one was actually bit thin! Suddenly I felt a mild tremor inside me hearing this, and the elephant was just 7 -8 meters away. I looked back and by the time my team mates were frantically running away. As I already pointed my camera, I didn’t feel like loosing this once in a life time opportunity come what may. I started clicking; grass was long and thick, and I was not getting the right exposure. The moment I clear these obstacles I saw a little baby (two – three weeks) appeared between her legs and then I felt the added danger. Elephants are normally very peaceful and follow group discipline. They are dangerous when they are alone or with a cub. Before charging elephant will always rise their ears and tail, and they can run @ 40-50 km per hour. I was obviously annoying her with my presence and the camera pointing towards her, and incessantly clicking as I was not able to frame the baby well because of thick grass. She started showing her discontent with a grumpy sound and started pushing the baby inside her leg. Realizing that I should know my limits, I stepped back before she raise her tail, becouse if she does, I’ll not have any chance.

It was a 5-6 km radius of trekking, we kept getting the smell of Bison, but didn’t see one – don’t know fortunate or unfortunate because all the foresters cautioned us that this is the animal who has the dubious distinction of charging human. Tigers stay deep in the jungles and mostly venture outside areas only in the night. Nameri also believed to have Black Panther. By the time we return to the base camp, sun was setting, and a huge flock of migratory birds returning by forming V shape. There were so many that the sky was almost filled with birds on top of our heads.

As it was already dark, forest staff informed us that one groups of elephant has already crossed the river, and we may face them in the village. It was a harvesting season and during this season maximum numbers of man-elephant conflicts takes place. I saw villagers covered their paddy field with open electric wires to flee elephants – though it is completely illegal but it seems they have no viable alternatives. Every paddy-field has a Machang (tree-top hut) but villagers said jumbo getting so used to crackers and other means that they don’t care at all.

We started driving back and RK was in the driving seat. It was a narrow village road and we’re right inside the village. All were talking about the amazing safari experience and was moving slowly, then I saw on the headlight something big is crossing the road, and before I could blink my eyes a massive elephant appeared in the middle of the road. I shouted Hati (elephant) – Stop!... RK said what? He braked instantly, but all inside the car got almost frozen. Our head lite remained on – Jumbo, who was about to cross the road, instead of doing so turned,and slowly coming towards us. I said switch-off the lights, RK switch off the lights and fortunately able to reverse the car, after a while he disappeared in the jungle. We came back and took another route to go to the main road.

Overall it was a journey 'Filled with Thrill' till the last moment. I discovered an amazing adventure zone that one can easily choose to go by clubbing these three places. If one has a week time then Bomdila & Twang can be added as an extension. Twang is bordering China, 180km from Bhalukpong (Arunachal Pradesh entry gate), is at a height of about 12000 ft. To go to Tawang you’ll need an interline permit, but for Bhalukpung not. Road connecting these place is quite bizarre now, but construction is going on which is likely to be completed by mid of 2011.

Route:
Guwahati --> 217 km, Kaziranga --> 140km, Nameri Eco Camp --> 30km, Bhalukpong --> 100km, Bomdila --> 40km, Dirang--->145km, Tawang

http://picasaweb.google.com/isafique/NameriNationalParkAssam?authkey=Gv1sRgCLus0_3p18_LzAE&feat=directlink

http://picasaweb.google.com/isafique/KazirangaNationalPark?authkey=Gv1sRgCIXKoMWSpo_9Ig&feat=directlink

Trek to Bhimshankar (August 15, 2010)

Reach out to cloud, view half way from the cliff of Bhamshankar

By now I have sustained good momentum with few back to back tours in last two months, exploring some of the most coveted nature trails near Mumbai. As it happens, few of us in office often talks about possible location to visit next place; and Bhimshankar was on our radar for some time. Vaibhav got a lead that a group name Trek-Mate organizing a trek to Bhimshankar. The trek was through thick dense jungle and 3500 feet high up in the hills which is a wildlife sanctuary as well that has Maharastra’s state animal, and highly endangered Indian giant squirrel- Shekharu. Plan was exciting, venture into uncharted territory in woods and reaching out to pinnacles on foot by climbing and crawling has always fascinates me, and what else could have been better then this.

Early morning, near the first water stream

Journey to the base village was a bit daunting task, we required to reach Karjat by 3am in the morning via train, hence Vaibhav and I started 11:30 previous night from Kurla. I fortunately able to take an hour’s nap before proceeding from home, and that actually proved quite fruitful as there was no scope to sleep there after. We reached Karjat by 2pm. The entire group was stuffed into 6 different tiny noisy tempo/rickshaw’s, and our roller costar ride started giving the real feeling of adventure ahead. To multiply the fun stuffed junkies started antakshiri, and guess what – we had two girls who by far proven that it’s their area of expertise, Vaibhav, as usual by his mastery keep up with it and through in some good numbers from the front seat, and I seconded everyone whole heartedly lending my voice in the back-end to justify my presence.

Antakshiri continued till the end of one hour roller-costar ride to reach base village Khandas around 4pm. In this historic journey, one of our tempo in the cavalry got punctured as well, took 10 minutes to fix and as a result we got chance to munch few biscuits. In the base village it was total dark, and group leader divided the group assigning sub-leads. Few geniuses including myself who didn’t carry a torch were clubbed with other torch bearers, fortunately Vaibhav had a torch and I started walking with him. We were maneuvering through the villager’s huts, their backyards to get into the jungles trek and in the process we woke them up. One villager cautioned us not to venture in to hills before morning as the trek and the ladder route getting very slippery because of rainy season. Organizers assured him not to do so, and we walk through the plain belt of around one hour. It was indeed very slippery at the starting itself and we had to cross one small water stream on the rock which was very slippery. En route after crossing this we had our breakfast of idli and chatni. Meantime light of early morning perched in and nature around become more distinct. I took out my camera to snap few fresh clip of solitude in the water stream. This is the first time I took my new camera to hone my budding photography skill.

It was another three hours heart pounding job from here onward to reach Bhimshankar temple in the hill top. Climb was extremely stiff and en route there were several ladders to conjoin the gaps between two hillocks. As always, hills offers stunning views, but the greenery here with cloud flying beneath us was the scenery worth a billion. There are ample water streams on the way to rejoice.

More we come nearer to the top, devotees who chosen the jungle route, perhaps went last night and returning now, started facing us on the narrow trek and we had to stop to clear their way. This enableds us must needed small breaks to slow down the heart beats and fill our lung with some fresh oxygen.

Finally, the pinnacle has come ending the four hours strenuous trek. Though it is not the first time I’ve touched the height of 3500 feet on foot, but it was indeed unique as the route was mix of plain, hills, ladder, and thick jungle.

After taking rest for half an hour we started proceeding towards the temple. Bhimashankar is one of the 12 Jyotirlings of India, a very popular pilgrimage place in Maharastra. The temple is around 1200 – 1400 years old. Bhimshankar comes under Pune District and has bus route from various places of Maharashtra. One can even stay in dormitory and in home stay nearby the temple. Many trekkers’ chooses to stay overnight and descends next morning.

As I mentioned Bhimshankar is also a wildlife sanctuary, the entire trek I tried to spot the famous state animal giant squirrel for which the jungle is famous for, but unable to spot it even once. It was when we stepped in to the temple route some camera lad crowed was frantically running towards the big trees looking upwards and I instantly sensed it must be the snap of the moment everybody trying to click…and then someone behind me shouted squirrel…squirrel! I couldn’t resist my temptation anymore and without thinking back and forth dropped my backpack, camera case, and jump into the woods. Now look at the irony, I did spot the squirrel high up on the trees but my 18 – 55mm lens was obviously fall short to catch him at that height, still clicked few left and right with the hope that I’ll be able to crop latter as something is better then nothing. But the idea didn’t really work as giant Shekharu was moving fast from one brunch to another ditching the mad crowd.

I returned and then spot a big herd of monkeys very near within the scope of my lens and rush in. Unlike squirrel, monkey gave enough poses to satisfy everyone. As the says goes that 'it is difficult not to do wrong things in tempting moment', I got sank so much into photography, it was about after 30 minutes I realized that I dropped my back pack to run after the squirrel. I had wallet, cell and everything there except my camera that remain hanging on neck. Heck, my heart started pounding again and I rush back to see nothing in that place where I left my bag. Frantically look here and there but convinced self that I have done the blunder, and waited with a dry face for Vaibhav to return from temple so that I can make calls to block my cards/SIM. Every minutes of wait was looking a years, finally I saw Vaibhav’s face on the crowd and started signaling him to walk fast, never thought even once that he might have carried my bag, and why he will as I didn’t mention to him to pick up while dropping the bag. I never believed in luck, but guess what! as Vaibhav appeared closure he was looking like crushed under some heavy weight, when I look up to his shoulder, his one hand was grabbing my back pack. Unbelievably – and this time I attribute it to my luck.

Story doesn’t end here; we returned by bus and en route we had to change bus in a station to board the Mumbai bound bus. As my fate in that day, actually I had to lose something. In the station I pull out my wallet from backpack to buy tea/snacks and kept it in pent pocket and end up facilitate pickpocketer while boarding another bus. So the lesson is, remain alert is not just the great piece of advice whhile trekking, but applies till you reach home.

Though the last incident was bitter, and if I don’t do the cost-benefit analysis here, it was a lifetime experience – can anyone have such multifaceted event? Jokes apart, I would definitely suggest Bhimshankar to all trekking freaks……just keep your pocket sealed and everything will be all right :-)

Click to view all pictures

Route: Mumbai or Pune to Karjat, 2hours-> onward to base village Khandas, 1 hour -> 4 hours treking to reach Bhimshankar

River Rafting at Kolad (July 11, 2010)

Rafting on high rapids was long pending on my list, and finally thanks to my fellow adrenaline junkie Vaibhav and Swati step in and we locked the show July 11, Sunday morning. Vaibhav initiated and roped in two of his friends Aditya and Viraj to make the perfect rowing team. Kolad is the most sought-after adventure destination in Maharashtra located in Mahad region 100km from Mumbai. Since there is no train link and had to report 8am in the base camp we planed to go by my car, and started sharp 5am on Sunday morning picking them up on the way.

Soon after we begun and proceed towards Panvel rain started pouring so much that I hardly able to drove 40km+. Though it was an event to get wet fully, and rowing on rain sound extremely good, but not at that time while driving and  having target of completing the journey in 3 hours. Rain played hide and seek with us in the entire journey and we delayed by about half an hour, but fortunately we’ve found organizers are still gearing up. The way to Kolad through Pen and Vadkal Naka is extremely picturesque and we enjoyed stunning view of hills, greenery and village life on rain and the colour of green cover was soulfully delighting. Many time on the way when we enter Kolad area the bunch of cows and goats of villagers blocked our car. The smell of evaporating soil after rain and fresh air blowing through the brunch of lush green trees along with the stray animals made me instantly feel why a concrete jungle can never be a paradise – it’s the village where life resides. With the joy we did talk hypothetically what if we’ve got our office here…hee hee he :-)

Organizer led us to the base camp, twisting and turning through narrow roads halted near a big dam and waited for the demo. We put on the gears, listen to the safety instructions and provided a captain to guide us through. Vaibhav and I took the lead seat that others will follow rowing in tandem w/us, we pulled our raft and get into the water – one kayak leaded all the raft and its just adrenal flowing fun after that. Kundalika River stretches over 10 kilometres and the water release from Mulshi and Bhira dam rave-up the water flow to get class 3 to 4 exciting rapids. White water rafting is all year long activity here but during monsoon Kolad experiences heavy rainfall making the water of river Kundalika flow fast and in abundance. This makes the rapids especially thrilling experience. It started raining and exactly what we wished for that spiked up the fun. In one spot, they name it ‘Johnny Walker’ rapid with full current the captain of the raft himself, just ahead of us fallen down and kayak rescued his raft while we picked up his floating row moving super fast in the current. There were total six to seven high rapid spots, post that moderate flow and the last stage was quite tranquil. To continue our fun at last all of us plunge in to the water and enjoyed swimming with the life-jacket for about half an hour. Worth to mention that, anybody irrespective of swimmers or non swimmer except weak heart’s can venture into this fun-filled sport in Kolad. They provide full safety gear.

We ended the show and carried the raft on our shoulder to parking area. Good experience since it was my first rafting expedition and didn’t really find it that difficult or stressed out relative to the trekking I do. This also convinced me that I am up for higher rapids next. We had our lunch booked at Pooja Farms so quickly enjoyed bada-paw and tea before moving and it was about 20 minutes drive from the rafting exit point. Pooja Farm a very well maintained resort located in a lake side, they even provided us a large tent for changing. We again jump into the lake water for sometime before taking bath, the buffet lunch was utterly delicious. I definitely suggest it’s a very good one day combination with rafting, one can eve stay here overnight to make the most of Kolad or another popular place Hans Adventure. They have lot many in-house adventure activities, and last time I visited with my office colleagues we enjoyed repelling, river crossing, Flying Fox and many more.

We started driving back around 3pm, lost the way a bit just after coming out of Pooja Farm but realized quickly before loosing trek inside the jungle much. Entering Mumbai was like leaving nostalgia behind and feeling was quite unbelievable that such a nature paradise does exists just a few miles away.

View Pictures
Route Map:

Trek to Matheran through jungle route

Ever since I moved to Mumbai I have heard a lot about this unique hill station near Mumbai (100km away). It’s among very few oldest hill stations in the world. Matheran means 'forest on top', and no vehical allowed here, what an impressive way to preserve this forest, its flora and fauna.

I obviously had a plan to visit this place by its common means of travel i.e. by toy train or horse (these are the only travel mode to Matheran from the station Neral, 80km from Mumbai). But I never knew that it was a trekker’s paradise until I found in the internet an adventure travel group's trekking schedule to Matheran. Most interestingly, the proposed route was not through the usual road that leads to hill top, but was from the opposite side of it through a small village called Dudhani, and a villager who know the trek will led the group to hill top at an elevation of 2625 feet through an uncharted territory. I booked it instantly and waited for the Sunday morning (July 4, 2010).

It was 5 am, and guess what? It started raining incessantly. I was certainly expecting a bit of rain but not so much in the starting itself that limits my ability to meet the group on time. But I challenge rain god and jump on it putting backpack and rain coat. Further adding to my frustration at least 5-6 auto rickshaw refused to ply, ultimately I got one and end up pushing him to rush – he dropped me destination in 15 minutes. I knew by experience that adventurous people are persistent and determined, hence less chance of being tardy, but didn’t honestly expect that group will turn up dot on time when it’s pouring so much. But I was wrong, vehicle was waiting, and I got late by 5 minutes…My apologies – I had to say humbly :-(.

It was a 20 members group, all from diverse background and it seems everyone knew very well that it was about the nature they want to talk and not the office, even during the introduction. We stopped on the way to have quick breakfast with poha and a cup of hot tea and traveled another 30 minutes to reach Dudhani village our starting point. The lead villager joined us and we started following him, it was still drizzling a bit and after few minutes walks treks become very slippery and few ladies already slide, then comes the stiff heights and the cliffs to cross over. Walking through the narrow patch of the cliff on our right side appeared the breathtaking and stunning view of the valley, as the sun started rising it added a mesmerizing feeling. The entire crowed that was huffing and puffing profusely suddenly got recharged with the view and started clicking pictures. I decided not to bring my camera as it was heavily raining in the morning, and now cursing on my decision.

After one and half hours trek we reached a big waterfall, though there were many small ones on the way but this one was really big. I’ve got enough time to enjoy as people behind was taking time reach the spot. The rule of thumb – staying ahead in a big group trekking is an advantage as lead has to wait until all arrives to proceed again, and the irony is the laggard gets less time to rest and enjoy.

The patch after the waterfall was all rocky and few surface were literally required crawling to cross over. Trek after this was full of rocks and thick jungle, and after a strenuous walk reaches a height where the clouds were moving below me – I am in the top of the world! said to myself. Nature surprises with its vivacity and makes you feels so great which will be hard to realized unless one experience it.

Further to this point another half an hour walks with the final climb of 50 meter on the rocks we’ve got in to a hillock where we took our lunch and proceed towards Matheran market. Entire Matheran is covered with thick forest and red soil, it has 32 viewing points, and by the way if you trek and climb up from the jungle route you’ll get thousand view points anyways. We just picked water bottle, energy drinks etc and returned from the market without wasting time. Started descending at around 3:30pm through the same route, it was scary in some places as from the cliffs entire valley was visible right ahead/below us, it was reverse when we’re walking up. All was well, finally we arrived in the waterfall and everyone jumped into the water, had lots of fun and reach in base village by 6:45pm. There were hardly any energy left to chit-chat much in the vehicle, few in the group vowed not to venture out again in search of weight loss – nasty idea they said, but agreed the scenery was once in lifetime experience though.

Kaziranga - Nature's paradise and a wildlife heaven

Park elephant with 7 days old baby 

An untapped jungle, a dense forest with full of wildlife still intact to wonder every wildlife enthusiastic. Not a world famous and thickly visited place by tourist though, only because of lack of smart marketing, unlike many other so called wildlife sanctuaries(where you’ll find much ado about nothing). But Kaziranga quietly has the laurels and heritage of having world’s largest populations of one horned rhinoceros and world’s highest density of Royal Bengal Tigers i.e. 32 in 100sq k.m (as per census April 2010). If that’s not enough, you’ll be thrilled with verities of other animals, migratory birds, flora and fauna in every single meter once you enter this blissful nature’s paradise.

Ruby with Laxmi and her cub

Kaziranga is located in upper Assam (North East of India). The park is located just an hours driving distance from our home and we don't miss any chance to visit whenever we go home. For us its a best place for family picnic at Kohora (place opposite the park) and to enjoy the safari inside the park. Last time we visited, we had fun playing with one week old baby elephant that  Laxmi (park safari elephant) given birth. Another treat was to watch and hear the sounds of massive flock of migratory birds flying back during the twilight, and that view of birds flying and sun setting for the day with light maroon color rays was mesmerizing. That feeling was beyond I can express in any words here :-).

Well, one can reach Kaziranga by air/rail to Guwahati or Dibrugarh or Jorhat then travel few hours by road to reach the park. There are many resorts available to stay in the vicinity of the park depending on budget. WildGrass resort, IORA are popular there, a bit expensive side, but no dearth of economy option either.

The famous one horned rhino in Kaziranga

I am visiting this November again, hope to get much better and more interesting story and photographs to share from my new DSLR, honing my amature skills






View Pictures