walk on the wild side Wildlife sanctuaries with their rich range of plants and animals bring one closer to nature

The word ‘jungle’ conjures up many emotions. The reason to explore these wild patches could be many - it may be the curiosity to visit places about which you have read or it may be an undiminishing passion for the untamed. Whatever the reason, the thrill associated with visiting wildlife habitats cannot be summed up in words. With the right dose of patience and attitude the memories of visiting a true forest can always remain fresh. Fortunately, India is blessed with great wild places with immense diversity.

CORBETT NATIONAL PARK An author and a conservationist, Jim Corbett dedicated his efforts to establish this park, the coun-try’s first national park and Project Tiger sanctuary. An apt habitat for the magnificent tiger, this park with its varied topography and diverse flora and fauna, is a national heritage to be cherished. The Ramganga river snakes through this entire stretch of 520 sq km forest with immense splendour. Animals of both the Himalaya and peninsular region can be found here. The park boasts of more than 50 species of mammals and an amazing 580 species of birds.

Accommodation facilities are aplenty in and around Corbett due to the park’s immense popularity. Staying in places like Dhikala, Kinnauli, Sarpduli and Gairal can offer you the real jungle experience. You are allowed to explore the forest on your own vehicle. Excursions on elephant back are strongly recommended.

Ramnagar, a small town in Uttaranchal is the nearest rail head. Regular trains ply between Delhi and Ramnagar. Ramnagar is also easily accessible by road via Moradabad.

BANDHAVGARH SANCTUARY Known for the highest density of tigers in the world, Bandhavgarh can offer you the most enthralling experience of seeing the tiger at close quarters. To meet those steely eyes, gleaming skin and majestic appearance is incomprehensible. Bandhavgarh is christened after the fort bequeathed by Lord Rama to his brother Laxman. At the base of the fort you can find the monolithic statue of Lord Vishnu reclining on the seven-headed hooded snake. The fort area is surrounded by many manmade caves which have inscriptions, carvings and paintings.

Good accommodation is available with the Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation. Forest Department and PWD accommodations are also available at Tala.

Bandhavgarh is accessible through a small town called Umaria. The Jabalpur-Bandhavgarh road is an excellent highway. For rail travellers Katni or Satna are the nearest stations from where you can motor down to Umaria. From Umaria, Tala (Bandhavgarh) is about 12 kms.

RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK No matter how many times you visit this park, the place never ceases to enthral you. Ranthambore can be easily touted as one of the most picturesque national parks in India. Tigers in Ranthambore are known to kill their prey in front of visitors. The park also supports numerous water bodies, which makes the place even more excit-ing. There are also many ruins of the bygone era scattered within the park, which provide a mystic look to this place. Accommodation is no problem at Ranthambore since there are a number of options. Enjoy your stay here with sumptuous Rajasthani fare.

Sawai Madhopur is the nearest rail head, which is well connected to all major routes. There are many travelling options in the park to suit all budgets.

KANHA NATIONAL PARK
Spread over a vast area of 1945 sq km, Kanha offers you the best visibility in terms of animal and bird spotting. Huge herds of ‘barasinghas’ roaming in the vast meadows provide good footage for your camera. The huge ‘gaur’ may look peaceful while grazing but when provoked can give a tiger a run for its money.

When visiting Kanha you can also travel to nearby forts in Mandla or visit the exotic marble rocks near Jabalpur. Apart from the forest rest houses, Madhya Pradesh Tourism offers you a good stay at their resort. Book in advance to avoid disappointment. Jabalpur and Nagpur are the nearest destinations which can be accessed by both rail and air. From Jabalpur the distance to Kisli (Kanha) is 170 km and from Nagpur the distance is 259 km. Regular bus service is available between Jabalpur and Kisli, which takes about 5 hours to reach its destination.

KEOLADEO NATIONAL PARK
If you love watching birds, Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary on the outskirts of a small town called Bharatpur in Rajasthan is indeed a place worth visiting. A showplace of a variety of birds as well as scenic beauty, Bharatpur is easily accessible by both rail and road. The real charm of this sanctuary is the vast expanse of marshy lakes that is frequented by an amazing variety of birds. Different seasons offer a different charm here. During the breeding season, i.e. August and September, the place is filled with a cacophony of bird calls. Watch the majestic pairs of saras cranes dancing in the rain with their distinct trumpet-like calls. Beginning from December the place hosts a variety of migratory birds. Pythons lazing in the afternoon sun can also be spotted at some places.

Bharatpur lies at the border of UP and Rajasthan and is linked to major stations on the Delhi-Mumbai rail route. You can combine your trip by visiting the Taj Mahal in Agra, which is merely 60 kms from Bharatpur, and Ranthambore which is also a few hours away.