As the norm is, being to a national park or reserve invariably means watching a big cat. The success of visit always depends on having a sight or not having it. This over enthusiasm of looking for a tiger or a lion actually robs one of the 'thrill of the unexpected'. Every jungle has its own beauty, even in terms of the wildlife. In search of expected, we miss the 'unexpected other' which actually make the jungle beautiful. So for all those, who return with their heads down after missing on the big cat, here are few 'non-cat' moments from a recent safari in the GIR national park and wildlife sanctuary in Gujarat. Known as only haven for Asiatic Lions in the wild in world, this dry deciduous forest has a fair share of other wildlife- 39 species of mammals, 37 species of reptiles, 300 spe...
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Small islands don't have big animals- goes the saying, not actually so for Sri Lanka. The little emerald island with population less than 17 of Indian states has a big population of elephants. And actually Sri Lankan elephants are largest among the Asian elephants and only two species of African elephants are bigger than Sri Lankan elephants. But Sri Lankan elephants had their share of tragedy because of civil war. Pinnawala elephant orphanage came in handy during that time. Although it was established in 1975 to take care of the orphaned or abandoned baby elephants found in the wild, but many injured elephants in the civil war also found shelter there. Orphanage earned its most popularity during that time. Pinnawala is known to have a largest herd of captive elephants in the world.
Read MoreI have very beautiful memories of Majorda in South Goa, the last time I went there. We were there for a trekking programme and our camp was right on the beach. It is one of the most lovely beaches in Goa that I have been too in all those years! And here again, I am off to Majorda this weekend for an exciting trip as a part of group of 60 bloggers from around the country who will test drive the latest addition to Tata Motors stable- a hatchback this time- Zica. With Lionel Messi recently roped in as the brand ambassador of Tata Motors, this campaign is aptly tagged as #madeofgreat This is a view from last time, cycling on the Majorda beach. And another one- Now that's what Zica actually looks like (more about the car, when we actually see it) - Exciting stuff. Th...
Read MoreWell, I would have always preferred a Harley Davidson under me, having driven its country cousin (RE TBTS) for years, but still Ducati was always a welcome option for many reasons. Firstly, I had never rode a Ducati before (so I haven't even a Harley for that matter!). Secondly, I had an opportunity to test ride two of yet to to be launched, very high end Ducati bikes. Thirdly, location couldn't have been better than Munnar in Kerala. Munnar to Ooty has been among the best driving routes among the world sheer for its amazing terrain and beautiful refreshing landscape. So it goes, and for the record, that happened sometime ago. Only that, I haven't shared it with my readers. Sharing here some of the images from the event. Well, honestly enough I might not be the appropriate person to...
Read MoreWaterfalls are one of the most fascinating creations of the nature. Talking about great waterfalls is not just about being majestic. Its also about the sheer beauty that mesmerises. So even a waterfall not much high or not much broad or not so majestic might be among the most beautiful. That’s the reason why a column of water falling right from the top of the Ellora caves at Aurangabad in Maharashtra has been termed as one of the most wonderful waterfall in the world by TripAdvisor users. TripAdvisor is the top travel review website in the world and it collects and analysis data based on user reviews. Henceforth in the list of top 10 most wonderful waterfalls in the world Ellora Caves waterfall ranks 5th. On top of the list is indeed Victoria Falls in Africa which has world's la...
Read MoreTwo tagged falcons complete two rounds from Mongolia to South Africa As two of the three Amur falcons tagged with satellite tracking chips last year returned to the north-eastern Indian state of Nagaland, central government has now decided to develop Doyang Lake as an ecotourism spot for bird-watchers across the world to have a wonderful and rare sight of Amur Falcons. Doyang lake is famous as a roosting site for longest travelling raptors Amur Falcons. They come every year at Doyang lake during their flight from Mongolia to South Africa. Pangti is now Amur Falcon capital of world The two falcons - named Naga and Pangti – tagged in 2013 have already done two rounds from Mongolia to South Africa via Nagaland and have again returned to Nagaland this year. Amur falcons, weigh just 15
Read MoreThough November has approached, but still day temperatures are unusually high forcing these two male lions at the GIR national park in Gujarat to be in shade for the most part of the day, so that they can conserve their energy for a kill in the night. Watching a lion in wild is a treat and sighting two of them together is a double bonus. So sharing my festival bonus with my readers! ...
Read MoreWhen it comes to big cats, undoubtedly they sway all the enthusiasm of tourists in their favour. Thats the reason that although forests themselves hold inherent beauty with all important fascinating wild life other than the cats, but when one goes to a sanctuary there is a single point motive of seeing a big cat in wild. If you don't see a big cat in a safari than you will hang your head in disappointment at the end. In this respect, we were fortunate enough to get a good sighting of an adult lioness within first half hour of our safari in GIR national park of Gujarat, only home to Asiatic lions in the world. This lioness was alone and perhaps looking for her cubs (thats what our guide Aasif said). But she remained around our vehicle for more than ten minutes, giving us an eyeful. Have ...
Read MoreNo sight can be more captivating and fascinating then watching the King in its territory. Well here is a queen although... but by no means lesser in beauty and pride. Watching a lioness in wild at just an arm's length or may be less, with nothing in between except hard breath of both man and animal, is perhaps an experience of a lifetime. GIR in Gujarat gives you that in an open jeep safari. Here is one of those alluring images of a lioness- third that we encountered in two safaris last week. ...
Read MoreTrishul peak and Indian Tricolour, what a perfect match- both in awe of each other. Something of a rare sight this is, as seen from Kausani in Uttarakhand, one of my favourite places and among the best ones in India to have a sight of full glory of Nanda Devi ranges of Himalayas. So, unfurled Tricolour at Anasakti ashram in Kausani and mighty Trishul peak under blue skies in the background make a very beautiful picture, isn't it! As it is not everyday that tricolour is unfurled here and it is also not everyday that you find such a clear view of Himalayan peaks. Here we have both... An independence gift for the readers from my side- a small photo gallery of India Tricolour. ...
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