Sasan Gir National Park / wildlife Sanctuary

Sasan Gir National Park, spread around an area of 1412 square kilometers, is located in the state of Gujarat in India. The Sanctuary is surrounded by 7 perennial rivers and 4 dams which have become the lifeline for the people and the fauna of that region.

The forests and grasslands of Gir are known to be the last stronghold of Asiatic Lions. You can as well find a lot of varieties of flora and fauna in the area. Nawab of the Princely state of Junagarh used to use these forests as his hunting grounds. Because of the royal family's hunting the number of Asiatic lions in the forests were reduced to 15 by the time India got its independence.Now that the care has been taken, the numbers have vastly improved.

Other than the Asiatic lions you can find various other species of flora and fauna. There are 400 species of plants, 38 animal species, 300 species of birds, 37 reptilian species and around 2,000 species of insects found in the area .

Best time to visit Sasan Gir National Park
Except for the monsoon time any other time of the year  is good to visit the Sanctuary. The Sanctuary will  be closed during monsoon time because it is the breeding time of the animals and during summer the movement of the animals will be less due to the heat.  October to February will be the best time to visit the National Park as the animals will be active and moving around.

How to reach Sasan Gir National Park?
Keshod is the nearest domestic airport and can be easily connected to Rajkot and Ahmedabad airports. Ahmedabad is an international airport which is connected to various other airports in India and abroad.

Sasan Gir and Veraval are two railway stations nearby and can easily get connected to other neighbourhood stations in Gujarat.

Buses are available regularly from Junagarh and Veraval. Other private vehicles are also available for the trip to Sasan Gir National Park.

Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary

Dachigam wildlife Sanctuary is located in the state of Jammu and Kashmir in India. The Sanctuary is divided in to two divisions lower and upper Dachigam. The word Dachigam means ten villages, may be named after the ten villages which were relocated for establishing the Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary.
Lower Dachigam, in the west, is easily reachable for all the visitors and tourists but upper Dachigam in the east, being in the higher reaches, one has to trek most of the day to reach it.

Dachigam was initially readied for the drinking water purposes of Srinagar, the capital city of Jammu and Kashmir. Later from 1910 it became the protected area and was declared as a National Park in the year 1981. Dachigam Sanctuary is best known for the Kashmir Stag otherwise known as Hangui. Himalayan Black Bears can be seen in the lower parts during the period of spring to autumn but they hibernate during winter. Long tailed Marmots are sometimes seen in the upper reaches. The other animals which can be seen regularly are Mouse Hare, Leopard, Common Palm Civet, Jackal, Red Fox, Yellow-throated Marten and Himalayan Weasel.

How to reach Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary?
Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary is easily accessible as it is just about 21 kilometers away from Srinagar the capital city of Jammu and Kashmir.
Sr‌inagar is easily accessible from all the major cities in India. Delhi is the nearest international airport and has many connection flights to reach Srinagar.

If you are travelling by rail, you can reach from any part of India.
Srinagar is even connected to Kanyakumari which is the southernmost part of India.

There are good road network  connecting Srinagar with the rest of the country. 

Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary

Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary is located at about 15 kilometers from Medak and about 115 kilometers from Hyderabad, the capitl city of Telangana. The Sanctuary is named after the Pocharam Lake, which was formed after the Alliar Dam was established. The dam is surrounded by dense forests and has an area of about 130 square kilometers. Pocharam forests are said to be the favourite hunting grounds of the Nizam of Hyderabad.

Surrounded by dense forests, the sanctuary has a variety of flora and fauna, and attracts lots of birds as well. Bar-Headed Goose, Brahminy Bucks and Open Billed Stork are some among them. You can also find Leopard, Forest Cat, Wild Dog, Wolf, Jackal, Sloth Bear, Sambar, Nilgai, Chinkara, Chital, and Four horned Antelope in these forests.

How to reach Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary?
Hyderabad is the nearest International airport and is connected to most of the cities in and out of India. From Hyderabad it is easier to reach Medak and go to the sanctuary from there. Private transport vehicles are available at Medak to go to the Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary.

Telangana, the newest state of India

About Telangana 
Telangana is the newest among the 29 states in India. The twelfth largest state in India state of Telangana was officially formed on 2 June 2014 by separating 10 districts fromthe state of Andhra Pradesh, with the city of Hyderabad as their capital for the time. Telangana is bordered by the states of Maharashtra, Orissa, Chhattisgarh to the north, Karnataka to the west, and Andhra Pradesh to the south and east.

Telangana was mostly made up of the princely state of Hyderabad (Medak and Warangal Divisions), ruled by the Nizam of Hyderabad during the British Raj. The princely state of Hyderabad joined the Union of India in 1948 after India's independence in 1947. In 1956, when the states were formed according to the liguistic groups, Hyderabad state was dissolved and the Telugu speaking part of Hyderabad was merged with Andhra to form the new state of Andhra Pradesh.

Districts in Telangana.
The 10 districts in the state of Telangana are,  Adilabad, Hyderabad, Khammam, Karim Nagar, Mahboob Nagar, Medak, Nalgonda, Nizamabad, Ranga reddy and warangal. The state's  major cities include Hyderabad, Warangal, Mahabubnagar,Karimnagar, Nizamabad, and  Khammam.

National Parks in Telangana
Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park in Hyderabad district, and Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park and Mrugavani National Park in Ranga Reddy district.

Wildlife Sanctuaries in Telangana 
Eturunagaram Wildlife Sanctuary
Pakhal Wildlife Sanctuary in Warangal District,
Kawal Tiger Reserve and
Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary in Adilabad district,
Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary in Khammam district,
Manjira Wildlife Sanctuary in Medak district,
Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve in Nalgonda and Mahbubnagar districts,
Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary in Medak and Nizamabad districts,
Shivaram Wildlife Sanctuary in Karimnagar district.

Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary

Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary  is situated at the Mukundapuram taluk of Thrissur district,  about 28 kms away from Amballoor village. The  Amballoor Village is about  12 kilometers  away from Thrissur town.  The Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1984. The area spans  about 85 square  kilometers on the western slopes of Nelliyampathy hills of the Western Ghats in Kerala.

A dam was constructed across the Chimmini river at 75 meters, above the sea level. Due to this, a large section of forest was cleared during 1976-83 period. This sanctuary, consisting of the water shed areas of Kunumali and Mupliyam rivers, is encircled by hills. There are many trekking trails among dense forests, streams and rivers. The forest area has a mix of Ever green, semi evergreen and lush deciduous trees.  The lush surroundings provide an ideal habitat for flowering plants, birds, butterflies and wildlife.
Evergreen Trees like pali, punna, vediplavu, anjili, whitepine, kampakom, white akil, pathiri and nedunar, are seen in the upper part and trees like vetti, thetti, kara, narakom, marotti, mullilam etc are found in the lower parts of the Sanctuary. In the semi evergreen forests   Trees like manja kadambu, ayani, elavu, pongu, white teak, manimaruthu, kanakkaitha and vakkaplavu. Animals like leopard, tiger, elephant, bear, wild pigs, wild bison etc  are found in the forests.

How to Reach Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary?
 Kochi International airport and Coimbatore Domestic airport in the state of Tamil Nadu are the nearest airports to reach the Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary. Thrissur is the nearest important railway station. However, tourists can easily reach the sanctuary since almost all the important trains stop at Chalakkudy.
Accommodation facilities near Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary
There is an inspection bunglow near the dam and some private hotels can also be found at Amballoor.

Contact Details
Divisional Forest Officer,
Chalakkudy Division,
Wildlife Sanctuary Office,
Peechi,
Tel : 0487-269 9017

District Tourist Promotion Council Office ( DTPC )
Thrissur, Tel : 0487-2320800 

Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary

Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary  is located in the Udupi District of the state of Karnataka. It is a part of the western ghats in the state.

The sanctuary covers an area of about 88 kilometers and the area was declared a wildlife sanctuary in the year 1974. The Someshwara wildlife Sanctuary is placed close to the Kudremukh Wildlife Sanctuary.

The flora of the sanctuary is mainly made up of moist deciduous, evergreen  and semi evergreen forests. The Sanctuary abounds in wild critters which are typical to South-east Asia. Even though the sanctuary is located close to the bigger and well known Kudremukh Wildlife sanctuary, it has its own attractions and stands separately.

Best time of the year to visit the Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary is from November to April.
Timings - 6 am to 6 pm
Entry fees  
for adults - Rs 200
for children - Rs 100
You can take cameras in to the sanctuary as both video and still cameras are free.

For more details contact 
Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary
Karnataka Forest Department, Karkala,
Udupi, Karnataka – 574104
Phone:  082 5821183, Deputy Conservator of Forests

Ramakkalmedu

Ramakkalmedu is a hill station in the Idukki district of the Kerala state , located very close to the Tamil Nadu state border. The hill station gives you the best of winds blowing from the Tamil Nadu state.

Places to visit in Ramakkalmedu
Statue of Kuravan and Kurathy located on one of the hills in the hill station is a tourist attraction.
Wind farm has been planned in the area and about 7 of them are already set up. All of them supply wind energy to the Kallar  sub station at about 17 kilometers away. From the hills you can see the wind energy farm.

How to reach Ramakkalmedu
Madurai domestic airport in Tamil Nadu is the nearest one located at about 140 kilometers away.
Kochi Nedumbassery International airport is the next nearest airport in the state of Kerala and is located at about 190 kilometers from Ramakkalmedu hill station.
Changanassery is the nearest railway station and is about 93 kilometers from it.
If you are planning to travel by road, you can get buses both private and state owned from Aluva, Kochi, Kumily, Kottayam and other nearby towns.

For more details call
DTPC Information centre
Munnar
Phone - 04865 231516

Accommodations in and around Ramakkalmedu 
Wind Haven Resort
Ramakkal
Website : windhavenresort.com
Phone : 04868 221319
Mob : 0 9747110319
E Mail : guest@windhavenresort.com/ windhavenresort@gmail.com

Punarjani Resorts
Ramakkal, Kallar
website : www.punarjaniresorts.com
Mob : 0 9605767201 / 9605767202
E Mail : sales@punarjaniresorts.com

Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the Indian Nation

Mahatma Gandhi is the Father of the Indian Nation. He was one of the main leaders of Indian Independence movement who got us the freedom we deserved. He was also known as Bapu, Gandhiji

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born on 2nd october 1869 in Porbunder in the state Gujarat of the present India.
His parents were Shri Karamchand Gandhi and Shrimathi Putlibhai. Father Karamchand Gandhi was the diwan of the e then Porbunder state. In 1883 he got married to Kasthuribhai. To continue higher studies he went to London and then joined Inner Temple to become a Barrister at Law.

When he was 24 he went to South Africa to work as a legal representative for the Muslim Indian Traders based in the city of Pretoria. While he was at South Africa. he developed his political views, ethics and political leadership skills. In South Africa, Gandhiji faced the discrimination directed at all coloured people, he was even thrown out of the train one day fo refusing to move out at the behest of an European Passenger. Once he was even asked to remove his turban, which he refused to do. After witnessing racism, prejudice and injustice against Indians in South Africa, it became the turning point in his life and awakened him to fight for social justice.

In 1915, he came ti India at the behest of Gopala Krishna Gokhale and joined Indian National Congress. In 1920 he tookon the leadership of the Indian National Congress, demanding the british government to give in to Indians. On 26th January 1930 he announced Independence for India which the government refused to recognize. Gandhiji was arrested time and again and was put in various jails.

Non cooperation movement was his brain child and he refused to work with the govrnment. Gandhiji had the base to employ noncooperation, nonviolence and peaceful resistance as his "weapons" in the struggle. After the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and subsequent violence, Gandhi began to focus on winning complete self-government and control of all Indian government institutions. Later it went on into Swaraj or complete individual, spiritual, political independence.

Gandhiji was arrested and kept in the Aga khan palace in Pune for two years. He losthis wife Kasthuriba there after 18months of imprisonment. At the same time the entire Congress working committee was also arrested and put in jail. Without the Congress leaders, others went on with the second world war and got organizational support. Mohammad‎ Ali Jinnah started demanding for a separate Pakistan, a muslim state. Gandhiji tried to meet Jinnah and talk to him. Jinnah refused and held on to his demands.

When Gandhiji and the Congress asked the British to quit India, Jinnah went ahead and the Muslim League passed a resolution to divede India and then quit. On 14th and 15th of August 1947 the Independence of India was invoked. Many people started moving from Pakistan to India and vice versa. There were communal riots and many were killed.

While Gandhiji was going to attend the prayer meeting accompanied by his grand nieces, he was shot dead by the Assassin Nathuram Godse on 30th January 1948.

Project Tiger Reserves in India

Bandipur Tiger Reserve
Corbett Tiger Reserve
Kanha Tiger Reserve
Manas Tiger Reserve
Melaghat Tiger Reserve
Palamau Tiger Reserve
Ranthambore Tiger Reserve
Simlipal Tiger Reserve
Sunderbans Tiger Reserve
Periyar Tiger Reserve 
Sariska Tiger Reserve 
Buxa Tiger Reserve 
Indravati Tiger Reserve 
Nagarjunasagar Tiger Reserve 
Namdapha Tiger Reserve 
Dudhwa Tiger Reserve 
Kalakkad - Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve 
Valmiki Tiger Reserve 
Pench MP Tiger Reserve 
Tadoba Andheri Tiger Reserve 
Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve 
PannaTiger Reserve 
Dampa Tiger Reserve  
Bhadra Tiger Reserve 
Pench MH Tiger Reserve 
Pakke Tiger Reserve 
Nameri Tiger Reserve 
Satpura Tiger Reserve 
Anamalai ( Indira Gandhi) Tiger Reserve 
Udanti - Sitanadi Tiger Reserve 
Satkosia Tiger Reserve 
Kaziranga Tiger Reserve 
Achanakmar Tiger Reserve 
Dandeli- Anshi Tiger Reserve 
Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve 
Mudumalai Tiger Reserve 
Nagahole ( Rajiv Gandhi ) Tiger Reserve 
Parambikulam Tiger Reserve 
Sahyadri Tiger Reserve 


Proposed Tiger Reserves
Pilibhit 
BRT Sanctuary
Sunabeda
Ratapani
Mukundra Hills

Recommended to be Tiger reserves
Sohelwa
Bor
Nawegaon
Nagzira
KudremukhSatyamangalam

Silent Valley Wildlife Sanctuary

Silent Valley National Park is located in the Nilgiri International Biosphere Reserve of the Nilgiri Hills of the Palakkad District and is the largest national park in Kerala. Silent Valley Ntional Park is contiguous with the proposed Karimpuzha National Park (225 km2) to the north and Mukurthi National Park (78.46 km2) to the north-east. Silent Valley National Park is a part of the sub cluster of the Western Ghats World Heritage Site, recognised by UNESCO.

The local name for the area is Sairandharivanam meaning the forest of Sairandhari that is Draupadi wife of the Pandavas in Mahabharatha. It is said that they lived in this area during their one year exile period.

Here mainly lion-tailed macaques, one of thee endangered species of Primates, are being protected
You can find teak, rosewood, amla, bamboo and semal in these forests as well as tropical hill forests, temperate forests and grasslands.

How to Reach Silent Valley Wildlife Sanctuary?
By Air:
You can reach Coimbatore Airport from the cities of Chennai, Mumbai, Kozhikode, and Madurai easily. The airport of Coimbatore is about 155 kilometers away from the Silent valley. You can take Transport Buses, Cabs and Private vehicles to Silent Valley from there.

By Rail:
Olavakode / Palakkad railway station is the closest alternative which is 75 kms from the Silent Valley National Park.

About Assam

Assam is one of the 29 states in India located south of the eastern Himalayas, in the north eastern part of the country. The area of the state of Assam comprises of the Brahmaputra Valley and the Barak river valleys along with the Karbi Anglong and the North Cachar Hills.

Assam is one of the seven sister states located in the north eastern part of India the others being Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, and Meghalaya. Assam is surrounded by its sister states and has Bhutan, Myanmar and Bangladesh as its international borders.

Guwahati is the capital city of Assam and is considered to be one of the fastest growing cities in the world. The city is the gateway to the east. Silchar is the city for business, education and tourism while Dibrugarh, Nagaon and Jorhat are other important cities in the state.

Districts in Assam
Baksa, Barpeta, Bongaigaon, Cachar, Chirang, Darreng, Dhemaji, Dhubri, Dibrugarh, Golpara, Golaghat, Hailakandi, Jorhat, Kamrup, Kamrup Metropolitan, Karbi Anglong, Karimganj, Kokrajhar, Lakhimpur, Marigaon, Nagaon, Nalbari, North Cachar Hills, Sivasagar, Sonitpur, Tinsukhia and Udalguri.

National Parks in Assam
Kaziranga National Park
Manas Wildlife Sanctuary
Nameri National Park
Dibru-Saikhowa National Park
Orang (Rajib Gandhi) National Park

Wildlife Sanctuaries in Assam
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary
Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary
Bura-Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary
Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary
Pobha Or Milroy Sanctuary
Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary
Bornadi Wildlife Sanctuary
Gorampani Wildlife Sanctuary, Golaghat
Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary
Nambor Wildlife Sanctuary
East Karbi Anglong Wildlife Sanctuary
Karbi Anglong Wildlife Sanctuar
Panidihing Bird Sanctuary, Sibsagar
Deeporbeel Bird Sanctuary, Guwahati (Proposed),
Bordoibam Bilmukh Bird Sanctuary, Lakhimpur, Dhemaji (Proposed)

How to reach Assam?
If you are travelling by air, it would be easy for you to reach Kolkata the nearest international airport or Delhi the capital city of India. You can get connection flights to Assam easily.

Borjhar Airport is located at about 25 kilometers from Guwahati, thecapitalcity of Assam. Silchar, Dibrugarh, Tezpur, Jorhat and North Lakhimpur are the cities which can also be connected by air in the state of Assam.

If you are travelling by rail you can get connections from any part of India namely Calcutta, New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Cochin and Trivandrum to Guwahati

If you are travelling by road, you can see that all the neighbouring states in the north east and West Bengal in the west are connected by National Highways. Youcan drive through these enchanting highways all through the year except during the south west monsoon time which falls between June and September. The monsoon time is hazardous to drive.

Hill Stations of Kerala

Hill stations in Kerala all along the Western ghats are the other great tourist attractions next to its criss crossing network of Backwaters. The hill stations in Kerala offers a salubrious climate during summers and winters along with a beautiful rainy season. Numerous small and big waterfalls, beautiful landscapes, rolling tea plantations and streams running through them are enchanting to watch.

Here I am giving you a list of hill stations in Kerala in each and every district lying by the side of the western ghats.
 
Ernakulam District
Ayyampuzha
Kodanad
Kuttampuzha
Malayattoor
Thattekkad

Idukki District
Devikulm
Munnar
Mattupetty
Chinnakanal
Ramakkalmedu
Nedumkandam
Udumbanchola
Painavu
Kumily
Thekkady
Kuttikanam
Peermade
Vagamon

Kannur District
Aralam
Pazhassi
Iritty

Kasaragod district
Rajapuram
Ranipuram
Kottancheri Hills

Kollam District
Aryankavu
Kulathupuzha
Thenmala

Kozhikode District
Kodencheri
Peruvannamuzhi
Thamarassery
Thiruvembadi
Thusharagiri
Vellarimala Near Thiruvambady

Kottayam District
Mundakayam
Poonjar

Malappuram district
Nilambur

Palakkad district
Agali
Nelliampathy Hills

Pathanamthitta District
Charalkunnu near Kozhencherry
Chittar
Gavi near Sabarimala
Maniyar near Sabarimala
Moozhiyar Near Sabarimala
Seethathode near Sabarimala

Thiruvananthapuram district
Ponmudi
Vithura

Thrissur district
Athirapally
Malakkappara
Poringalkuthu
Vazhachal
Vettilappara

Wayanad District
Kalpetta
Lakkidi
Mananthavady
Muthanga
Sulthan Bathery
Tirunelli
Vythiri

About Kerala

 
Kerala is one of the 28 states in India which is placed on the Malabar coast of the South west India. Kerala was formed on the 1st of November 1956 when all the Malayalam speaking regions were put together. Kerala is bordered by Karnataka in the north and northeast, Tamil Nadu in the east and south and the Arabian sea on the west. Thiruvananthapuram, earlier known as Trivandrum is the capital city of the state Kerala. Kochi / Cochin and Kozhikode / Calicut are the other important cities in Kerala state.

Kerala's western coastal area is flat and is criss crossed by a network of brackish canals, estuaries, lakes, streams and rivers. The area is known as the Backwaters of Kerala, lake Vembanad being the most important one of all. There are 44 rivers in Kerala the most important of them are The Periyar, The Bharathapuzha, The Pamba, The Chaliyar, Kadalundipuzhathe valapattanam and the Achankovil. Most of the rivers in Kerala are monsoon fed and due to all these conditions Kuttanad is always under water as most parts of it is below sea level.

Districts of Kerala
Kerala state has 14 districts namely Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Palakkad, Thrisur, Ernakulam, Kottayam, Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram.

How to reach Kerala?
Two National Highways run through the state of Kerala, namely, NH47 and NH 17. NH 17 connects Edappalli to Panvel in Maharashtra, while NH 47 is from Salem to Kanyakumari in the state of Tamil Nadu but passing through most of the southern districts of Kerala.

The other National Highways running through Kerala are;
NH 49 from Kochi to Dhanushkoti,
NH 208 from Kollam to Thirumangalam,
NH 212 from Kozhikode to Mysore,
NH 213 Kozhikode to Palakkad,
NH 220 from Kollam to Theni.

By Air
Kerala has three international airports namely Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode. All of these airports are easily accessible through Road and Rail.

By Rail
The railway network in the state is controlled by three divisions of Southern Railway, namely, Thiruvananthapuram Railway Division, Palakkad Railway Division and Madurai Railway Division. Thiruvananthapuram Central is the busiest railway station in the state and second busiest in the Southern Railway Zone after Chennai Central.

Kerala's major railway stations are Kannur, Kozhikode, Tirur, Shornur Junction, Palakkad Junction, Thrissur, Angamaly For Kalady, Ernakulam Town, Ernakulam Junction, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Tiruvalla, Chengannur, Kayamkulam Junction, Kollam Junction and Thiruvananthapuram Central.

By Boats
Kerala has Inland Water transport with its numerous backwaters. The transport is mainly country craft and passenger vessels. There are 67 navigable rivers in Kerala and the total length is about 1687 kilometers.
There is a National Highway no 3 which is a 203 kilometer canal runs between Kollam and Kottapuram.

Tourist Destinations in Kerala

1. Silent Valley National Park

2. Anamudi Shola NationalPark

3. Eravikulam National Park

4. Mathikettan Shola  National Park

5. Pampadam Shola National Park

6. Periyar National Park

7. Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary

8. Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary

9. Wynad Wildlife Sanctuary

10. Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary

11. Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary

12. Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary

13. Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary 

14. Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary

15. Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary

16. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

17. Aralam WildlifeSanctuary

18. Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary

19. Kurinjimala Wildlife Sanctuary

20. Ranipuram Wildlife Sanctuary

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the rain shadow region in the eastern slope of Western Ghats, adjoining the state of Tamil Nadu. The Sanctuary is known for its biodiversity and the rich ethnic cultural heritage.

The Chinnar wildlife Sanctuary has a variety of endangered animals such as grizzled giant squirrel, star tortoise, tufted grey langur, gaur, spotted deer, slender loris, wild elephant, crocodile, tiger, leopard and many a birds, insects and abig repository of medicinal plants.

Facilities available for tourists at the Sanctuary
An Interpretation Centre at Karimutty in Kerala,
two eco shops, one each at Chinnar check post and Aalampetty,
an amenity centre, inspection bunglow, dormitory and cafeteria at Chinnar check post are there to cater to the needs of tourists and visitors who cometo visit the Chinnar wildlife sanctuary.

Guided trekking tours are available to the dry deciduous forests and through the riparian forest along the Chinnar river. You can also visit the archaeological remnants, the dolmens, and the sandal forests.

Contact for more details
The Wildlife Warden
Munnar PO, Idukki Dist.
Kerala - 685 612
Tel: 91-4865-231587
E-mail: enpmunnar@gmail.com

For enquiries and reservations
Forest Information Centre
Wildlife Warden’s Office,
Munnar PO, Idukki Dist.
Kerala- 685 612
Tel: 91-4865-231587
Mob. 91 8301024187, 91 8547603199

About Haryana

Haryana is located in the northern part of India. It is bordered by Himachal Pradesh in the north, Rajasthan in the west and south, Yamuna river running as a border in the east Uttarkhand being on the other side. Haryana surrounds the National Capital Region of Delhi on its three sides. A large area of the state is included in the NCR for the planning and development purposes of the capital city.
Haryanvi, Hindi and English are the languages spoken in Haryana. Hinduism, Sikhism, Christianity and Islam are the religions found in the state.  

Districts in Haryana
Ambala, Kaithal, Kurukshetra, Panchkuta, Yamuna Nagar, Faridabad, Palwal, Mahendranagar, Gurgaon, Mewat, Rewari, Bhiwani, Fatehabad, Jind, Hisar, Sirsa, Jhajjar, Karnal, Panipat, Rohtak and Sonepat are the districts in the state.

Tourist Destinations in Haryana
2 National Parks, 8 Wildlife Sanctuaries, 2 Wildlife Conservation Areas, 4 Animal & Bird Breeding Centers, 1 Deer park, 3 Zoos
Haryana Tourism maintains 44 tourism complexes in the state of Haryana. These Tourist Complexes offer visitors lodging, dining, recreational activities, Restaurant, Bars, Liquor Vends, Tourist taxis, Petrol Pumps, Swimming Pool, Health Club, Golf Club, Lakes, boating, etc.
Surajkund International Crafts Mela is organized by the Haryana Tourism Corporation every year in the first fortnight of the month of February. The Mela is held in a place near Faridabad and Delhi will be the nearest point to reach the place.


How to reach Haryana?
Chandigarh is the airport to go to Haryana if you are travelling by air. You can get connection flights from Delhi to reach Chandigarh. From there you can travel either by road or train to the other cities in Haryana.

By Rail
Chandigarh is the main railway station to reach Haryana. The railway stations in Delhi are also easily reachable from Haryana.

By Road
Haryana is connected to Delhi by well maintained national highways.

Bandhavgarh National Park

Bandhavgarh National Park is located in Umaria district, on the eastern parts of the state of Madhya Pradesh. The park has an area of 450 sq kilometers and is known for its breathtaking splendour of flora and fauna.

250 species of birds and 22 different species of mammals. Even though the park is considered as the real home of white tigers, the park provides shelter to various other Indian wildlife species namely, Bison, Cheetals, Langours and Sambars.

Principal Fauna found in Bandhavgarh National Park
Tiger, Panther, Spotted Deer, Sambhar, Blue bull, Wild Boar and others. Besides these animals, different types of birds can also be seen here.

Principal Flora found in Bandhavgarh National Park
Sal, Saja,Tendu, Aonla Dhawda, Jamun, Salai, Garari, Bamboo etc. This is the park of beautiful woods.

You can drive your  own petrol four wheeler vehicle or four wheel drive Diesel vehicle which is not older than five years inside the Sanctuary.

Activities inside the Bandhavgarh National Park
Vechicle Safaries,Elephant rides,Sher Darshan Wildlife watching from hides, (Trekking &Camping to be available shortly)

The spring seaso from January to March is the best time to visit and explore the Bandhavgarh National Park.

How to reach Bandhavgarh
Jabalpur is the nearest domestic airport to go to Bandhavgarh National Park. From Delhi you can get connection flights to Jabalpur and then take a cab to Umaria from Jabalpur.

Accommodation Facilities in the Bandhavgarh National Park
Bandhavgarh Meadows
Village – Bijaria, Tala, Bandhavgarh
Distt. – Umaria, Madhya Pradesh,
India 484661

Forest Rest House Tala
Field Director Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve ,
Umaria
phone: (07653)222214

Mahua Kothi ( High end Resort )
Land Survey 26, Umaria,
Madhya Pradesh 484661
Phone:1800 11 1825

Syna Tiger Resort
Tala (Bandhavgarh),
Manpur, Umaria
Madhya Pradesh-484661
Phone : +91 9165510653/54/55/56/57/58/59/60/51
Email : bandhavgarh@synatigerresort.com

About Goa, the smallest state in India

Goa is located in the west coastline of India and has an area of about 3762 sq kilometers. Panjim also known as Panaji is the capital city of the state of Goa. Margao(Madgaon), Vasco-Da-Gama, Ponda, Mapusa are the other main cities in the state of Goa.
Languages spoken in the state are Konkani, Hindi, English, Marathi and Portuguese.

Places to visit in Goa
The main tourist attractions of Goa are various sandy and colourful beaches, churches, water sports, historical forts and monuments, Goan cuisine and sea food specialities, flea markets and many more

Where to stay in Goa?
Accommodation facilities are available in plenty. You can get which ever type you like according to your taste and budget. From 5 star restaurants to shacks on the beach front each and every type are available for dining and eat outs.

Best Time to Visit to Goa
During October to March. December and January  are the two festival months there because of Christmas Carnival and new year parties.

How to reach Goa?
You can travel by air, rail or by road to reach Goa.
Dabolim airport is the airport in the state and lies at about 29 kilometers from Panjim the capital city of the state. The airport is connected to most of the cities in India.

There are two main railway stations  in the state namely Madgaon and Vasco. Karmali and Thivim are other two railway stations which are used regularly, Karmali for going towards Panjim and Thivim for going in the direction of  Mapusa / Calanghute.

These stations are well connected to the cities in and around Goa.
If you are travelling by road, NH 17, 17A  and 4A passing through the state. Kadamba bus station is the major inter state bu terminus and is well connected with all the cities around the state.

Kalakad-Mundathurai Tiger Reserve, Tamil Nadu

About Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve

Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, having an area of 895 sq kilometers, is located in the southern parts of the Western Ghats in the state of Tamil Nadu. The Tiger Reserve is surrounded by forests on three sides, that is west, north, south and villages on the east. Agasthya Malai, the third highest peak in South India is located on the core zone of the Reserve.

The Kalakad-Mundathurai Tiger Reserve forms a catchment area of 14 streams and rivers, some among them are Tambraparani, Manimuthar, Servalar, Kallar, Kodaiyar,Rama Nadi, Kadnar, Pachaiar. Many of these rivers form the backbone of the water supply in the Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi / Tuticorin and the part of Kanyakumari districts. Seven Major Dams have been constructed over some these rivers, namely Karaiyar, Lower Dam, Servalar, Manimuthar, Ramanadi, Kadna Nadi and Kodaiyar

The Tiger reserve is located at a range of altitude of 40 meters to 1800 meters and the highest point Agasthya malai at about 1681 is found in the middle of the Tiger Reserve. Kalakad-Mundathurai Tiger Reserve actually is an inter state one since it connects Tamil Nadu and Kerala

There are about 150 endemic plants . fishes, reptiles, mammal species, amphibians and birds. As per the 1997 census, there are 73 tigers and 70 leopards along with many Jungle Cats, Nilgiri tahrs. Kalakad is well known for Lion tailed monkeys, Elephants and the waterfals. The area is also called as Karungal Desam and Thenga Uruli.

Accommodation facilities at Kalakad-Mundathurai Tiger Reserve
Dormitory style cottages  are available at the Kalakad-Mundathurai Tiger Reserve maintained by the Forest Department. The Tiger Cottage, has a rest room and a few double deck beds. Ample parking place is available for the Cars and Jeeps of the visitors. There is a river flowing by the rear of the cottage and you can have a wonderful experience staying overnight. There is a kitchen also which serves tasty food for the visitors

How to Reach Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve?
Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, in the state of Kerala, is the nearest airport located at about 200 kilometers from Mundanthurai and about 140 kilometers from Kalakad.

Madurai Domestic Airport, in the state of Tamil Nadu is at about 200 kilometers from Mundanthurai and 210 kilometers from Kalakad. Madurai Airport is easily connected from Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad , Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode airports.

If you are travelling by rail, Tirunelveli Railway station is the nearest at about 50 kilometers from Mundanthurai and about 45 kilometers from Kalakad.

Best time to travel to Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
December to March is the best season and the reserve will be closed during April to July. Guest house is available at Mundanthurai, Sengaltheri in Kalakad and Kuthiravotti.

Contact for more details
Field Director & Conservator of Forests,
KMTR Project Tiger,
N.G.O ‘A’ Colony,
Tirunelveli - 7,
Tamil Nadu.
Phone No - 0462-552663
E-mail - kmtrpt@sancharnet.in
Website – www.kmtr.org

Bhimbetka rock shelters, a world heritage site

Bhimbetka rock shelters is a world heritage site declared in the year 2003. The area is full of thick vegetation thanks to the perennial water supplies, natural shelters, rich forest flora and fauna found in the area.

Bhimbetka rock shelters are located near Abdullaganj town, 45 kilometers south of Bhopal at the southern edge of the Vindhya hills, in the Raisen District of Madhya Pradesh in India. The Horld heritage site is located inside the Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary.
It is said that some of these shelters were inhabited by Homo erectus more than 100,000 years ago and so exhibiting the earliest traces of human life on the Indian subcontinent

About Bhimbetka Rock Shelters
Among the Bhimbetka rock shelters, you can see some Stone Age rock paintings which are approximately 30,000 years old. Vegetable colours have been used have endured all this time because they have been used on the inside walls or deep inside the niche.
These paintings and the drawings can be dated through 7 different periods namely, Paleolithic, Mesolithic, Chalcolithic, Early historic and medieval periods. Different types of drawings and paintings have been used during different periods.
Period 1 had linear representations, in green and dark red, of huge figures of animals like rhinoceros, bison and tigers.
Period 2  shows humans as well as animals, hunting scenes, the weapons they usedlike barbed spears, pointed sticks, bows and arrows etc.
Period 3 belongs to the chalcolithic period and shows that they were in contact with the agricultural communities of the Malwa plains, exchanging goods with them.
Period 4 and 5 shows art belonging to the early historic period, schematic and decorative style painted in red, white and yellow.
Period 6 and 7 shows medieval images of geometric, linear and more schematic style but they show crudeness and degeneration in their style.

How to reach Bhimbetka Rock Shelters?
By Air : Bhimbetka Rock Shelters is located close to Bhopal and is just about 55 kilometers from the city.
Raja Bhoj airport of Bhopal is the nearest airport and most of the cites in India are connected with it.

By Rail: The nearest railway station to Bhimbetka rock shelters is Bhopal railway station. The station is about 37 kilometers away and is connected to other local railway stations

By Road: You can get transport buses plying regularly from Bhopal. Delhi is also connected to overnight luxury buses to Bhopal. After reaching Bhopal, you can get cabs or local transport to reach Bhimbetka Rock Shelters.