The top Wildlife parks in India

Following is a brief listing of the major parks and the wildlife in India


For the Animals:

Kanha (Madya Pradesh): Tiger, deer, most species. Best months: from February to June (closed July to November).

Corbett (Uttar Pradesh): Tiger, mugger, gharial, deer, most species. Best months: from February to May.

Namdapha (Arunachal Pradesh): Tiger, clouded leopard, snow leopard, panther, red panther, gibbon, loris. Best months: from Oc¬tober to March.

Jawahar National Park (borders of Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu): Elephant, gaur, leopard. Best months: March to July, September and October. Includes the Bandipur, Mudumalai, Nacarhole and Wayanda reserves.

Kaziranga (Assam): Rhino, swamp deer, wild buffalo, tiger. Best months: from November to March.

Bhandavgarh (Madhya Pradesh): Big cats, deer, bear. Best months: November to June.

Periyar (Kerala): Elephant, monkey, some tiger. Best months: September to May.

Gir (Gujarat): Asiatic Hon, wild ass, deer. Best months: from December to April.

Dudhwa (Uttar Pradesh): Tiger, rhino, sloth bear. Best months: from December to June.

Nanda Devi (Himachal Pradesh): Mountain goat, snow leopard. Best months: from April to October,

Ranthambore (Rajasthan): Tiger, jackal, doer, monkey. Best months: October to April.

Kumbulgarh (Rajasthan): Wolf, leopard, fly¬ing squirrel. Best months: from September to November.

Sunderbans (West Bengal): Tiger, turtle, crocodile. Best months: from December to February.

For the birds:

Keoladeo Ghana (Bharatpur. Uttar Pradesh): Cranes, migratory fowl. Best months: from August to February.

Chilka Lake (Orissa): Wading birds, ila-.mingo, dolphin. Best months: from December to March,

Keonjhar and its surroundings

Sanghaghra Falls

How to reach Keonjhar
The name of the Railway station is Jajpur-Keonjhar Road. From the Railway station buses are available for Keonjhar at a distance of 112 km. Including Bhubaneswar (225 km) buses come from various directions throughout the state of Orissa to Keonjhar. Even from Babughat in Kolkata, the ORT bus for Barbil leaves at 5-30 in the morning via Joshipur (62 km) to Keonjhar. It returns from Barbil at 17-00 via Keonjhar/ Joshipur.

It is best to take a bus for a direct trip from Kolkata. Except on Sunday, private buses run from Babu ghat everyday at 8-00 and 17-00 along the NH6 to Lodhasuli 166 km / Bungriposi 230 km /Bisoi 248 km / Joshipur 291 km / Tangabila 301 km and from there to Karanjia 19 km.

Tourists to Similipal may also go to Khiching first by bus and then to Keonjhar. One may also go to Kiriburu/ Meghatuburu in Jharkhand from Barbil-Keonjhar by bus.


Accommodation at Keonjhar:
Hotel Plaza NH-6. New Market; Gayatri Guest House, Hotel Mayur, Keonjhar Lodge, Hotel Bond, Labanya Bhawan Lodge, Hotel Ajanta. Chowda Lodge Mini Lodge Purijat Lodge, Baba Lodge and many other hotels. There is also a Circuit House, Advance Booking : Collector; PWD IB. the Arya Samaj Dharamsala is also there at Keonjhar.

Places to see at Keonjhar:
Surrounded with hills and jungles Keonjhar is a small hill-town peaceful and quiet. Besides the Santhals Oraons and Mundas there are many other tribals inhabiting the place. Keonjhar on an altitude of 1575 ft becomes a dreamland ringing with the sweet songs of birds both strange and familiar. The Jagannath Temple 3 km from the city should be visited either on foot/ by a rickshaw. There are other deities too in the temple premises. The temple gate remains closed from 12 pm to 5-30 pm.

Nice tourist spots surrounding Keonjhar
The Sanghaghra or small cascade descending from an altitude of 100 ft at a distance of 5 km from the city and the Badghaghra or the big cascade falling from a height of 200 ft, 10 km from the city may be visited by a jeep or, a rickshaw. These cascades are really pleasant, and the city gets its supply of drinking water from this Ghaghra, i.e., cascade. For picnic this spot is ideal.

The Baitarani has its origin in the Guptaganga in the Gonashika mountain 30 km from Keonjhar. It looks like the nostrils (nasika) of a cow (Go) hence named 'Gonasika'. A temple of Brahmeswar Mahadeva is also there. The Baitarani rushes down on to the earth from the mountains like a waterfall Then after a few metres it disappears into the earth. The Baitarani in the Guptaganga is again visible in the Kund near the Brahmeswar Temple at the onasika village. The sacred water of the Baitarani merges with the sea, flowing along 400 km, leaving Jajpur aside. According to another set of opinion the Baitarani has its origin in the Malaygiri hills.

Gonasika may be reached by travelling for 21 km by a Pallahara / Sambalpur bus from Keonjhar and then by walking for the last 9 km. By jeep you can come directly to the hill.

About 10 miles from Keonjhar is the Gandhamadan which was carried up to Lanka (i.e Srilanka) by Pavanputra seeking for Vasaiyakarani as depicted in the epic Ramayana.

To reach Sitabinji, you have to travel 23 km along the way to Jajpur until you reach Kaiarbeda from here you have to pace up another 7 km on the right. There are frescoes on the hills, shaped like a half open umbrella. It is Rabanchhaya (shadow of Ravana, the demon) as per local legends. The mountains scattered about have respective names like—Laba, Kusha, Rabanchhaya etc. There is also the ashram of the great sage Valmiki, the birth place of Laba and Kusha. Down below flows the hilly stream Sita.

Taking a Keonjhar-Anandapur bus you may see Ma Tarini's place at Ghatgaon (45 km) on the Keonjhar-Jajpur-Anandapur SH II. Tarini the Mother goddess worshipped at the base of a tree.

Bhimkund:
Coming up to Karanjia 24 km from Keonjhar, you can go 10 km up hill to Mourijoal by an Anandapur bound bus. A trek for farther 10 km ends with the glimpse of a natural wonder—the Baitarani, from behind two hillocks, descends 150 meters down and then jumping on from boulder to boulder flows throught a ravine. After few km journey along the hill there is Bhimkund, the dangerous whirlpool walled up with stones to appear as a Kund. This Kund full with light green water, which is about 260 ft deep. Hearsay, that the Baitarani disappeared into the netherworld flowing under the Bhimkund. The stream, after disappearing into a crevice, is again visible at a distance of 3 km. It is not at all unnatural to come across a bear or an elephant on this trail specially at night. Close to the bungalow there is a small temple of Shiva. One may get accommodation at the 2 roomed bungalow of the Irrigation Department. The beautiful bungalow is surrounded by the forest of sal, mohua piyasal. kendu and arjun.

How to reach Bhimkund from Kolkata
If you plan to go from Kolkata, it is convenient to go via Karanjia (358 km). Dhauli Express at 6-00 am may be availed to reach Jajpur-Keonjhar Road at 11-23 am. From there a Keonjhar-bound bus may be taken to get down at Dhenkikot (90 km) and from there Patana (19 km) may be reached by another bus/ trekker. From Parana another car/ jeep has to be arranged personally for reaching 18 km to Bhimkund.

Fooding and lodging at Bhimkund
Though the utensils are available, one has to collect one's ration (food stuff) from Patana. There are ordinary hotels and a PWD Bungalow at Karanjia, a small town in the Mayurbhanj district Khiching and Bhimkund are situated on 2 diametrically opposite points of Karanjia. From Karanjia buses are coming up to Kolkata in the morning and evening.

This article is originally published in Travel India and India Study Channel

Kuldiha- A less known Forest

From Balasore reach Sujangarh up to Shergarh through National highway. From here via Nilagiri, Panchlingeswar to Sujangarh. From Sujangarh turn left again to reach the Kuldiha Sanctuary. The last 11 km is beautiful and romantic moram road.

Kuldiha Forest is nestled at a height of 91 meter and spreading out in an area of 282 sq with its dense overgrowth of the—sal, piyasal, sishu, mahanim, mango, jam, bahera and simul has become a wild habitat for the wild elephants, cheetals, wild cats, long tailed monkeys, and various other species of wild life. A hilly stream flows along Kuldiha making its course through the forest. A watch tower is strategically built at Garsimulia, on the river bank, 5 km deep in the heart of the forest. A Lion Sanctuary is also there Kuldiha.

Accomodation is only available at the Forest Bungalow.
There are solar lights at the bungalow as your source of light .

For Booking contact: Range Officer, Sujangarh, Nilagiri, Balasore, Ph: (+916782) 2333262. Or, Divisional Forest Officer, Baripada. Food arrangements you have to be bring by your own.

Though bus services are available from Balasore to Sujangarh then the last 11 km can be traversed by only. Enthusiasts may take a guide and trek along the mountains.

This article is also published in India Study Channel

Kutch – Where you can see the wild asses

To the North West of Gujarat, Kutch, the largest district in India (45652 Sq km). Bhuj is the district Head Quarter and the main centre of Kutch. The arid Kutch is the exquisite confluence of the desert and the sea coast. It is a part of the Thar desert. The Kutch gulf separates Bhuj from the Kathiawad peninsula. Earlier, the Sindh river used to flow through it. A quake caused the river to change course causing the whole area to be submerged by the salty sea. In time that too dried up leaving the desert behind, arid and ruthless. The bets or islands dot this barren land.

Run is sandy wasteland, a desolate wilderness. To the south is the Little Run of Kutch; and on the north beyond the village Khabra, 70 km from here, over 20700 sq km unfolds the Great Run of Kutch, which is nothing but saline swamps. Beyond Run or the saline sea lies the desert of Thar and further ahead is Pakistan.
Enthusiasts may take a trip to Kala Dungar or the Black Hill, 19 km from Khabra. One can take a bus till halfway and walk the rest or, choose to take a ride all the way, by car. On the hill you will see the Dattatreya Temple and a military camp.

The enchanting limitless expanse of Run is visible from the top of the hill. You should also make a trip to Flemingo Colony at Tengri Bay, 38 km from Khabra. On the same route buses ply to Tuga, 20 km from Bhuj, from Tuga a 2 day’s safari on camel can be arranged.

Climate of Kutch
The climate is harsh, with high temperature, but evenings are soothing and pleasant. When monsoon starts from May, Kutch gets flooded by rain, with the inflow of the sea, it assumes the shape of a turtle. In summer Kutch is usually muddy, without a trace of human habitation. In winter (Dec-Feb) white and pink flamingoes and pelicans flock to lay eggs in the gulf of little Run. In summer temperature goes up to 47° C and winter varies around 4° C. Average rainfall 25 mm.

The air is salty, the soil thick with salt. Kutch is not suited for cultivation. Now Run is the bedrock of incessant activity-chemicals are being extracted from natural salt Agricultural research is going on at the heart of the desert. But scarcity of drinking water is acute.

Wild ass sanctuary:
To the north of Kutch in the desert oasis spread over 4953 sq km from Bet to Bet. More than 2100 endangered Gorkher or wild asses (Scientific name: Equus Hemionus Khur) inhabit the Wild Ass Sanctuary, the only of its kind in the world. By the Act of 1973 they are protected from gaming and hunting. Each ass is 20 cm high, 210 cm long, weighing about 230 kg on an average. The animals are herbivore and almond-white in color.

When is the best time to visit wild ass sanctuary?
The best visiting time is from November to February but you can see them in October to May as well. They run very fast at a speed of km per hour . Besides the asses , there are black buck, nilgai, wild boar, chinkara, leopard, desert cat in the sanctum Pelican, flamingo, cranes and other species of bill. Birds are specially seen in the winter.

The process of Koli tribals of preparing salt from saline water is also interesting to observe.

How to reach the sanctuary and how to visit?

Dhrangadhra Junction is 130 km from Ahmedabad on the Viramgam-Bhuj broadgauge rail. 9601 Bandra-Bhri Sayajinagari Express, 9031 Mumbai-Bhuj Kutch Express 4311 Berili-Delhi-Jaipur-Bhuj Ala Hajral Express, 6506 Bangalore-Gandhidham weekly Express, 6335 Nagercoil-Gandhidham weekly Express, 1902 Pune-Bhuj weekly Express ply to Kutch via Ahmedabad/ Viramgam/ Dhrangadhra. 111 Viramgam-Bhuj Passeger train also plies to Kutch via Dhrangadhra / Gandhidham.

Reach by bus or train to Dharangadhra and from there the Sanctuary's is only 20 km.

From Ahmedabad (100 km) both bus and train are available. You may avail sleeping facility in the night bus services en route Ahmedabad-Bhoj. Buses also come from Dwarka in 9 hrs. The Forest Dept runs short of vehicle. You may privately arrange tour to the sanctuary by taxi or jeep for 5 hrs. Take a guide, you can save lot of your time and see more.

It requires permission to visit the sanctuary. For visiting, viewing and staying, contact: Deputy Conservator of Forest, Wild Ass Sanctuary, Morbi Rd, Dhrangadhra-363310, Gujarat. Ph: (02754) 223016.

Places to stay at sanctuary:
At Dhrangadhra there are 2 Rest Houses. At Dasada there is Camp Haubaro, For Booking contact: Sarfraz Malik, FatimaManzil, Dasada, Dist-Surendranagar, Ph: (02757) 240283. Ahmedabad Ph: (079) 26920105. Delhi Ph: (011) 28525014; Camp Jainabad, Advance booking : Mr Shabbir Malik, Desert Corns, Camp Jainabad, via Dasada, Pin: 382751. They have arrangement for food, lodging-touring and guide.

This article is originally published in Travel India and India Study Channel

Gir Forest – The Lion’s den in India

The 1516 sq km wide sanctuary came into being in 1969. Of late, the area has been enlarged and widened to 5000 sq km. However, the core area of the protected forest is 1432 sq km. For visiting core area of 258 sq km requires permission from Sink Sadan Forest Lodge Forest is almost barren, rocky with only 10% green area. Gir is the only forest in Asia that homes lions. The 1913 census said that there were only 18 lions, but 1995 (May 13 to 19) census surveyed lion population to more than 304 living their happy household on 157 meter high Gir forest. There are 268 leopards, 2262 shambars, 137 hyenas, 387 chinkaras, 1856 four-horn antilopes, panthers, wild boars all of them are free and in abundance. Parrots, peacocks, monkeys are also seen in the Gir forest. Hunting is prohibited in the forest. Visitors will come across the wild animals during the Safari.

How to reach Gir forest:

From Junagadh 6-15 in the morning you can board Delwada Passenger, and at 7-52 am reach Visavadhar and reach Sasan Gir at 9-05 am. The distance is 73 km from Junagadh to Gir via Keshode. Sasan Gir is a station on Verabal-Khijdia branch railway. From Verabal trains reach Gir in 11/2 hrs. Buses are also available frequently from Junagadh to Verabal via Sasan Gir. Share taxi is also available en route Gir. Nearest airport to Gir is at Rajkot.

This article is originally published in Travel India and India Study Channel


Where to stay at Gir:
Near railway station there is Sink Sudan Forest Lodge, Ph:(02877) 285555, A special attraction of this lodge is a wild life film show daily at 7-00 pm in the evening.

On the same compound, Forest Dept's Economic Forest Guest House, Ph: 285540. For any help contact Deputy Conservator of Forest, Wild Life Division, Sasan Gir-362135, Ph: (02879) 285541.

Guest House-Sasan Gir, Gujarat;

Nearby along the river, TCGL's Lion Safari Lodge,

The posh The Taj Gir Lodge, Ph: 285521,

Ordinary hotels are also available on the bus route—H Annapurna, Ph: 285569; Rajashree Guest House, Ph: 285740; Hotel Umang

How to travel inside the Gir forest and surroundings
From March to May early morning or evening are the best times for viewing lions, but Gir forest remains open only from end of Oct to mid-May. It remains open daily from 6-30 am to 11-00 am & 3-00 pm to 5-00 pm. The temperature of Gir varies from 33-43° C in summer to 7-15° C in winter. It may abruptly change due to heavy rain at times. If you are fortunate enough to get booking in advance, the experience of spending the night at Dak bungalow in the forest will be memorable

Booking for forest safari usually starts from 7-00 am to 11-00 am & 3-00 pm to 5-00 pm. Both ticket and permit are issued at the same time. The Forest Department office is situated at Forest Bungalow. Individual journey begins between 7-00 to 10-00 am & 4-00 pm 6-30 pm for 6 heads group. Jeeps go to forest safari in 6 different routes. The longest of the routes is 31 km. A surcharge is levied on camera and car accompanying the tourists. In the morning, there is a scheduled jeep safari for 30 to 50 km round up, try to avail that.

Day's package for Gir starts at 8-30 am and comes to an end at 7-30 pm. Contact Assistant Director of Information, Rang-Mahal, Junagadh for the same.

Try also to visit Forest Lodge Complex Museum near reception centre. You may go through the history of the origin of Gir forest. The daily life of Gir lions, documented on film is a special attraction to tourists at the Orientation Centre. Crocodile Rearing Centre is yet another spot for tourists. The daily life of crocodiles may be seen at the centre as well.

Tourists can reach Delaliya is Interpretation Zone Safari Park 12 km from the forest by jeep or local bus from Gir. The wild members of Gir are visible in the 4 sq km area. Except Wednesday, visit any day you like paying very nominal fee. Ticket available at Debalia reception. You may go from Lion Safari Lodge to visit safari.

The Crocodile Project near Kamaleswar Dam is another tourist spot. Wild animals of Gir visit the crocodile infested reservoir to quench their thirst. On top of trees watch towers are there at Kamaleswar.

96 km from Sasan inside the Gir Forest is Tulsi Shyam Hot Spring. Take a dip and visit the temples of Krishna, Bhim and Kunti near by.

For staying at Tulsi Shyam there are TCGL's Toran Tourist Camp stay in the dormitory system; Private hotels and Dharamshalas are also there.

This article is originally published in Travel India and India Study Channel

Bandipur National Park Tiger Reserve

Bandipur National Park Tiger Reserve at an altitude of 1022 to 1450 meter on Nilgiri Hills covered by sandal, mehagani, ablus, teak, bamboo and deodar trees sprawling over 874.20 sq km on Mysore-Ooty highway. This Park is adjacent to Mudumalai of Tamilnadu and Wynad of Kerala. The river Mayar demarcates the boundary between the two. Old Venugopal Wildlife Park has been divided by the dam on Kabini river. To the south of Kabini is Bandipur and to the north is Nagharhole National Park. Bandipur was the hunting ground of the Mysore kings and in 1931 it was developed covering an area of 90 sq km. In 1941, it was named as Venugopal Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary was also expanded from 90 to 800 sq km. In 1973 according to the plan of WWF it was crowned as an Indian Tiger Project. Bandipur is also a member of the earliest Tiger-9 Project. According to the 1997 Census, there were 75 tigers in Bandipur. Approximately 2000 elephants, leopards, sambar, bison, four-horned antelope, gaur and different species of deer; panther, bear and wild dogs are also inhabitant this place. Several varieties of peacocks, maina, dhanesh and other birds make their homes among the teaks, shimul, sandal, jamun and rosewood trees.This article is originally published in Travel India and India Study Channel

How to reach Bandipur national park:

Bandipur is on the Mysore-Ooty highway, 76 km to the south of Mysore and 82 km to the north of Ooty. It takes 2 ½ hours to reach here from both Mysore or, Ooty. Nearly a dozen buses are going to Mysore-Ooty-Mysore via Bandipur Forest Reception Centre. On the way, sitting in the bus you may come across herd of elephants.

When to visit Bandipur National Park:

Though Nov to May is the tourist season, Jan-Feb is better. Temperature: 30°C in summer and around 18°C in winter. Average rainfall: 1000 mm.
This article is originally published in Travel India and India Study Channel

Tour arrangement to Bandipur Sanctuary:

For touring Bandipur Sanctuary, and booking of cars from the forest department and their seven cottages, write 10 days in advance to Field Director, Project Tiger, Aranya Bhavan, Ashokpuram, Mysore-570008 Ph: (0821) 2520901.or else, while in Mysore you can go to the Forest Office which is at the south suburban area of the city, by rickshaw or by bus of Rt 61. You can also write to Assistant Director, Bandipur NP, Bandipur—571318. For taking photographs permission from the authorities has to be obtained beforehand.

Similarly, for the booking of two cottages or for information about any forest in Karnataka, you have to write to the Chief Warden, Wildlife, Aranya Bhavan, 18th Cross, Malleswaram, Bangalore— 560003. Ph: 23341993 or, Jungle Lodges & Resorts Ltd, 2nd floor, Shrungar Shopping Centre, M G Rd, Bangalore—560001, Ph: 25597025, Fax : 080-25586163.

For accommodation, there are nine cottages of forest department with 18 rooms and dormitory. Their names are Gajendra, Harini, Chittal, Papeeha, Kokila, Vanashree, Yanasuma, Kuteera and Mayura Lodge. Foods are also available at these lodges. This article is originally published in Travel India and India Study Channel

You can see deer or other wild animals from the window of these cottages. Documentary films on wildlife are shown at the Interpretation centre.

Forest department organize trips to the Tiger Project by jeep, bus or on elephants' back between 6-00 am 9-00 am and 4-00 pm 6-30 pm.

Photographs of wild beasts can be taken from the watch tower. Beware of monkeys while you observe the vast landscape from Gopal Swami Betta.

Venu Vihar Lodge on Himavat Gopalaswami Hill 20 km from here is also nice place to stay.

Nearby, there is KSTDC's Hotel Mayura Prakruti, Melkamanahalli, Post: Hangala, Gundlupet Taluk, near Bandipur, Ph: (0821) 2633001.

It is possible to travel Bandipur National Park and come back in one day either from Mysore or Ooty.

This article is originally published in Travel India and India Study Channel

Complete Travel information of Mysore

Mysore, at 770 meter from sea level, also called as city of palaces or, the city of sandalwood. Mysore is a very small and beautiful city by itself. Sandalwood products like incense sticks, sandal soap, sandal oil and furniture from sandalwood are manufactured plenty here and it is a form of cottage industry here. Fragrance of sandal oil is all over there in the city. Sandalwood products of Mysore are famous worldwide and regularly being exported from here.

There is another belief and that’s why Mysore is also known as the city of Dashera festival. The name is consequential from Mahishasur, the king of demons and Mysore was his kingdom. Mysore was then known as Mahismati or Mahishasurpura and in course of time the name became Mahishur.


Five royal palaces and a dozen of royal mansions are the prime attractions of Mysore. Mysore is the centre of performing arts, literature and culture. The city is 139 km from Bangalore and is linked by regular train and bus services.

The attraction of Mysore is more the tourist because centering Mysore one can travel many beautiful tourist spots of Southern India like Belur, Halebid, Shravanabelgola, Somnathpur and Kurg. A luxury train is going to be introduced from Mysore to Goa on Konkan Railway under the joint venture of East West Airways and Indian Railways. The network of bus services from the three bus stands of Mysore helps you to reach any remote point of the state or all southern states.

Conducted Tours available from Mysore:

KSTDC, Transport Wing, C/o Hotel Mayura Yatri Nivas, 2 Jhansi Lakshmi Bai Rd, Ph: 2423652 every day starts at 8-00 Hrs and comes back at 21 -00 Hrs after touring Mysore city.

Somnathpur, Srirangapatna and Brindavan Garden starts from Lali tamahal Palace. Schedule is the same as KSTDC.

KSTDC arranges tours to Belur, Halebid and Shravanabelgola every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday. Starts at 7-30 Hrs and returns at 20-30 Hrs.

They also conduct tour every day to Ooty

KSTDC arranges tours to:

Jog waterfalls on 3-day package, for
5-day package Goa-Gokama-Jog,
3-day package for Mantralaya-Tungabhadra Dam-Hampi,
5-day package for North Kamataka,
and various others packages.

Though the best season to tour Mysore is October to March but it can be visited any time of the year due to its beautiful weather. Temperature in summer is 28°C and in winter 22°C. Average rainfall is 98 cm.


Little Historical background of Mysore:

Coming from Dwaraka in Gujarat at the end of the 14th century, two brothers Vijay and Krishna built their residence in today's Mysore. Overwhelmed by the chivalry of Vijay, the king of Mysore arranged his daughter's marriage with him and gifted him his empire. The new king Vijay Yadav became the ruler. Thus Wadyar dynasty was founded in Mysore. Till 1761 they ruled Mysore. They lost their empire after being defeated by Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan was also defeated by the British in the war of 1799. In 1947, Mysore became a part of the Indian Union.

Hotels at Mysore:
STD code: +91 821
Star hotels are situated on Jhansi Lakshmi Bai Rd and surrounding Central Bus Stand at Mysore.

KTDC's Ashok Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel. Mysore-570011
Ph: 2470470, DB @ INR 6000: Suite @ INR 8500. •QualityInn

Southern Star. 13, Vinobha Road-5, Ph: 2426426, A/c DB @ INR 3500-4500; Suite @ INR 6000 - 8500.

Ramanashree Comforts Inn, L-43/A. Bangalore-Nilgiri Rd-1, Ph: 2522202 A/C DB @ INR 2295-2845; Suite @ INR 3245-3795.

Hotel Gayathri, Ph: 2425654. DCB @ INR 120 DB @ INR 250-450;
Hotel New Bishnu Bhavan, DB @ INR 200-350;
Hotel Chalukya, Ph: 2427197 DB @ INR 250-450;
Hotel Indra Bhavan, Ph: 2423933, DB @ INR 250-450

Hotel Ritz. Ph: 2422668, DB @ INR 400-550;
Mysore Hotel Complex, Ph: 2426217, DB @ INR 450-650 A/C DB @ INR 850;
Hotel Roopa Ph: 2443770, DB @ INR 450-850,
Hotel Maruti Palace Ph: 2429586, DB @ INR 450-650;
Sanjib Palace Hotel, Ph: 2448039, DB @ INR 350-600;
Sri Nandini Hotel Ph: 2447085, DB @ INR 350-550


Shopping at Mysore:

CauveryArts & Crafts Emporium, Sayaji Rao Road, Mysore.

Kamataka Government sells a variety of handicrafts like sandal oil, sandal soap, incense sticks, and artistic items from ivory, rose wood and sandal wood. Whether or not you intend to buy anything you should not miss to visit the shop. Except Sunday it remains open from 10-00 to 14-00 & 15-30 to 19-30.

Other reliable shops in Mysore

Craft Emporium, Vinobha Rd
Kamataka Silk Industry, R K R Circle.
Sri Lakshmi Fine Arts & Crafts, opposite the zoo.
KSIC's Silk Shop. KR circle and Indiranagar


Places to see in Mysore:

Mysore Palace

While entering the crafted and ornamented gate of the palace the gold gilted temple-dome on the left will amaze you. A row of temples of Hindu Gods like Bhubaneswari, Gayatri, Gopal-Krishnaswami, Nabagraha, Trinayaneswar and Barahaswami are present in the palace compund. The wood-built old palace was ruined by fire 1897. The present palace was designed in the by Henry Irwin. In 1897-1921 and was built for the 24th Wadyar king. At the enhance on the ground floor there is Gombe thotti or dolls museum, where Dashera Festival used to be held with these dolls. King's Howda (elephant-seat), ornamented by pure (24 carat) gold and battery-operated red-green signal system decorated by valuable stones are exhibited.

Inside the palace, there is an octagonal pavilion used to held marriage ceremonies. The walls of the room decorated with 26 panel paintings by four Indian painters and it took 15 yearrs to complete.

Brass pillars, chandelier, peacock engraved in coloured glass, floor made of mosaic tiles, the shape of which is like a peacock, chairs (made of silver) of Maharaja and Lord Mountbatten are the main attractions of Kalyan mandap.

Climbing up the marble steps you will find the Durbar Hall where there is the famous throne made of 280 kg gold and well decorated by precious stones is exhibited. This famous throne came to Mysore as a souvenir of King Wadyar's victory over Vijayanagar. Another opinion is that, this was a gift from the emperor Aurangzeb. Durbar Hall is enriched with attractive glasses, precious ivory and stone crafts. Walls decorated with expensive stones, door of solid silver, Byzantine mosaic floor, decorated ceiling made of mahogany wood with engraved images of Vishnu (10 incarnations), intricately designed pillars has made the Durbar hall exquisite . From the hall you can see Lalitha Mahal and Chamundi Hill.

Though it is small, the decorated Amba Villa or private durbar hall is also beautiful. The three doors of the private hall are also unique. The middle door is made of silver. The 10 incarnations of Vishnu are engraved on it too. There are also guards of the eight directions of the world. The small idol of Lord Krishna is also admirable. Coloured glass from Belgium, iron pillar from Glasgow, wooden ceiling, chandelier, decorated window, mosaic floor—all these have added to the attraction of the hall.

Oil paintings of the art gallery are also priceless. Beside these, a replica of the British crown, polished in gold, is kept in a glass case, sword of Tipu and Hyder Ali, tiger-nail of Shivaji, furniture made of sandalwood and ivory articles have made the palace inimitable.

Son of the ex-Maharaja lives in the back portion of the palace. He has opened a museum there.

The palace is illuminated on holidays and in the evenings during festivals (from 19-00 to 20-00). Entrance through the southern gate, open from 10-00 to 17-00.

Jagmohan Palace or Jaya Chamrajendra Art Gallery :

The palace was built in 1861 on the occasion of Krishnaraja Wadyar's marriage and in 1915 the palace was converted into a museum of antiques.

The collection of paintings, specially on the first floor S L Haldekar's painting of the 'Lady with the lamp' is superb. If you put off the lights in the room and walk towards the painting slowly, it seems that the lady is slowly approaching towards you with the lamp in her hand. The paintings of Ravi Verma, Nicolas Roerich and others are real treasures of the museum.

The collection of musical instruments deserves special mention. The unconventional parade-clock at the entrance is unique. The wooden Ganesh image on tortoise-back is remarkable.
Camera is not allowed inside. It is open from 8-00 am to 12-00 pm and 2-30 pm to 5-00 pm, It remains closed on Thursday and holidays.


Chamrajendra Zoological Garden :

Built in 1832, Mysore Zoo is an attractive tourist spot 3 km to the east of the palace. Near about 1500 animals including tiger, elephant, lion, birds and reptiles are presen in that zoo.

Except Friday it remains open from 8-00-11-30 and 14-00 to 18-00.
KSTDC has started a restaurant Maurya Rhino Kiosk, for the refreshment of tourists at zoo.

Lalita Mahal:

On the way to Chamundi, on the hilly slope, this Royal Guest House was built by Krishnaraja IV in 1930. Now it has been converted in lo a 5-star Hotel run by ITDC. Tourists may visit the palace after taking permission from the superintendent. The Italian marble steps of the dining hall of the Hotel are simply amazing.


Chamundi Hill :

Chamundi hill has a height of 1095 meter. The temple on the top of it was built by Krishnaraja Wadyar III, where a golden idol of goddess Chamundeswari (Durga) is worshipped. The architecture of the temple is also magnificent. On the top of the temple there is an image of Mahishasur. From the hill, the illuminated Mysore city and the surrounding scenery are nice view. The journey to the hill is also delightful. Midwayto the route of Chamundi hill, amonolithic statue of Nandi carved out of black granite engross the tourists.

Chamundi can be reached either by a packaged tour from the city or a direct bus (Route -101) from Mysore . From Chamundi, the last bus goes to the city is at 21-00 Hrs. Auto, taxies are also available.

The temple remains open from 6-00 Hrs to 12-00 Hrs & 17-00 Hrs to 20-00 Hrs.

The summer resort of royal family has now been converted into a Hotel. Hotel Rajendra Vilas Palace, Chamundi Hill - 570019, Ph: 2520690.


Other places apart from these worth visiting are Lokaranjan Mahal, Cheluvamba Mansion (Food Research Centre of Central Govt), Municipal office, Krishna Rajendra Hospital, Medical College Museum, Exhibition House, St Philomona Cathedral etc.

Though the sandal-oil factory (8 km from the city) is not included in conducted tour package, you may make a separate trip there. It is open for the visitors from 8-00 Hrs to 12-00 Hrs & 13-00 Hrs to 17-00 Hrs except Sundays and Thursdays.

With prior permission you may also visit (8-00 Hrs to16-30 Hrs, except Sundays) the silk factory. You can buy silk clothes and materials here. This factory is run by the government.

There is the Art & Archaeological Museum and Chamrajendra Technical Institute. Articles made of ivory, sandal wood and metals are being manufactured there.

Railway Museum near rail station is also unique place to visit. Saloon car of the queen including royal toiletries is a great attraction. Collections from 1888 of Indian Railways are exhibited in the museum. This museum remain open to all from 10-00 Hrs to 13-00 Hrs & 15-00 Hrs to 17-00 Hrs except Monday.

Folk Art Museum (Estd in 1928), with a collection of folk art of Kamataka is another place to visit. Open from 10-30 Hrs to 17-30 Hrs, except 2nd Saturdays and Sundays.

Enthusiastic tourists may visit the Sree Mahalingeswar Temple, 13 km from the city. A temple has been built as a replica of 800 yrs old Hoysala Temple. A new image of the god has been erected as the old one is ruined. Besides, Shivalinga, Ganesha and two-handed image of Durga are there in the temple. Bus, taxi and, auto are available from the city to visit this temple.


In Mysore, another thrilling experience is to join Kheda Operation. This is the technique of trapping of wild elephants. This operation is conducted by the governmentt in Korapur forest (55 km to the south of Mysore) will be a lifetime experience.

Jagmohan Art Gallery and Palace are two spots within walking distance from the bus stand and are not included in the conducted tour to save the time.


Brindavan Garden & Krishnarajasagar Barrage

A 3 km long 40 m high dam stands on Cauveri river 16 km from Srirangapatna, 22 km from Mysore, 28 km from Somnathpur and 153 km from Bangalore. The construction was started in 1911 and was completed in 1931. Envisaged by M. Bisheswaraiya, the dam was constructed with stone (without cement) to supply water to Simsa Hydro¬electric project of Shivasamudram round the year. Boating arrangement are also there and it is a nice picnic spot.

Designed in Mughal pattern, Brindavan Garden is built step by step from below the dam. Fountains, flower beds, topiary sail have made the environment beautiful and dreamy. In the evening the garden is illuminated and looks gorgeous.

Conducted tours is also there from Bangalore to see Brindavan Gardens.

Biligirirangan :

Biligiri means white mountains. It is 90 km from Mysore, adjacent to Keyatiiadebara Gudi or K-Gudi, in a 324 sq km evergreen forest at an altitude of 4000 ft.

the Biligiri - Rangaswamy Temple Sanctuary or, Biligirirangan was established in 1974. Tiger, elephant, gaur, leopard, chital, shambar and various other species of wild animals inhabit in this Sanctuary. There are variety of birds.

Package tour visitors stay here at the tents (double bed) of B R hills wildlife adventure resorts Ph: + 91 8226 296086

Nearest railway station is Chamrajnagar, is 2 hrs by train from Mysore. Bus services are also available from Mysore and Chamrajnagar. Private cars and jeeps are also available to reach here.


Dashera festival of Mysore

Dashera is the most aattractive festival of Mysore. Mahanabami festival of Wadeyar kings used to be observed till 1610 AD. This festival has been changed into the Dashera festival. Tourists from all over the world come here to take part in this festival. A colorful procession is held to celebrate the victory of Devi Chamundeswari or Durga over Mahishasur is really amusing. After ornamentation in colorful dresses, the golden idol of Devi Chamundeswari is taken out for procession. In the past, the Maharaja himself took part in this procession on an elephant on the last day of the festival. The procession reaches Bani Mandap at the base of Chamundi Hill.

The venue of the festival is the huge courtyard of the palace. It is observed for ten days and nine nights. Cultural functions are integral part of the festival. The courtyard reverberates with songs and music.

Another attraction of the festival is torchlight parade. The entire city celebrates the festival with pomp. Fireworks also form a part of it. Generally, Dashera is celebrated in October.

If you plan to visit during Dashera book the hotel beforehand.

This resource is published in India study Channel in two parts

Part One

Part two

Bhadra Tiger Reserve in Karnataka

Bhadra Tiger Reserve, 24th addition to the Indian Tiger Project of 1998-99 is 30 km from Shimoga, in the Shimoga-Chikmagalur district and spread over 492.46 sq km.

Although not very large in area, the Bhadra valley has tigers and elephants, wild boar, gaur, chital, shambar. sloth bear, cheetah and various species of reptiles and birds in its tropical rain forest.

Accomodation in Bhadra Tiger Reserve:

Forest Rest House, PWD Bungalow and Circuit house are available for staying here.


How to reach Bhadra tiger reserve:
Bhadra is accessible all the year round, but the touring season is November to March. The nearest rail station is at Tarikere (20 km). The distance of Bhadra valley from Bangalore 255 km, Mangalore 218 km, Chikmagalur 38 km, Kemmanagundi 60 km. Enthusiasts may also see the Kalahasti Waterfalls, 10 km from Tarikere.

Photo courtesy: http://www.flickr.com/photos/yathin/

Kanha –Best Place To See Wild Animals From Close

It was December end. From Kolkata we travelled by Mumbai mail to reach Gondia. Car, courtesy of the hotel was waiting for us at station. Khatia, where we are supposed to stay is 3 hours from the Gondia station. The beautiful hilly road led us to Khatia. We reached hotel in the evening. It was cold! Our plan to stay there was for 3 days. To enter the Kanha forest, special types of open jeeps are available. These jeeps queue from early morning 4 am to enter the forests. We started a little late next morning. Strangely enough this late entry helped us! When so many jeeps enter together early in the morning, the animals and birds get frightened and fled away but we were alone at that time around 7 am and we were welcomed by a beautiful peacock. Our driver was an expert guide and he drove so beautifully through the forest and introduced with the inhabitants there. Variety of colorful birds, deer, wild bores, bison, and lots of monkeys along with the natural beauty and fragrance of the forest was splendid experience. We really couldn't stop snapping. Driver cum guide assure us that we may get a chance to see tiger if not today, at least in next two days. In our morning trip we were not lucky enough to see the king.

Came back to hotel for lunch and again started our second trip to the forest in the afternoon. This time we drove through another route. In this itinerary we saw different variety of owl, and so many colorful birds, sorry don't know the names. While coming back, driver from another jeep told us tiger is seen at some place. We drove fast and saw there are at least 15 jeeps are standing. Some of them told they have seen the tiger but it has left this place a little ago. We cursed our luck and get back to the hotel.

Next day morning we started with more enthusiasm, hoping for the best thing to come. Today we were blessed! We saw the rarest scene a tiger is crossing the road! It is not possible to explain how we felt by seeing it from so close and that too from an open jeep!

We were so satisfied; everyone spent rest of the time just by discussing how the experience was! We saw the museum at Kanha. The museum is mostly tiger oriented. After viewing the king, we really enjoyed the museum too. Folk dances by the local people were arranged by the hotel in the evening. We had still a morning session left.

Next morning we again entered the jungle, our last safari. We didn't expect anything more Kanha is going to gift us. To our surprise we suddenly saw a deer with beautiful horns and almost as big as horse! Our guide told us this is Hardground Barasinga / Barasingha Deer and is available specially in this forest. We were dumbstruck.

Kanha has fulfilled our all dreams and gave us everything one can expect from a jungle.

Information for visiting Kanha National Park:

It is best to go Kanha via Jabbalpur. Khatia is the entry point for the forest. Within the forest a MP tourism tourist lodge is there to stay at Kisli. Open jeeps are available to roam around in the forest. Your hotel authority will arrange for the car. This reserve forest is open for the tourists from October to June. It remains closed for three months during the rainy season. Daily two shifts are open for entry. 1^st from sunrise to 12 pm and 2^nd from 3 pm to sunset. 6 persons are allowed per jeep. You have to drive 3 km from Khatia to Kisli and pay the necessary entry charge and camera charge at the forest office to collect the permit, before entering the forest. Guide is must. Your driver may also be a licensed guide. Those who are coming from Bilaspur side, same arrangement is there at Mukki, another entry point to the Kanha forest.

If you are reading this article in any website other than in "TRAVEL INDIA" or, INDIA STUDY CHANNEL", then you are reading a copied and stolen content. Enjoy the original site here http://ourtravelindia.blogspot.com

Where to stay at Kanha:

Baghira Log House at Kisli by MPTDC DB AP @INR 3600 – 4300 per day

At tourist hostel dormitory @INR 500 per bed

At Mukki Kanha Safari Lodge by MPTDC DB @ INR 2100 – 2900 per day

Private hotels 165 Km from Jabbalpur

Kipling camp kipling@nivalink.com

Mogli Resort mogliresort@nivalink.com


This article is republished at India study Channel

Photo attribution:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/begemot/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/colouredglass/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/honzasoukup/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/sanjeeva/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/nishith/

Paradise For Bird Lovers - Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

The last few years due to lack of rainfall, 29 square Km. World Heritage site, Bharatpur bird sanctuary lost its attraction to the migratory birds along with the tourists. This year nature ultimately blessed and we can see Bharatpur at its old charm.




This year though the monsoon was late but there was enough rainfall and the lake in Bharatpur is full. Already Painted stork, Open bill stork, Eye biss, Spoon bill, Grey Heron, Purple heron and many other birds have already built their nests. Boatride has already started in the canals. Migratory birds has started coming.



Forest department is working hard to remove the unwanted weeds and trees and improving the health of the sanctuary.

After a lomg time we will see Bharatpur in its full glory.

How to reach Bharatpur:

Bharatpur is 180 Km from both Delhi and Jaipur and 55 Km from Agra. You can travel from these places either by bus or car.

The nearest railway station is Bharatpur, on the main line between New Delhi and Mumbai.

The sanctuary is only 6 Km from Railway station and cycle rickshaws and auto rickshaws
are there to take you up to the spot.

Within the sanctuary you can walk, hire a cycle rickshaw or better if you hire a cycle.

Where to stay at Bharatpur:

STD code of Bharatpur: 05644

RTDC Hotel Saras: Ph: 223790 @ DB INR 650 - 950. This is situated on the road going to sanctuary.

Shanti Kutir, Resthouse of Forest department is within the sanctuary ph: 222777 @ DB INR 600.

Hotel Sunbird Ph: 225701 starts from @ INR 1200 DB

Hotel Spoonbill Ph: 223571 @ INR 250 - 700 DB

Magnificent Periyar Forest

Amazing Periyar

Though it is possible to see Periyar tagged with other parts of Kerala like Madurai, Kodaikanal, Munnar, Kochi etc. but we, this time decided to see only the forest and one of the famous in India, Periyar in Kerala. For that we reached Madurai without any booking of hotels in the month of October. After reaching Madurai we hired a car from the station for Periyar. It was 4 hours drive to Kumili, the last town in Tamilnadu, after which Thekaddy is adjacent to this is in Kerala.

Didn't like Thekaddy much! There are many hotels around the bus stand. The palce is very crowded much like a very ordinary small town of India. We wanted to stay at or near the jungle so proceeded further. On the way was inquiring about the tariffs of the hotels. Closer we were to the forest more were the tariffs. This time our budget was low so we were getting depressed. ultimately a local boy helped. He said with the collaboration of Kerala Government the local people are giving home stay facility at very reasonable price. Hearing this we started to search the lanes and saw many sign boards at the local homes there. Even tariffs are displayed at places. We chose a home there @ INR 400! per day. It was a three story building and we were accommodated at the second floor. The main house of the owner is few feet away from the guest house. The room was nicely decorated with a small TV, flower pot. The Bathroom was clean. The lady of the house also provides foods on request. That was great. We could taste the local food.

The gate of the forest is 5 to 7 minutes from the house we stayed. Without wasting time we entered the forest. Just to mention don't carry any food items in your hand, the chance of being snatched by the monkeys are very high.

Langur

The Lake is 77 Sq. Km and the area of the forest is 777 Sq. Km. One of the best place to stay here is KTDC Periyar House INR 1000 - 2000 is within the forest compound. We reached the ticket counter for the launch ride in the lake. KTDC charge INR 110 for each for one hour ride.

From the Launch

Almost through out the lake there are stems of very old dead plants standing. Many kind of different birds made their nests in them. They are so used to the tourists and the boats, we could snap to our heart's content.

Great Cormorant



Fishing Kite

It was amazing to see the great cormorants are busy with drying their wings or the snake bird and fishing kite is patiently waiting for her pray.

Elephant Family

The lake is like an 'U'. The launch route is straight at first then turns right. After some time take the turn and return to the jetty. After a while we saw a family of elephants with kid. At one place seen one bathing by spraying water from its trunk.

Cool:)

The Indian bisons (Gaur), Deers of different variety were also grazing fearlessly on the banks.
One hour is so little time! Suddenly our sailing ended on the jetty. No one of was satisfied.

Indian Bison

Deer

This time we hired a boat. The advantage of boat is you are at your control and it is easy to come near the bank with the boat. The disadvantage is for taking the photos. The boat was never stable in the water.

Periyar is really a paradise for the photographers. Click here to see the other photos of Periyar.

The best time to see Periyar is September to March. Forest department claims there are 70 tigers in this forest but could be seen only rarely as a ver small part of the forest is open for tourism. At least 63 kinds of mammals, 320 kind of birds, 27 kind of aquatic animals and 45 kinds of snakes including king cobra.

Kerala Forest department also has arrangements for professionally guided trekking in the forest. Even trekking is arranged at nights with the armed guard. The rate for each for this trek is 500 INR per head. They have flat type of boat made of bamboo, on which one can float on the lake @ INR 1000. For more enthusiasts they have cottage at Kokkara 5 Km inside the forest @ INR 2000.

This time our budget was low and could not avail all these .........but surely next time.