Covering an expanse of 104.27sq.km, and established in the early 70’s, the Bannerghatta National Park is just 23km off Bangalore. The Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, is the governing body of the park. It comprises 10 reserves forests of the Anekal Range of the Bangalore Forest Division. It is located quite close to the Tamil Nadu border. In fact, a lot of animals come here from Kollegal and Tami Nadu areas during summer. The highest point in the reserve is above 1,600m.

The national park is home to white tigers and lions. Elephants and deer are the most abundantly found animals in the area. Other fauna are panthers, sambar, bears, spotted deer, black buck, wild boars and varieties of snakes and other reptiles. Birds such as cormorants, painted storks, pelicans, white ibis and spoonbills are found in the park. The lions and tigers of the reserve were hunted by former rulers of south India. It used to be their private reserves.

Within the reserves there are many trekking routes, waterfalls, hills and temples to check out. The large area of the park also consists of a biological reserve, zoo, a crocodile farm, snake park, pets corner and a museum. Kids will be enthralled to visit the park of pre-historic animals. The auditorium/theatre here screens hour-long movies and clips on animals and environment.

The place has India’s first a butterfly park. It was inaugurated by Kapil Sibal, the then Union Minister of Science and Technology, on 25 November 2006. The Butterfly Park covers 7.5 acres and has a butterfly conservatory, museum and an audio-visual room. The circular enclosure accommodates about 20 species of butterflies within it. The environment created within the dome is humid and just apt for the natural growth of the winged creatures. There is an artificial waterfall and a small bridge.

The Suvarnamukhi stream that flows through the park, finds its source in the Suvarnamukhi hills. As you enter the park, you can see a huge boulder, almost a kilometre long. The hills continue on from here. The Champaka Dhama Swamy temple, built in the Dravidian style of architecture, and belonging to the Hoysala age, is located at the foot of this giant boulder. The main deity is Vishnu. His consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi, too, are worshipped here. Another famous shrine here is the one dedicated to Narasimha. The Suvarnamukhi pond, aout two km away, is said to have curative powers. People visit it all round the year, especially in the Monsoons.

Safaris into the reserve give you a glimpse into the lives of these wild animals. The area falls under an elephant corridor that connects it to B.R. Hills, and also to areas in Wayanad in Kerala. Also, you can camp or trek with the help of the local guides. There should be at least 10 people in a group for the lion and tiger safaris. The park is open on all days except Tuesday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The best time to visit is between September to January.

And for those who just wanna bite a corn cob and walk around the zoo, that’s also an option. There are many shacks and food stalls at the entrance of the zoo – the standar fare of corn, coffee, sugarcane juice, and snacks.

Spanning 175sq.km, this wild paradise is home to the endangered species of animals such as the Arnai (wild buffalo), gharial crocodile and the Gangetic dolphin. Tall grassland with areas covered with khair-sissoo scrub forest and deciduous riverine forest are what stands out among the flora of the land. The mountainous vegetation is found throughout the hilly areas; and not to leave out, the world’s fifth highest mountain, Makalu, stands looming at 8,475m.

For the adventure-lovers, there are a horde of activities to take up. Elephant rides are a good option if you want to spot varieties of deer and nilgai (blue bull). Sitting atop the pachyderms, you can get a view of the reserve, and it’s exhilarating to cross a stream or a small river on elephant-back. Or if you want to view wildlife at a closer range, go for a jungle walk. On such a walk you can also go bird watching. There are about 300 species of local and migratory birds in the reserve. Canoe rides on the river are for those adrenaline-charged tourists. There are waterfalls and dips to be taken care of, though. On a canoe ride you can spot freshwater dolphins, gharials and crocodiles.

According to the last tiger census using the pug-mark identification technique, the Parambikulam forests is home to an estimated 15 tigers.

Check out: http://www.hotelsthekkady.com/2010/01/thekkady-lake-alive-with-tourist-boats/

Here’s an interesting story: William the hornbill was the Bombay Natural History Society’s own pet for 26 years! This “office canary” lived in a cage behind Millard’s chair in Phipson & Co.’s office for 26 years and died in 1920.

Also check out:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Hornbill

http://changlang.nic.in/namdapha.html

It will be Kerala’s second tiger reserve, the other being Periyar Tiger Reserve. Areas within Parambikulam ranges from 300m to 1,438m above mean sea level. Parambikulam has seven major valleys and three major river systems. The sanctuary has three major reservoirs – Parambikulam, Thunakadavu and Peruvarippalam.

The sanctuary has semi-evergreen forests, dry as well as moist deciduous forests, tropical rainforests and Shola forests. Parambikulam is home to more than 1,400 species of flowering plants, many varieites of medicinal plants and 67 species of orchids.

Besides tigers and white gaurs, the sanctuary houses Nilgiri Tahr, elephants, lion-tailed Macaque, panther, wild boar, flying squirrel, sambar, Bonnet Macaque, Nilgiri Langur, sloth bear, Nilgiri marten, king cobra, Travancore tortoise, Indian day gecko, flying lizard, Indian rock python, Malabar pit viper, Travancore tortoise, mountain skink, mugger crocodile, pond terapin, spectacled cobra, krait, green keelback.

You can find birds such as lesser adjutant stork, grey-headed fish-eagle, Peninsular bay owl, broad-billed roller, black-capped kingfisher, great pied hornbill, little cormorant, black eagle, great Indian hornbill, and black woodpecker.

The sanctuary, located over 285sq.km, in Chittur taluk in Palakkad, will be extended to the forest divisions in Nenmara, Chalakudy and Vazhachal (about 358sq.km of area) in order to comprise a total area of 643 sq km. Parambikulam is approachable by road from Pollachi in Tamil Nadu, 90km away. The nearest airport and railhead is at Coimbatore.

The Mysore Zoo, covering about 250 acres and also known as Chamarajendra Zoological Garden, was started in 1892 by Chamaraja Wodeyar X, the then the king of Mysore. It began as a private zoo, meant for visits of the royal family, and was called Khas-Bangale as well as Thamash Bangale. Only by early 1920s were the public allowed into it.

The Zoo, which has more than 1,500 animals, is a success story for captive breeding of many species of animals. the complex also houses a museum, library and The Karanji Lake, which ahs boating facility. You can visit the zoo from 8.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.

The most famous animal of the region – the Royal Bengal Tiger – is found in the Sunderban National Park here. The tiger, which number about a 400, is adapted to pounce, run and swim in the mangrove swamps. There is a tiger reserve that keeps a check on the tigers and their conservation. Other animals found here are Chital deer, barking deer, estuarine crocodiles, variety of birds and turtles, and snakes. The Olive Ridley and Hawk-billed Turtle are famous here.

The mangroves are closely monitored by conservationists and the government alike. But it is the natives who are active as they have a symbiotic relationship with the forests. Fuel, timber and food are only some of the things that people here depend on from the mangrove forests.

Port Canning, 48km away, is the nearest railhead. Kolkata, 112km away, has the nearest airport. Cruises from Port Canning will take you to several swamp islands and small ports in the Sunderbans. You can spot many animals, birds and reptiles on the way. Many resorts and eco-lodges here will arrange guides and boats for tourists. The best time is between September and May.

Also visit the Sajnekhali Bird Sanctuary and the Haliday Island.

There are more than 200 species of birds, and many other fauna. Endangered flora and fauna, too, find a home in this region. You can spot the Red Panda, endangered black-neck crane, musk deer, blue sheep and black bear. The place has a concentration of rare, world-class orchids. Alpine and coniferous forests are prominent.

The community depends on the forest for its livelihood, and in turn, the forest can benefit from the people’s watch over it. All the original tribals, or ‘people of the forests’, revere the trees and beings in the forest. Such close association provides a means of symbiotic relationship.

Inevitably, the area becomes a tourist destination. It works both ways: economic means as well as spread of awareness among tourists. Tourists can go mountain climbing and trekking and set up forest camps. At 4,500m above sea level, Potok is the highest trekking area. You can hire a guide, too. Don’t worry about your stay – homestays located deep in the forests will be an exhilarating experience.

Around February – April, you can see loads of migratory birds flocking to the estuary and mangroves here. Besides this there are the usual terns and gulls. The area is also home to a score of native birds, fish and variety of crabs.

This sanctuary is blessed with natural resources. The Kadalundipuzha empties into the Arabian Sea here. The climate here, too, is very favourable for a day’s visit. A hillock nearby provides for a great view as well as for exploration.

There will be many multidisciplinary conferences, exhibitions and trade shows. All of them aimed at ensuring a green environment. It will include experts’ meet on issues of pollution, environmental care, trade policies and regulations, waste management, recycling options and renewable energy sources.

It will be an interesting forum for nature-lovers as well as professionals in the mentioned fields. It will be a meeting point for NGOs, environmental activists, industry heads, academicians, legal firms, quality control officers and many more.

The Sariska Tiger Reserve in Alwar district in Rajasthan was created in 1978 and covers more than 800sq.km. Like Ranthambore National Park, this area served as the hunting reserve of the royal family here. Most of the reserve is covered by tropical dry deciduous forest and besides tigers, animals like gaur, deer, jackal, antelope and wild boars are plenty.

Within the reserve there are families settled, and people number more than 10, 000. Once they can relocated, the reserve might be declared a national park. Last year, three tigers were brought here from Ranthambore.

In the reserve there are ruins of ancient Jain and Shiva temples and the Kankwari Fort. Tourists, wildlife enthusiasts and researchers find this a great place for work as well as leisure. Sariska is only 36km from Alwar, and can be reached by train and bus.

Mangroves are also called tidal forests. They may include ferns, shrubs, palms and trees. These plants survive best in areas between low and high tide in tropical and sub-tropical climates. Muddy areas, estuaries and tidal flats are the places that you will find them as the rivers deposit soil and as they’re free of strong waves, the plants grow abundantly.

In India, they are found in the Sunderbans in West Bengal, coastal areas of Kerala,Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Orissa, Pondicherry and the islands of Lakshadweep, Andamans and Nicobar.

Mangroves are a good habitat for birds, crustaceans, crocodiles, snakes and varieties of fish.

By 1965, Hornbill House was finished with the help of the Prince of Wales, and a library and museum were added. The society’s motto changed over years to research-based action and conservation of India’s wildlife. They organise research and conservation along with students, scientists and wildlife enthusiasts. The society’s logo is the hornbill.

Dr Salim Ali, India’s most famous ornithologist, has a long association with this organisation. The Bombay Natural History Society has won many awards and recognitions. It is currently located at Dr Sálim Ali Chowk on the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Road in Mumbai.

The contiguous forest in Maharashtra has been included as part of the reserve. Besides tigers, the national park has cheetals, sambar deer, langurs, python and crocodile and other small animals. There is a large reservoir to the south of the reserve and the reserve itself has many small and big lakes where you can go boating.

Pench can be reached by road from Nagpur and Khawasa. Nagpur has the nearest railway station and airport. It is about 90km from Pench. There is a smaller railhead at Seoni at 30km away.

In 2001, the government had tried to clone the Asiatic cheetah from those in Iran, but the plan remained on paper. Wildlife enthusiasts and scientists can smile: the cheetahs will be imported from Africa and probably Iran. A panel of experts will be meeting in September to discuss the various aspects of the deal.

As of now, the Asiatic Cheetah is restricted to desert areas in Iran, and number between 50-70. The programme will bring about an improvement for tiger conservation, too.

This cold desert National Park lies in the valley of the Pin river, from where it gets its name. The river originates from the glaciers of the Pin-Parvati pass at 4,802m. It meets Spiti, a tributary of the Satluj. The other major rivers are Parahio and Khamengar.

The park shares its boundary with the Tibetan border. Tibetan culture has influenced their life, food, religion and customs, too. There are shrines dedicated to Lord Padmasambhava, the patron saint of Tibet. It is also a centre for Tantric Buddhists. Silk paintings of Tantric Budhist deities adorn the walls of the shrines and more than 300 volumes of the sacred texts of Kenjur and Tenjur are found at the 600-year-old Kungri monastery. The ancient Tabo and Ki monasteries dating back to 1000 A.D., both built by the famous Tibetan translator, Ringchen Zangpo should be visited. August is the best time to visit Pin Valley, when the weather is good.

Trekking here is a great experience. You can also go river crossing and rafting. Pin Valley is home to the snow leopard and the ibex. The Rupi Bhabha Wildlife Sanctuary forms its southern boundary and the Great Himalayan National Park to its southwest. About 400 different species of flora have been recorded in Pin Valley, with the vegetation ranging from dry temperate to that of perpetual snow. Besides the snow leopard and the ibex, you can find the Tibetan wolf, Tibetan gazelle, snow-hare, red fox and Himalayan blue sheep. Rare birds like the Himalayan Snowcock, Snow Partridge, Chukor, Yellowbilled and Redbilled Choughs, Kestrels, Blue Rock Pigeon and many eagles are found here.

Due to habitat destruction and military interventions, their numbers have been dwindling. The Snow Leopard Conservation Trust and the national parks at Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.
This endangered animal reaches up to seven ft in length, including its three-foot-long tail. It eats medium-sized birds, hares and small mountain animals.

The government and private conservation programs have helped to maintain their current number. Homestays located near the national parks in Ladakh and Himachal educate tourists about their conservation.

By the 17th century, the fort was converted to a prison, and a lot of people have been killed here. There are travel accounts that record them, too. After the Mughals gifted the fort to the Maharaja of Jaipur in the late 1900s, it has remained with the royal family of Jaipur since. The forests nearby was their hunting grounds.

The fort, which is located on the 700-foot Thanbhor hill, is open to visitors. It is a long climb to the top, though. From the top of the fort, you might be able to spot tigers or leopards in the national park surrounding the fort. The fort complex has a number of important temples and the Lord Ganesh Temple attracts a lot of devotees.

The fort and the national park is easily accessible from Delhi, Agra and Rajasthan’s capital Jaipur. Jaipur has the nearest airport.