Viewfinder: 07/24/10

THE WILDERNESS

This was the first time I decided to go on a serious wildlife trip. A weekend affair spanning 3 days, to a Forest immortalized by Rudyard Kipling. The impression I had in my mind about this “tourist destination”, especially on a weekend was not much different from the sight of an army of flies infesting a tasty plate of Laddoo.

ALAS, I was wrong. A well laid out destination. Accommodation available for all classes, food- out of this world and well disciplined process laid out for jungle safari. It was just like anyone would want it.

The forest green gypsy used for the safari was a well thought out option considering the silent engine at the same time a powerful one. The fact that these were open vehicles made it the best medium for us viewers. 4 sessions of the two full days of safari gave us our eyes full.

GGGGRRRHHHH… TIGER, him walking out onto our path while we slowly edged through the forest was an impending thought, which we knew we were not prepared for. That would be more than, an eye full. We never knew, that we would be lucky enough to spot the striped monster 3 times in our 4 trips. 940 sq kms of abundant wildlife forms the core of the Kanha Tiger Reserve created in 1974 under Project Tiger. Internationally renowned as Kipling country after Rudyard Kipling, who vividly described the dense jungle, mesmerizing grasslands and meandering streams in his “Jungle Book”. Kanha has the reputation of being the finest and the best-administered reserve in Asia.

Let me not restrict the tale to top of the food chain alone. Spotted deer’s were plenty and seen all over the place. Peacocks welcomed us at almost every turn, some dancing, and some shying away. “Gaur“ a close relative of what we know as bison, with its strong muscular body, stood grazing at periodic intervals not caring to give us even a casual glance. These are one among the few who are capable of fighting off a tiger himself. But if the tiger wins, a gaur is food enough for a week. Lion Tailed Macaques, Monitor Lizard, Barking deer, Chinkara, Sambhar deer, Hornbills, Vultures, Eagles, are among the wildlife we saw. Kanha is a heaven for bird watchers.

Barasingha (Cervus Duvaceli Branderi) or Swamp deer brought Kanha into the limelight. Kanha received international acclaim for the conservation of Barasingha, which was nearing extinction. Kanha is the only habitat and houses a large population of Hard ground Barasingha. Hard Ground to mean, a variety that is not seen in the swamps.

Barasingha - Swamp Deer [Female]