Bharatpur of Maharashtra

I first moved to India in 2003. At the time, my interest in birding had not developed to the point it has now. It was usually restricted to watching birds at home, or on the occasional safari holidays my family took together. In addition, neither did I know any fellow birders, nor did I know any areas to go birding. Not to mention that I didn’t have my own means of transport at the time.

My mother and my uncle often told me about this place called Bhigwan, a 100km or so from Pune, where flamingoes were seen in large numbers every winter. Budding birder that I was, the word “flamingo” was like a flame to a moth. The very next winter I begged my uncle to take me there.

At the time, birdwatching at Bhigwan (which I came to know was just the name of the major settlement there) was a bit of a tricky affair. You had to find which place near the backwaters was not privately owned, dodge the landmines of cow and buffalo dung, and watch through binoculars. Photography was not an option unless you could bribe one of the fishermen to take you out on the water or had a massive lens. In addition, if you got too close to the water, there was the risk of sinking into the soft waterlogged mud. Not that any of that dampened my spirits.

Over the next few years, as I got my driving licence and got used to Indian traffic, I took my classmates to Bhigwan a few times. Uncooperative villagers, confusing directions, and the dismal condition of the road made it a tiresome journey just to see flamingoes from far away.

All that changed in 2011 when a few birding friends of mine introduced me to Sandip Nagare. Hailing from a small fishing village near Bhigwan named Kumbhargaon, Sandip and his brother used to take photographers in their boats to get up close photos of all the birds there. Slowly, Sandip started building up his business, buying more boats and training more people from the village.

Starting from only 3 people, Agnipankha now provides employment for 30 villagers in the area, and now has camping and dining facilities as well as rooms for overnight stay. Sandip also regularly rescues birds caught in fishing nets and often talks to the local youth about why birds are important. The employment he provides and the awareness that he spreads has led to a reduction in locals killing birds either for fun or for food.

An avid photographer himself as well as having authored books on Bhigwan’s birds, Sandip today not only provides birdwatchers and photographers opportunities to see and photograph the beautiful bird life of the area, but is also important in the local small-scale conservation of this hotspot.

Bhigwan, or to be precise the backwaters of the Ujjani Dam, has now become one of my favourite nearby birdwatching destinations. Apart from the large number of Greater Flamingoes that flock there every winter, the area also plays host to many other winter visitors, from ducks and waders, to Demoiselle Cranes, Western Marsh Harriers and Greater Spotted Eagles. The area also has an amazing diversity of resident birds such as Oriental and Small Pratincoles, Indian Coursers, Western Osprey, and more.

If you are a birdwatcher and have a few days free in Pune, Bhigwan is definitely worth a visit in any season!

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In the Wilderness of Gujarat

Sitting gloriously on the western coast of India and surging with medium and large size manufacturing industries, Gujarat has sprung up to become the economic powerhouse of India. The elaborate palace structures and intricate temple designs speak volumes about its laudable past. From producing great leaders to entice the world with its unique craft and sharing its peaceful space with communities persecuted in many parts of the world, Gujarat seems to leave a permanent mark on the globe. But there is another side to this very land unveiled by the inquisitive birders and wildlife enthusiasts.

The assemblage of diverse landscape boasting beautiful colonies of birds and mammals are thriving in the blissful corners of this vibrant land. Jamnagar is one such destination. Situated on the shores of Arabian Sea, the place is a giant gateway for seabirds and other migrant species who travel all the way from Europe and upper regions of Asia. During winters its unique amalgamation of freshwater lakes and marshy wetland transforms into the breeding ground for Typical plovers, Kentish Plover, Common ringed plover, Black Ibis, Grey Patridge, Caspian Gull, Pheasant-tailed Jacana, Green Stone Plover, Green Shank, Little Tern, Indian Skimmer, etc. One can get many opportunities to photograph the stunning congregation of Crab Plovers, Great Crested Grebe, and Oystercatcher from various angles.

Bhuj is yet another destination that has caught the eyes of many travel enthusiasts and photographers. Also popular by the name of Greater Rann of Kutch, the seemingly endless expanse of Bhuj radiates like a moon during nights. While getting soaked into the stunning vistas of white that extend to the horizon and beyond, and enjoying the colorful village life in the Rann, one can also take some time off to track down the mysterious lives of Chestnut Bellied Sandgrouse, Striolated buntings, Greater Painted-snipe, White-napped Tit, Variable Wheateater, Southern Grey Shrike, Rosy Startling, and the sought-after middle eastern bird the Grey Hypocolius.

 Six hours drive from Bhuj will bring you to the salt marshes of Little Rann of Kutch. The place has garnered international recognition for becoming the last refuge of Asiatic Wild Ass. The myriads of migratory birds gathering in its vast wetland seem to evoke a spectacular beauty. The congregation of Lesser & Greater Flamingos, the elegance of Desmoiselles Cranes, the muster of Northern Pintail, Common Pochard and the solitary lives of MacQueen's Bustard, Short-eared Owl, Marsh Harrier, Greater Hoopoe-Lark seem to add a surreal quality to this barren land.

Supporting the grassland Ecosystem, Velavadar National Park carries the highest population of Blackbuck- An antelope that has become vanished from many parts of Indian Subcontinent. The park also rose to fame for becoming the highest roosting point of Harriers. While traversing in the region one can find various species of Harriers including Montagu's Harrier, Pallid Harrier, Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, etc. During monsoon, one can also chance upon sighting the spectacular display of the critically endangered Lesser Florican which has become a prized possession of Velavadar National Park.

The last wilderness wonder of this vibrant land is GirNational Park of Sasan Gir. Known for its ultimate Lion Safari, the park is a classic example of sheer determination that has managed to swell the population of nearly extinct Asiatic Lion. Today, it has become the last bastion of these majestic felines that once dominated swathes and forests of Asia. Besides catering to the guests' needs, the staff work on creating birdhouses from the waste, growing organic food for the guests and using coconut pots instead of plastic pots to make the garden flowery.

Walking on these off the beaten tracks will surely make one realise the exclusive wildlife breathing in the diverse topography of Gujarat.

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5 Destinations to Visit this December

December is that period of the year when most of the planet is soaked in the lucent beds of snow. This is also a time when the bone-chilling winds of Siberia, Antartica, Europe, and Far East Asia compels many beautiful birds to make their interim home in India because of its soothing climate and diverse landforms. Surrounded by the water bodies from three sides along with the majestic Himalayan range sprawling in the north, the country is a threshold to many hidden gems and unsullied landscapes blooming to its full glory during the coldest season. While some places are radiating with the mirage of the bygone eras, other places are oozing with the ethereal beauty of nature's bounty.

Marked with a stretch of long holidays, December is a great month to evoke an adrenaline rush and thrill in your travel journeys. Here are the top 16 destinations which will make your winter vacations the experiential one.

A) Kumaon

Sitting in the verdant hills of the Himalayas, the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand is scattered with tranquil villages and scenic towns exuding with the glory of green hills, freshwater lakes, and snow-clad mountains. While trailing through its topsy-turvy lanes will open the gateway to many unspoilt colonies of birds and mammals, one can also uncoil the doorway to several ancient temples and caves. If the masonry of Jageshwar Dham Temple talks architectural style that prevailed between the 8th and 9th century, the vicinity of Mukteshwar Temple, Vrish Jageshwar Temple, Naina Devi Temple, Haidakhan Babaji Temple, and Jhula Devi Temple are reverberating with the hymns of Vedic shlokas. Besides carrying the spiritual angle these temples are world-renowned for offering bewitching views of many popular peaks and summits of Himalayas. The meticulously handcrafted tour of 'The Historical Walks of Kumaon' will make you uncover places like Jageshwar, Mukteshwar, and Pangot that has been carrying these highly-energized temples since yore.

B) Andamans

The archipelago of the Andaman Islands is yet another great escape from the cold winds of the north. Laced by palm trees overlooking the pristine turquoise beaches ringed around its beautiful isles, Andaman is a perfect destination to unleash your passion for scuba diving, snorkeling, and other water sports activities. Every Island in Andaman display a unique canvas about its rich culture and unique landscape that thrives in the region. If the cellular jail of Port Blair echoes with the oppression of our freedom fighter, charming landscape of Neil's Island cast a magical spell on you. Besides soaking into the captivating sunset of Neil's Island, you will get ample opportunity to unfold the gorgeous life dwelling in the vast percent of Chidiya Tapu. With Asian Adventures' upcoming Andaman Tour brace yourself to explore the five elements of Andamans.

C) Jageshwar

Paving way through the dense forest of Uttarakhand will lead you to Jageshwar- one of India's ancient village. Scattered with centuries-old temples and caves, the place gives a deep insight into the mystical civilization that flourished before the science of architecture and culture emerged in other parts of the world. One may see Jageshwar as Shiva's abode for the various forms of Shiva beautiful depicted in these temples, but the place is also filled with tranquil and picturesque beauty alluring people to spend some quality time on the lap of nature. All it takes is a long peep or a quiet stroll in its untamed land to lay your eyes on the beautiful colonies of the rare Himalayan birds. However, it is the celestial night of Jageshwar that has become a muse for any artist. With the spiral of milky adorned like a jewel in the midnight sky, Jageshwar is one of India's ultimate destination for starry night walks. recommend Hotel Van Serai  

D) Varanasi

Shores of river Ganges have seen the emergence of many cities and town but it is the spiritualism seeping under the mayhem of Varanasi that has garnered popularity across the globe. Feted as one of the oldest towns on this planet, it is amongst the sacred places in India attracting pilgrims from all corners of the world. It is said that on the

Shores of river Ganges have seen the emergence of many cities and town but it is the spiritualism seeping under the mayhem of Varanasi that has garnered popularity across the globe. Feted as one of the oldest cities on this planet, the arrangement of the place radiates the ancient culture that reverberates in its vast expanse. One will get to see around 2000 types of temples and for this reason, Varanasi is called the land of temples. Various famous and important temples have been situated at the Ganges Ghats. It is believed that the Ganges flowing in Varanasi is so pure that a dip in the river can wash away all the sins and break the cycle of life and death.

E) Corbett Experience

In the dense thickets of Himalayan Foothills lies a national park which has become a significant turf of Bengal Tigers. Ringed by verdant hills and crisscrossed by Kosi river, the wild landscape of the park tells a heroic saga of Jim Corbett who liberated the entire region from the nightmares of man-eaters and transformed it into an ultimate wilderness destination attracting serious birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts from around the globe. Hosting a wide variety of unique and rare birds including Ibisbill, Pallas's Fish Eagle, Tawny Fish Owl, Himalayan Woodpecker, etc, Corbett National Park is one of the notable destinations being covered in the most awaited North IndiaBirding Tour.

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What do you love about mountains?

Mountains have always been at my beck and call whenever I need a break from my hectic schedule bringing creativity in my thought process and newness in my perception. This time along with my office colleagues I planned to unfold astounding beauty of Kumaon. Although the region has garnered name across the tourists for its breathtaking landscapes, and mouthwatering cuisine, the trip handcrafted by Asian Adventures made us unlock many untouched places brimming with natural beauty away from the gaze travel buffs. Corbett National Park was our first stopover- surrounded by verdant mountains and crisscrossed by hidden creeks, the place is an ultimate destination to venture into the wild terrain of India. It took us around six hours drive to enter the Himalayan Foothills of Corbett National Park. The windy air in the area was enough to revive our excitement that was transforming into fatigue after six hours long drive. We had our breakfast at Tiger Camp Resort in Corbett where we stayed till noon.

 The resort is encompassed by thirteen independent cottages and fourteen superior rooms offering a mesmerizing view of the dense thickets. It is interesting to see how all the rooms of the resort gives a comfortable and luxurious stay without compromising with the ethos of the surrounding. Besides taking a dip in the swimming pool it also has its own private meadow where one can relax and enjoy the course of Kosi river. After having a hefty breakfast and spending some time in the vicinity of the resort we headed towards Ranikhet yet another Kumaoni destination perched at a height of 6,153 feet. As we were crossing through the dense thickets of Corbett our eyes glued at the serpentine flow of Kosi river beautifully blending with the verdant hills of the region. While driving upwards we got an amazing view of the Garjiya Devi Temple, one of the prominent temple in Uttarakhand located at the outskirts of Corbett. The captivating scenery motivated us to take some photographs before resuming our journey. Our driver told us that the temple precinct is not only sacred for the pilgrims but it is also considered a holy grail for some of the rarest and gorgeous species of Himalayas including Ibisbill, Pallas's fish eagle, Tawny fish owl, etc. Cruising through the scenic pathways of hovering clouds and green hills we reached Ranikhet- the Queen's meadow.

Carrying the colonial connection, this prolific hill station and cantonment town of Ranikhet was established as a holiday destination during summers by the Britishers. We came across several scenic spots giving a spellbound backdrop of the majestic Himalayan and the blooming valleys. Located near the army cantonment area and dedicated to Goddess Durga sitting on a swing, the 8th-century Jhula Devi Temple is highly revered amongst the Goddess devotee attracting pilgrims from all corners. As we entered the temple we were surprised by the number of bells hanging across the temple vicinity. While the sanctum sanctorum of the temple embellished by statues of Gods and Goddess. Just a minute walk brought us to another famous temple- the Ram Mandir founded by a famous saint living in the region. To reach the sanctum santorum of the temple we had to climb fleets of stairs and made our way to the ancient cave which was sitting just below the temple region. Driving through the topsy-turvy lanes brought us one of India's most spectacular garden- the Chaubatia Garden. While walking through its green and flowery passage we were exposed to the beautiful fruit orchards of Apricots, Lychees, Walnuts, and Apples scattered across its vast and astonishing expanse. As everyone were busy capturing this scenic views in their cameras, my eyes fell upon 2 pheasants who were playing around as I inched towards them they concealed themselves in the large blades of grasses. 

The area was echoing with the whistling call of Blue-whistling thrush and Hoopoes. From Chaubatia Garden we made our way to Mankameshwar Temple and Shall Factory- A place that has a beautiful collection of handmade stuff by the locals. Haidakhan Temple was our last stop before we retired for the day. Founded by Haidakhan who is believed to be the incarnation of Lord Shiva to whom this temple is dedicated, the place is ringed by the renowned peaks of the Himalayas attracting an amazing influx of both pilgrims and adventure lovers who desire to soak into the glory of temple's mystical and natural beauty.

As the dusk was falling rapidly, we moved towards our hotel- Snow View Ranikhet. Making our way through the bustling market as reached the hotel it was already dark. We settled down in our respective rooms, rested for a while before coming down in the dining area for devouring into the sumptuous Kumaoni cuisine. Residing in the picturesque location and offering a panoramic view of the valley, Snow View- Ranikhet comprises of ten rooms equipped with modern amenities and a team of caring staff who ensure that you have a cozy and comfortable stay during your sojourn in Ranikhet. Next morning we woke up to the shaft of light penetrating through the window and witness the romance of floating clouds caressing the verdant hills. Post breakfast we headed towards Ranikhet's Golf Course which included amongst the highest golf courses of Asia. This smoldering place is just a few minutes drives from our hotel- Snow View Ranikhet. Strolling around its tranquil landscape everyone was captivated by the magnificent location the place had to offer. We spend around an hour over there before proceeding towards Jageshwar- the abode of Lord Shiva. En-route we enjoyed watching the humble life of villagers who are settled across the breathtaking hamlet of Himalayas. Sitting at a height of 6,135′ feet, Jageshwar is considered to be one of India's ancient village that earlier used to be halting-place for the pilgrims of Kailash Mansarovar. On arrival at this picturesque location amidst the dense thickets of Deodar trees, we had a scrumptious lunch at Cafe Swayambhu of Van Serai and strolled around the vicinity before making our way to Jageshwar Dham.

A 2500-year-old Shiva Temple Complex carrying more than 100 small temples dedicated to Gods and Goddess besides lord Shiva. Mukteshwar was the next destination in this enchanting journey. The place is composed of independent cottages and beautiful garden giving an incredible view of the enchanting valley blending with the snow-capped mountains ringed around the surrounding. While strolling around the resort’s vicinity we tried out freshly made chocolates beautifully placed inside the choco-house of Mountain Trail. After having dinner in the dining area we discussed our next day's plan before retiring to our respective rooms. Next day I woke up early morning to witness the crimson sky and capture the alluring sunrise that had cast a magical spell on the valley. Following breakfast, we headed towards Chauli Ki Jali- a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Bounded by the mesmerizing views of the Himalayan range and Kumaon valley, the adrenaline rush we experienced while climbing the rock was inexplicable. From Chauli Lo Jali we trailed towards the century-old Mukteshwar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The culmination of the tour was when we visited the cascading waterfall of Bhalu Gaad Falls. The two night three days journey made me explore the hidden gems of Uttarakhand untouched and unspoilt by the maddening crowd. It has beautifully rekindled my bond with mountains which lost in the competitive struggle of metro cities.

 For more details log on to:-

https://www.asianadventures.net/
http://ranikhet.in/

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Is Orangutan really the man of the forest?

Many moons ago when there was nothing like a human on the earth, the world was a happy place under the jurisprudence of Great Apes. Orangutan is one such primate living with us even today. Its stark similarities with Human Beings in terms of physical appearance and mental outlook has made this solitary ape our closest relative belonging from the animal world. Perhaps that's why it is anointed with the Malayan word ‘Orangutan’ which means 'The Man of the forest'. Covered with reddish brown hair it is extremely sublime to see how this magnificent primate swings from one branch to another touring the dense rainforest of Borneo, One Can also experience this on a  

Borneo Orangutan Tour.

Every morning they let out a very loud noise to mark the beginning of a new day. Mother Orangutan would carry her tiny tots down from large canopies in search of fresh fruits, bark, leaves, and on rare occasions slain flesh. Recent experiments show that Orangutans are highly intelligent species living on this planet. Not only can they figure out some invisible objects through a representational strategy, but these apes have also shown the ability of quickly learning the sign language, unlike their fellow mates. It is also incredible to see how the Orangutans maintain their culture in the wild passing it on from generation to generation just like Human beings.

Observing them closely will make people witness the unique art skills possessed by these amazing species. From making impressive nests to creating comfortable pillows and pretty umbrellas, every act of Orangutan is nothing less than a bewilderment and astonishment.

 Today the dense forest of the thick rainforests of Borneo are disappearing at an alarming rate to satisfy the swelling demand of Palm Oil in the world. Once the rainforest vanishes it will automatically bring an end to this great and wonderful primates.

With an intention to educate the people about Orangutan, Asian Adventures have handcrafted 

Orangutan Tour in the forest of Borneo. Our aim is to unravel the hidden lives of Orangutan who are still breathing in the Sepilok Orangutan Centre.

Phone: +918010450000
Email: info@asianadventures.in
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Amboli- The paradise of rare and gorgeous amphibians

Whis is the best place for herpetology tour in India?

Standing in a pensive mode I was staring at the shimmering shades of green reflected from every leaf and grass of this lustrous forest when suddenly a voice echoed from the back saying "Let's take the route heading towards waterfall". He was our herping guide Ganesh who has been in this field for the last eight years. An interesting thing about Ganesh is that he left his high paying job in Advertisement to learn about the unique lives reptiles dwelling in the vast tentacles of the Western Ghats of which Amboli is just a small part. While moving through the narrow trails I was exposed to a wide variety of crawling species residing in its untamed landscape. As we further penetrated deep inside the jungle, the low volume of cacophonic sound became more intense, reverberating the entire jungle with a euphonic symphony. On the way, Ganesh was explaining to us how the enchanting forest
of Western Ghats has become a humble abode for the amphibians living on this planet for more than 130 million years.

He also emphasized on being watchful to every movement if one wish to witness the beautiful spectacles in the form of rare species dwelling in this unique landform. While paying attention to every word proclaimed by our naturalist, my eyes hooked upon a shimmering creature which was crawling its way behind one of our teammates. It was a rarely seen Caecilian- a rare form of legless amphibian that can be easily traced in this part of the forest. Moving further we chanced upon getting a wonderful spectacle of a Northern Gliding Frog sitting on a leaf stretching his one handling to its full length and spreading its toe like a web. Passing through a narrow creek brought us to the roosting place of Amboli Tiger Toad- an endangered species endemic to the Western Ghats especially in the vicinity of Amboli Forest.

 Not only does Amboli harbors a unique life of cold-blooded vertebrate animals but it is a wonderful hotspot for a wide range of butterfly species as well. Walking in the region exposed us to a diverse variety of butterflies including Blue Mormon, Dakhan Spotted Flat, Dakhan Spotted Flat, Southern Birdwing, etc.

After three-hour-long trail as we were resting near a small stream, an isolated Purple Frog puffing up its throat caught our eyes. Belonging to the family Sooglossodae, this recently discovered amphibian which has been one of the oldest species on this planet has been the talking point amongst the amphibians and we were fortunate to get its delightful sight. However, the culmination of the tour was when we witnessed the spectacular beauty of Green Viper beautifully camouflaged around a tree.