Being a wildlife enthusiast, it was uncanny from my end to
not have visited
Corbett National Park- A wilderness destination which was yet
to be ticked from my bucket list. So when the long weekend was yet to be ticked
from my bucket list. So when the long weekend was not far away I was resolved
to explore the oldest and largest Wildlife Sanctuary of India. From the good
reviews and nice photos that I gathered from Trip-advisor and google review, I
decided to book my three nights stay at Tiger Camp, a nice eco-resort situated
on the banks of river Kosi.
It took me
approximately six hours drive to reach the place. By the time I checked-in the
resort the dusk was falling rapidly, I freshened up and had a relaxing time at
the balcony of my river facing cottage. The sound of gurgling water, soft
breeze gently moving the trees, the serpentine flow of river mixing in the
dense thickets of the jungle, it seemed everything was perfectly placed for a
poet's muse. The cacophony sounds coming from the window was enough to wake me
up for my early morning safari. With the brand of new DSLR in my hand, I was
seated with four unknown but enthusiastic faces sharing the same level of
excitement that I was carrying as we entered the turf of Bengal Tigers. The
safari was kickstarted and we headed towards uncovering the Bijrani zone- one
of the core zones of Corbett National Park.
The region was an amalgamation of the large beds of
grasslands and dense thickets of trees. The riots of colors invoked by the
colorful plumage of birds fixated my eyes completely. Not everyday one can
witness to such a wide spectrum of birdlife. Grey Hornbill, Maroon Orioles,
Brown Dipper, Crested Hawk Eagle, Common Kingfisher, Chestnut-headed Bee-eater,
Blue-tailed Bee-eater, Rufous Turtle Dove are just a few names filling my
camera with their dazzling images. We were moving smoothly when a sudden jerk
stopped our car what we saw next was a wilderness marvel to spectate at- a herd
of elephants was crossing our path.
Looking at the mere sight brought me the air of excitement
and the tears of sorrow. Because although I was enjoying my proximity with these
incredible mammals, deep down in my heart I was experiencing their pain of
habitation loss and the constant threat of remaining under the poacher's radar
for the possession of their ivory. It is one of those moments when my mind gets
overshadowed by the dark side of jungle and I am powerless to do something for
these vulnerable species.
The morning safari came to an end, we returned to our
resort. After resting for a while post lunch, we were all set to explore
Dhikala region- yet another core zone of
Corbett National Park. The morning
safari came to an end, we returned to our resort. After resting for a while
post lunch I was all set to explore Jhirna - yet another core zone of Corbett
Park. As we were navigating through the vast meadows, we came across a group of
spotted deer grazing, I was busy taking their photographs when our naturalist
alerted us feeling the presence of a predator nearby.
Suddenly we saw two juvenile tigers coming out from the
large clumps of grasses pouncing at one of the Spotted Deer. Under the garb of
two felines and an adult deer, it was a fight between amateur and expert
players where the success chose to take the side of the experienced one which
in this case was the adult Deer. But every battle teaches us something
significant to learn and I am sure these cubs who are lacking a big leap to
adulthood will surely keep their mistakes in my before putting the best foot forward
for the battles to come ahead. The twilight was peaking and we retired back to
the resort. It brought an end to my thrilling journey at Corbett National Park.
