Endangered Mammal Of India

There can hardly be any greater contrast to the recent wilderness tour that took place in India- an inspiring journey that brought me closer to the unique wildlife  throbbing in my homeland, India. Residing in the capital city of Delhi, I chose the world's largest nexus of rails- The Indian Railways as my mode of transport to kickstart this incredible adventure. It is said that only a train journey could reveal to you the real India- an India that is home to diverse landscapes, old-styled bungalows, local lifestyle, and thousands of humble villages attached with vast arable lands that are putting a significant share in elevating our agricultural sector.

After reaching Bhavnagar during my unique wildlife tours I checked into a hotel kept my luggage and immediately headed for the afternoon safari at Velavadar National Park. Being the only tropical grassland deemed as a national park, it was my visit to a grassland forest. As soon as I entered the park I was exposed to the vast beds of golden grass swaying back and forth as if dancing to the beat of a windy afternoon. The serpentine roads laced by the undergrowth lead me to the roosting point of various birding colonies including Rufous-tailed Lark, Greater Short-toed Lark, Ashy-crowned Sparrow Lark, Black-crowned Sparrow Lark, Indian Bushlark, Singing Bushlark, Crested Lark, Painted Francolin, Grey Francolin, Desert Wheatear, Variable Wheatear, Chestnut Bellied Sandgrouse, Spotted Sandgrouse, Painted Sandgrouse, Saras Crane, and Peregrine Falcon.

The park also serves as the last habitat for the critically endangered Lesser Floricans which I did not get the fortune to sight because of their extremely shy nature- mostly hiding amid tall clumps of grasses. Although while traversing through the park I chanced upon exploring different shades of nature. If Short-towed Owl was crossing swords with a snake, the little Fawn was sprinting in the air with sheer joy but it was the Adult male blackbuck running alongside our car with all his might that took my breath away.

 The incident was one of its kind that has left a lasting experience on my mind. Next day I headed towards Gir National Park- the last Bastian of Asiatic Lions, it was here I unveiled the secret world tribes. Because my jeep safari which was scheduled for the following morning I got the opportunity to enjoy the energetic Dhamal tribe performed by the Siddi tribe. Just like Asiatic Lions who share a unique relationship with their cousins in Africa, even the Siddi Tribe has its roots in Africa- it clearly shows how the wilderness and landscape of Saurashtra and Africa are so similar. With the break of dawn, I jumped into my jeep which was standing in front of Gir Birding Lodge carrying the latest camera Sony A77II DSLR. The park is an amalgamation of teak forest and vast savannahs. As I cruised through its thick foliage, the undisturbed abode of several species started unfolding. 

My eyes were not only glued at the camouflage-style of Spotted Owlet, but I also got a closer view of the endangered Marsh Mugger Crocodile, Indian Star Tortoise, and Indian Flap shell Turtle. I also came across the vulnerable Indian Pangolin. Gir National Park has been a protective shield to the most trafficked mammal on this planet- the Indian Pangolin. Don't go by their small size, they are the victim of illegal poaching- their beautiful scales are mostly exploited for Chinese medicine and luxury wood furniture in Vietnam. Finally, the most awaited moment arrived when I became witness to the royal gait of the majestic Asiatic Lion. From Sasan Gir, I made my way to Rann of Kutch- A place that is feted as the moon on earth for bewitching tourists for its celestial like landscape. However, not many people know this but the place is also regarded as the last habitat of Asiatic Wild Ass. Running at a speed of 50km per hour they are one of the most agile species living on this planet. Watching them sprint in this vast landscape not only enhanced the entire surrounding but was also added as a unique experience in my wilderness diary. To explore the turf of Bengal Tigers as I moved towards the dry deciduous forest of Pench National Park, and Tadoba National Park. While in Pench I crossed paths with Dhole(Indian Dog), Wild Boar, Chital, Jackal, Striped Hyena, and Jungle Cat, in Tadoba National Park I got the mesmerizing sight of Maya fondly known as the 'Queen of Tdoba' who was sauntering the grassland with the might of a predator and a heart of a mother along with her three cubs- a spectacle that perched in my memory forever. 

Kaziranga National Park was the final destination of this profusely overwhelming journey. Set around the riverine topography, Kaziranga National Park is world-renowned for being one of the last footholds of the critically endangered 'One-horned Rhinos. As I began penetrating the forest I realized that the park is not only a safe abode for the rhinos but equally guarded the habitat of Water Buffalos, Asian Elephants, Great Hornbill, Blyth's Kingfisher and Bengal Tigers. Although the place is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site for hosting two-thirds of the world's rhinoceroses, one should be very lucky to sight them in this dense forest. My confrontation with One-horned Rhinos was when I was zooming my eyes camera to photograph the Capped Langur when it was overshadowed by the thick-greyish skin of the One-horned Rhino who was busy foraging in the region with his tiny tot, and this was the culmination of my Endangered Mammals of India Tour.

This tour makes one realize how the diversity of India is not only limited to its people and culture, it is very well seen in its unique wildlife throbbing in its glorious land, living an unperturbed life across the length and breadth of the country.

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Weekend Excursion to Jaipur

Inside the pink city of Rajasthan- the land of glorious history, exuberant lifestyle, and palatial edifices, we got the opportunity to explore the quintessential of Jaipur. To avoid the chaotic traffic of Delhi and NCR we chose to kickstart our journey at the crack of dawn. En-route we halted at Highway King to have our breakfast. After filling our palate with the scrumptious Cholle Bhatture and Stuffed Paranthas, we resumed our wonderful excursion. As per the plan, we were all set to explore the eerie fort of Bhangarh shrouded with many mysterious stories. Unfortunately, the uninvited glitch in our bus prevented us to visit the place and unfold its mystical structure, nonetheless, we continued our journey and entered the Rajputana kingdom by noon. The heat was soaring but it did not deter our enthusiasm to experience the extravagant lifestyle of Jaipur's royal family.  

City Palace was our first stop, established by Maharaja Swai Jai Singh 2, the place is not only an epitome of Indian architecture it is inscribed in the Indian History for playing a historic role in the 1947 partition of India-Pakistan border. Our guide Mr. Shekhawat navigated us through the entire palace telling us interesting stories about each king who has occupied the throne of this great kingdom. From the two large Silver Water Urns for keeping Gangajal to the stylish robes worn by kings and queens, miniature paintings superbly exhibiting the famous battle of Panipat,  and the array of armaments employed during wars, everything was beautifully preserved giving us a deep insight into the dazzling world of the royals.

Jantar Mantar was our next stopping point. Sitting adjacent to the City Palace, Jantar Mantar was yet another wonderment built by Maharaja Swai Jai Singh 2 in 1724 with the purpose of astronomical and astrological calculation. The number of yantras established within the observatory of Jantar Mantar to study the patterns of stars and compute time. It clearly validates that the place was ahead of its time even before the idea of the complex Hubble Space Telescope Observatory was conceived by the west. We spent a significant amount of time in the area looking at how these ancient old instruments operate many of us were enthralled by the accuracy with which these devices calculated time through sunlight. We were so engrossed in the science of calculation that we became oblivious to our check-in time. By the time we reached Ginger Hotel, it was already 3 PM we were famished but the restaurant was closed. 

However, the staff was gracious enough to serve us lunch in spite of our tardiness. After having a delicious meal everyone retired to their rooms. At 5 PM everyone assembled at the reception area and made our way to the famous bustling Bapu Bazar. Before dispersing to our respective zone of interest we gathered at Laxmi Mishthan Bhandar trying its unique beverages and snacks including Lassi, LMP rejuvenation, Ghewar, and Onion Kachoris. The bazaar shared a slight resemblance with Delhi's Chandani Chawk. Encircled with traditional artisans’ quarters, Bapu Bazaar is filled with traditional Saris and fabrics. While traversing through the place the girls were transfixed by the glitters of bangles and danglers, the boys were busy taking photos at Hawa Mahal. 

Finally, we met at a common point from where the vegetarians moved towards Balaji for eating the traditional Rajasthani cuisine including Dal Bati Churma, Jwar Ka Parantha, and Gatte Ki Sabzi and the Non-vegetarians moved towards Serai Marg exploring the spicy mutton curry and smokey chicken tikka.

Next morning with the wee hour we moved towards the most awaited Leopard Safari in 

Jhalana  National Park. Settled at a stone’s throw from the heart of Jaipur City, the dry deciduous forest of the park boasts the highest concentration of Asian Leopards. As we paved way through the woods the mesmerizing sights of the peafowl transfixed our eyes. 

Their calls were reverberating in the entire jungle. While some were perching on the trees others were fanning their tails alluring their better halves to join them and mark the beginning of their courtship period. After every small interval, we would get fleeting glimpses of Golden Oriole, Rufous Treepie, Black Drongo, Magpie Robin, Grey francolin and Red-wattled lapwing. At times our ears would buzz with the sharp whistling call of Indian Pitta but couldn’t track it down until we saw the passerine bird roosting on a tall tree. All the colors of the spectrum seem to radiate from the beautiful plumage of this winged species perhaps that’s why it is a target species for a lot of birding enthusiasts. It was almost two hours we had covered all the area of this vast forest, many of us who were excited in the beginning were heavily drowsily waiting for the safari to come to an end and then there were few who were receptive to every movement taking place in the jungle. The air was extremely calm without a single call of a bird or a mammal we were moving downwards and within a fraction of seconds, a leopard and a leopardess crossed our path back to back. While the Leopard sprinted up in the hills the Leopardess popularly known as Flora gave us some time to photograph her before vanishing in the thick foliage.

PC- Devyani Leo

It was a dream come true for all of us who desired to see this shy yet majestic being from close quarters.

By Devyani Leo For Asian Adventures

Asian Adventures Takes Weekend Trip to Jhalana For Leopard Safari and Birdwatching.

Contact us for more details on Weekend getaways from Delhi and Jaipur Tour Packages  

Phone: +918010450000
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