Indus Excursion Blog

Tiger B2 died outside Bandhavgarh

2011-11-21T18:12:00.000-08:00

In latest development, famous Bandhavgarh tiger B2 died far away from Bandhavgarh. Death of B2 was confirmed by Field Director of Bandhavgarh. He was found near Churi Village of Shahdol district in Madhya Pradesh. He was discovered in injured state and was tranquillized for treatment but later he passed away. He was about 16years old and has achieved life time achievement award in past. B2 as pushed out from his territory by young male tiger and was not seen since long time. Old age is clumsy face of royal life of tiger. It is the painful time of their life from which every aged tiger have to pass. Death of B2 tiger is a closure of an important chapter of Bandhavgarh Tigers.

Rest in peace B2. We pay our homage to legend B2.

Air-taxi from Jabalpur to Kanha & Bandhavgarh

2011-11-18T18:56:00.000-08:00

From 01/Dec/2011, visitors can have air-taxi facility between Jabalpur - Kanha & Jabalpur-Bandhavgarh. This will be Cessna Grand Caravan Aircraft manufactured in USA.

Pench Male Tiger translocation to Panna National Park

2011-11-16T18:03:00.000-08:00

Continuing the process of translocation of tigers to Panna National Park, Madhya Pradesh Forest Department experts team is heading for one more shifting of male tiger to Panna National Park in near future. After recent 06 years old orphan Kanha tigress translocation, this will be next step tiger shifting drive to Panna national park.

Earlier Forest Department officials identified Bandhavgarh male tiger for this proposed translocation but on warning by experts regarding similar gene pool, idea was dropped and now two & half year old Pench tiger was selected for shifting. A team from Wildlife Institute of India have reached Pench National Park to look after the translocation process according to the guidelines of NTCA (National Tiger Conservation Authority) protocol. As if now, their is no deadline for this translocation, it may take some time.

04 Black bucks shifted to Kanha National Park

2011-11-16T16:56:00.000-08:00

In yet another translocation move, Madhya Pradesh Forest Department successfully shifted 04 black bucks from Seoni forest area to Kanha National Park on 15/Nov/2011. Complete translocation process was done under supervision of 14-member experts team arrived from Andhra Pradesh state in India & senior forest officials, veterinary doctors. Among shifted black bucks, their are 02 males and 02 females

In this process, firstly black bucks were caught near Karirat village, falls under Seoni district and shifted to Kanha Tiger Reserve. At first they will be kept in specially made enclosure to normalize them, study their behavior and help them to adapt to surrounding conditions.

Kanha National Park forest was home of Black buck till 2003 but after that, they were never seen in Kanha forest. Madhya Pradesh forest department has undertaken the project to shift atleast 50 black bucks to Kanha National Park to revive their population in this forest and increase their population in state. The place from where these black bucks were caught, was close to Pench National Park. Actually their is a belt of forest in Satpura ranges that connects Kanha, Pench & Satpura National Parks. Among them, Satpura National Park have healthy population of black bucks and they can be seen easily during jungle safari in this tiger reserve.

Introduction of New Safari Zone-Kisli in Kanha Forest

2011-11-01T18:14:00.000-07:00

In recent development, park management of Kanha National Park has introduced new safari zone in Kanha National Park and was named "Kisli Zone". It is created out of Kanha zone and its tickets count is also extracted from Kanha zone. So new tickets schedule will be as follows for Kanha:

Kisli Zone = 18 Tickets
Kanha Zone = 40 Tickets
Sarhi Zone = 27 Tickets
Mukki Zone = 40 Tickets

With the introduction of new safari zone, park management has tried to ensure even distribution of safari vehicles in forest during safari timing. More that that it is not a Permium Zone like Kanha Zone so its safari cost will also be less than safari cost in Kanha Zone. So it is obvious, visitors will try for Kisli zone before opting Kanha Zone.

Air-taxi in Madhya Pradesh

2011-09-09T00:56:00.000-07:00

Air Taxi service has been started between Jabalpur & Bhopal city. Now one can travel from Jabalpur to Bhopal in approx. 01:00hours. From 08/Sept/2011, this services has been formally started. Chief Minister of State announced the formal commencement of this service. This service is run by Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation in collaboration with Ventura Ariconnect. Similar service will also connect all 4 major cities of Madhya Pradesh State i.e. Indore, Bhopal, Gwalior & Jabalpur. In India, Madhya Pradesh is the first state to begin such service to establish better connectivity for business & tourism development in state. Seating capacity of given air-craft is 12. Public response against this service is good and company is getting customers as per their expectation.
Actual distance between Jabalpur & Bhopal is about 350kms. Usually it takes 7 to 8 hours to cover this distance by road and about 06:00hrs by train. With this facility we can cover the distance in just 01:00hours with comfort. If we see this in broader way, it connects wildlife tourism sector of Madhya Pradesh with pilgrimage sector of Madhya Pradesh which is a great achievement of Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department.

Madhya Pradesh National Parks Jungle Safari Booking Open

2011-08-17T09:16:00.000-07:00

Forest Department of Madhya Pradesh has opened the Jungle Safari Booking for upcoming season.

New updates for upcoming season is that Tala Safari Zone in Bandhavgarh National Park and Kanha Safari Zone in Kanha National Park will be PREMIER SAFARI ZONES. It means visitors (Indian & Foreigners) have to pay more fee than safari in other safari zone of Kanha & Bandhavgarh respectively.

For Tala Zone safari of Bandhavgarh, entry ticket charges are increased by 100%.
OLD CHARGES:
Indians Ticket Fee= 1000INR. Per Safari
Foreigner Ticket Fee = 2000INR. Per Safari

NEW CHARGES (2011-12)
Indians Ticket Fee= 2000INR. Per Safari
Foreigner Ticket Fee = 4000INR. Per Safari
* Guide Fee & Vehicle Charge will be additional to it.
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For Kanha Zone safari of Kanha Park, entry ticket charges are increased by 50%.
OLD CHARGES:
Indians Ticket Fee= 1000INR. Per Safari
Foreigner Ticket Fee = 2000INR. Per Safari

NEW CHARGES (2011-12)
Indians Ticket Fee= 1500INR. Per Safari
Foreigner Ticket Fee = 3000INR. Per Safari
* Guide Fee & Vehicle Charge will be additional to it.

Entry ticket charges for other safari zone of Kanha & Bandhavgarh will remain same as were in last season (old charges stated above). But due to fuel price hike, vehicle charges are increased which will cause minor increment in safari charges for other safari zones of Kanha & Bandhavgarh.

As Jungle safari booking is now open, visitors can book safaris in advance for Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Pench, Panna National Parks. Till now, Forest Department has not made any change in maximum number of entry tickets to be sold for each entrance gate of above stated National Parks.

NARCO Test for Jhurjhura Tigress killing accused

2011-08-09T22:22:00.000-07:00

In a positive move, Special Task Force (STF) has sought permission for NARCO test of Jhurjhura tigress jeep-hit case accused. On Tuesday, 09/Aug/2011, in a legal proceeding of this case, STF lawyer demanded NARCO test permission on all 4 accused in case from Chief Judicial Magistrate.

All four accused are from Forest Department names: Ranger Lalit Pandey, Ranger Jaynarayan Pandey, Guard K.K. Pandey & Maan Singh. This case came into light when famous Jhurjhura tigress found dead under mysterious circumstances inside National Park. During that time it caught all media attention due to which environment minister & state Chief minister took serious note of it and ordered for judicial probe. Forest department first tried to suppress the matter and tried to frame charge on tourist and created different stories. But foresnic report revealed the death cause as vehicle-hit in early morning hours when park remains closed for visitors which raised serious question on credibility of park authority claims. Several local safari-jeeps were detained & questioned to find scapegoat in case but at the last department's own vehicle was found involved in accident. Being tigress killed inside park in time when safari is not allowed, some NGO even claimed that forest department officials may have allowed special safari for high-profile guests by violating the rules. During that time, tigress was with 3 cubs and later after few months one cub was killed by other tiger. Here not only a tigress killed by a complete tiger family was destroyed. Local people know the fact & complete story but high profile nature of accused refrains them to come forward as their livelihood is linked with tourism in Bandhavgarh which is managed by department of accused.

Case is still going on and proceeding slowly. Let's hope some positive outcome in case.

Tigers re-location from Bandhavgarh to Madhav National Park

2011-07-29T07:32:00.000-07:00

Madhya Pradesh forest department is looking forward to relocate tigers from Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve to Madhav National Park in Shivpuri. Plan is to relocate 02 tigress & 01 tiger from Bandhavgarh. Tigress to relocate were finalized and male tiger is yet to be finalized. 02 Female cubs to relocate were of Patour tigress in Bandhavgarh. She have 03 cubs in which 02 were female and 01 is male. Earlier all three were decided to relocate to Madhav National Park but considering the genetical disorder problem to their cubs Wildlife Institute of India (WII) official forwarded request to National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) to seek permission to select one male tiger from different tiger family of Bandhavgarh.

Patour tigress is active in Panpatha zone as Patour village lies their. It is about 6-7kms from Tala village. It was in news in past as tigress was poisoned their in past. Due to presence of human society, chances of man-animal conflict always remain persistent. It is good to relocate tigress from here as it will reduce pressure in forest and to some extent avoids chances of man-animal conflict.

Mirchaini Tigress cubs shifted to Van Vihar Bhopal

2011-07-09T19:26:00.000-07:00

Final verdict of Madhya Pradesh Forest Department came out. Mirchaini tigress cubs awarded lifetime imprisonment at Van Vihar Zoo in Bhopal city. Investigating officers & department did their duties. Within 48hrs they found the killers tigers of Bandhavgarh, declared them man-eaters and shifted them to Van Vihar Bhopal.

When dictators gives verdict, nobody can raise voice against such decision whether it is justified or not. Similar situation is here with forest department. They are the actual king, they take one sided decision, right or wrong it doesn't matter. They have their own work culture and system and is far away from sensitivity towards animals and justice for animals. Wild animals can't speak, unable to give any explanation, not in a position to organize and protest. Forest department is taking advantage of all these weak point of animal society.

When Jhurjhura tigress killed inside Bandhavgarh National Park, first they blamed tourists, interrogated local safari jeep operators, blamed others, narrated different stories, put restriction in tourism activity. When NGO's opposed them, raised their voice then few names of Forest Department officials came out and case forwarded to different investigating agencies. Investigation outcome is still awaited since more than 01 year. Accused are still roaming freely, their is no rule to declare them danger to animals and imprison them as they could repeat the same incidence in future also. That was not the killing of a single tigress but destruction of a whole tiger family. Within few months one of her cub died. Indirectly, same accused are responsible for the death of cub also.

How can we expect fair investigations by Forest Department. Here it shows slackness & deliberate delay, loopholes and partiality in their investigation. Such experiences raises following question in our mind:

With this how can we expect justice to wild animals?
Does it mean laws made by human society, is only for their personal benefit and not for sake of justice to animals?
Delay is justice is similar to denial of justice to Jhurjhura tigress & animal lovers?
Can we expect impartial investigations by Forest Department?
By shifting tigers to zoos, can we expect to avoid any future man-animal conflict?
Why can't we do the same with accused of Jhurjhura tigress and they may also repeat the similar offence?
Can we expect a level of intelligence among wild animals in which they could distinguish boundaries laid by human beings, human society supremacy, laws laid by human society, laws for animal welfare, behavior expected from animals by human beings?
Why forest department adopts double standard in investigation when a tigress killed and when a human being killed?

Kanha National Park will receive 50 Black bucks

2011-07-08T00:45:00.000-07:00

Environment ministry has allowed re-location of 50 black bucks from Narsinghgarh (80kms from Bhopal) forest to Kanha National Park. Re-location is likely to take place in winter season. In recent months, Environment ministry has allowed many wildlife animals relocation to other forest areas that matches to their requirement & favorable for adaptation.

Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra) is a antelope species that can be seen in few wildlife sanctuaries of Madhya Pradesh like Satpura National Park, Nauradehi forest, Dheoni, Ratapani, Bori etc. But they are not available in Kanha, Pench & Bandhavgarh tiger reserves. Among male & female, male is more attractive than female in species of Black buck.

In recent time Forest department of Madhya Pradesh has successfully relocated tigers in Panna National Park. First phase of Gaur relocation to Bandhavgarh has already been completed and second phase in yet to be done. It is time for Barasingha to Satpura National Park & Black buck relocation to Kanha.

Earlier till 1990, Black bucks were seen in Kanha forest. As per local safari guides, last sighting was of 02 blackbucks in Kanha who later disappeared. Since then, no black bucks seen in Kanha. Recent move will help to rehabilitate them in Kanha and will add one more jewel in wildlife Kanha Tiger Reserve. Project is underway and we wish Forest Department, all the very best.

Bandhavgarh- Forest Guard Killed & Eaten up in Tiger Attack

2011-07-08T00:36:00.000-07:00

Mirchahni Tigress & her cubs are under scanner.
On 07/July/2011, a forest guard was killed by tiger and body was found on 08/July/2011 in Bandhavgarh National Park. He was attacked by Mirchahani tigress or by her cubs close to Machkheta Village , which is about 2km from park boundary, close to Central Point area. He was contractual guard and known as Santosh Kumar Yadav of 30years age. He was appointed in Hardiha Camp of Bandhavgarh National Park Core area.

Guard was on leave and went to Machkheta village. In evening, he went in wild to arrange some wood. Unfortunately he moved close to tigress or her cubs and was attacked & killed by them. His body was dragged inside the park area by tiger. On next day, in search operation, his bones & some clothes were found which reveals that he was consumed by cubs in overnight time.

Our local representative says, it is close to the same area where 02 human beings were killed on May month by tigress attack. Since then forest department has allocated elephants on duty to see tigress with cubs do not go close to village. Forest department officials and even local villagers suspects that it could be done by cubs of Mirchahani Tigress as they are still learning how to hunt down their prey and how to adjust with human society. They are not aware of the fact that human beings are not their natural prey and could have committed the killing in ignorance. But it is a severe offense committed by them and their is more possibility of villagers retaliation. Mirchahani tigress and her cubs are in danger and under scanner now. Forest department has beefed-up monitoring in this region.

Forest officials & experts are scared if cubs could be turned into man-eaters. In case, they become or delcared man-eater then they will be captured and send to zoo for rest of the life. It is a kind of life imprisonment for them. If we look into past, in similar case, a leopard from Kanha National Park was captured and send to Van Vihar National Park (open zoo) in Bhopal city of Madhya Pradesh state, Central India. Their is another worst possibility in which they may be killed by villagers as such incidences happened many time in Bandhavgarh, in past.

31 More Bisons for Bandhavgarh National Park

2011-07-03T22:23:00.000-07:00

In recent development, Central Government allowed translocation of 31 more Gaurs from Kanha National Park to Bandhavgarh. Wildlife experts from WII Dehradun have recommended 50 bisons for Bandhavgarh and government is acting on their advice. Earlier in 20/Jan/2011, 19 Gaurs were shifted from Kanha to Bandhavgarh. During this time 4 of them died and two new babies born. At present only 17 bison are roaming in Bandhavgarh Forest, mainly in Magdhi zone forest but as per local safari guides, their sighting is not easy, they are in stress and are still trying to get adapted to their new home.

With the introduction of new bisons, their population will increase which will release stress of new environment & area among existing bisons. Increase in population will definitely help them all to get adapted to their new home comfortably. Earlier when 19 bisons were re-located, they were put into an enclosure in Magadhi zone and later they were released to open forest. Among them 02 of them died due to disease, one was missing since long time (probability of being killed by tiger) and fourth one was killed by tigerss with cubs in Magadhi zone. 02 Experts of Wildlife Institute of India have been entitled to observe movement & behavior of gaurs. Adult gaurs have been radio-collared.

Jabalpur-Indore-Mumbai Flight Re-started

2011-06-19T23:05:00.000-07:00

After long suspension, Kingfisher Airlines has resumed it flight service between Jabalpur & Mumbai. First flight is likely to take-off from Mumbai Airport(BOM) at 16:15hrs and will reach Jabalpur airport at 17:30hrs. This will be non-stop flight where as at 18:00hrs it will take-off to Indore Airport (IDR) and will reach Indore at 19:00hrs. After taking passengers from Indore it will take-off at 19:55hrs and will reach Mumbai Airport at 21:10hrs.

Although flight service is going to begin at a time when tourism season is near to close in wildlife-sector but still is a good sigh for Central India Tourism. So far tourists from Mumbai have to reach either Nagpur Airport or to come Jabalpur airport via Delhi. But now its a great relief to them. It will improve business prospects and tourism prospects in Jabalpur city due to connectivity from financial capital of India. In an all it is indeed a great news and we all welcome this initiative.

Thanks
Sunil Kumar Dubey

Pench registers increase in wildlife population

2011-06-15T18:51:00.000-07:00

As per the counting done by management of Pench National Park, results indicates increase in wildlife population in Pench forest. As if now, at park management is Seoni is ready with counting-data of Korai range. Data of other two ranges:Karmajhiri & Jhamtara is still awaited. Earlier published Tiger-counting data for Pench had already revealed the fact that tiger population in tiger reserve has been almost doubled. Current data of Korai range indicates almost 100% increase (in compare to year 2006 data) in population of wild dogs (Dholes), Blue Bull (Nilgai), Sambar, Spotted Deer. Data is collected from transit-lines spread on three ranges of park. It is estimated that about 746 transit lines will be observed to collect the counting-data.

It is a good indication of the park management as well as for wildlife lovers. In recent visit of our team, we talked to local naturalists and park management officials, they have also confirmed the above fact of increase in tiger population and other herbivores animals in park. Their is also increase in migration tendency among herbivores animals due to increase in tiger population. Their is possibility of migration towards Satpura National Park as its forest is almost linked with Pench forest.

Bandhavgarh Mirchahani Tigress killed 02 Human beings

2011-05-23T21:02:00.000-07:00

Bandhavgarh tigress killed two human beings in Samna beat of forest. Victim were Budhiya Bai (Female:40years) & Sonesingh (Male: 45years). Incident took place near Tamarha Nala area where Budhiya Bai went to collect Tendu Leaves and tigress was resting with her two cubs in Nala. After hearing the scream of Budhiya Bai, nearby villagers gathered at the spot. About 25-30 villagers were present their. Despite of presence of human crowd, tigress again appeared from bushes and charged on Sone Singh and killed him on the spot.

After hearing the shocking news, forest officials reached the spot and pushed the tigress away from area. Villagers are in shocked and angered after the incident. Forest official keeping eye on region to avoid any unprecedented incident.

It seems tigress charged after judging the danger to her cubs because of the presence of human beings, so close to cubs. But from this incident in presence of tigers may be taken in wrong way by cubs. They may human being as their natural prey or enemy and result to some more attacks in future, by cubs.

States will do Tiger Counting Every Year

2011-05-14T22:29:00.000-07:00

In recently concluded annual meeting attended by Field Directors of Tiger Reserves of India, under banner of National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), decision was taken to do tiger counting in every year. So far, counting in done once in every four year due to which, change in population (positive or negative) reveals in after four year and also it poses delay in taking decision in time.

November 01 is decided as date to start tiger counting in all tiger reserves. Tiger population data in every year will help to know the changing status so that steps will be take more quickly according to changing situation.

Thanks
Sunil & Akash

Tigers Increased in Kanha:- M.P. Forest Department

2011-05-01T18:13:00.000-07:00

Recently when tigers census was released in which it was revealed that tiger population has been fallen in Madhya Pradesh forests. Karnataka is the deserving state to be called "Tiger State of India", Madhya Pradesh Forest Department challenged the report by initiating the process of re-counting the tiger population in state. In his recent outcome, Forest Department claims as Kanha Tigers population has been increased by 15 to 20 tigers. Report will be forwarded to Wildlife Institute of India (WII) for approval. During tiger counting, forest department has adopted the same technique & process as used by Wildlife Institute of India for tiger-counting.

Bandhavgarh Tigers on road

2011-04-04T22:02:00.000-07:00

In months of March - April 2011, their are frequent incidents when Bandhavgarh tigers have been seen outside core zone area, in buffer zone, roads, close to resorts. On 03/April/2011, when our guests are going for jungle safari in Magadhi Zone, they have seen 01 male tiger crossing the road. Sighting lasts for 5-10 minutes as her moved from core zone to buffer zone. In another incidents, on 04/April/2011, when our office team going from Nature Heritage resort towards Ranchha village, in late evening, to visit another resort, they spotted a tiger close to Mahua Kothi resort. From resort officials, we learned that tiger was continuously present in that particular area as he has made a kill to 02 cattles & 01 Sambhar. On very next day, i.e, on 05/April/2011, elephants were called inside Mahua Kothi resort as that same tiger was seen inside resort campus and enjoying the luxury of one of the most luxurious resort of Bandhavgarh. It means, it is not safe to move on bare foot, lonely even close to village or resorts and remain careful & vigilant, always. It also means in Bandhavgarh, tiger sighting can be enjoyed even without spending money on safaris.

Thanks
Sunil & Akash

Tigress Cannibalism in Bandhavgarh

2011-03-06T15:41:00.000-08:00

Caracass of Chorbehra langadi (lame)tigress found in Bandhavgarh. She was popularly known as Laxmi. As per forest official, she was killed by Jhurjhura tigress called Kankati (ear-cut) in territorial fight. By observing the remains, it seems after killing, she was consumed by opponent tigress. It show cannibalism in tiger family. It is indeed a rare incidence. Killed tigress was about 06 years old and killer tigress was about 3year and few months. Killer tigress was the daughter of same tigress who was killed in May, 2010 by jeep-hit inside park and whose investigation report is yet to come and culprits are roaming freely.

Chorbehra tigress was not seem since long time which made park official to conduct a search operation in her territory. It seems she was killed in first week of February month. Many safari guides has confirmed the several rounds of conflict that took place between them.

National Park closure on Holi Festival Day (20/March/2011)

2011-03-02T17:00:00.001-08:00

Forest Department has now declared full day holiday on Holi festival day. It means their will be no safari on 20/March/2011 for all the national park of Madhya Pradesh State like Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Pench, Satpura, Panna etc.

Only Evening safari remain closed from 01/April/2011

2011-03-02T16:59:00.001-08:00

Only Evening safari remain closed from 01/April/2011
Forest Department of Madhya Pradesh State has revised their decision of closing National Park for full-day (Morning & Evening Safaris) from 01-April-2011. Now parks will remain close for half-day only which means, visitors can do Morning Safari only (No Evening Safari) in every Wednesday from 01-April-2011.

Tiger Show re-started in Tala Safari Zone Bandhavgarh

2011-02-09T01:17:00.000-08:00

In latest development, Bandhavgarh National Park management has again allowed tiger-show in Tala safari zone. Earlier due to some reason, since parks has been opened (16/Oct/2010), Tiger-shows in Tala zone has been suspended for un-definite time. But now visitors can enjoy elephant ride in Tala Zone also.

Thanks
Sunil & Akash

Vulture counting in Panna National Park

2011-01-18T16:48:00.001-08:00

Vulture counting program is likely to begin in Panna National Park, from 21st Jan to 23rd Jan 2011. Counting will be done by wild lifers. Here park management has invited application for interested participants in this counting program. Last date for such application was 17/Jan/2011. It is a unique experience for participants in such counting program. About 06 rare species of vultures found in Panna National Park. Collected data will be used for analytical study purpose and to know the current situation of vulture population in this region.

Thanks
Sunil Kumar Dubey

Jabalpur Tourism : Places To See

2011-01-10T04:09:00.000-08:00

Download Free Wallpaper of Jabalpur Tourist Places.
Note : Commercial Use of these images are strictly prohibited.
Pictures taken by Akash Pachbudhe.

Tigress killed human being close to Resort in Bandhavgarh

2010-12-27T18:09:00.000-08:00

On 26/Dec/2010, Langadi Tigress of Bandhavgarh killed a human being close to Maharaja Royal Retreat Resort in Tala Village, Bandhavgarh. Till 27/Dec/2010 evening, tigress with her cubs remain inside resort boundary. Resort is a heritage resort on main Tala-Umaria road. All safari jeeps pass through that resort to reach Tala park entrance gate.Forest department was trying to push them away from site, using elephants. As it is a peak tourism season in Bandhavgarh, tourists and villagers gathering at the spot to enjoy tiger sighting. Their are many incidents occurred in Tala Village of killing cattle while they are inside village houses but it is a rare incident in which tigress killed a human close to any resort or human presence. Earlier tigress killed a cattle to provide food to her cubs but forest department removed the dead cattle from sight which made her furious and accidentally one villager came into her way and get killed. Forest Department immediately rushed to the spot and controlled the situation.

Thanks
Sunil & Akash

Fight with Fog

2010-12-26T08:19:00.000-08:00

Fog in North India started showing its adverse effect on transfers. Flight & trains delay & cancellation are now on notice boards. It is not the first time that we have to face problems due to blanket of dense fog in North India. Tourists often face challenge in taking their connecting or returning flights due to unspecified long delays in trains & flights.

Direct flight between Mumbai & Jabalpur is a great relief for tourists in winters. Unlike North India, Western part of India, in which Mumbai Airport lies, remain unaffected from fog. As Mumbai is also an International Airport, tourists may opt Mumbai as their arrival & departure point to avoid fog-problem. So we can say, instead of Delhi, Mumbai is better option in winters. With direct flight connectivity from Mumbai, now tourists, visiting Central India Wildlife sector, can continue their journey with any fear of delays due to fog.

Thanks
Sunil Kumar Dubey

Jabalpur Mumbai Direct Flight

2010-12-25T16:51:00.000-08:00

Good news had came from aviation ministry. Long awaited flight connectivity between Jabalpur and Mumbai will start from 24/Jan/2011. It was highly awaited demand of peoples of Jabalpur to get connected with Mumbai through flight. Kingfisher airlines is going to start this service.

Ticket Booking for Kingfisher Flight (IT-3133) has already been started from Christmas Day i.e. 25/Dec/2010. Flight tickets will range between INR.4000/- to 10000/-.

Flight will come directly from Mumbai where as on returning back to Mumbai flight will stop in Indore Airport.

Jabalpur Mumbai Flight timings:
Depart from Mumbai Airport: 12:10hrs
Reach Jabalpur Airport: 13:40hrs
Depart from Jabalpur: 14:10hrs
Reach Indore Airport: 15:30hrs.
Reach Mumbai Airport: 14:50hrs

Flight connectivity will have great impact on growing tourism activities in Central India. Earlier tourists have to reach Nagpur/Bhopal/Raipur airports to visit tourist destinations like Kanha & Bandhavgarh National Parks. It was as great problem for those who intend to visit Bandhavgarh and wish to travel through flight. Nagpur/Raipur/Bhopal airport are atleast 500kms from Bandhavgarh but now with arrival in Jabalpur Airport, they have to travel only 190kms for Bandhavgarh. Similarly tour itineraries beginning from Mumbai can cover Kanha & Bandhavgarh National Parks.

Tiger cubs born in Panna National Park

2010-12-13T20:09:00.000-08:00

It is second time, Panna National Park is jubilating with joy due to presence of 02 tiger cubs in forest. T2 Tigress, shifted from Kanha Tiger Reserve, has given birth to 02 tiger cubs. Recently she has been seen by forest officials with 02 cubs. Cubs seem to be about 2-3 months old and are now seen in open. Forest official are now more vigilant has increase the patrolling duty in the region. It is indeed a good news for forest department and the team who has initiated the step to trans-locate tigers from nearby national parks.

In another move, two more orphan tigress are likely to be shifted to Panna forest in near future. Both the sibling tigresses are orphan and were grown up in an enclosure under supervision of Kanha National Park management. Trans-location is likely to be held very soon and will be shifted by road. In the mean time, forest officials are making them habitual to smells that they will find in Panna forest, when they will reach the forest. They are spreading the urine of Panna tigers in the Kanha park enclosure to familiarize the tigresses with the Panna forest atmosphere. It will help them to adjust and adopt Panna forest conditions easily after shift.

Bandhavgarh Tala gate watchdog

2010-12-07T07:21:00.000-08:00

Hundreds of tourists visits Bandhavgarh National Park in search of wildlife and pass through Tala entrance gate. Many of them may have noticed this dog close to entrance gate. She is a blind dog that lives at Tala entrance gate of Bandhavgarh National Park. We have noticed this dog first in 5 years back and every year whenever we got the chance to visit Bandhavgarh, we go to see her. She is blind but still successfully manage to travel towards the source of sound.

Next time whenever you go to Bandhavgarh, notify this dog as important watchdog at Tala Entrance Gate. When first time I was informed that she is blind, it was very painful to see a helpless life deprive of vision, overcoming the obstacles of life. In Tala zone you may or may not see tiger by you must see this dog. Forest department employee also take care of her and often show their concern towards her health and sitting place.

Bandhavgarh Tiger B2 in his last days

2010-11-16T22:03:00.000-08:00

After Sita & Charger, B2 is the tiger that represented tigers of Bandhavgarh. He ruled the Tala zone of Bandhavgarh and remain dominant male of park. Bandhavgarh Tiger B2 is remain in news for its cattle killing act. Now he is 14 years old. This age is considered as last days of a tiger. Now B2 is struggling hard to retain its territory but age factor comes in his way. New young tigers are encroaching its territory like Kallu, New Male, Bokha. In few days back he suffered many wounds on his neck in such territorial fight and was treated by forest officials. As nobody could defeat the old-age, we can say B2 is in his last days. It is time to visit the park and capture our beloved B2, may that will be our last sighting of tiger B2 in Bandhavgarh.

Tiger lives a typical life in which its last days are very painful. He may have to died of starving in a forest which was ruled by him. In last days, tiger loses its territory to young males, he was pushed out of his own territory. In such times, he was bound to arrange food through cattle killing in which he may be poisoned by villagers. He may get injured or even died in territorial fight. He may died due to starvation as due to old age he may not be able to kill its natural prey.

04 Poachers caught in West Bengal

2010-11-16T19:11:00.000-08:00

In an undercover operation led by Asst. Field Director of Sunderban Tiger Reserve, 04 poachers were arrested with tiger skin and deer skin. They were trying to sell the tiger skin. Poachers were arrested from Bauripur in 24-paragana district at south of West Bengal state. Sources says the among 04 poachers, one member is a Government employee (from Railway Police). This gang was operating in Sunderban since many years and had deceived task force many time earlier. This time, in a week long operation, they were caught red-handed.

These recent arrests has revealed the fact that poachers are still active in Sunderban Tiger Reserve. So here, park management need to be more conscious to curb this problem.

Thanks
Sunil Kumar Dubey

First relocated Tiger found dead in Sariska Tiger Reserve

2010-11-16T18:31:00.000-08:00

A male tiger of 06 years of age, airlifted from Ranthambore National Park to Sariska found dead in Kankwadi area of Sariska Tiger Reserve. Decomposed body was discovered on 14/Nov/2010. He was in Sariska since last 30months. It seems tiger ST-1 (Sariska Tiger-1) had territorial conflict with other tiger ST-4 (relocated from Ranthambore) and was badly injured during the fight. Tiger ST-4 is also going missing since last 15-days. Both the tigers were radio-collared and forest official had received signals from ST-1 but still they didn't reach the tiger in time. Caracas investigation revealed that ST-1 had received some deep wounds under his left ear. Park officials were not getting any signal from ST-4, since last 15 days and are still unable to locate him since last 15-days. It seem, to some extent park officials are also responsible to the death as they didn't sensed the problem in time.

Earlier in June-2008, 05 tigers and 03 tigresses were shifted from Ranthambore to revive tiger population in Sariska Tiger Reserve. Investigation is going on to find the cause and fix the responsibility for negligence on duty by park official. Known Wildlife specialists and experts are now gathering in Sariska to discover the reasons and measures to avoid such unfortunate incidence in future.

Thankyou
Sunil & Akash

Five tiger cubs born in Pench National Park.

2010-11-09T22:36:00.000-08:00

After untimely demise of tigress in Pench tiger reserve, we have some good news to share with you all. 05 Tiger cubs born in Alicutta range of Pench park. It seems cubs are born somewhere next to Diwali festival day. Cubs were first sighted by elephant mahout during routine tiger tracking duty. Mother tigress is about 06 years old and has produced litters, second time. Earlier she has successfully grown up 04 cubs in her first delivery. In order to let the cubs grow away from human presence and tourism activity, park management likely to close the Alicutta range for 12 months. In yet another development, one male elephant was born in elephant camp in Pench National Park.

Thanks
Sunil & Akash

Tala Zone: NO Premium Safari Zone

2010-10-25T17:45:00.000-07:00

Bandhavgarh Park Management has decided to withdraw the proposal of declaring Tala Zone as Premium Safari Zone under which they have planned to just double the entrance charges for doing Jungle Safari in this zone. Decision was taken yet we have to wait for formal order from Forest Department. This decision was taken after considering the request of local resort owners and travel agents in a meeting. It means Tala Zone is treated similar to any other safari zone of Bandhavgarh. It is indeed a good news for visitors. But decision of closing park on every Wednesday from 01/April/2011 with remain as it is.

Implementation and subsequent withdrawal of decision indicates that decision was taken in a haphazard way without analyzing the result. It seems timing of decision was incorrect. Taking decisions in this way creates confusion among travel agents, visitors and resort owners especially in case when they have booked the tour in advance and their is no scope to revise the quotation. It will be far better if such decisions should be taken in much advance so that travel agents and other parties should remain mentally prepared and adjust their moves accordingly.

Thanks
Sunil Kumar Dubey

Delhi-Jabalpur-Delhi Flights timing will change

2010-10-21T17:26:00.000-07:00

Delhi-Jabalpur Flights timing change
From 01/Nov/2010, Kingfisher Airlines flight, traveling from Delhi - Jabalpur - Delhi, timing will change. From this date, flight will take-off from Delhi at 06:10AM and likely to reach Jabalpur Airport at 08:25AM and will again take-off from Jabalpur at 09:00 AM for Delhi. Similarly winter time schedule for Indian Flights will be announced very soon.

This is not the first time when flight timing is changed but it happens every year. Flight timing is decided by airlines authority on the basis of season, visitor load and other reasons. As if now National Parks are open for visitors so traveler's load has definitely been increased and at the same time we heading for winter season. Morning timing seems good for wildlife visitors of Kanha, Bandhavgarh & Pench as they may reach their park/resort in time to enjoy evening park safaris and matching to resort's check-in timing.

I hope the above information will be helpful to you all.

Thanks & regards
Sunil Kumar Dubey

Tigress found dead in Pench

2010-10-21T17:22:00.000-07:00

Tigress found dead in Pench Tiger Reserve
One Tigress found dead in Murer Beat (Point No. 391) of Sub-Range Kurai in Pench Tiger Reserve. Body was laying in large grassland area and was first noticed by Monsoon Patrol Party. On 21/10/2010, postmortem was done. Postmortem done by Veterinary Doctor Akhilesh Mishra in presence of Range Officer, appointed representative of National Tiger Conservation Authority & other forest officials. Forensic data was sent to Sagar Laboratory for further investigation. In primary investigation, death cause seems to be tigers territorial conflict. After investigation, body was cremated. It is indeed a sad news but nature takes its own way.

Thanks & regards
Sunil Kumar Dubey

Anti-tourism policies for Kanha & Bandhavgarh

2010-10-11T17:31:00.000-07:00

Their are number of declarations made by Madhya Pradesh Forest Department in which tourism in Bandhavgarh & Kanha National Parks has been specially targeted. Important declarations are as follows:

1: All National Parks of Madhya Pradesh will remain closed on Every WEDNESDAY of a week. This will be applicable from 01/April/2011.

2: Bandhavgarh: Most visited Tala Safari Zone of Bandhavgarh will come under Special Safari Zone from 16/Dec/2010. Special Safari Zone means visitors have to pay 200% (just double) entrance charge for jungle safari.

3: From 16/Dec/2010 to 05/Jan/2011: Park entrance fee will be charged in double at Kanha National Park (in Kanha & Mukki Zone) as this interval is considered as peak season.

4: From 01/May/2011 to 25/May/2011: Park entrance fee will be charged in double at Kanha Safari Zone of Kanha National Park (not in Mukki Zone) as this interval is considered as peak season for Kanha zone.

Tiger Translocations for Panna National Park

2010-10-07T03:20:00.000-07:00

Forest Department of Madhya Pradesh is heading for more tiger translocations for Panna National Park. Tigers are likely to be arranged from Kanha & Bandhavgarh National Parks. As in recent days, it was noticed that only male tiger of Panna has shown unusually aggressive behavior towards his own cubs. Wildlife experts feels as his desire for mating partner is not fulfilled so he is charging on other two mother tigresses and their cubs. Tiger shifting to Panna will take place in coming one or two months. Sources says about 06 tigers will be shifted to Panna forest in which 02 Males & 04 Females will be shifted.

Few days back, in Kanha National Park a male tiger of approx. 10 years of age, found dead in Khapa range. On examining his body, it was revealed that he has multiple skull injuries due to tigers conflict for territory. In every years, many tigers dies in such conflicts. Such translocation may be one of the small temporary step to avoid scope of such conflicts. It is also a chance to introduce those tigers or tigresses who have lost their mothers in their early age and are grown up under supervision in man-made enclosures. Presence of few tigers in vast area of Panna National Park may offer chance for them to adapt in wilderness, smoothly and need not to struggle too hard for survival as in crowded forests.

Thank you for sparing your precious time in reading this article.

Sunil Kumar Dubey

Safari Booking Open for Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Pench & Panna National Parks

2010-09-24T04:58:00.000-07:00

Online booking of Jungle Safari tickets is now open for public. Tickets are offers for Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Pench & Panna National Parks. This time visitors are also required to provide vehicle details also to be used for park safari. With this maximum vehicles permitted for each zone in each national park is also cleared. Vehicle limit for safari in each national park for season from 16/Oct.2010 to 30/June/2011 is as follows:
1. KANHA NATIONAL PARK
Kanha Zone = 63 vehicles
Mukki Zone = 45 vehicles
Sarhi Zone = 27 vehicles

2. BANDHAVGARH NATIONAL PARK
Tala Zone = 32 vehicles
Magadhi Zone = 66 vehicles
Khitauli Zone = 35 vehicles
Panpatha Zone = 45 vehicles

3. PENCH NATIONAL PARK
Turia Zone = 45 vehicles
Karmajhiri Zone = 09 vehicles
Jhamtara Zone = 05 vehicles

4. PANNA NATIONAL PARK
Panna Zone = 63 vehicles

Visitors now can do online booking of safari tickets. It seems their will be no change in safari charges for Foreign nationals but Indian tourists may have to pay more for jungle safari.

Thanks for dedicating your precious time on this information.

Sunil Kumar Dubey

Problem & Solution for Panna Tiger Cubs

2010-09-15T20:55:00.000-07:00

Since last 05 days, Panna Tiger Cubs are in news. First report came that 03 male cubs of Bandhavgarh tigress are missing. Mother tigress was seen with only female tigress cub. Search operations was launched by park authorities. Later 01 out of 03 missing cubs was located but 02 are still missing. When mother tigress was examined carefully, it was noticed that she had wound marks on her face which is clear indication that she has conflict with the only male tiger of Panna (shifted from Pench Park).

Location of male adult tiger was also close to tigress territory which confirms the chances of mother tigress conflict with adult tiger to protect her cubs. It is a unusual behavior shown male tiger as usually father do not attacks on his cubs. Wildlife experts are watching the situation carefully in Panna forest.

Panna's male tiger is posing danger to other two mother tigress cubs. Field Director of Panna Mr. R. Sriniwas Murthy says that "Tigers are known to exhibit such behavior when they have an urge to mate". Male Tiger's behavior is aggressive and has attacked cubs several times in last one month time. As both the available tigress are with cubs so they are not responding to it s sexual overtures. So possible solution to the problem is to introduce more tigress to Panna forest from nearby Tiger Reserves possible from Kanha & Bandhavgarh to avail more options to male tiger and so that mother tigress could feel safe in the park.

In near future, their is possibility of more tiger translocations possibly from Kanha National Park & Bandhavgarh National Park. Madhya Pradesh government has secured translocation permission of about 06 tigers (including 02 males & 04 females) in step-wise fashion. It is a part of tiger reintroduction programme.

Possible tiger translocation could take place next one to two months. Here is the opportunity for forest department to introduce such tigers & tigress who are grown up in semi-wild conditions due to mother loss in their early days.

Thanks
Sunil Kumar Dubey

Re-wilding Cheetahs in Madhya Pradesh, Central India

2010-09-14T22:15:00.000-07:00

Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh State in India has given permission to re-introduce African Cheetah in Central India. Areas selected for the project are: Kuno Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary & Noradehi Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh State.

Kuno Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary is located in North Madhya Pradesh in Sheopur District which is close to Shivpuri National Park and Gwalior city. While coming from Ranthambhor National Park towards Orchha/Khajuraho/Gwalior/Shivpuri it falls on the way. Kuno Palpur forest is in news since last 10years as it was declared most suitable for Project to re-introduce Asiatic Lion in Central India.

Noradehi Wildlife Sanctuary lies in Sagar District at Central Madhya Pradesh about 70kms North-West to Jabalpur city. On the basis of results from Kuno Palpur Sanctuary, Cheetah will be replenish in Noradehi forest area.

As per State Environment Minister, we can expect first installment of 08 Cheetah (02 Male & 06 Females) in winters of Year 2011 transferred through ship by way of sea. They were first introduced to Kuno Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary with an area of 300sq. km. Here many villages have been rehabilitated to other places to avoid any conflicting situation. As per wildlife experts at least 20 Cheetah can be accommodated in this wildlife sanctuary in present situation. Their is also plan to fence the park area to avoid cheetah's to move out of park area. In second phase, lions will be trans-located from Gir National Park to Kuno Palpur Sanctuary.

Cheetahs were known to exist in India, long time back but are now extinct. Out Environment Minister said that "Cheetah is the only animal that has been described extinct in last 100 years. It is said that last 03 Asiatic Cheetahs of India was shot by Maharaja of Sarguja in Sarguja District of Chattisgarh State in the year 1947, where as last lion of Central India was shot in around 1853. At present Asiatic Cheetahs in Asia are present in Iran and are close to extinct.

Although announcements have been made by ministers, but it will be interesting to see how implementation work will be done in laid time-frame as delay due to malfunctioning of government machinery is closely associated with such projects. Still it is a welcome move by Environment Ministry of India & State Government.

Lets hope things will go as per declarations. All the very best!

Thanks
Sunil Kumar Dubey

Another human negligence & another tiger loss

2010-08-14T21:01:00.001-07:00

After killing of Jhurjhura Tigress, and subsequent mystery over the driver of culprit vehicle it was expected from Bandhavgarh National Park authority to act more cautiously and responsibly in future. Current incident has revealed the fact that we have not learned any lesson from our past mistakes. When declared protected area was not fenced then what else can be expected? For how long luck will favor the cubs? Cubs were left carelessly to become victim of other wild animals. It is said that forest department allotted the task of fencing the area to a firm and the fencing work was delayed. It is a human error that can be called directly or indirectly responsible for killing of cub. We have left room for such unfortunate incidences. Here question also arises that why forest department didn't act timely on such delay in fencing work as they have will be blamed & held responsible in any such case.

After the death of Jhurjhura tigress, it is expected from park authority to act more cautiously and responsibly. Park authority has been facing severe criticism on the way tigress killing was handled. Till now no one was declared as actual culprit despite of the fact that accident occurred inside park core-area, vehicle identification has been established but driver & co-passengers are still unidentified. It shows how high profile persons are shielded in our system against clutches of law. It also gives inspiration & provocation to others to do unlawful activities.

One more unusual behavior often shown by park authorities is to blame tourists for poor management of park. After killing of tigress, first officials try to blame tourist vehicle for incident. Officials put conditions on normal safari, cordoned of the area in the name of cubs protection, reduced the maximum limit of safari vehicles entry. But this time they have no reason to blame tourists. Tourists never visit park with an intention to hurt any animal. On the contrary to this, tourism act as watch-dog for wildlife. It is the tourist vehicle during routine safari that has first sighted injured jhurjhura tigress first and reported the matter to officials. This time park was closed, nobody was aware of cub's death till many days and remaining cubs are also missing. We should not blame tourism as hurdle in wildlife conservation but a helping hand that has raised awareness in public to promote wildlife conservation and get them close to nature.

Jhurjhura Tigress cub found dead in Bandhavgarh

2010-08-14T06:05:00.000-07:00

One of the Jhurjhura Tigress cub found dead in Bandhavgarh National Park. Its age was about 8 months. Remaining two cubs are still missing. First hand information says that cub was killed by some neighboring tiger. As per park authorities, cubs were kept in a protected area of about 42 hectares of forest area.

It is hard to believe that how a 8 months old cubs were left so irresponsibly in forest full of mature tigers despite of knowing the seriousness of matter. Area was declared as "Protected Area" and given incident revealed the fact "how much protected was the area, in reality".

New Properties in Bandhavgarh

2010-08-06T02:52:00.000-07:00

In coming safari season of Bandhavgarh National Park we will find some new luxury properties.

1. Monsoon Forest Tented Camps Bandhavgarh : It comprises 06 luxury tents and is spread over a large area of 10 Acres of re-forestation land. It is the same management who had Anant Van Resort in Bandhavgarh earlier. It is about 2.5kms from Tala entrance gate.

2. Samode Safari Lodge: Samode resort is developed on the site of unique Anant Van Resort. It is a collection of 12 stylish suited reflecting the touch of local housing style, art & culture of local community with modern comfort. Samode Resort are spread over 21 Acres of land and lies near the rarely-used Gohri Gate of the park, least used by safari vehicles. It is close to Magdhi & Khitauli entrance gates but distant from Tala entrance gate.

Second Tigress of Panna National Park have delivered cubs

2010-06-05T21:26:00.000-07:00

Panna National Park is now booming with tiger cubs. Earlier on 09/May/2010, cubs news came from Panna Park and similar kind of news is coming again from park. Their are signs that tigress trans-located from Kanha National Park has delivered baby cubs. Her territory is under Bador Beat of Panna Tiger Reserve and since last 7 days she remains inside a cave and not seen roaming in her area. As per forest officials, signs are very positive that tigress is with her cubs and within next few days, she may be seen out with cubs. It is welcome news for all the wildlife lovers and conservationists. I hope Panna National Park with regain its lost popularity and be visited by tourists from all over the world.

As Panna National Park is close (45kms/01:00hrs) to Khajuraho Temples so it is a good combination of Historical Temples with wildlife including water-falls and Gharial reserve. I hope such good news will promote tourism in this region as Tourism is main source of livelihood for local peoples.

Thanks,
Sunil Kumar Dubey
Indus Excursion

Value of National Animal in India

2010-06-02T05:23:00.000-07:00

Tiger is a National Animal of India. It is a important figure in Wildlife Tourism of India. It is shameful to learn that in Bandhavgarh, postmortem of deceased tigress was done in open using axe. If we can't even provide basic facilities to our National Animal then we have no right to call him a National Animal. We earn millions of money in the name of Wildlife Tourism and not even willing to provide postmortem room and proper medical equipments to doctor/s doing postmortem then we have no right to pose a s people in favor of wildlife conservation. We don't provide the justice tigress when she was alive and even after her death we did the insult of her body.

Do we deserve to call ourselves human by doing inhuman act?

Why should I stop reporting?

2010-05-27T02:46:00.000-07:00

Few days back, one of my friend called me and said "you people are small travel agents and reporting is not your job. Do travel related works only." As he is our respectable friend so we didn't argued with him. He was talking regarding tigress killing in Bandhavgarh Park. I still don't understand what is wrong in raising voice against injustice (Tigress killed in Bandhavgarh on 19/May/2010) done with innocent tigress and her orphan cubs. We are not against any person or organization but we are against the system due to which such unfortunate incidents had taken place and will take place in future also. Do we have any answer to the those eyes (cubs) who looks here & there with expectation of mother tigress, light of fake hope still present in their heart. Their is no answer to their eyes questioning, why they are suffering, what is their mistake. They were at their home peacefully, it is we human beings who went their and make their life hell.

When tigress translocated from Kanha & Bandhavgarh, all the local people associated with tourism which includes resort owners, local travel agents etc raised voice against such translocation and even go on protest. When one tigress killed brutally inside park and 3 cubs become orphan, why these resort owners, safari agents, so called conversationalists & travel agents who earned money-name-fame on the name of these tigers & wildlife tourism are quiet, acting like ignorant & keeping their eyes-ears closed. They should must come together and raise voice against this incidence to ensure fair investigation in interest of justice.

Thanks
Sunil

Culprits accusing Innocents in Bandhavgarh National Park

2010-05-26T01:24:00.000-07:00

Under the storm of criticism by wildlife lovers & media, after the death of tigress by jeep hit inside Bandhavgarh National Park, Park management in has decided to reduce the maximum limit of safari jeeps allowed to do the safari at a single safari-time. Earlier, maximum number of safari jeeps allowed to do Tala Zone Safari was 45, but now it is reduced to 18 only. Tala safari zone (Gate No.1) is the most demanded safari zone among tourists due to high tiger's density & more probability to tiger sighting. Magdhi & Khitauli are other two zones of safari in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. Due to number of water sources, natural caves and availability of natural prey in Tala zone forest area, it is considered the best forest area of Bandhavgarh National Park to see tigers, especially during summers. Reduction in limit of safari jeeps for Tala zone means visitors have to struggle more to do jungle safari in Tala zone of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. Advance online booking is the only option to ensure Tala zone for Safari. It may encourage black-marketing and creating artificial scarcity of tickets for Tala zone safari. Somebody said, the decision was taken for sake of orphan cubs who are still present in the area and was a temporary decision. Once cubs will be transferred to enclosure in Magdhi zone, reduction in jeep limit will be withdrawn. But he didn't revealed the time-period. To some extent I am agree with my friend but this can be done by declaring that particular area as no-tourist zone and closing the road, more than 50% reduction in Safari Jeep suddenly will definitely create chaos. Those who have finalized their plan may face problem. At present, maximum number of tickets for Tala Zone is 18 for advance booking.

Thanks
Sunil

Saviour becomes killer

2010-05-24T23:43:00.000-07:00

Outcome of investigation on Tigress death in Bandhavgarh has revealed some surprising facts. It was found that Tigress was hit by SDO Jeep. Our local sources says that tigress was first hit by departmental jeep. About 06 employees were now suspended. Earlier different stories were created and rumors were spread but fact has now come out. Those who were given responsibility of save wildlife in Bandhavgarh turned into killers. Their negligence has made 3 cubs orphan and untimely death of mother tigress. It is shocking and unfortunate incidence and spoil the image of Forest department.

Thanks
Sunil

Tigress Murdered by Jeep Hit in Bandhavgarh

2010-05-22T21:14:00.000-07:00

As per the latest information of investigation going-on on tigress killing, she was knocked more than once by vehicle. She had multiple internal injuries which, as per veterinary surgeon, could not be possible by single hit. She was found died at 07:30hrs in Jhurjhura water source by the visitor tourists. Doctor says that she was knocked about 3-4 hrs before the actual time of death which means around 04:00AM which is not the safari time for visitors. For investigation purpose, many safari jeeps who were allotted that route on that unfortunate day were detained by forest department to do forensic examination and also their drive & safari guides were questioned. Outcome of such detention was that they were given clean-chit. It is hard to believe that forest department don't know the vehicle or culprit till now as circumstances indicates the involvement of some internal (department's) person in the incident.

Night Safari is not allowed in Bandhavgarh or Kanha but I have seen that such safaris are still offered to high-profile or influential visitors so as to make them feel special and to impress them. In year 2008, I have seen how a minister's son with his friends in Kanha National Park, celebrated birthday of his child with crackers (usage banned in Kanha) and enjoyed night safaris on regular basis as he was having links with forest rangers. Here law breaking is treated as sign of power and influence and generates a feeling of being special and abnormal personality. Those who support & cooperate them expect that such acts will distinguish them from usual services and VIP guest will be impressed what usually happens also. Breaking rules/law is considered as VIP Treatment.

Thanks
Sunil Kumar Dubey
Indus Excursion

Tiger Cubs born in Panna National Park

2010-05-09T01:14:00.000-07:00

Few days back I got the news that Tiger cubs born in Panna National Park. News was good but no forest official was ready to say something on authenticity of news so I decided to remain quite and adopt the wait & watch policy. But now with the confirmed sighting of Three tiger-cubs in Hinouta range, close to Ghughua Fall, by Field Director of Panna National Park has now put confirmation seal on the news. It is really a great news as this the new generation of Tigers in Panna National Park. Now we can say they are the original tigers of Panna National Park.
On Friday, 07th May, 2010, with the sighting of 3-cubs, came out first time from the their cave, Field Director has confirmed the news. Forest Department is now taking special care of the area. Sighting took place outside a cave located in Hinouta Range, close to Ghughua Fall.
Earlier one female from Bandhavgarh & Kanha each and one male from Pench National Park was translocated after the success of tiger re-introduction program in Sariska National Park, Rajasthan.

We all wish them GOOD LUCK!

From: Sunil Kumar Dubey

Tiger's New Generation in Indian Tiger Reserves

2010-04-10T04:16:00.000-07:00

New generation of Tigers were registering their presence in Tiger Reserves of India. About 117 Tiger Cubs born in 9 Tiger Reserves of India since beginning of year 2009. Among them 34 cubs are from Kanha & Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserves of Central India. Kanha Tiger Reserves has registered highest number of cubs i.e., 22 in last 15 months. Tiger Reserves under this category are as follows:
Kanha = 22
Bandhavgarh = 12
Pench = 10
Ranthambore = 10
Tadoba = 13
Dhudhwa = 16
Nagarhole = 10
Bandipore = 12
Nagarjuna-sagar = 12

It has been observed that tourist arrival in the months of March & April, 2010 has been increased and easy tiger sighting has also been registered during park safari. Due to presence of tiger cubs, chances of tiger sighting of various age groups are bright in these days. Morning from 6:30 to 8:30 most of the tiger sightings has been registered, similarly in Evening from 17:00hrs to 18:15hrs most of the tiger sightings has been registered recently in Kanha & Bandhavgarh National Parks.

Thank you,
Sunil Kumar Dubey

Human Society Vs Cat Family

2010-04-01T08:16:00.000-07:00

On 28/March/2010, a leopard fell in trap laid by poacher in Panna National Park. Leopard struggled but failed to survive. On 30/March/2010, a tigress killed a girl in Bandhavgarh forest. If we compare both the incidences, it seems cat family has taken revenge after lost of one of their family member. Both the incidences are unfortunate but if we compare it with the intention behind incident, we can easily conclude that intention of human society is malicious. Tigress in Bandhavgarh fores was in search of food for its cubs but unfortunately girl reach the site and killed. In case of Panna forest, poacher laid trap with malafide intention.

Khajuraho - Varanasi Link Train on the track

2010-04-01T06:54:00.000-07:00

Train between Khajuraho - Varanasi: Bundelkhand link Express running from 31/March/2010

From KHAJURAHO to VARANASI
Train Number: 1107A
Train Running Days: Departure from Khajuraho: Tuesday, Friday,Sunday

Journey Duration: 11:50 Hours
Schedule as per main stations
Khajuraho 23:00
Mahoba 00:30
Banda 02:15
Chitrakot 03:50
Manikpur JN 04:35
Allahabad JN 06:45
Varanasi JN 10:50.

From VARANASI to KHAJURAHO
Train Number: 1108A
Train Running Days: Departure from Varanasi: Monday,Thursday,Saturday

Journey Duration: 12:35 Hours
Schedule as per main stations
Varanasi JN 17:10
Allahabad JN 22:00
Manikpur JN 00:25
Chitakot 01:01
Banda 02:25
Mahoba 03:25
Khajuraho 05:45.

Coaches Class :- 02nd AC / 03rd AC / Sleeper

As per earlier announcement, train was scheduled to start from 01/Nov/2009 but due to some reasons, it was delayed. Finally now train service has been started and it is a welcome initiative. Khajuraho - Varanasi Train Service will definitely improve connectivity between these two much popular tourist destinations. Tourists usually opt to visit Varanasi or Bandhavgarh as connecting destination to Khajuraho. So far most of the visitors prefers Flight service to travel between them and in case of flight cancellation, only available option was to travel a distance of approx. 400km by car which usually takes 8-10 hours hectic journey. Train option is good for those who cannot afford flight fare and wish to travel comfortably. As most of the time, train will travel in night, it will save time and will not pose problem in scheduling tour program.

Trip to Khajuraho Bandhavgarh on Luxury Train : Maharaja Express

2010-03-18T10:49:00.000-07:00

Friends, I would like to inform you all about the success of first round visit of Maharaja Express Luxury Train of Cox & Kings in which tourist passengers had visited Khajuraho & Bandhavgarh in Madhya Pradesh.
It was early morning (03:00 AM) at small railway station Umaria. Que of 17 luxury taxi cars at Umaria railway station was attracting attention of every passing-by visitors. Police personnel were also trespassing the railway platform, it seemed as if some VVIP personality was to come. At 5:00 AM, movements of railway officials suddenly increased in the platform and news was spread as if a tourist trains were coming from Khajuraho. With the introduction of banners and stickers on taxi, it was now clear that Maharaja Express was coming at Umaria for Bandhavgarh Trip. Anyone can guess the importance of train and its passengers with the level of ongoing arrangements their at small railway station where waiting room for First Class Passengers remained locked and open only on request of ticket holder to Station Master. Suddenly a Police Patrol Jeep arrived at parking area and officer ordered all the rickshaw pullers and some of sleeping-gypsies to move away from sight as it hurts the image of country. Train arrived at 06:40 Hrs in the morning and first a camera-man suddenly appeared on the station to shoot the arrival and slowly tourist came out following to theirs tour-escorts. Here i little bit of mis-management as some the tourist were looking here & their for their guide/escort as if they have not been informed what to do, where to go, whom to follow but slowly things settled down and almost all the tourist got their taxi and slowly half of the taxi proceed to Bandhavgarh. I was assured, all the tourists have gone but suddenly, a lady of 50+ age appeared on the exit gate and was looking tensed and was looking for the members of company organizing the tour but unfortunately nobody was their to guide her but as another train was coming from Delhi/Agra, some of the taxi drivers were waiting for their guest, they indicated the direction and she managed to get the taxi. Fleet immediately rushed to Tala entrance gate of Bandhavgarh National Park for morning game drive as arrival of train was already delayed by more than 2 hours. As train was already delayed, chance of tiger sighting lessen with the rise in temperature but luck favored all the visitors and almost all the visitors had satisfactory tiger sighting in both Tala & Magdhi range. Some of the visitors have seen 4-5 tigers in single game drive; it was really surprising as at the beginning of the season, many visitors were complaining of decrease in tiger sighting in Bandhavgarh. At around 10:30 hrs, safari jeeps returned back to Taj Mahua Kothi Safari Lodge, where all of them had lunch and then returned back to Umaria Railway Station where Maharaja Express was waiting for its passenger. Ground management was best ever despite of the fact that it was first visit of the train. All the credit goes to Indian Railway Staff, Police officials, Forest Department and those was have been assigned the duty of Ground Handling. We have witnessed the fleet of 17 Luxury Cars waiting at Railway Station Parking area since 3:00 AM with full-fledged preparation, railway staff was continuously monitoring the movement of train and ground level arrangements with an intention to leave no stone unturned. All the combined efforts results to successful trip of Bandhavgarh to Maharaja Express passengers and will definitely promote tourism in Central India.

One thing was wandering in my mind, is it one safari enough to understand the wildlife or to get satisfy our urge to see jungle, freely roaming animals that we have either seen on television/computer screen. I think, it is not so but one thing is their, tiger sighting will definitely give some satisfaction and induce the tourist to visit it again to understand it with long stay. It will promote Central India Tourism. Overall arrangements were good with scope of further improvement.

Thanks
Sunil Kumar Dubey

VULTURES: New face for Panna National Park, India

2010-02-22T21:02:00.000-08:00

Disappearance of Tiger population from Panna National Park becomes the only reason for which it attracts media attention. But now authorities of Panna National Park has make up its mind to promote it as a National Park having rare species of Vultures. So picture of Vulture/s will give new face to Panna National Park. Presence of 6 rare species of vultures in Panna forest will be promoted to give some reason to wildlife lovers for visiting it. Panna Park is removed from wildlife itineraries with the disappearance Tigers. Vultures found in Panna Forest are:

1. Long Billed Vulture (Gyps indicus)
2. White Backed Vulture (Gyps africanus)
3. Asian King Vulture (Sarcogyps calvus)
4. Himalayan Griffon Vulture (Gyps himalayensis)
5. Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus)
6. Eurasian Vulture (Aegypius monachus)

Almost disappeared, Black-capped Kingfisher, so far seen in Kanha National Park was also seen in Hinouta Sub-division of Panna forest. Field Director of Panna National Park has also indicated in this direction. He said that officials are trying to focus on birds species found in this Forest region so that they may be exposed to the world to restore the tourism loss, to some extent, occurred due Tigers loss.

In addition to Birding in Panna forest, one can also see World's Oldest Elephant called VATSALA, an unmatched Gem of Panna National Park in Central India. Panna forest has always enjoyed the advantage of being close to Khajuraho Temples (40kms) and enroute on Khajuraho - Bandhavgarh route but all gone into vain with loss of tigers. Bandhavgarh is just 230kms from Panna National Park.

Absconding Panna Tiger captured

2009-12-25T23:18:00.000-08:00

Tiger absconding from Panna National Park was captures miles away from Tendukheda forest area of Damoh district in Madhya Pradesh State. He was the same tiger of age between 2-3years, shifted from Pench National Park to Panna National Park in a process to revive tiger population in park that lost all of its tigers. Tiger was captured through tranquilization close to a pond called Kalmali pond. He was put in a cage so that he may be shifted back to Panna forest. More than 70 personnel team was engaged to capture the absconding tiger since last 15 days along with more than 10 elephant team. Team comprises veterinary doctors from Jabalpur, wildlife specialists from Dehradun, Panna National Park officers etc. Tendukheda forest area is a hilly area forest, about 60 kms from Jabalpur city.

If we carefully study the direction and distance covered by tiger since 20/Nov/2009 when he left the Panna forest, their will be no surprise if he could manage to reach his original home i.e. Pench National Park. He spend hardly few days in Panna Forest and left the park, which raises serious questions on success of tiger trans-location procedure & steps taken to monitor them after. It shows tigers do not accept new area so easily. Earlier two tigress were also shifted from Kanha & Bandhavgarh national park who were also missing for some duration.

Kanha Trip Report : 08/Nov/2009

2009-11-10T07:27:00.001-08:00

On 09^th Nov., 2009, Indus Excursion Team went on Kanha National Park Tour. Our main purpose was to gather ground level information. In our tour we visited Kanha Tiger Reserve we have following observations to share:

It has been noticed that resort occupancy in Bandhavgarh has fallen by 50% compare to last tourism season.
It was observed that about 85% visitors are Indian domestic tourists, inbound tourists rarely seen during safari tour.
In compare to Bandhavgarh, Kanha Tourism have good support from domestic tourism. On holidays/weekends, many domestic visitors from Nagpur, Jabalpur & Raipur do visits Kanha.
We begin our safari tour from Digdola area which is considered good for scenic beauty.
It is often said that probability for Tiger sighting in Kanha is less in comparison to Bandhavgarh but we have comfortably seen two Tiger cubs of about 2 years of age in Naag Behra pond, playing with each other. They were with their mother. Sighting lasts for about 1 hour in that location. On further proceeding, we have noticed Tiger Show is also going on in other area but as we are more than satisfied with 1 hr. long tiger sighting, we moved ahead. We were surprised to know that Tiger sighting is not derived from any call.
On our way to Naag Behera we have noticed fresh pug marks in Digdola hills also but there was no sign or tigers found.
Throughout the visit, we have noticed cemented circular pillars of height about 3 ft. high and a numeric digit written on top. Our guide told me that these were the allotted number for each route and Kanha have 144 such routes.
Recently, a 13 month old tigress was found dead, she was daughter of “7 number female tigress” had 3 cubs and all of them died due to some reasons. Now mother tigress was in stage of shock. Tiger show was going on for this aggrieved tigress.
We have seen Crested Changeable Hawk Eagle in Naag Bahera area and did photography for atleast 15-20 mins.
Through out the safari we have noticed a particular large sized spider between two trees. My guide told me it is “Giant Wood Spider”.

Bandhavgarh National Park Tour Report

2009-11-01T03:21:00.001-08:00

On 29^th Oct., 2009, Indus Excursion Team went on tour of Bandhavgarh to gather ground level information. In our tour we visited Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve and Bandhavgarh Fort and have following observations to share:

It has been noticed that resort occupancy in Bandhavgarh has fallen by 35% compare to last tourism season.
On given date only 38 Jeeps went on safari with high proportion of Domestic Indian visitors. 38 Jeeps means maximum 228 visitors did park safari which is much below expectation.
Usually 2 or 4 vacant jeeps were found vacant during this month of visit but on given date 10-15 jeeps were waiting for visitors.
On talking to safari guides, regarding current tiger-sighting status, they reveals that due to strict implementation of route-system, safari vehicles have to follow a given track and in limited time. They have to report to central point inside the park within a given interval of time which makes them to keep on running throughout the visit. Continuous running leaves less room for safari guide to explain about the places inside the park, few minutes to wait at a time despite of high probability of tiger in that region. Continuous running also reduces the scope of good bird-sighting, some popular places inside the park that don’t fall of allotted route are also skipped.
Safari Guide claims of large number of tigress with cubs in Bandhavgarh and expects good sighting during summers as due to heat limited water sources left which causes animals to come out.
Tiger B2 is of approximate age of 14 years and often kills villager’s cattle which is a alarming sign. Due to old age he kills 2-3 animals at a time and consumes them for next 4-5 days. It was said to know that now B2 have less time left.
New Tiger King is emerging in Bandhavgarh, after Bokha. He is son of B2 and is heavily built up of approximate length 7ft, height of 4ft. He use to visit Chakradhara meadows in every 4-5 days and remains their, for 2 days. He has over-powered B2 and Bokha. In such conflict Bokha has lost one of his front teeth.
During our visit to Bandhavgarh national park, we have noticed very few mammal species and a kind of silence. As per guide, due to large grass and dense forest, easy availability of water, animals have no reason to come in open. But in comparison to our recently concluded Kanha visit, here herd size of animals like wild boar, wild-dog dhole, spotted dear are small. Bird sighting in Kanha National park is better than Bandhavgarh.
The best thing about Bandhavgarh is Bandhavgarh-fort & caves. Caves reveals the marks of human existence in the reserve area and later overtaken by actual king of forest. Natural & man-made caves have helped great to tigress of Bandhavgarh during the period they were with their litter cubs. Fort is at a height of 810 meter high cliff, highest point among 32 other surrounding hills. Large Statues of Varah, tortoise, fish, wild boar, lord Ganesha, 7-hooded snake etc are fabulous. The height of hill gives advantage in bird sighting as one can watch flying birds at their level or from top.
Due large number of sand-stone hills in Bandhavgarh, water remains available to wild animals throughout the year. Sand stone absorbs water and retain them & flows through percolation throughout the year.
Center point inside Bandhavgarh is a small place developed by authorities for reporting of safari jeeps and refreshment for visitors. Here tea, snacks are available. Public toilet is also their, for visitors. But in comparison to Kanha’s center point, it is under-developed & small.
On our question to our safari guide, “why tiger sighting is claimed high in Bandhavgarh?” he says that due to dense web of safari tracks, if they miss the tiger at one point, with anticipation his direction of movement, they can frequently reach the next point. At the same time Tala zone have good number of water holes & prey which makes it best suitable place for tigers. Tala range is breeding ground of tigers.
We were glad to find that during safari, information sharing between passing by safari guides and jeep drivers, helps a lot in animal tracking. It is really appreciable that guides & drivers shares information despite of any discrimination of being with Indian or foreigner client, or belonging to high-profile resort or being fluent in English or local language. It is the only way to share information as they don’t have any communication medium with them during safari.
At the end, we learnt that patience is the best policy to get the things done as per you will in Jungle. Here we have to move according to them (animals) and they move as per their will.

Train From Khajuraho to Varanasi

2009-10-31T05:27:00.000-07:00

Dear friends, I would like to share a good news with you all, train service from Khajuraho to Varanasi is likely to be available from 01/Nov./2009 for visitors. Name of Train is Bundelkhand Express. It is indeed a great news.

So far Bundelkhand Express is travelling from Gwalior to Varanasi. From 01/Nov./2009, it will go via Khajuraho railway station. It timing will be as follows:

Khajuraho to Varanasi : Bundelkhand Express Train (1107) coming from Gwalior and going towards Varanasi, will reach Khajuraho railway station at 23:40 Hrs (Day-1) and will reach Varanasi at 10:50 Hrs (Day-2) .
Varanasi to Khajuraho : Bundelkhand Express Train (1108) coming from Varanasi to Gwalior will start from Varanasi at 17:10 hrs (Day-1) and reach Khajuraho railway station at 05:10 Hrs (Day-2).

Train will have Air-conditioned coaches i.e. AC-1, AC-2, AC-3, Sleeper class, General class for travellers.

As we know Khajuraho is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Varanasi/Benaras/Kashi is another important tourist destination to visit. Distance between Khajuraho & Varanasi by road is 400 kms. If we travel by road, it will take atleast 8 hrs to reach. So far most of the tourists use to travel by flight as it takes just 40 minutes to reach Varanasi from Khajuraho, but during monsoon and bad weather, flights often gets delayed/cancelled at last moment which creates problem to tourists as they have check-out the hotel and in peak seasons, room availability often poses problem. So far, on flight cancellation, tourists have left with two options either to stay in hotel or to go with car. But now, one more option is available to tourists i.e. of travelling by train which is much better than travelling by car.

Wild Human Society for Wild Animals

2009-10-05T09:38:00.000-07:00

On October 3, news come from Bandhavgarh about badly injured male Hyena, found in Beohari range of Bandhavgarh National Park. As soon as he was noticed, send to Jabalpur city veterinary hospital for treatment on Forest Department Special Van. Unfortunately, Hyena died on the way to Jabalpur and his body was send for postmortem.

On first sight, it seems he has been attacked by more than one attacker. His teeths were broken, back-side left leg was bleeding, many wound on belly. As per doctors, it seems he has been attacked by local villagers. Beohari is a small town where often wild animals move close to human society in search of food and pay for it by their life.

We I saw forest officials travelled more than 200 kms for sake of a Hyena's life, I thought of those persons who had attacked on Hyena. Both are human beings but how they can be so different, who gave them the right to take life of any living creature? Hyena may have caused some kind of loss to them but that was an act of ignorance and innocence but act of villagers was absolutely deliberate and pre-planned.

After Tigers, what else left for tourists in Panna National Park

2009-09-21T08:14:00.000-07:00

Oldest living elephant in the world is in Panna National Park of Madhya Pradesh State, India. She is recognized as oldest living elephant in January 26, 2007 and was found 91 years old. Her name is VATSALA. She was born in Kerala State of South India where she was use to wooden log transportation purpose. Since 1971 she is in Panna National Park. At present she is not used for any kind of work and she is just passing her time in peacefull atmosphere of Panna reserve. Veterinary doctors of park are keeping constant eye on health and care of Vatsala as she is major attraction for tourists and jewel of Panna National Park.

Panna National Park have many elephants serving forest department of Madhya Pradesh. Recently on 18/Sept./2009 at 23:20 hrs, new elephant baby was born to a 45 years old elephant named Anarkali. Newly born baby elephant is gaining popularity among forest officials. As soon as park will open from 16/Oct./2009, he will draw attention of tourists who turn their face from Panna National Park due to dis-appearence of tigers from a Tiger Reserve.

If anyone get the chance to visit Panna National Park, must see both the ends of Elephant family: Oldest Vatsala and youngest baby elephant.

Plan to accommodate Cheetah & Asiatic Lion in Madhya Pradesh

2009-09-07T03:20:00.000-07:00

Environment Ministry of India is trying to accommodate Cheetah in India. Recently in September, 2009 famous wildlife specialist of South Africa Mr. Deon Cilliers reached Gwalior city of Madhya Pradesh, India. Later he proceed to Kuno Sanctuary in Sheopur district of north-west Madhya Pradesh to find the possibility to accommodate Cheetah in Kuno Sanctuary. Kuno sanctuary is established in 1981 and is spread in area of 345 sq. km. Apart from Kuno Sanctuary he will also visit Rajasthan and Gujarat state to find the possibilities in those states also.

Kuno Sanctuary is also in news for Asiatic Lion Reintroduction Project to accommodate Asiatic lion in these forest. Madhya Pradesh state government is striving hard to arrange lions and accommodate them in Kuno wildlife sanctuary. Wildlife specialists have found this area as most promising site for lion accommodation. In fact last Asiatic lion in Central India was found in same Kuno sanctuary in 19th century. So far Asiatic lion can be seen freely roaming in Gir National Park of Gujarat, India but increasing population is exerting pressure to find new home sites to them.

So we hope and extend our best wishes to all wildlife specialists and government authorities to get success in their mission.

Giraffes were present in India

2009-08-17T21:07:00.000-07:00

In the month of August, 2009, certain ancient caves were discovered in forested area of Madhya Pradesh, Central India. When an archeologist visited the site, he noticed some drawings in the wall of cave. On examining them minutely, it was found that these paintings are rock paintings of about 10000 BC, drawn by humans of that era.

Site was situated in small village called Silapuri between Damoh and Chhatarpur cities of Madhya Pradesh, India. Caves were situated on the hilly location of forest area. On examining the rock paintings it was found that pictures are of wild boar, Giraffes, spotted deers, human beings attacking on their prey, swamp deer etc. As access to site is not so easy, due to which paintings are in good condition to watch & study. It shows that Giraffes were present in Central India forests in past. Similarly in rock paintings of Katni one can find pictures of Rhinoceros in nearby areas. We can conclude that animals like Giraffes, Rhinoceros, lions etc animals were present in Central India in past and in present can be seen in rock paintings of Cental India.

Similar kind of Rock Paintings were spread in many parts of Madhya Pradesh like in Pachmarhi, Bhembetka, Grahi area (close to Kanha National Park), Katni city, on river-side sites of Chambal river, in Raisen District close to Bhopal city etc. These rock paintings are price-less gift to our generation from our forefathers.

If we study the history & geography of Central India, we will realize that Vindhyachal mountains and Satpura Ranges were very rich in fossils and marks of human origin. These mountain ranges were always been known for their wildlife existence and treasures of fossils. Similarly Narmada river valley that originates from Satpura ranges is evident of many Dinosaurs fossils found since many years.

Tiger cubs born in Satpura National Park

2009-08-09T09:53:00.000-07:00

We are glad to inform about light of hope is coming from Satpura National Park.

Satpura National Park becomes playground of newly born tiger babies. Since March, 2009 to May, 2009, about nine tiger cubs have been born in Satpura Naional Park. Forest Department have been taking special care & vigilance of Madai, Jeharghat & Kajri places inside the Satpura National Park.
Area where these cubs have been born was blocked for general tourists and elephant patrolling team has been deployed to keep eye on these newly born babies. Patrol team is also keeping eye on tigress and its hunting activites like capturing the prey because any repulsive action during hunting may pose danger to cubs. Similar incident happened recently when tigress caught bison calf which made bison herd to charge on tigress and cubs were in danger as bisons may kill them during such time. Assistan Field Director of Satpura National Park has also confirmed the news of tiger cubs in Tiger Reserve.

About Satpura National Park
Satpura or Satpuda National Park is established in 1981. It is spread over the 524 sq.km. forested area Satpura hills. It lies in Hoshangabad district of Madhya Pradesh, India. Famous hill station of Central India called “Pachmarhi” is in forest of Satpura National Park. Major attractions of this park are: flying squirrel, leopard, tigers, bison (Indian Gaurs), mouse deer, black buck, wild dogs (dhole), spotted deers, porcupines, Indian joint squirrel, wild boar etc.
Tiger sighting in this national park is not as easy as in Bandhavgarh or Kanha National Parks but flying squirrel is special attraction of this park. Similarly park posses some unique quality medicinal plants which are very rare in nature.

How to reach: Bhopal (200km.) & Jabalpur (250km.) are the nearest airports from tiger reserve. Pipariya is the nearest railway station for Satpura Tiger Reserve & Pachmarhi. Their is direct train for Pipariya railway station from Delhi & Mumbai.

Since dis-appearence of tigers from Panna National Park, this news comes a relief to state government & animal lovers.

For further information visit: www.indusexcursion.com, www.jabalpur-travel-agents.com

Central India Tour

2009-04-09T08:18:00.000-07:00

I worked as tour escort with Jabalpur Travel Agents which is sales division of one of the best wildlife tour operator of Central India called Indus Excursion. The company provides tailor made package tours in Central India. Indus Excursion has its head office in Cultural City of State Madhya Pradesh called Jabalpur. Apart from that they are also having full-fledged office in Capital city of India, New Delhi.

Indus Excursion offers specialized package tours to Central India. My involvement was in wildlife & bird sighting tour of India. I visitd almost all the tourist spots of Madhya Pradesh during various tours. Some of the prominent Tourist Destinations of Madhya Pradesh are as follows:

Kanha , Bandhavgarh, Pachmarhi, Khajuraho, Amarkantak, Sanchi, Mandu, Pench National Park, Orchha, Amarkantak

Apart from above stated tourist spots, their are many hidden treasures in Central India which are yet to be explored by outside world. Indus Excursion do conducts tours to such hidden treasures of Madhya Pradesh like geographical central point of India, rock paintings etc.

Any tour of Central India will encompass Heritage sites, wildlife sector, tiger tour, temple tour, scenic beauty tour, tribal tour, bird sighting tour etc.

www.jabalpur-travel-agents.com

2009-04-07T01:41:00.000-07:00

Indus Excursion has launched its another specialised website: www.jabalpur-travel-agents.com on Jabalpur City and its near-by tourist destinations like Bhedaghat, Bargi-dam, Madan Mahal fort etc. Indus Excursion head office is based in Jabalpur city of Madhya Pradesh, India.

Jabalpur city is considered tourist hub of Central India as 5 most prominent Tiger Reserves of Central India are within 260 km. range. They are: Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Pench, Panna National Park & Satpura Tiger Reserve. Apart from that UNESCO World Heritage site of Khajuraho is also 275 kms. from Jabalpur City. Jabalpur city has always been favorite palce to lauch any Tiger Expedition Tours.

Jabalpur city itself is located on the bank of holy river Narmada which is much older river than river Ganges. At the same time Narmada river is also known for purity of its water as their is no industrial region is close to Narmada river.

Bandhavgarh: Land of High Tiger Density

2008-09-26T15:11:00.000-07:00

India is much popular among wildlife lovers because of the presence of various wildlife species not available in any other part of world. Among all wildlife species, much demanded and talked about creature are member of cat's family i.e, tigers and lions.

By the grace of god, India still have conserved its wildlife treasure for our present and future generations. Here people have developed the skill and way to live in co-existence. As a result of which we can still see wildlife creatures at their natual habitats.

In Central India, we can still find nature at its best. Here, in State of Madhya Pradesh about 30% of total land is still believed to be covered with forest and greenery. The maximum forest cover in the state is that of mixed forests, which includes Teak (Tectona grandis) or Sal (Shorea robusta), bamboo mixed with other species like saja (Terminalia tomentosa), bija (Pterocarpus marsupium), lendia (Lagerstroemia parviflora), haldu (Adina cardifolia), dhaora (Anogeissus latifolia), salai (Boswellia serrata), aonla (Emblica officinalis), amaltas (Cassia fistula), gamhar (Gmelina arborea etc. Dazzling white kulu (Sterculia urens) trees scattered around stand out conspicuously among the various hues of green. The ground is covered with maze of grasses, plants, bushes and saplings.

Out of some premium National Parks in India, Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Pench National park are present in Madhya Pradesh. All these parks are well managed and most visted parks of India. Here floura, fauna and avi-fauna are at their best and every visitor feels as if time-machine has been put on brake. Stay of 2-4 days in these parks become lifetime experience of visitors.

In Bandhavgarh National Park, we can assure of Tiger sighting upto 99%. This park is located in a ideal landscape for Tigers. Park is spread over Vindhyachal mountains. Bandhavgarh is a National Park since 1968 and is included in Project Tiger Network in 1993. Before 1968, Bandhavgarh is a private property of Royal family of Rewa and was used as a hunting-game preserve. We can also see some historical monuments also in Bandhavgarh hills. In year 1953, one white tiger was also found in Bandhavgarh. At present it is spread over the area of 448 Sq.Km. Area shown to tourists are core-zone of 105Sq.Km.

More than 22 species of mammals and 250 species of birds found in Bandhavgarh National Park. Here one can also see about 39 caves also. Common Langurs and Rhesus Macaque represent the primate group. Carnivores include the Asiatic Jackal, Bengal Fox, Sloth Bear, Ratel, Gray Mongoose, Striped Hyena, Jungle Cat, Leopard and Tiger. The artiodactyls frequently sighted are Wild Pigs, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Chausingha, Nilgai(Blue-bull), Chinkara. Mammals such as Dhole, the smallIndian Civet, Palm Squirrel and Lesser Bandicoot Rat are seen occasionally. Gaur(Indian Bison) was found here before 1998 and now forest dept. is trying to reinstate them.

Bandhavgarh National Park can be visited in between months from Oct. to June. Best time to visit are in winters i.e., Nov-Dec-Jan-Feb. Nearest possible railway station from Bandhavgarh is Umaria (37km) and Katni (100km.). Nearest possible Airport is in Jabalpur with direct connectivity with Delhi (Country Capital). For accomodation, resorts and cottages of all categories are available here. Surface connectivity of all Tiger reserves of Central India is good from Jabalpur city. Many Travel Agents are based in Jabalpur who are offering tailormade tour packages for tiger tour to India. At the same time car rental services are also good in jabalpur.

Wildlife Central India

2008-09-09T05:35:00.000-07:00

At present Central India is most popular tourist destination for wildlife lover due to its present floura & fauna. Here in Bandhavgarh National Park one can have assured tiger sighting because it has highest tiger density in India. At the same time here we can see unmatched scenic beauty in Kanha National Park. Bandhavgarh lies in Vindhyachal mountain ranges whereas Kanha park lies in Maikal ranges. Both mountain ranges are older than Himalayan mountains. Animals found here are Tiger, leopard, spotted deer, mouse deer, hyena, Gaur(Indian Bison), wild dogs, four horned deers, swamp deer, more than 200 species of birds. Swamp Deers are main attraction of Kanha National Prak as this is their last natural habitat. In ancient times Rinocerous are also found in Central India. One can still find their pictures in rock-painting of Madhya Pradesh.

In border of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, Pench national park is situated which is also known as mowgli's land. Rudyard Kipling's Jungle Book is inspired from same Pench national park. This park is more popular for good bird sighting, herd of gaurs, near to Nagpur city, ambushed attacks of leopards in this area.
Close to Khajuraho, one have an opportunity of visiting Panna national park. But in recent days tourists attraction of this park is declined due to series of poaching activities in this park and it results to difficult tiger sighting in this park. Due to which now a days tourists have began to overlook this park. Here one can find nice scenic beauty, waterfalls, gharial-reserve in Ken River.
In Central India one can see dolphins also in Chambal river. We can visit Chambal wildlife sanctuary to see corcodiles, gangetic dolphins, variety of migrated bird and most unpolluted river water of Chambal river.