Tales from the jungle

Tadoba, in Maharashtra, is India’s best kept secret. Tadoba has a variety of wildlife. In a total of six jeep safaris, our sightings included Tigers (two times up close and another 2 – 3 times from a distance, sloth bears, wild dogs, bison herds, nilgai, monkeys, all types of deer, the elusive jungle cat and among birds, peacocks, Indian pitta, owl, kingfisher, serpent eagle and many more. We missed the leopard but there are regular sightings of the same in Tadoba. I would say Tadoba is a must-visit place for any wildlife and nature lover. The only activity in Tadoba is going on a jungle safari and park safari timings are between 6.00 AM to 11.00 AM and in the afternoon 3.00 PM to 7.00 PM. Timings may differ during the winter season. One should go on as many safaris possible to boost one’s chances of sighting animals and birds. My advice is to opt for an open gypsy safari; you will love the experience and, additionally, you will have the advantage of two guides - one forest department guide and the other will be your driver who is as good as a guide

Bandhavgarh, in Madhya Pradesh, is famous for its tigers. They are the main reason why Bandhavgarh has earned a spot for itself in the tourist map. Today it has become an important source of livelihood for the people living there. This year we decided to go to a National Park. Bandhavgarh, because of its smaller area and abundance of deer and sambhar is the ideal place to see tigers in their natural habitat. The forest is deciduous and grasslands sparse which make tiger sighting easy. Do not go there for the tigers alone - the rest of the flora and fauna is equally interesting. Your whole trip will revolve around the safari. Make sure you go for at least two safaris. Tigers are in profusion and chances of sighting them are high even in your first safari. Choose the summer months. In fact, the guide told us that in May one could find tigers simply lying in the grasslands. But I think March is the best trade off as it is not too hot, and just hot enough for the tigers to frequent watering holes. Once you have had your fill of tiger sightings, have a look at the other fauna, including spotted deer, wild boar, sambhar, peacocks, the Indian roller, and so on. Don’t miss a visit to the Bandhavgarh fort which is located inside the jungle. The trip to the fort is another pleasant experience, especially the steep uphill ride. There are several tree houses - if they are not occupied, you are lucky.