TRAVEL SPECIAL................... MONSOON SAFARIS

MONSOON SAFARIS





You've enjoyed it from your balcony, by the sea and in the mountains... now soak in the monsoon magic on a safari.
Some sanctuaries that are open during peak rainy season in India...

With the onset of monsoon, wildlife safaris take a beat ing as most of the national parks and wildlife sanc tuaries remain closed during this period. Incessant rains flood the parks, making them unsafe for tourists. Plus, it is also the breeding season for many animals and it is best to give them some privacy and peace. Yet, there are some national parks that choose to keep a few zones open during the rains, offering rain-drenched views and wildlife spotting as well.

LAKE CRUISE

Kerala is at its gorgeous best during the monsoon. Periyar National Park in Thekkady, which remains open throughout the year, is famous for its unique boat safari. Imagine spotting elephants and tigers from a boat with slight drizzles and mist for company as you row down the lake. The park is also famous for gaur, sambar deer, wild boar, lion-tailed monkeys, and the Nilgiri tahr in the higher rock formations. Bird watchers can get a glimpse of some of their favourite birds which make this park their home during the rains.Apart from this, you can also unwind with a monsoon-specific Ayurvedic treatment during your stay.

SPOTTING RARE HANGUL

Located around 22 km from Srinagar, Dachigam National Park is a good option for visitors who want to enjoy carpeted grasslands, meadows and wildlife at the same time. As it is situated around 5,500 ft to 14,000 ft above sea level, it doesn't receive heavy rainfall during the monsoon. The park's terrain ranges from gently sloping grasslands to cliffs V and sharp rocky outcrops. Home to the rare hangul or Kashmir stag, Dachigam is also famous for musk deer, leopard, Himalayan grey langur, Himalayan black co bear, Himalayan brown bear, jackal, hill fox, Himalayan weasel and more. Wildlife enthusiasts should also spare some time for a trout fishing trip in Gund near Srinagar. On your way back take the shikara ride.

BIRDING BY THE RIVER

The Kumarakom bird sanctuary in Kerala starts blooming with the onset of monsoons. Though houseboat rides are not available during the rainy season, this is a great time to indulge in bird watching, as many migratory birds visit Kumarakom in mon soon. The main attractions are local birds like the waterfowl, cuckoo, owl, egret, heron and water duck. Don't miss the boat cruises -from Vembanad Lake to nearby villages -that take you through dense foliage of coconut trees. Don't forget to carry your umbrella and raincoats with you as it rains frequently during this time of the year.

WALK IN THE JUNGLE

Of the four zones of Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand ­ Jhirna and its buffer zone remain open during the rainy season. One can enjoy both jeep and elephant safaris accompanied by a trained guide. It's easier to spot animals like boars and antelopes and some bird species like parakeets, quails and barbets during this time. More importantly, a long walk in the jungle and small waterfalls within the park, all in a span of a kilometre or two make the trip even more interesting.

BAMBOO FOREST TRAIL

Located in Maharashtra's east ernmost district, named Chandrapur, Tadoba National Park re ferred to as “The Jewel of Vidharba“, is the only central Indian park that is open during the monsoon. Apart from offering an amazing opportunity to explore the bamboo forests of Tadoba, this place promises a rendezvous with tigers and their cubs during the rains.

ROCKY TERRAIN

A gradual climb through the wooded forest of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, in Maharashtra, during monsoon is the perfect time to see the greater racket-tailed drongo, shikra, grey junglefowl and Indian peafowl. The trail leads to the rocky plateau near Kanheri caves, which is excellent for viewing raptors. At the end of the trail, one can visit the ancient Kanheri caves, dating back around 2,100 years. Carved out of volcanic rocks, there are around 109 such caves, which are believed to have been part of a major Buddhist centre. The area also harbours good biodiversity.

pratigyan das

TL19JUL15