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From lions and tigers to rhinos and snow leopards, national parks are for getting personal with nature
Winter is a fantastic time to visit national parks and sanctuaries in India, with the rays of the sun lending a golden glow to the trees and foliage. Winters are great for wild animals watching and spotting migratory birds. Head to national parks this winter if you have always dreamt of spotting a tiger or a lion in the wild, or even rarer species, such as the Indian wild ass, the Great Indian Bustard and the one-horned rhinoceros.
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If you are looking for a day-long escape from the hustle-bustle of the city, what could be better than visiting a national park in the middle of the city? Folks in Mumbai are in luck – Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) is nothing short of an oasis of calm amid the frenetic pace of life in the city.
Plan a day-long nature experience, with big cat sightings, trekking, and bird-watching. SGNP has numerous nature and trekking trails, ranging from the easier Shilonda trail to the Upper Kanheri trail, suitable for experienced trekkers. Spend the afternoon cycling around the park after enjoying a picnic lunch. Don't miss a visit to Kanheri caves, the largest rock-cut caves cluster in India. There are also stay options within the park; you can choose from pine huts, glamping tents, and guesthouses.
A beach vacation in winter is always a great idea. If the tropical weather and sandy beaches aren't enough to get you going, you might consider visiting this marine national park in Wandoor, in Port Blair, for a change of scene. The park is a cluster of 15 islands, with beaches, mangroves, lagoons, and rainforests, and is known for its striking coral reef formations. It is also a prime nesting site for sea turtles. You can also take a break from watching wildlife and enjoy watersports, such as snorkelling and scuba diving.
Waking up at daybreak to gentle streams of light through trees shrouded in mist is a sight I will never forget. Welcome to Kanha National Park, a prime tiger country in the Maikal Range of the Satpuras. Spread over 940 sq km, the national park boasts diverse terrain, ranging from meadows and wooded areas to dense forests crisscrossed by clear streams.
This makes for a thrilling jungle safari experience — an excellent way to take a closer look at animals and capture pictures. When visiting in winter, begin your day with a piping hot cup of tea to beat the early morning chill. Plan your day to reserve sufficient time for soaking in the sights and sounds of the jungle — you might just spot a swamp deer around the bend!
It is common knowledge among wildlife enthusiasts that the leopard is even more elusive than the tiger. However, you can spot this gorgeous big cat lounging on the rocky outcrops of the Aravalli Ranges at Bera Leopard Reserve. Located 142 km northwest of Udaipur, the reserve harbours the largest density of spotted cats in India.
Like most of my photographer friends, I visited the reserve to capture the leopards posing on big rocks, with their coats glistening in the morning sun. The leopard safari is like no other as it takes you past dramatic granite formations and rocky river beds.
For a change of pace, consider signing up for a village walk to learn about the local Rabari community, traditional herders by profession and have been living peacefully with wild animals for ages. Don't miss a trip to the Jawai Dam nearby for spectacular views of its blue waters and for catching sight of native and migratory bird species, such as pelicans, ospreys, and spot-billed ducks.
Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, this national park is one of the most famous tiger reserves in the country. Named after iconic British conservationist and naturalist, Jim Corbett, it is spread over the picturesque region of Pauri Garhwal, Nainital, and Almora.
However, note that this reserve is not just about tigers – the hilly landscape is offset by vast grasslands, which provide a natural habitat for elephants. Moreover, it is the only national park in the country where you can enjoy an overnight stay inside the jungle – the Forest Rest House offers modest but comfortable accommodation. The best part at the rest house was waking up to chirruping birds and scenic nature views. You can also plan a fishing or bird-watching trip to the Corbett National Park.
Miles upon miles of saltpans, salt marshes, and sand welcome you to Little Rann of Kutch (LRK), which makes you realise that barren places can have hauntingly beautiful landscapes. In 2008, LRK became part of the Kutch Biosphere Reserve with the Great Rann of Kutch (GRK). Whether you wish to capture the majestic peregrine falcons in flight, or simply kick back and unwind while taking in splendid sunset views, the white desert makes for a great winter getaway.
Interestingly, this seemingly desolate terrain is home to rare wildlife species, notably the endemic Indian wild ass, the desert fox, the chinkara, the blue bull, and the hedgehog. It is also one of the last bastions of the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard. In contrast to the GRK, the LRK receives relatively fewer visitors, thus allowing you to explore the place at your own pace.
If you are an avid birder, look no further than Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, located near the town of Bharatpur. Also known as Keoladeo Ghana National Park, it was originally a royal hunting reserve during the 1850s. Today, it serves as an important breeding ground for 300 bird species. The ideal time to visit this sanctuary is in winter, when it becomes a haven for migratory birds as they make a pitstop here to refuel and rejuvenate for their arduous journey.
The sanctuary has well-marked trekking trails that can be explored on foot or by renting a bicycle or rickshaw. When I visited the park, I rented a bicycle and rode around taking in the beauty of the place, occasionally interrupted by sightings of deer, nilgai, as well as hawks, pelicans, eagles, and larks. If you are lucky, you might catch sight of Siberian cranes, believed to be a symbol of unconditional love in popular lore.
They are a visual treat as they walk gracefully against a misty marshy backdrop. Even if you are not up for a safari, a pleasant stroll around the park is enough to rejuvenate the body, mind and soul.
If you are a travel enthusiast with nerves of steel and are ready to brave sub-zero temperatures, then Hemis National Park in Ladakh is the place for you. Located in the eastern part of Ladakh, this high-altitude national park shelters the largest number of snow leopards in the world. Come winter, the predator descends to the lower reaches, offering the best opportunities for successful sightings.
The park also has a sizeable population of Himalayan marmots, Tibetan wolves, red foxes, and mountain weasels. A trek through knee-deep snow leads to Rumbak village or Yurutse village, where you can check into a homestay. The people of Ladakh are known for their hospitality – just what you need to keep your heart warm and soul nourished in the harsh weather! Note that trekking routes and jeep safaris are halted after November owing to heavy snowfall.
Gir National Park is the only natural habitat of the Asiatic Lion outside Africa. Taking a jungle safari here is an adrenalin-gushing experience like no other as you ride through the pristine forests with the thrill of spotting a lion in the wild. If you get lucky, the King of the Jungle will greet you in all its majesty – the Asiatic Lion has a characteristic ruffled mane, belly folds, a bigger tail, and a gorgeous gait.
However, if you are in it only for the sightings and photo ops, consider visiting Devalia Safari Park – a smaller version of Gir National Park – where sightings are guaranteed. Besides lions, you can expect to catch sight of four-horned antelopes, gazelles, nilgai, and bird species, such as Great Horned owls and crested treeswifts. Gir is another excellent example of peaceful co-existence between humans and animals. These cats are quite accustomed to human presence and are sometimes seen roaming around the surrounding villages during nighttime.
Characterised by dense forests, elephant grass meadows, and marshland, this national park provides a natural habitat for the Indian one-horned rhinoceros. Today, the park is home to more than 2,200 rhinoceros, approximately two-thirds of the total population in the world! A jeep safari is the best way to see these hulking yet gentle beasts up, close and personal as they roam freely in the grasslands.
You can choose from three safari zones while booking your ride. Nothing beats the adventure of riding an open safari vehicle for sighting rhinos, elephants, wild buffalo, swamp deer, and birds, such as white-fronted geese, black-necked storks, and ferruginous ducks. I have to say that a winter trip to Kaziranga is not just a nature escape but also a superb learning experience.
A trip to a wildlife destination in the winter season is a great way to spend the holidays away from the hubbub of city life and a great learning experience, especially if you are travelling with kids. So, will you take that jeep safari to see rhinos, spot snow leopards in sub-zero temperatures, or watch baby sea turtles make their way to the sea this winter?
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