From
primarily a cultural tourist destination for several decades, India
has emerged as one of the most sought-after adventure destinations
for discerning international travelers. Perhaps no other single
country in the world offers the variety of adventure opportunities
as India does.
I
am a die-hard wildlife enthusiast and my entire life has been spent in
studying and protecting these elusive creatures of nature. What fired my
imagination during the fortnight long stay in the enchanting land of India
was the motley crew of wild life which I encountered in the dense forests of
Jim Corbett National Park in India. As a part of my research tour and a true child of nature I sojourn to Jim Corbett Wildlife Reserve in the state of Uttranchal. I had always nourished a burning zeal to visit India and experience the joy of getting familiar with the varied wildlife species here. Jim Corbett was my obvious choice - one of the most famous tiger reserves of India. The park is established amidst the dense Sal forests of hilly terrain protecting and regenerating the wildlife treasures in its natural habitat.
The Ramganga river, tiger, crocodiles, elephants and a distinct opportunity of sighting about 200 bird species in two or three days span was enough to pull me back to this amazing haven.
As I was reading through an article that Corbett is a vast supporter of a fairly larger tiger population, estimated to range between 90 and 120. Apart from the tiger, visitors to Corbett could sight almost as many as 50 different species of mammals. Tracing leopards was not much difficult as it mainly concentrates to hilly areas such as Kanda and can also be spotted on the outskirts of the park whereas the elusive tiger - more powerful predator dominates the prime areas. The jungle cat and the rare fishing cat frequent grassland and reverie areas.
I was lucky to sight 2 of these majestic beasts roaming in their territory - as if troubled by some deep thought over their vast kingdom. It was one of the most captivating sights-I had never seen a beast so royal and enchanting. This royal tiger was more then 10ft in length resplendent with yellow-orange color and black vertical stripes running across its body. It took me almost 2 hours to read the varied moods of the Indian tiger, which I found to be different from its counterpart in Africa.
The other dominant mammals of Corbett are the great Indian Elephants. I watched them bathing, drinking and feeding in the Ramganga River and its food-rich surrounds along with their families- comprising of smaller ones, mothers, old flock and the youth with the guarding attitude. Herds were seen as frequently as lone tuskers amidst the thick vegetation, they could also be watched through elevated towers built over salt lakes and water holes throughout the park.
Along with big mammals, Corbett Park is also abode of relatively smaller animals like chital, sambar (the largest deer in Asia) and barking deer. Wild boar are frequently sighted along with their young ones crossing the path or near the water holes. If intrigued by your presence, the group often takes a moment or two from there, plundering to reunite and make their getaway into the undergrowth almost in a single file.
I could really say, those who have patience and time and enough energy, a visit to Jim Corbett National Park will be a life time experience. You will doubtless, come away contented and happy by the sheer beauty of this wilderness, a mysterious creation of nature that human hands had nothing at all to do with.
