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Choti Tara - The Ruling Tigress of Pandharpauni - Tadoba

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  Choti Tara is one of the charismatic tigresses of Tadoba. She is a beautiful and big tigress around 14 years of age. She hails from a legendary bloodline of Tadoba. Possibly the oldest known family.  She was born in a litter of four to Tara Tigress. She along with her siblings put Tadoba on the map.  Choti Tara has a confident air about her and a very calm demeanour, yet when you see her you can sense you are in the presence of a mighty tigress. She is easily identified by blister on her nose.  She also was one of the tigresses who had collar around her to track her movements. Choti Tara rarely looks ahead while she walks which makes it difficult to take pictures of her. She only moves while gazing below. She is tough and has been in fairly brutal fights with other tigresses.  She has been photographed with her adorable cubs several times before which were her earlier litters. Presently she has given birth to her 5th litter. She has always been a very doting mother.  Choti Tara earli
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Lesser Known Facts of Forests!

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 They said its always nice to keep eyes and ears open when in Forests! Its just not for animals but for observation of many things.  The guides and gypsy drivers share a lot of fun facts regarding the flora and fauna. Over the years i have been seeing and hearing them.  Have listed a few of them. Termite mounds are commonly found in the forests. They are strong earthern structures that are also porous, which allows for ventilation of the termites underground nest without affecting the nests temperature and humidity level. They are done so artistically that they often resemble architectural monuments.  - @Kanha National Park These Creepers Bohemia - Bilai which are found in central india forests named after a British Officers two sons. The sons were identical twins and so are these. The creepers are useful for making food plates and strong ropes. - @Kanha National Park. The houses in small villages in MP have closed drainage systems located behind the houses. Cleanliness and planning is
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Emerald Panna

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 "Panna is the most beautiful national park in the country and its landscape is as famous as its tigers" is what my guide whispered to me on my first safari, and that was eternally true! Termed as the Emerald Forest, An Insight into the Panna Tiger Reserve is a live experience of witnessing animals residing in their natural habitat, stunning landscapes, and an unending list of flora and fauna, forest trails, and several wildlife species. Nestled in the Vindhya ranges, Panna Tiger Reserve comprises of mixed terrain including gorges and extensive plateaus. Spread in the expanse of 542.67 square kilometers this is the last tiger habitat in the northern part of Madhya Pradesh.  Panna National Park is known for creating history in Tiger Conservation. The park lost all tigers to systematic poaching from 2006 to 2008. Subsequently, 3 tigers were relocated from other reserves to Panna in 2009. These tigers made Panna their home and today with the dedicated efforts of the Forest Depar
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Maya, The Vanished Enchantress.

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I have been visiting various parks and sanctuaries for almost 14 years now. And have observed different tigers in their natural habitats. I have realized that some tigers are destined to rule, dominate, and regal. Machali, the queen of Ranthambore, is a prime example. She was single-handedly responsible for bringing throngs of tourists and photographers. A similar story is of Maya – the queen of Tadoba. She is the one who has redefined the experience of sighting a wild tiger in Tadoba. Tourists, enthusiasts, and photographers regularly visited Tadoba just to get a glimpse of her. One would be extremely lucky to see her casually zig-zagging her way through safari rides.  She would gladly oblige her admirers with regular photo sessions oozing with her lazy grace. If we look at Maya’s biography and lineage, she is the daughter of Leela and Hilltop Male. The territory she controlled was left for her by her mother - Leela. The original Empress of Tadoba, Mahua Khadda tigress transferr
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Dandeli - Birders Paradise

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Dandeli is one of the top birding destinations of India in the valleys of Western Ghats and bird watching is one of the best activities to do where rare and shy forest birds appear for photogenic capture of timeless memories.  Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary situated in Dandeli, Karnataka is home to over 200 species of birds. The Ganeshgudi area is also reckoned as a bird watching destination, where one can observe Malabar Pied Hornbill and Malabar Grey Hornbill, Flycatchers, Shama and Babblers in this most diverse biodiversity hotspot.   The best time is from October to the beginning of March for getting a glimpse of migratory birds in Ganeshgudi area, because skies are clear, the sun shines happily and one does not feel tired even after trekking or walking for miles owing to cool weather. You can watch the birds mud-bathing, in-flight, hunting for food for sun-bathing, depending on the time of the day. Old Magazine House located in Dandeli which is'nt called birders paradise for nothi
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Bhigwan Bird Sanctuary

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If you love to watch birds and enjoy tranquility, Bhigwan can be the destination. It is a small town located in central Maharasthra and easily accessible from Pune. It is situated on the backwaters of Ujani Dam. The dam is constructed on Bhima river. The semi-waste water of the dam has created a shallow wetland and is a perfect breeding hub for migratory birds. Bhigwan is a favourite of many travellers who enjoy birdwatching and wildlife photography. Bhigwan is often called as Bharatpur of Maharasthra. The best time to visit Bhigwan is between the months of December and March when the water levels are shallow and ideal for migratory birds.  Bhigwan is a hotbed of migratory birds during winter. Around 1000 Flamingos come to Bhigwan every year. Other species of birds that can be seen during winter are painted storks, pond herons, gulls, bar headed geese, raptors, glossy ibis's, egrets, terns, stilts, asian open bills, common coots etc.  Concentration of the birds can be observed in t
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Diversified Bio Diversity of India

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Indian Forests are diverse and magnificent. They are not just green patches on the map but ecological wonders and economic resources. The forests have been intertwined with India's history providing habitat to a lot of species and livelihood to countless communities.  The biodiversity within India's forests in awe-inspiring. These ecosystems house worlds known species. Among the iconic inhabitants are the Royal Bengal Tiger, the indian rhinoceres, the elusive snow leopard and the asiatic lion. The diversity of indian forests is a reflection of the country's varied topography and climate.  Below are a few mentioned 1. Tropical Rainforests The dense vegetation and tall canopies characterize these type of forests. These have rich diversity of trees species.  National Park and Sanctuaries - Agumbe Rainforest(Karnataka), Namdhapa Tiger Reserve (Arunachal Pradesh), Pakke Tiger Reserve (Arunachal Pradesh) Wildlife - Royal Bengal Tiger, Indian Leopard, Asian Elephant, Indian Biso
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