Safari through India’s wildlife national park differs from an African safari.
The aroma of Indian food impregnates the air, children squealing in delight, playing afar in the fields, hymns coupled with spiritual chants infiltrates the atmosphere, as travelers’ hearts are pounding in the anticipation of capturing a National Geographic photograph of the wild inhabitants of the forest.
India is proud to present, in the wildlife safari experience, the “Big Seven,” Asiatic Lions, Royal Bengal Tigers, Indian Leopard, Indian Gaur, Asian Elephant, Greater One Horned Rhinoceros, Sloth Bears and Swamp Deer. India’s diversity includes the Indian wildlife, where each region features their indigenous wildlife species.
To mention a few of the best wildlife sanctuaries to visit are Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh, Gir National Parkin Gujarat and Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan.
For the bird lovers, the best Bird Sanctuary is in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, where the Siberian cranes migrate during the winters! According to the Aryavarta, Vedic text, the Aryans co-existed in the forests with the wildlife in spiritual harmony. It was during this era, blackbucks, Indian koel and crows were a common sight. During the Mayura reign, tigers, lions, elephants and the forests were given protection.
King Ashoka too, instituted laws in protecting the wildlife. Emperors Babur and Jahangir kept journals on their wildlife observations. However, Babur, fond of hunting, the gradual decline of wildlife began. As one travels deep into the forest for that magical sighting of tigers, elephants, monkeys and more, one might come across an abandoned cave, where monks once meditate or a temple.
An Indian wildlife journey, is like going back to the Vedic period when sages resided peacefully in spiritual harmony with nature and along with the jungle inhabitants.
In the 19th century, Indian maharajas (kings) invited British viceroys on hunting expeditions, dwindling the population of the Asiatic lions. The Nawab of Junagarh’s private hunting grounds, the Gir Forest, now converted into a wildlife sanctuary. Established on September 18, 1965, is home too the Asiatic lions, over 200 bird species such as Pygmy woodpecker, a crocodile breeding farm, leopards and chital. Gir National park is located in the peninsula of Gujarat, rugged land, low hills, melange of deciduous trees, steep rocky hills, deep ravines and numerous rivers traveling through the grasslands.
Deep in the recess of the Maikal Range of Satpuras in Madhya Pradesh, is Kanha National Park. Considered to be the best tiger reserve in the world! In 1879 it was declared as a Forest Reserve but in 1933, Kanha National Park was converted into a Wildlife Sanctuary.
It is where Rudyard Kipling was inspired to write “The Jungle Book.” On an exciting Jeep safari, one will encounter the King of the Jungle – tigers, varied species of birds, plants, insects and reptiles. At the end of their safari, enjoy a the sun setting into the horizon as you sip wine and nibble on Indian snacks!
Photo credits: Pixabay. Syna Tiger Resort, Nick, Gautama Arora and UnKknown Traveller – on Unsplash #aclassictourscollection #indianwildlifesafari #traveltaleswithdebika #mysticaljungletribe #naturespirituality #wildlifeconservationists
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