Category: Uncategorized

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve

On By giteshssIn Forest, National park, Uncategorized, Wildlife ReserveLeave a comment

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Overview

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve in Chandrapur district of Maharashtra is The oldest and Largest Wild life National Park in State. It is one amongst India’s 43 Tiger Reserve. It is Maharashtra’s oldest and largest national park. Created in 1955, the reserve includes the Tadoba National Park and the Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary. The reserve consists of 577.96 sqkm (223.15 Sqmi) of reserved forest and 32.51 sqkm (12.55 Sqmi) of protected forest.

The name Tadoba is from the name of the God Tadoba who was also called Taru, he was praised by the tribal people who lived in the dense forests of the Todoba. Legend hold that Taru was a village chief who was killed in a mythological encounter with a Tiger. A shrine dedicated to the God Taru now exists beneath a huge tree, on the banks of the Tadoba lake.

History

Legend hold that Taru was a village chief killed in mythology encounter with a Tiger. Taru was diefied and a shrine dedicated to Taru now exists beneath large tree on the banks of Tadoba Lake. The temple is frequented by adivasis, especially during a fair held annually in the Hindu month of Pausha (Dec-Jan). The Gond King’s once ruled these forests in the vicinity of the Chimur hills. Hunting was banned in 1935. Two decades later, in 1955, 116.54 sqkm (45.00sqmi) of this forest area was declared a national park. Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary was created in the adjacent forests in 1986. In 1995, the park and the sanctuary were merged to establish the present Tiger reserve.

Geography

Tadoba Andhari Reserve is the largest national park in Maharashtra. The total area of the reserve is 625.4 sqkm (241.5sqmi). This include Tadoba National Park, with an area of 116.55sqkm (45sqmi) and Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary with an area 508.85 sqkm (196.47Sqmi). The reserve also includes 32.51 sqkm (12.55sqmi) of protected forest and 14.93sqkm (5.76sqmi) of uncategorised land.

To the south-west is the 120 hectares (300acres) Tadoba lake which acts as buffer between the parks forest and the extensive farmland which extends up to Irai water reservoir. This lake is a perennial water source which offers a good habitat for Muggar Crocodiles to thrive. Other wetland areas within the reserve include Kolsa Lake and the Andhari river.

Tadoba reserve covers the Chimur Hills, and the Andhari sanctuary covers the Moharli and Kolsa ranges. It is bounded on the Northern and Western sides by densely forested hills. Thick forests are relieved by smooth meadows and deep valleys as the terrain slopes from north to south. Cliffs, talus and caves provide refuge for several animal. The two forested rectangles are formed of the Tadoba and Andhari ranges. The south part of the park is less hilly than the remainder.

Tadoba lake
Kolsa lake
Andhari river

Flora

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve in Tadoba is a predominantly southern tropical dry forest with dense woodlands comprising about 87% of the protected area. The most popular species of the trees are Teak and Bamboo in this forest. Others trees include.

  • Ain(Crocodile bark)
  • Bija
  • Dhauda
  • Hald
  • Salai
  • Semal
  • Tendu
  • Behede
  • Hirda
  • Karaya Gum
  • Mahua Madhuca
  • Lannea coromandelica
  • Bamboo thickets
  • Climber Kach Kujali (Velvet bean)
  • Bheria
  • Bija
  • Beheda

Axlewood is a fire resistant species growing here. Palas or flame of the forest adds vibrant colour of the forest, Black plum trees grow in the riparian habitat around the lake. At the waterhole at Panchadara, huge Arjun tree’s are seen, Green grass is found throughout the reserve.

Black plum
Bamboo plant
Velvet bean
Gum plant

Fauna

Tadoba National Park is a popular Tiger reserve known as “The Land of Tigers” as large number of Tigers are found here, Aside from the keystone species , the Bengal Tiger, Tadoba Tiger reserve is home to other mammals, including

Land Mammals

  • Indian leopards
  • Sloth bears
  • Gaur
  • Nilgai
  • Dhole
  • Striped hyena
  • Small Indian Civit
  • Jungle Cats
  • Sambar
  • Sport deer
  • Chital
  • Chausingha
  • Honey Badger
Sloth Bear
Indian Gaur
Nilgai
Wild Dog (Dhole)
Chausingha

Reptiles include

  • Marsh Crocodile
  • Indian Python
  • Indian monitor
  • Terrapins
  • Indian star tortoise
  • Indian Cobra
  • Russell’s viper
Crocodile
Python
Monitor Lizard
Cobra
Russell’s viper

Birds

The lake is an omithologists paradise with a wide diversity of water birds, and raptors, 195 species of birds are been recorded including three endangered species.

  • Grey headed fish eagle
  • Crested serpent eagle
  • Changeable Hawk eagle
  • Orange headed Trush
  • Indian Pita
  • Stone Creek
  • Crested honey Buzzard
  • Bronze winged Jacana
  • Lesser Goldenbacked Woodpecker
  • Warblers
  • Black naped blue flycatcher
  • Peacock
Grey headed fish eagle
Paradise Fly Catcher
lesser golden backed woodpecker
Warbler
Crested Treeswift
Stone Curlew

Insects

  • Butterflies (Pansies, Monarch, Mormons, Swordtails)
  • Danaid Egg fly
  • Great Egg fly
  • Dragon flies
  • Stick insects
  • Jewel bettles
  • Praying Mantis
  • Spiders (Signature spider, Giant wood spider, Red wood spider, Wolf Spiders, Crab Spider, Lynx Spider)
Monarch butterfly
Daniad eggfly
Jewel bettle
Stick insect
Praying Mantis

There are many amazing creatures like spiders creat their own world in it spiders like.

Giant wood spider (Nephila pilipes) is a species of golden orb-web spider. It resides all over countries in east and South East Asia Like India as well as Oceania. It is commonly found in primary and secondary forests and gardens.

Argiope anasuja is a species of harmless orb-weaver spider found from the Seychelles to India, Pakistan and Srilanka and in Maldives

The redwood spider belongs to the genus Callobius of the Amaurobiidae family of spider, one of nearly 30 species in this family. It also goes by the names hacklemesh weaver, tangled nest spider or night spider.

Climate

Winter stretch from November to February, during the season, daytime temperatures are in the 25-30°C range and the park is lush green. While summers are extremely hot in Tadoba, with the temperature rising to 47°C, it is the ideal time to sight mammals near Lakes as vegetation is minimal. The monsoon season begins in June the area receives heavy rainfall during this season (approx 1274mm) and humidity hovers around 66%.

Threats to Forests

There are 41,644 people living in and around the reserve in fifty nine villages of which five are inside the core zone. These villages in the core zone still farm inside the core area. The process of rehabilitation is going on. Recently the Navegaon village was rehabilated, and grassland is expected on the place where the village existed. There are 41,820 cattle within the core and buffer zone. While cattle grazing is not allowed in the core zone, regulated grazing in the buffer zone is allowed to cattle of the village inhabitants. However cattle in peripheral villages sometimes find their way into the reserve and cause additional damage to the habitat.

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Real King of Jungle The Tiger

ROAD TRIP TO MATHERAN

On By giteshssIn Hill Station, UncategorizedLeave a comment
That’s me

The only best way to Travel on the hill stations is by road, there’s no other way that can be equally compared advising with my personal experience.

How to reach:- If you leave in Mumbai it take 2hr to reach at top of the mountain place which is around 95km long from my place, roads are simple and easy the best way to take help is of Google map but if you are frequent traveller like me then there would be no difficulty, petrol will cost you around 500rs for bike and for car it could be around 1000rs.

Other than roadway is railway, Neral is the closest railway station to Matheran. Situated to Mumbai-Pune line it is just 21km away from Matheran you can also board the Matheran hill railway from Neral which is one of the 6 mountain railways in India, nearest airport to Matheran is Pune, one can also take a cab or a bus from nearby towns to a place close to Matheran (3km) and take horse-rides or walk or Man pulled rickshaws to reach our destination.(Automobiles are not allowed in Matheran and hence one has to use these pollution free methods.

Matheran Toy train

NOTE: I would not recommend to take horse rides because that’s animal abuse, Make sure before leaving for the journey Kindly Check your vehicle condition like Engine oil, break oil, Clutch wire, break wire, horn and Tyres air pressure.

My Ride

PLaces explored during ride

One of the reasons to choose road trip is that you will love to watch the beautiful nature side by side while you travel, unimaginable places can be explored fortunately which happens mostly with me, during my trip as I traveled many times in that journey many pictures have be clicked. It’s feels amazing to see such things in real life as compared to reel life

Places of Attraction

  • Louisa point:- Louisa point is one of the most famous viewpoints in Matheran, it offers two different views from the top, visit Louisa point is on a clear day to enjoy the spectacular view of the city and the remains of Prabal and Vishalgad fort, the best time to visit is during sunset, it is located 1.5km away from the main market area and is easily reachable on foot. Tips:- Beware of Monkeys, do not carry any food items as they might try to snatch it, do not support animal abuse like horse rides.
Louisa point
  • Charlotte Lake:- Also known as Sharlott lake, It is one of the most spectacular attractions of Matheran, it is an ideal quick retreat for those who seek silence in the lap of nature and a perfect spot for the Campers and picnickers. Set amidst a densely populated forest, birdwatching is a popular activity here. People visit here for sunrise and sunset view of Echo point. Tips:- Since the lake serves as a source of drinking water for Matheran don’t try to take bath or wash anything in the lake it is forbidden and also beware of Monkeys and their snatchings.
Small part of lake

Trekking routes:- Matheran has various trekking routes. All routes are easy from climbing difficulty point of view.

  • Sunset point is the route from Dodhani village to Sunset point. This is the most popular route for trekkers. Dodhani village is about 45 minutes by State Transport bus from Panvel.
  • Garbett point Route is the route that starts from Sagachiwadi a small tribal village near to Dhom dam. Garbett point is the least visited point in Matheran because it is very far away from market compared to other points. Mostly there is always no one at Garbett point even during peak season. The vast green stretch of Garbett plateau is major attractions during Monsoon season.
  • Rambaug Point Route is a small and popular point near One tree hill point. This route goes from Rambaug point to a small village called Pokharwadi near Chowk village. The route passes through a waterfall during rainy season.
  • One tree hill this route starts from Ambewadi village. Ambewadi is near Pokharwadi village, where route starts from Rambaug point. There is a view of Morbe Dams backwater while going through Rambaug and One Tree hill route.
  • Vikatgad route is the most difficult one. This route to Garbett point is the next more popular route. All the routes require 2-3 hrs climb to reach Matheran. The route of Rambaug point and One Tree Hill are usually not taken by any trekkers nowadays.

Food
After so much of long and hard way of trek body requires plenty of energy source. There are all kinds of restaurant in Matheran serving various cuisines. Most hotels offer packages including all meals. Try the Gujarati Thali. Or the Maharashtra style Vada-Pav (Indian burger) which is available at the various points. Also try Chikki which is available in different flavours.

Sleep During the peak season, when it is very busy, prices are often as high as four times the off season winter price. Be ready to shell out minimum of INR 2000 for modest Non-Ac double bed room on a weekend. As it is a popular weekend trip from Mumbai, mid week is less full so you should be able to negotiate better prices, and there are various hotels down the paths away from the central buildings. It’s always better to stay in hotels in the hotels in the Market as you can roam around there once it gets dark. In far off hotels you would get locked up in the room as it won’t be advisable to venture out in the dark in forest. Better don’t book any rooms from the agents who would surround you at Novel Station. There are many rooms( hotels, cottage and resorts) up at Matheran market and it is better to actually check the rooms and then deal directly with the owners as this can save money as well as disappointed if being dubbed into a poorly maintained sub standard room.

Below are few more information about Matheran

List of trees growing in Matheran

Albizzia chinensis (Udal, Kajav)

actinodaphne angustifolia (Pisa)

Sugran Tree

Chambel tree

Bambusa Vulgaris (kalak)

Wildlife:- The town has a large monkey population, including bonnet macaques and Hanuman langurs. Domesticated horses for riding are also in large numbers and are one of the symbols of Matheran. Inside the forest animals like barking deer, Malabar giant squirrel, fox, wild boar, mongoose may be found, but this animals are less in numbers as compared to Monkeys and usually do not venture where humans are present. There have been reports of leopard sighting in Matheran few times in last decades but due to dense forests in valleys surrounding Matheran leopards who are on the roam may climb Matheran, not a single report have been found of leopard attack in Matheran.

Leopard
Fox
Barking deer
Malabar giant squirrel
Mongoose
Wild boar

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Kalsubai “Everest of Maharashtra”

On By giteshssIn Trekking, Uncategorized4 Comments

Introduction

Kalsubai is a mountain in the Western Ghats, located in the Indian State of Maharashtra. It’s summit, situated at an elevation of 1,646 meters (5400 ft), is the highest point in Maharashtra. The mountain range lies within the Kalsubai Harishchandragad Wildlife Sanctuary. It is visited throughout the year by avid trekkers, Kalsubai temple devotee’s and Wildlife enthusiasts alike.

  • Elevation : 1,646m
  • Mountain range : Western Ghats
  • Age of rock : Cenozoic
  • Easiest route : Hiking
  • Type of salt : Basalt, Laterite
Kalsubai mountain

Geography and topography

Kalsubai peak in western ghats to the north of the Bhandardara backwaters (as seen from 20000 ft), the peak along with the adjoining hills spans along a downroad-slanting east to the west axis eventually merging with formidable escarpment of the Western Ghats at almost right angles. Along its length, they form a natural boundary demarcating the Igatpuri Taluka, Nashik district at its north from the Akola Taluka, Ahmednagar district as it’s south. The mountain itself lies on the Deccan Plateau, with its base at an elevation of 587 meters (1926 ft) above mean sea level. The mountain along with adjoining hills forms an enormous catchment area for the Arthur Lake which it overlooks.

How to Reach

The mountain can be viewed in its entirety from Bari village located on its Eastern side, about 6km/ 3.7 mi from Bhandardara. It can be reached by road, via Igatpuri on the Mumbai-Nasik route. Trains leaving from Mumbai provide an alternate mode of transport to kasara railway station, with connecting State Transport buses, plying on the Akole-kasara route, leading up to the base village. Private vehicles from Kasara provide yet another alternative to public transport.

Igatpuri view

Trekking

Kalsubai is 6.6 km (4.1mile) long trek with elevation gain of around 2,700 feet (820). This is a one day trek having a moderately hard difficulty level, with lush green landscapes and multiple waterfalls, the peak attracts many trekkers and devotee’s determined to scale the mountain. To reach the summit there are well-designated trekking routes. The most popular route through the eastern mountain face taking off from the base village Bari. The Wali river, a tributary of pravara, takes origin on its Eastern slope and flows like a stream through the outer fringes of Bari, a short distance away from the stream a Hanuman temple has been built. This provides an important Landmark to commence the trek as well as a resting post for those nearing the final lap of their trek.

Group of trekkers and their ⛺ tent’s

The route via Indore is relatively unexplored as not many people are aware of it. Unlike the regular route via Bari, which has fixed ladders, cemented steps and several people flocking during the monsoon, the route via Indore is raw with stone steps and a huge iron chain for support at the dangerous patches.

Kalsubai Temple

A traditional prayer service is held every Tuesday and Thursday by a priest, during the festival of Navratri a fair comes to be organized each year with many stalls being set up near the summit to provide Pooja materials to the devotee’s. On these special occasions, a local villagers participate in this fair which helps to supplement their livelihood and as well as provides them an opportunity to revere the mountain.

Kalsubai Temple
View from Kalsubai Temple
Inside of Temple

Ecology

Kalsubai comes to be protected under the precincts of a sanctuary. It nurtures nature in the vast stretches of forests nestled along their slopes and valleys. Open high altitude forests dominate the scene. In the post monsoon period, the region witnesses a dramatic makeover with flowers of different colours and varieties blossoming along the landscape. This attracts a hoard of butterflies, bees, dragon flies, and other insects to feed upon the precious nectar. During winter morning reptiles like snakes, lizard could be spotted sun bathing near the ladders.

Dragon fly

Places of Interest

  • Bhandardara dam
  • Pravara river
  • Arthur Lake
  • Ramsej fort
  • Harihargad
  • Brahmagiri
  • Anjaneri
  • Ghargad
  • Bhula
  • Tringalwadi
  • Kavnai

Bhandardara dam located 6km away, impounds the Pravara river to form the Arthur Lake.

Arthur Lake the clear and placid lake is bounded by thick canopied forests of the Sahyadri hills. The lake gets its water from the Pravara River. It also attracts one’s attention from the summit.

Umbrella falls are formed as water from the Arthur Lake is released periodically to drain downstream.

To the north of the mountain range forts such as Ramsej, Harihargad, Brahmagiri, Anjaneri, Ghargad, Bahula, Tringalwadi, Kavnai can be seen. To the east one can spot Aundha, Vishramgad, Bitangad to the west Along, Madangad, kulang, Ratangad, and to the south Pabhargad, Ghanchakkar, Harishchandragad can be seen.

This is not end yet enjoy the mind-blowing pictures of Kalsubai.

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