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Vanghat Lodge

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 By #theshaikhwithoutcamels  For those who applaud nature, Corbett Landscape is the inevitable end of line. Undoubtedly it compels one to appreciate the power and beauty of raw & wild nature as the topography and the biodiversity of Corbett is an ecosystem in itself. Those among the readers who have been to Corbett National Park and vicinity will relate well when I say that there’s something raw and magical about this place that one may fail to figure out in any other National park in India. I’ve recommended a different property at Pangot in a previous blog but here I have yet another recommendation when in the Corbett landscape, the ’Vanghat Lodge’, a pristine property. This serene property is located a couple of kms from Marchula town, in the buffer zone on the banks of River Ramganga and is totally run on Eco-Tourism values. The property surrounded by thick forests, seats within high Himalayan hill slopes & crests, is thickly foliaged by dense outgrowth of Sal, Ha...

FOREST GUARDS ON THE EDGE

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Most Wildlife enthusiasts are aware of the beauty of the forests & wilderness. The excitement that the wildlife offers is second to none as being in the lap of wilderness with the added adventure of facing the denizens of the forest eye to eye is an experience to cherish, enjoy and learn. On the other hand, there are countless contributions behind the scenes by the authorities and the employees of these designated sanctuaries, reserves and National parks that make these memorable experiences exciting and unforgettable.  Innumerable contributions, sacrifices and dangerous executions by the Forest Department staff are the single largest reason for creating these memorable experiences cherished by the wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, tourists and visitors alike.   Here I pen a real-life experience that I witnessed at Corbett National Park in 2014 when I led a group of wildlife enthusiasts from Ahmedabad. I had booked two separate forest rest houses in two different zone...

NATURE LOVER'S PARADISE

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If you’re a Wildlife Enthusiast, Nature Lover, Avid Birder, Naturalist or a Nature Photographer, you’d inevitably look to pin a destination on the map, one which is serene, rich in biodiversity, picturesque with jaw dropping landscapes, devoid of pollution, tranquil and quiet, a destination that offers a perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of city life.   No sooner the idea hits your head, you instantaneously surf your gadgets to supplement your desires with impetus on two keywords, ‘DESTINATION & STAY’. Here's my recommendation as in a destination, one that has been right on the forefront for me on my frequent visits to Corbett National Park as a Naturalist.   ‘Pangot’, a quaint little town, 15 kms on an up-road drive from the widely frequented hill station of Nainital. A true Birding Heaven, Pangot is home to more than 250 species of vibrantly colorful birds within its captivating landscapes which adds it up as photographer’s paradise. It is safe, easy and ...

THE MENTOR - PRIDE OF GIR

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THE MENTOR - PRIDE OF GIR (Late M. A. Rashid, Chief Conservator Of Forest, Wildlife, Gujarat) Being a keen wildlife and nature enthusiast for more than 30 years no, I work as a Professional Naturalist & Wildlife Consultant. My profession as a Naturalist and Guide is by choice and is cherished by me as it is no less than being on a vacation every single day. This profession has provided me plenty of opportunities to visit various destinations across the country and has educated me with the fact that India is a veritable storehouse of nature’s bounties with majestic snow-capped mountains, lush, green valleys and vast, fertile plains which makes it a kaleidoscope of tropical, temperate, alpine, desert, savannah, riparian and estuarine vegetation. It has 500 species of mammals and 2000 species of birds, which is about 1/10 of avian species known to inhabit planet earth. It takes one inspirational person, an unforgettable experience, , a life changing event or a thrilling chapter in...