Blend a little bit of adventure to the fun and entice
yourselves to have a lovely time and get spellbound. Chart a new chapter at
Corbett National Park which definitely is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts.
It is the oldest national park which was initially established in 1936 as
Hailey National Park to protect the Royal Bengal Tiger. Now known as Corbett
National Park, it is spread across 521 sq.km and has a rich and healthy flora
and fauna attracting tourists from near and far. It is the ultimate paradise
for naturalists and wild life enthusiasts.
I had a recent chance to visit this alluring national park
and realized that the jungles speak a language of their own. Jim Corbett was a
hunter turned conservationist who was also an efficient writer and a
naturalist. I was encouraged to undertake this journey after reading Jungle
Lore a book by the man himself. He has written down his learning’s in the best
possible way for young naturalists. Being a passionate reader I took a decision
to try to read the jungle like a book just like Jim Corbett.
Once in Corbett, the gushing streams, lush green forests and
constant jungle activity are sure to mesmerize and charm you. One can indulge
in short trails into the buffer zone, watch the early birds and get lucky if
they spot the mighty cat on the prowl. My experiences in these verdant forests
are given below.
I was camping in lovely tents pitched for wildlife
enthusiasts at Wildrift in Syaat one of the peripheral villages of Corbett. It
has an ideal location close to the forests where people have chanced on seeing
wildlife right inside the premises. I took a chance to walk down this forest
lane with a few friends and the first promising sighting we had was that of a
Black Naped Hare. With renewed enthusiasm we continued our venture, coming
across stupefying varieties of orchids in full bloom on the massive tree trunks.
We also came across a rich variety of birds and had the immense pleasure of
observing the changeable hawk eagle perch on a tree beside us and take its
stance for almost an hour. On our journey back to campsite it was almost
nightfall when we realized that there were langoor alarm calls right behind us,
which indicated that a predator was on the prowl. Given the rocky territory we were
in, it was certain that there was a leopard movement. With sheer excitement we
seated ourselves on the ground, bracing ourselves to try and take a glimpse of
this magnificent creature. There was absolute silence, we felt as if we could
hear our heartbeats from a mile away, because of the frantic pace they were
beating in. Then there were alarm calls given by the peacock which was closer
to where we were now seated, it was now certain that the leopard was taking the
same route through the valley which we had taken a little while ago. There was
sheer adrenaline rush and anticipation in the air for the sighting of the
stealthy leopard. We were waiting patiently in darkness with absolute silence
when out of nowhere there was an ear piercing bark from the barking deer right
behind us making us all jump from our skins. Well that was enough of an
adventure for a day, since were already spotted so we had to make our way back
to campsite.
The following day I had the chance to take a walk into the
enchanting forest areas of Kaladhungi which still holds its charm from the time
Jim Corbett himself strolled it. I chanced upon fresh pugmarks along the water
front, on analysis it turned out to be those of an adult tigress. It was a
pleasant welcome indeed, the thought itself was exhilarating, that the mighty
beast had walked the same path a little while ago. Unfortunately I didn’t come across
this beauty during my walk through the forest, but I was satisfied with the experience
that it rendered.
It was truly amazing to wake up with the jungle and venture
into the virgin forests. With just the wind to disturb me and the jungle sounds
to keep me accompanied. I had no worry and no rush, I was extremely at peace
enjoying the sights and sounds. It was wonderful to watch the butterflies
animatedly sail through the air and feed from the flowers or do mud-puddling.
The constantly fluttering birds, with various calls and exotic colors had me
captivated, so much so that I used to lose track of time. I came across various
species of birds like the laughing thrushes, bee-eaters, wood peckers, fly
catchers, owls and exotics like the Great Pied Hornbill, Khalij Pheasant and
Crested Kingfisher while walking upstream. The journey through the forest had
me constantly crossing streams and observing the life near the riverbed. With a
cacophony of sounds coming to my ears from the busy bodied birds. The jungle
was alive and pulsating having me captivated and entranced. There were signs of
predator territory as there were bony remains of cattle carcass and droppings
of herbivores.
I was even lucky to have visited the elephant belt of
Sitabani, a land which has its roots in the rich Indian mythology where it is
said that Lord Ram had come for vanvas with his dutiful wife Sita. I had to
wade through the waters of the entrancing Dabka River to reach the banks of the
Sitabani forest on the other end. The weather was lovely with clear blue skies,
crystal clear waters and the dense green forests waiting to be explored. When I
had just crossed the Dabka I was greeted by the shrieks of the Great-Pied
Hornbill, definitely a treat to the eyes. The jungle itself was mesmerizing and
captivating, my resting point was at the temple of Luv and Kush, which has a
natural spring on its side. I reached here as soon as the day began loosing its
light, the source of light in this dark forest at night were the fireflies
which came around in millions as if in festivity. I was lulled to sleep in the
big hall of the temple while watching the game of the fireflies.
With this amazing little experience in Corbett I realized
that there is more to observe in nature and appreciate its wonders rather then
betting on sighting of a tiger while on a safari. These forests of Corbett are,
‘definitely a Pandora’s Box waiting to be opened’.
