by Roy -

This article is written by Ajay Jain

THE GREAT MIGRATION

The Great Migration, which unfolds annually in the savannah grasslands of Masai Mara is undoubtedly the most spectacular and dramatic wildlife spectacle one can experience on Earth! This natural wonder is an event which is the stuff of dreams for every wildlife enthusiast and photographer.

Masai Mara (1500 sq km) is the northern extension of the Serengeti ecosystem, which is about 25, 000 sq kms in area and home to the greatest concentration of large mammals on Earth. The name Serengeti means ‘endless plains’ and this whole landscape offers breathtaking vistas and superb wildlife sightings.

The long rains in the Masai Mara between March-June trigger off this annual migration. A stupendous number of 1.3 million Wildebeest, 5, 00, 000 Thompson’s Gazelles and 2, 50, 000 Zebras move in dense herds, attracted by the nutritious grasses on the Masai Mara. These herbivores are relentlessly tracked by the great predators and run the gauntlet of crossing many rivers including the toughest one, the Mara itself. This is the main river bisecting the Reserve and with its high banks and teeming with enormous Nile crocodiles, it presents the great herds with the most serious challenge of their 800 km long journey.

Africa – Gorilla Tracking in Uganda

Gorilla Tracking, Uganda

Welcome to the land of Mountain Gorillas, who dwell in the thick rainforests of Bwindi.

Meghalaya – Caving Adventure

caves, meghalaya

Welcome to Meghalaya- ‘the abode of the clouds’ and a treasure trove of natural wonders!

 

Borneo – Wild Borneo

Borneo, wildlife

The abundance of flora-fauna makes Sabah a real visual treat for any wildlife enthusiast.

We Give Back

While PlanetWildlife is a commercial venture, a cornerstone of the company’s vision is to actively promote and support responsible eco tourism, sustaining and creating avenues of social development through tourism, which will directly benefit the existing channels of ecological conservation.

Through this endeavour, PlanetWildlife joins a body of wildlife support groups who are diligently working towards making wildlife protection profitable for the community as a whole.

Ajay Jain

6 July 2011

http://kunzum.com/2011/07/06/on-an-african-safari-and-the-great-migration-with-planet-wildlife/

Average Rating: 4.9 out of 5 based on 263 user reviews.

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by Roy -

This article is written by Ajay Jain

Tiger Tops Tharu Lodge, Chitwan National Park, Nepal

If you are going to Tiger Tops Tharu Lodge in Chitwan National Park from the Jungle Lodge (another Tiger Tops property in Chitwant), make sure it is by boat. The 13 km downriver journey allows you to enjoy the tranquility of the blue waters, and usually presents opportunities to spot sun-bathing crocodiles and exotic birds flying around. And locals fishing using their unique, indigenous techniques. The last mile on ground is then covered by a two-oxen cart.

The Tharu Lodge is a hidden gem in many different ways – and here are some reasons why I would make this statement:

* Architecture and Landscaping: Used making local materials and designs, giving you a sense of blending with the surrounding Tharu villages. The lawns are well manicured, with many different trees and plants you would identify with this region for a highly soothing experience.

* A home for birds and butterflies: If you are fond of birds, and want to spot different species, you need not even venture beyond the lodge. They all come to live, hop around and feed on the trees and plants in the lawns; you look around and don’t be surprised to see scores of species including Hornbills. Their naturalists and guides ensure you get all the information about the birds and butterflies in the area.

* Culture: The management arranges for traditional music and dance programs by locals – and these come across as genuine and enjoyable and not something poorly orchestrated for tourists.

* Service: Right up there – prompt and courteous.

* Rooms: Spacious, with triple beds and attached bathrooms. Very clean, with bathrooms providing running cold water all day; hot water comes at specified hours in the morning and evening.

* Location: In the buffer zone of Chitwan National Park, near the river with local villages and fields all around. Whichever direction you venture to, you can expect to have a good time.

* Amenities: Swimming pool, well stocked bar, tea and coffee when you like and snacks and meals.

* Liked Best: The landscaping and the birds and butterflies hovering all over.

* Food Quality: Excellent. They make local dishes very well, leaving you desiring for more.

Ajay Jain

16 Dec 2010

http://kunzum.com/2010/12/16/hotel-review-tiger-tops-tharu-lodge-chitwan-national-park-nepal/

 

Average Rating: 4.4 out of 5 based on 167 user reviews.

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by Roy -

This article is written by Ajit Eusebius. Ajit is a wild life enthusiast, with a passion for photography and cooking. He works in the social sector.

Brahminy Starling – from the Myna family, Photo: Ajit Eusebius
Life is all about the journeys, scaling new heights, taking a break, rejuvenating and then again embark on something new with a twist.

For me, the passion of birding began with the very first camera – a Sony DSC H 5, that I got. Indeed, if it wasn’t for a gift from my own brother-in-law I would never have experienced the joy of being a birder and “making pictures”. Ihave always been fascinated by the winged species but have not gotten down to spotting and ‘shooting’ them, photographically that is.

Being a nature lover helps, but is not a precondition

I am a born nature lover but then we all may not be. Doesn’t matter at all for it won’t take long before you begin to appreciate the beauty of the flora and fauna that you have taken for granted all this while.  And, let me assure you once you get going with the camera there will be no escaping too. My wife a ‘metro girl’ could never imagine that a beautiful kingfisher or a sun bird could look so exquisite, adorning her living room wall, rubbing shoulders with other artefacts and works of art.

Some of my best bird shots include the female Koel, a sunbird in a gladiola, a Brahminy Starling, all spotted and captured in the backyard.

How to be a ‘birder’ or in simple words a bird lover

Birding today is becoming more and more popular. It’s part of the passion that holds good for wild life but is more endearing, informative and exhibits vast variety. So much so that one sees birds endemic to the local surroundings and then there are the migrators’ which travel trans-continent. It is a subject which is so elaborate that may be one lifetime is most certainly not enough to even fathom it. But, at whatever stage of bird watching you will be, you will find it beautiful, colourful, informative, challenging and of course satisfying.

To begin with, what one needs is a digital medium range camera and a bird book. The late Salim Ali is the most well known ornithologist that we have had and any of his books can be a good starting point. For me, what is a kind of bird Bible is ‘The Book of Indian Birds’ by Salim Ali ( 13th edition), gifted by a dear friend Heather.

Average Rating: 4.9 out of 5 based on 152 user reviews.

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