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World Water Day - How water is the necessity for Wildlife

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W ater is life! Just the way humans require water to live, animals also need it to survive and thrive. On average, a human can live up to 30 days without food, but it lasts only a few days without water. The story of water survival is the same with animals. As we celebrated World Water Day on 22nd March 2021, we decided to put a spotlight on the main water issues and challenges that are causing threats to wildlife. It is making survival a challenge! Why is Water a necessity for Wildlife? Animals can drink water, eat snow, or lick ice to survive and fulfil their water requirement. However, the key factor that changes the whole scenario of water bodies available is pollution. For consumption, animals require unpolluted sources of water. Sadly, the ratio of such clean and consumable water bodies to animals is relatively less. The problem is bound to increase in the coming future. Many animals are drawn towards rivers, streams, ponds, wetlands for habitat. Apparently, around 45-50% of the ...

How to plan jungle safari with family?

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  Jungle safari is certainly an enriching experience as you get to watch the animals in their natural habitat. The magnificent greenery combined with the beautiful landscapes makes your safari worth it. A safari planned earlier gives much fun; however, if you are with a group of people, then there your jungle safari becomes a celebration. With several people, you get to interact, share your thoughts and experience the thrills and beauty of the jungle together. India is blessed with several amazing jungles and experiencing them in groups can be a marvelous experience. However, planning in advance can make you well prepared.  While planning a safari, choose a place keeping in mind the number of people and their age groups. The safari should be easier yet fun for all age groups. After brainstorming with others, book your hotel and safari online. Booking a safari through your hotel can be worth it as you will not have to depend on unknown and unauthorized people in new locations...

How to get ready for a jungle safari?

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A jungle safari with that silent atmosphere, animal shrills, and lush greenery is always an exciting adventure. Naturalists, wildlife photographers, and wildlife lovers among others will not miss an opportunity to visit a forest. However, safaris are not like normal sightseeing where you need to visit. A jungle safari needs appropriate planning and preparation in advance. Right from climate, clothes to carrying items, everything should be considered. Also, traveling individually, in a group, or with family, matters a lot to cater to the requirements of the jungle.  First of all, while planning a safari , the ideal weather should be considered after which you can decide your trip. Climate is one of the important factors to consider as your preparations depend accordingly. If you are going in the summer season, you need to wear comfortable bright color clothes, even if you roam in a gypsy on a bright sunny day. Also, protection through hats, caps, sun goggles, sunscreen, or sunblock ...

Are we really looking forward for World Wildlife Day?

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  A jungle safari or a day in a forest makes us happy and cheerful. Apart from experiencing the adventure, we like the quiet atmosphere away from the buzzing city. The roar and voices of wild animals, the greenery, calmness, the thrills and shrills of the forests, everything mesmerizes us. Recently, we celebrated World Wildlife Day , where we took an oath to maintain them. Actually, we need to ponder over that making a pledge for one day is enough or we need to be consistent in our activities of conserving the ecology, wildlife, and greenery.  If we need our adventure, thrills, shrills, or safaris, we need to make constant efforts in maintaining our ecosystem. Instead of thinking big, our small efforts towards conserving can be worth it. While issues like animal trade, poaching are still pertinent, we can make a promise to love them and accept them as part of the ecosystem. Instead of harming them, we can respect their habitats where they can be safe. Jungle safaris are your a...

First Hand Safari experience

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  Going for a safari is always an amazing feeling. Getting away from the buzzing city and monotonous life, the raw and the serene atmosphere of the jungle is always mesmerizing and magical. After writing several blogs for Jharana Jungle Lodge and Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve , I always had the excitement to watch the jungle safari. However, my excitement was channelized at the right side when my family decided to visit a jungle. The other motivation for the safari was my husband’s passion for photography. Although there are contradicting views about the right time to visit the jungle, we thought that any time is the right time when your aim is to break free and unwind in the calm place.  After reaching the destination, second day was our safari day and my first experience with open gypsies. I always wondered why don’t they keep a caged mini bus or a car for moving in the jungle. However, these gypsies are robust and comfortable for the silent jungle atmosphere. As we started ...

Rare Black Panther sighting at Tadoba

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When you book a jungle safari, what do you expect? Somewhere a tiger walking in the woods and pleasuring you with his regal walk or a tigress playing with her kids near a water reserve? Even a cheetah or leopard showcasing their antics is always thrilling. Most of the time the atmosphere of the jungle creates shrills for people like us living in the city. However, if you found a rare animal in the woods like a white tiger, white lion, black cheetah, or even a black leopard, it would be a treat for tourists.  Recently, Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve was blessed with the visit of a rare black leopard. The melanistic leopard was seen crossing the path of wildlife photographer Anurag Gawande. This was the second time the leopard was seen walking in the Tadoba woods. Last year also, he was spotted in Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve. A melanistic leopard is a rare species that has a huge amount of melanin in its skin making him almost black. It is believed that around 11% of leopards have th...

Monitoring Tiger Moves

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Safari is always exciting and watching animals in their own habitat is an amazing experience. However, have you ever thought that these animals are most of the time not safe in their own environment? Reasons can vary, like encroachment, animal trade, animal fights, new births, no access to food, illnesses, and entry of new animals among others. Although jungle authorities take care of their well-being, many times there is no guarantee of their security. Making them safe in their own territory has been vital and here comes the purpose of radio collars. Most of the jungles in India have secured the animals in Radio collars.  Radio collars are the first of their kind, where you can track their movements and dispersals. Earlier, the movements of the animals were tracked through their urine, excreta, and footprints. However, mere trafficking is not enough. Many conservationists believe that apart from tracking their movements, tracking their behaviors is also important. Illnesses and t...

Water safari for you!

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How many of you like water bodies like oceans, seas, rivers, lakes, or even small ponds? Water bodies are always an attraction to any place and they enhance the beauty of the surroundings. However, if the surroundings are beautified with water sports and boating, it can certainly be an added asset. A water reservoir in the jungle is an advantage as it not only boosts the nature of the place but also quenches the thirst of animals. However, if a water safari is introduced, it can be a treat to tourists. Yes, Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is planning to come up with a new addition wherein you can enjoy a boat safari.  The boat safari will be in kayaks and rubber rafts in Gondmohadi lake. The authorities are also planning to include water rafting activity in the lake for the tourist. Guides of the sport will have to undergo rescue training from the National Institute of Water Sports. The 10Km nature trek from Madnapur to Gondmohadi is also on the papers. The idea is to promote ecotour...

Protect your National Animal

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How would you feel when you go to the jungle and find only greens without animals? A wildlife photographer who looks for that perfect shot of a tiger comes empty-handed. Imagine, what effect it will bring on the ecosystem where all the living beings co-exist. Just the thought of this scenario is scary. The threat of extinction due to poaching and hunting in their own habitat has been a matter of concern. Hence, maintain the wild animals in their natural habitat is more important.  Being a national animal, the Bengal tiger has its own charm. Tiger is the primary member of the feline family and has several breeds. Out of the nine subspecies of the tiger family, only six are remaining. The tiger species include Siberian tigers, Malayan tigers, Sumatran tigers, Indo-Chinese tigers, and Bengal tigers among others. The Royal Bengal tigers are one of the popular species with more in number.  Although extinction is still a danger, Government bodies and NGOs are making efforts to pr...

New guests at Tadoba!

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  Yes, Tadoba is still relishing in the news of its guests and they are the rare exotic species of Indian star tortoise. Recently, seventy of these species were saved from trading in Mumbai, Thane region, and released at Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve. Although half of them have already the park, the rest of them will be released soon depending on the weather needed for them. It comes as a breather as these rare species are used for exotic pet trade which why they are endangered. Now the animal lovers and nature enthusiasts will be excited to view the Indian Star Tortoise.  Earlier, when these tortoises were caught, they were dropped at Karnataka State as they were no weather or settlement suitable for them in Maharashtra. However, now Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve found out that there is a natural habitat for these tortoises in the park. Also, Indian Star Tortoise have been found earlier in Tadoba which confirms their release in the park. Living in their natural habitat with a ...

What do you need for ‘budget’ safari in Tadoba?

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  Jungle safaris are always a feast to people and if you are a wildlife photographer, nature lover, or adventure enthusiast, then jungle safari deserves a special place in your heart. Jungle safaris are not only fun but thrilling, enthusiastic, nerve-wracking, and surprising. Words are certainly small to describe its worth. India is blessed with a rich heritage of forests and greens in various states and Maharashtra is not behind. Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is termed as the crown of Maharashtra for the conservation of the national animals.  While planning a safari, you might be thinking that it might be like burning a huge hole in your pocket. However, jungle safari can be budget-friendly and cheaper. While wandering in the jungle, you will need a vehicle as animals are in the open and you are entering their territory. Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve has the option of Jeep safaris . Hiring an entire jeep can be an expensive choice, you can book for Jeep which is shared by peo...

Which are the best places for tiger sightings?

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  Wild animals have always created excitement since childhood. Right from stories, fairy tales, movies, and cartoons, wild animals have been a favorite of every child. Although zoos and national parks quenched our thirst to some extent, watching animals' life has always been a thrill for every one of us. Jungle safaris are one of the best ways to watch animals live and understand their habitat. While tracking the history of safari, it is believed that earlier, safari or jungle visit was followed more on the purpose of hunting. However, later in the early 1900s, the idea of the safari was popular wherein people visiting the jungle to observe and record the jungle trek and its wildlife.  In India as well, the idea of the safari was focused more on conservation. The Tiger Conservation program was launched in 1973. With Tiger being the national animal, the reserves were created in India for its preservation. There are around 50 tiger reserves as part of the tiger conservation. How...

‘Enjoy’ while you work!

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  We have always heard the proverb ‘Work, while you work and play, while you play’ and yes, we all lead the same rule in life. Most of the time we feel that life should be a big party where we can enjoy ourselves all the time. However, we seldom follow it. Even, if we think of a vacation, we have to first think of leave from office and then look for suitable dates. Many times, we have to adjust our work ‘leaves’ with our colleagues so that work doesn’t get hamper. Instead of getting warnings from the manager, we drop the idea of a holiday or plan it later. However, how would you feel when you get a lethal combination of work and leisure at the same time? Yes, you heard it right and it is possible.  Imagine a scenario, where you are holidaying in the mountains of Shimla and working simultaneously? Or working on your laptop while looking at the sunset in the backwaters of Kerala? Sounds interesting right? Thanks to digital workspaces, most of the offices allow working remotely a...

Talking about Tigers

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  We have been learning a lot about tigers through books, articles, movies, and even documentaries among others. However, have you ever thought that there are several things about our own tiger which we have talked about? Yes, we know about their several breeds, species, characteristic features, and conduct patterns among others. However, there are few basic curiosities about the tigers that excite people. Tigers have been gaining popularity due to their distinguished behavior and the conservation of them has been a priority by the Government of India. Wildlife sanctuaries and parks have been motivating many tourists and animal lovers for a jungle safari.  White tigers create excitement among the people. The special mention of a white tiger in the parks has been creating waves among tourists. White tigers don’t have any illnesses or disorders. It’s the matter of recessive genes which give them the coat color. We have their opposite brothers. Like white, there are also black ...

Wildlife photography revealed for you!

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  Photography is an art and everyone cannot master it easily. The perfect backdrop, light settings, camera angles, and finally the capture for an excellent photograph. A single photograph requires a lot of patience and dedication. What would happen if your muse does not reciprocate your poses and angles of the camera? Yes, you heard it. If your muse is not a human being and a wild animal, then you need to be extra conscious while clicking your pics. Being a wildlife photographer is actually a task and making it successful is truly an achievement. We, at Jharana Jungle Lodge , share a few basic tips with wildlife photographers for their photo stint at Tadoba .  First, we need to understand that we are going to click flora and fauna who will not give desired poses. Hence, we need to pick the right time through their movements, behavior, and backdrop for shooting their pictures.  Knowing your subject is the foremost responsibility of a photographer. Shooting a royal tiger i...

The Dare ‘CATS’ of the Jungle

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The feline family of animals is huge and  Tigers  are one of them. Tigers have their own class even though lions are considered the king of the jungle. Their huge physique, yellow striped body, and royal walk captures everyone around. However, tigers are one of the calmest and solitary animals. Although they are active during the daytime, they are also known to be nocturnal. They are good swimmers and love to stay in water for long hours. Tigers have several species and hybrids have been created over a period of time. Tiger is one of the largest felines among the cat family. Tiger cubs are born blind and they get their eyesight on the sixth or 14 th  day after birth. The average age expectancy of a tiger is around 25 years of age. Tigers also mate with other cats and hence hybrids are formed. They are surely one of the fastest runners as they run for around 60 km per hour to hunt their prey. The group of tigers is called ambush and they prefer to hunt in a group. Tiger ...

Understand the ‘cat’ calls

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  It is said that nature is your best teacher. It teaches us to give, collate and conserve. Nature has been blessing us with its abundant resources and environment. Jungles are one of the crucial elements of nature. They are our heritage which needs to be preserved for the future generations.  Right from plush green trees, small bushes, water bodies to small insects, beautiful birds, small and big animals, jungles have a lot to offer. They are one of the calm, scenic and untouched places away from city’s development and hectic life. If you are looking for a picnic or a  trek in the jungle , be prepared completely.  Most of us like to visit forest on the quest for safari, trek or picnic among nature. However, instead of just amusement, if we widen our arenas about the jungles, then we can get a new perspective on our forests.  Adventurists, birders, wildlife photographers  and even normal tourists have their own agendas. However, if we go to study, respect a...

In the vicinity of Tadoba

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  Are you planning to visit any heritage monument or any popular tourist destination? You would certainly be excited. However, these famous tourist spots also have certain hidden gems in the vicinity which are not explored completely. Most of the time people visit these hotspots and avoid nearby places due to time constraints. However, these places have their own importance and are able to maintain their identity. These places can be searched easily through local guides or google maps nowadays. However, you need to have an eye of wanderlust to search these places.  Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is one of the crucial national parks of India for its jungle safari in Tadoba and hence deserves a lot of tourist attention. However, there are various tourist spots near Tadoba National Park that certainly need a mention. Tadoba Lake is one of the major water bodies around Tadoba. It is a hotspot for wild animals as they come for a swim on a hot summer morning. Kanha National Park is on...

आपल्या मुलांना जागरूक करा!

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  असे म्हणतात की बालपण हा आपल्या जीवनाचा सर्वात निर्दोष आणि संवेदनशील टप्पा आहे. या टप्प्यावर आपण जे काही मुलांना शिकवतो ते कायमच त्यांच्या मेंदूत साठवले जाते आणि ते आयुष्यभरासाठी त्यांच्या वर्तणुकीतून दिसून येते. म्हणूनच, त्यांच्या मनात योग्य विचारांचा समावेश करणे आवश्यक आहे. कथांच्या माध्यमातून लहान मुलांना आपण प्राण्यांविषयी माहिती देतो, त्यामुळे लहान मुलांना प्राण्यांविषयी नेहमीच आकर्षण असते. जंगली प्राण्यांशी त्यांची पहिली भेट बहुतेक प्राणीसंग्रहालय आणि राष्ट्रीय उद्यानांच्या सहलींमध्येच होत असते. त्यांना राष्ट्रीय उद्यानात नेताना पालकांनी वन्यजीव आणि त्यासंबंधी नियमांबद्दल त्यांना माहिती देणे, समजावणे आवश्यक आहे. पालकांव्यतिरिक्त शाळांनीही वन्यजीव संवर्धन कसे व का करावे हे मुलांना शिकवावे. मुलांना वन्यजीव संवर्धनाबद्दल, प्राण्यांबद्दल जागरूक करण्याचा एक उत्तम मार्ग म्हणजे पाठ्यपुस्तकांद्वारे त्यांना समजावता येईल . प्राण्यांची चित्रे , स्टिकर्स , फोटो , आकृत्या हे सर्व आपण त्यांना आकर्षित करण्यासाठी वापरू शकतो . त्यांना जंगल , पर्यावरण आणि वन्यजीवनावरील ...