Tadoba ,4Jun 08

Tadoba is a protected wildlife habitat near Chandrapur,Maharashtra.It lies about 45 km in the north-east direction of Chandrapur town.Earlier it was called as Tadoba wild life sanctuary.But later on its area was increased and Andhari range and Kolsa range were also added to it. Now it is combinedly called as Tadoba-Andhari Tiger project.Currently there are 42 Tigers in this area.We visited Tadoba in the early hours of 4 June 08.That early morning there were light continuous showers and the climate was perfectly pleasant for a forest outing.After hiring a forest guide we started our round at about 7.00am in the morning.Being a cool wet morning , our chances to spot a tiger were quite less , but we were in high spirits to appreciate the flora and fauna of the place.

The first spotted animals were a herd of Chitals in a bush near the lake.Followed by this were a small group of Sambars nearby.A variety of water-birds could be seen near the lake.











As we moved to another area we spotted an Indian sloth bear . It was a adult bear roaming alone in the forest.Monkeys could be seen at various locations through out the forest.Also another common bird in the forest was the Red Wattled Lapwing.

As we were moving along the forest road we spotted a Peacock sitting majestically over a forest
tree-log beside the road.We had very little time to photograph it and the national bird quickly moved into the forest bushes.



On the banks of Tadoba lake we spotted a crocodile with its nostrils held above the water.We spotted a number of birds like Oriental Honey Buzzard, Indian treepie, Little Bee-Eater,White breasted Kingfisher,Black Ibis,Painted stork,Egrets,Indian pond heron, Long legged buzzard and Purple Moorhen.


Driving a vehicle and simultaneously photographing the birds is quite a hectic task.As such we were not able to photograph some of the birds like Quails,Common Hoopoe,Woodpecker,Greater racket tailed drongo, and Asian Paradise fly catcher
Towards the end of our round we spotted a Wild Boar.We could not spot a tiger in this tour.Nevertheless we enjoyed the eco-tour and took lasting memories with us.
Currently the forest canteen near Tadoba lake is closed .Also the resting spot inside the forest is closed .Also the forest department lodges which were quite affordable for tourists (as compared to MTDC resorts) are closed.This is a matter of inconvenience for the tourists.

Mainpat

Mainpat is a little known hill station in northern Chhatisgarh.It is about 70 Km from Ambikapur, the district headquarters of Surguja district.It is mainly inhabited by the Tibetans who migrated to India in 1950's and 60's . Till now Mainpat does not have any tourist lodges or restaurants.A small government rest house is available at Mehta point.
On a fine summer evening in May 2007 , we decided to drive to Ambikapur.We started late in the evening from Rihandnagar(Bijpur,UP).We stayed overnight at hotel Basant, Ambikapur, and next day started our journey to Mainpat, in the early hours.
It was a fine morning and we halted at a roadside motel for our breakfast.We reached Mainpat at around 10.00 am. Mainpat is a widely dispersed village situated atop the hills.As our vehicle maneuvered the zig-zag, pot-holed uphill road , we reached the Tiger point.This point is just at the entrance of the village of Mainpat. Here there is a check dam and a waterfall in the downstream .Forest department is coming up with small rest houses near this picnic spot.
Our next destination was the Buddhist monastery situated inside the village.It was a beautiful and peaceful place where a Buddhist Lama welcomed us and informed us about the Tibetans and the monastery at Mainpat. The Mainpat village has been settled by the migrants from Tibet and as such the village has a very different ambiance from other Indian villages.The various colonies of the village are called camps and they are widely distributed in the hill-top forests.The people are quite friendly and helpful.
Next we visited the Machli point situated deep inside the forest .The Machali point has a beautiful waterfall.On the upstream of this waterfall is a check dam which is a popular picnic spot and a possible camping site.
Our final destination was the Mehta point.It has small government rest house and a view point overlooking a beautiful , serene and green valley.Also a large lake is near by.


In conclusion Mainpat is a virgin eco-tourist spot and the travelers in search of new destinations would definitely appreciate it.


A suggestion : If you are planning to visit Mainpat, then it would be a good idea to be in group of 5 or more and have your own camping facilities. Mainpat is not for the ordinary tourists.It is for them who are energetic and love adventure and exploration.

Amarkantak

Amarkantak is a scenic place situated in the thick woods of Maikal mountains on the MP-Chhatisgarh border.If you are the kind of traveler who enjoys peaceful and scenic places with a tinge of country-side lifestyle , then Amarkantak is worth a visit.

We visited Amarkantak in Sep 2003.We had been to Korba for Power plant simulator training and on a weekend we decided to visit Amarkantak.We started from Korba on a Saturday afternoon via Katghora , Ratanpur , Kota , Lamni to Amarkantak.After Kota the road was thickly wooded on both the sides , the evening sun saffronised the horizon and we breathed the fresh forest breeze.Our vehicle sped fast the smooth metaled road over numerous small rivers and streams.At one place a large herd of cows was returning from the forests and blocked the road and our vehicle was amidst the herd . It was a unforgettable scene and our friend Anoop jostled to picturise the scene in his camera.There was a forest barrier at Lamni.After Lamni the road was quite bad and we finally reached Amarkantak at around 8 pm.

Amarkantak is also a pilgrim center and as such there are numerous monaestries(math"s).After a extensive search at a few math's and local lodges we finally decided to stay at MPTDC resort named Holiday Homes.The next day we started early for sightseeing.Amarkantak is a tiny residential place scattered among the forests atop the mountains.On that early September morning the valley had light showers and was completely mystified.Our first destination was the Sonmuda point which is the origin of the Son river.It was a majestic waterfall overlooking a steep lush green valley.There are also a few temples and a garden at this point.Next we visited the two beautiful waterfalls Kapildhara and Dugdhdhara.These two waterfalls are in the dense forests.A splash in the waterfall is highly recommended.Narmada-udgam point has a religious surrounding and flocked by devotees.

Dhuni-pani and Bhrigu-ka-mandal are the two remote places situated in dense forests and quite away from the main town.We spent a half-day hiking trip to visit these places.

In conclusion , Amarkantak is a off-the-track lovely eco-tourist spot .