This review was first published online on 28th May 2023 in Luxury Lifestyle Magazine, UK https://www.luxurylifestylemag.co.uk/travel/hotel-review-aramness-gir-national-park-gujarat-in-india/
Showing posts with label WILDLIFE. Show all posts
Showing posts with label WILDLIFE. Show all posts
Monday, May 29, 2023
Saturday, March 25, 2023
Resort Review: Wild Coast Tented Lodge, in Yala National Park, Sri Lanka
This review was first published online on 25th March 2023 in Luxury Lifestyle Magazine, UK https://www.luxurylifestylemag.co.uk/travel/hotel-review-wild-coast-tented-lodge-yala-national-park-in-sri-lanka/
Thursday, February 2, 2023
Munnar--God's Own (Tea) Country
Tuesday, July 26, 2022
Rest and Reboot at Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary (Mary Budden)
Sunday, October 21, 2018
Sri Lanka with a Difference!
On your next trip to Sri Lanka, why not
learn a bit of surfing or perhaps enjoy a brilliant sunrise at a non-touristy
archeological site? Raul Dias puts together a list of unique things to
do in Sri Lanka with the newly launched Airbnb Experiences
By Raul Dias
This August, when I found myself in Sri Lanka for the ‘nth’ time, I realised something that left me a tad rattled. On all my previous trips to the gorgeous tear drop island, I had more or less indulged in the same activities, eaten the same food and been to the same places. A clichéd trip to Kandy nestled in the very the heart of the country to pay obeisance at the Temple of the Tooth. Tick. Beach bumming till my skin was burnt to a toasty brown at Bentota in the southwest. Tick. Getting my fill of delicious tea in the ‘up country’ of Nuwara Eliya. Tick.
But not anymore. I promised myself then and there that this time would be different. And so, I proceeded to put my money where my mouth is by signing up for a varied set of activities that the newly launched Airbnb Experiences Sri Lanka offers travellers like myself who want to go against the proverbial ‘tourist’ grain and do something refreshingly different.
Here are my recommendations:
This August, when I found myself in Sri Lanka for the ‘nth’ time, I realised something that left me a tad rattled. On all my previous trips to the gorgeous tear drop island, I had more or less indulged in the same activities, eaten the same food and been to the same places. A clichéd trip to Kandy nestled in the very the heart of the country to pay obeisance at the Temple of the Tooth. Tick. Beach bumming till my skin was burnt to a toasty brown at Bentota in the southwest. Tick. Getting my fill of delicious tea in the ‘up country’ of Nuwara Eliya. Tick.
But not anymore. I promised myself then and there that this time would be different. And so, I proceeded to put my money where my mouth is by signing up for a varied set of activities that the newly launched Airbnb Experiences Sri Lanka offers travellers like myself who want to go against the proverbial ‘tourist’ grain and do something refreshingly different.
Here are my recommendations:
See the Sunrise at Pidurangala Rock
One of Sri Lanka’s lesser known archeological sites, the Pidurangala Rock in the Central Province is often eclipsed by the grandeur of its neighbours—Dambulla and Sigiriya. Speaking of which, Pidurangala is adjacent to latter and offers a 360-degree view of the mighty Sigiriya Rock as it is only slightly lower. Start your travels in the country with an early morning hike up to the rock with your host Asanka. His two-hour hike ($65 per person) to this hidden gem lets you connect with mother nature, meditate and enjoy the beautiful sunrise with a warm cup of freshly brewed Sri Lankan tea. Do not forget the bring your cameras to capture the magical moment. You can either join Asanka from Colombo or from the entrance of the Pidurangal Temple down below.
One of Sri Lanka’s lesser known archeological sites, the Pidurangala Rock in the Central Province is often eclipsed by the grandeur of its neighbours—Dambulla and Sigiriya. Speaking of which, Pidurangala is adjacent to latter and offers a 360-degree view of the mighty Sigiriya Rock as it is only slightly lower. Start your travels in the country with an early morning hike up to the rock with your host Asanka. His two-hour hike ($65 per person) to this hidden gem lets you connect with mother nature, meditate and enjoy the beautiful sunrise with a warm cup of freshly brewed Sri Lankan tea. Do not forget the bring your cameras to capture the magical moment. You can either join Asanka from Colombo or from the entrance of the Pidurangal Temple down below.
Meet the Elephants on a Minneriya Park Safari
The three-hour long Jeep safari ($32 per person) starts from the main entrance of the Minneriya Park near the car park. Once you have gone through the standard process of entry into the park, you will venture into the untamed wild of Minneriya in the country’s North Central Province which is famous for the Elephant Gathering. Soon you will make your way to the banks of the stunning Minneriya Reservoir. You will get to see groups of crocodiles resting on the banks or swimming about the lakes, vibrant birds of prey going fishing along with many other birds and animals including herds of elephants visiting to quench their thirst and to take a rest. The sight of these gentle giants is the real treat at Minneriya and their unique scent is a good indicator to choose the trails where you are guaranteed to see as many pachyderms as possible.
The three-hour long Jeep safari ($32 per person) starts from the main entrance of the Minneriya Park near the car park. Once you have gone through the standard process of entry into the park, you will venture into the untamed wild of Minneriya in the country’s North Central Province which is famous for the Elephant Gathering. Soon you will make your way to the banks of the stunning Minneriya Reservoir. You will get to see groups of crocodiles resting on the banks or swimming about the lakes, vibrant birds of prey going fishing along with many other birds and animals including herds of elephants visiting to quench their thirst and to take a rest. The sight of these gentle giants is the real treat at Minneriya and their unique scent is a good indicator to choose the trails where you are guaranteed to see as many pachyderms as possible.
Learn to Surf the Waves at Mirissa
Legendary for its world-class surfing scene, Mirissa at the very southern tip of Sri Lanka is where I suggest you head to for a superb introductory surfing lesson. Conducted by Priyal who has been an ISA (International Surfing Association) Level 1 certified surf coach for the last seven years, this two-hour lesson ($25 per person) starts with a meet up at Priyal’s surf camp where you are explained the basics of the water sport. You then head to the surfing beach by riding in his specially designed, colourful tuk tuk where the practical lessons take place. This could be either the Weligama Beach break for beginners or Madiha for intermediate surfers. At the beach is where you will get an idea on how to find the right balance and maintain your posture on the board. Priyal also makes sure to spend some time talking about safety rules and surfers’ etiquette. Afterwards, you get to hit the water to put all you have learnt into practice.
Legendary for its world-class surfing scene, Mirissa at the very southern tip of Sri Lanka is where I suggest you head to for a superb introductory surfing lesson. Conducted by Priyal who has been an ISA (International Surfing Association) Level 1 certified surf coach for the last seven years, this two-hour lesson ($25 per person) starts with a meet up at Priyal’s surf camp where you are explained the basics of the water sport. You then head to the surfing beach by riding in his specially designed, colourful tuk tuk where the practical lessons take place. This could be either the Weligama Beach break for beginners or Madiha for intermediate surfers. At the beach is where you will get an idea on how to find the right balance and maintain your posture on the board. Priyal also makes sure to spend some time talking about safety rules and surfers’ etiquette. Afterwards, you get to hit the water to put all you have learnt into practice.
The
Selyn Fair Trade Experience
This 6.5-hour fair trade tour ($55 per person) in Sri Lanka’s North Western Province’s capital of Kurunegala was conceptualised by Selyna who heads business development at Selyn as a fundraiser for the Selyn Foundation and Yashodara, who leads the tours. You start the tour at the dye plant where the handloom process begins with the dyeing of 100% cotton yarn into the assorted colours used for the production. Next, experience the tradition of handloom that dates to the inception of Sri Lankan history. You will then be treated to lunch prepared by the villagers, after which you move to their headquarters and “toy factory”, where around 125 women from in and around Kurunegala work together to finish the woven fabric into Selyn products. The final stop is at their main showroom where the story of Selyn began 25 years ago when Sandra Wanduragala started the foundation.
This 6.5-hour fair trade tour ($55 per person) in Sri Lanka’s North Western Province’s capital of Kurunegala was conceptualised by Selyna who heads business development at Selyn as a fundraiser for the Selyn Foundation and Yashodara, who leads the tours. You start the tour at the dye plant where the handloom process begins with the dyeing of 100% cotton yarn into the assorted colours used for the production. Next, experience the tradition of handloom that dates to the inception of Sri Lankan history. You will then be treated to lunch prepared by the villagers, after which you move to their headquarters and “toy factory”, where around 125 women from in and around Kurunegala work together to finish the woven fabric into Selyn products. The final stop is at their main showroom where the story of Selyn began 25 years ago when Sandra Wanduragala started the foundation.
FACT
FILE
Getting There
There are daily direct flights from most cities in India to Sri Lanka’s capital Colombo on airlines like Srilankan Airlines, Jet Airways, Air India and Spice Jet. Travel within Sri Lanka is easy with many buses, mini vans and car hire companies offering their services.
Getting There
There are daily direct flights from most cities in India to Sri Lanka’s capital Colombo on airlines like Srilankan Airlines, Jet Airways, Air India and Spice Jet. Travel within Sri Lanka is easy with many buses, mini vans and car hire companies offering their services.
When
to Visit
The months from October to February are the best time to travel to Sri Lanka, when the country experiences a pleasant climate with plenty of cultural and artistic events taking place.
The months from October to February are the best time to travel to Sri Lanka, when the country experiences a pleasant climate with plenty of cultural and artistic events taking place.
Accommodation
Though most of Sri Lanka has an excellent selection of hotels to choose from to suit all budgets and tastes, why not get more up close and personal with the city and live like a local? Airbnb has an amazing portfolio of vacation homes that you can rent out. Visit www.airbnb.co.in for more information on accommodation options and the new, curated Airbnb Experiences around Sri Lanka.
(An edited version of this article first appeared in the 21st October 2018 issue of The Free Press Journal newspaper's Weekend section on page 3 http://www.freepressjournal.in/travel/heres-a-list-of-unique-things-to-do-in-sri-lanka-with-newly-launched-airbnb-experiences/1379656)
Though most of Sri Lanka has an excellent selection of hotels to choose from to suit all budgets and tastes, why not get more up close and personal with the city and live like a local? Airbnb has an amazing portfolio of vacation homes that you can rent out. Visit www.airbnb.co.in for more information on accommodation options and the new, curated Airbnb Experiences around Sri Lanka.
(An edited version of this article first appeared in the 21st October 2018 issue of The Free Press Journal newspaper's Weekend section on page 3 http://www.freepressjournal.in/travel/heres-a-list-of-unique-things-to-do-in-sri-lanka-with-newly-launched-airbnb-experiences/1379656)
Friday, February 16, 2018
Call of the Wild!
A short winter weekend break at the Pench Tiger
Reserve’s Kohka
Wilderness Camp amid some spectacular
wildlife proves to be a great orientation to Central India for Raul Dias
Pics
courtesy: Kohka Wilderness Camp and Wikicommons
I couldn’t
but help chuckle at the irony of the situation, but while Delhi was making
headlines the world over for its bad smog condition at the onset of winter, I
was driving though some pure, rich, thick fog in the very heart of India. Yes,
most early mornings at the Pench Tiger Reserve that straddles
both states of Madhya Pradesh (MP) and Maharashtra are just that like—fog
saturated and utterly beautiful. The National Park itself is an ecosystem unto
itself with a plethora of stunning flora and fauna that make a short winter
wildlife trip in its environs so very rewarding.
Great
Expectations!
My very first trip to MP—and central India for that matter—was something I was looking forward too ever since I decided to do a short weekend trip to take in the wild charms of Pench. Albeit a little less famous and popular than the other star attractions of the MP tiger circuit that includes Kanha and Bandhavgarh, Pench always held some great sway in the mind of an adventure lover like myself. For it was here, that the great Rudyard Kipling set his epic The Jungle Book in. Yes, Mowgli, Baghera, Balloo and the dreaded Sher Khan were all denizens of this enchanted forest. Well, at least in Kipling’s ever-fertile imagination! But here’s a bit of information that might surprise you: Kipling never actually ever visited Pench in his lifetime…
The Pench Sanctuary itself was created in September 1977, with an initial area of 449.39 sq km. Renamed as the Indira Priyadarshini Pench National Park, the Pench National Park was created in 1983, carved out of the Sanctuary. And while the number one attraction at the park has got to be the tiger, other fauna like the jackal, wild dog, sambhar deer, spotted deer and nilgais are aplenty. And of course, how can I leave out those pesky-yet-cute rhesus and langur monkeys that will keep you entertained with their comical antics!
The park opens twice daily to visitors: In summer (April-June) from 6.30am - 10.30 am and 3.30pm - 6.30pm and in winter (October-March) from 7am - 11am and 3pm - 6pm. Local guides accompany game drives and are provided upon at the park entrance. Having said that, Jeeps are free to follow their own route along tracks, using pugmarks and alarm calls as indicators of a nearby predator.
My very first trip to MP—and central India for that matter—was something I was looking forward too ever since I decided to do a short weekend trip to take in the wild charms of Pench. Albeit a little less famous and popular than the other star attractions of the MP tiger circuit that includes Kanha and Bandhavgarh, Pench always held some great sway in the mind of an adventure lover like myself. For it was here, that the great Rudyard Kipling set his epic The Jungle Book in. Yes, Mowgli, Baghera, Balloo and the dreaded Sher Khan were all denizens of this enchanted forest. Well, at least in Kipling’s ever-fertile imagination! But here’s a bit of information that might surprise you: Kipling never actually ever visited Pench in his lifetime…
The Pench Sanctuary itself was created in September 1977, with an initial area of 449.39 sq km. Renamed as the Indira Priyadarshini Pench National Park, the Pench National Park was created in 1983, carved out of the Sanctuary. And while the number one attraction at the park has got to be the tiger, other fauna like the jackal, wild dog, sambhar deer, spotted deer and nilgais are aplenty. And of course, how can I leave out those pesky-yet-cute rhesus and langur monkeys that will keep you entertained with their comical antics!
The park opens twice daily to visitors: In summer (April-June) from 6.30am - 10.30 am and 3.30pm - 6.30pm and in winter (October-March) from 7am - 11am and 3pm - 6pm. Local guides accompany game drives and are provided upon at the park entrance. Having said that, Jeeps are free to follow their own route along tracks, using pugmarks and alarm calls as indicators of a nearby predator.
Humble
Luxury
Nestled in the heart of the fecund tiger reserve in the MP part of the national park is the modest, but perfectly appointed Kohka Wilderness Camp that I chose to stay at for my two nights. Located in the heart of the village Kohka a mere five minutes’ walk away from the Kohka Lake on the periphery of the forest boundary, the resort lets you experience nature at its very best. Here, you can safari in the wee hours of sunrise or in the late afternoon, go for nature walk or simply picnic by the lake. They also offer a guided tour of the typical Indian pottery village, fishing, bird watching and other indoor activities that will ensure that you’ll fall in love with the jungle, the surroundings and the small, but beautiful Camp Kohka.
The camp itself is a collection of local dwelling styled cottages (with all the mod cons including aircon and private bathrooms), surrounded by a main reception, dining room and leisure activity building. The outdoor pool, gazebo area and lawns are perfect for lounging about in post safari.
Nestled in the heart of the fecund tiger reserve in the MP part of the national park is the modest, but perfectly appointed Kohka Wilderness Camp that I chose to stay at for my two nights. Located in the heart of the village Kohka a mere five minutes’ walk away from the Kohka Lake on the periphery of the forest boundary, the resort lets you experience nature at its very best. Here, you can safari in the wee hours of sunrise or in the late afternoon, go for nature walk or simply picnic by the lake. They also offer a guided tour of the typical Indian pottery village, fishing, bird watching and other indoor activities that will ensure that you’ll fall in love with the jungle, the surroundings and the small, but beautiful Camp Kohka.
The camp itself is a collection of local dwelling styled cottages (with all the mod cons including aircon and private bathrooms), surrounded by a main reception, dining room and leisure activity building. The outdoor pool, gazebo area and lawns are perfect for lounging about in post safari.
Tiger,
Tiger Burning Bright…
Speaking of safari, my very first one began at the ghastly hour of 5.30am when my driver, Amit turned up bang on time at the camp gates ready to whisk me off towards the Turia Gate. It was there a half hour later, when after completing our entry permit paper work that we picked up our mandatory guide Suresh. As one of the first vehicles to enter the park at the Turia Gate that morning, we set off into the dark that was slowly beginning to get dusky with flecks of orange sunlight beginning to appear every now and then as the sun made its debut.
One of the first sights that greeted my sleepy eyes was that of a family of spotted deer gracefully crossing our path with the leader of the pack looking majestic with his antlers glistening in the rays of the early morning sun. A group of raucous long tailed langurs with their incessant chattering brought me out of my reverie as they darted from a flame of the forest tree to a black myrobalan tree with the dexterity and grace of a gymnast. While the French couple in the next Jeep were most impressed with seeing their national bird, the rather plain and boring rooster, it was my time to whoop with joy on seeing our very own national bird the majestic peacock a little while later as we coursed our way thought the thick foliage over the rough terracotta-hued mud path of the jungle.
‘Wagh!’ I suddenly heard the word I was waiting to hear come though over Suresh’s radio transmitter. His colleague had apparently spotted a tiger on the banks of the watering hole that was close to where we were. So off we went in hot pursuit of the King of the Jungle. Once at the spot, we parked a good 200 meters away and took in the spectacle that was unfolding before us. Only our ‘King’ turned out to be a ‘Queen’. Yes, Collarwaali as the 10-year-old Tigress is known as—thanks to her lost radio collar—was preening in all her glory, least affected by our tiresome intrusion into her domain. Not wanting to cramp her space any further, once we were done with our enthusiastic shooting (relax… with movie and still cameras only!) we drove off with a cloud of swirling mud surrounding us.
Our next sighting was something I was waiting to see ever since I had heard of them. Being an avid dog lover, even the wild kind like the dholes or the Indian wild dog fascinates me no end. These dogs that have a reddish-brown coat and bushy tails are said to be related to jackals and their bark is a low whistling sound sans any howls or growling. Although I wanted to get out of the vehicle and get up close with them, better sense (along with Amit’s horrified shrieks) prevailed and I decided to end my safari with all my digits and appendages intact, as we made our way back to the gates and to the camp beyond utterly satiated and enormously thankful to the bounty nature had bestowed on us that day.
Speaking of safari, my very first one began at the ghastly hour of 5.30am when my driver, Amit turned up bang on time at the camp gates ready to whisk me off towards the Turia Gate. It was there a half hour later, when after completing our entry permit paper work that we picked up our mandatory guide Suresh. As one of the first vehicles to enter the park at the Turia Gate that morning, we set off into the dark that was slowly beginning to get dusky with flecks of orange sunlight beginning to appear every now and then as the sun made its debut.
One of the first sights that greeted my sleepy eyes was that of a family of spotted deer gracefully crossing our path with the leader of the pack looking majestic with his antlers glistening in the rays of the early morning sun. A group of raucous long tailed langurs with their incessant chattering brought me out of my reverie as they darted from a flame of the forest tree to a black myrobalan tree with the dexterity and grace of a gymnast. While the French couple in the next Jeep were most impressed with seeing their national bird, the rather plain and boring rooster, it was my time to whoop with joy on seeing our very own national bird the majestic peacock a little while later as we coursed our way thought the thick foliage over the rough terracotta-hued mud path of the jungle.
‘Wagh!’ I suddenly heard the word I was waiting to hear come though over Suresh’s radio transmitter. His colleague had apparently spotted a tiger on the banks of the watering hole that was close to where we were. So off we went in hot pursuit of the King of the Jungle. Once at the spot, we parked a good 200 meters away and took in the spectacle that was unfolding before us. Only our ‘King’ turned out to be a ‘Queen’. Yes, Collarwaali as the 10-year-old Tigress is known as—thanks to her lost radio collar—was preening in all her glory, least affected by our tiresome intrusion into her domain. Not wanting to cramp her space any further, once we were done with our enthusiastic shooting (relax… with movie and still cameras only!) we drove off with a cloud of swirling mud surrounding us.
Our next sighting was something I was waiting to see ever since I had heard of them. Being an avid dog lover, even the wild kind like the dholes or the Indian wild dog fascinates me no end. These dogs that have a reddish-brown coat and bushy tails are said to be related to jackals and their bark is a low whistling sound sans any howls or growling. Although I wanted to get out of the vehicle and get up close with them, better sense (along with Amit’s horrified shrieks) prevailed and I decided to end my safari with all my digits and appendages intact, as we made our way back to the gates and to the camp beyond utterly satiated and enormously thankful to the bounty nature had bestowed on us that day.
FACT FILE
Getting There
From Mumbai, Nagpur is the closest airport and railhead to reach the main Turia Gate of the Pench Tiger Reserve. The Kohka Wilderness Camp will make arrangements for an airport/train station pick up and drop and as well as for daily safari excursions at an extra cost.
From Mumbai, Nagpur is the closest airport and railhead to reach the main Turia Gate of the Pench Tiger Reserve. The Kohka Wilderness Camp will make arrangements for an airport/train station pick up and drop and as well as for daily safari excursions at an extra cost.
When To Visit
Right from November to June, when the wildlife sighting is at its best and when the fauna is thick and verdant is the time when you should plan your visit to this paradisiacal part of Central India. But if seeing a tiger is your ultimate goal, then the best period for sightings is between Feb and April.
Right from November to June, when the wildlife sighting is at its best and when the fauna is thick and verdant is the time when you should plan your visit to this paradisiacal part of Central India. But if seeing a tiger is your ultimate goal, then the best period for sightings is between Feb and April.
Contact:
Kohka Wilderness Camp
Pench Tiger Reserve
Post Turia, Kohka,
Madhya Pradesh 480881
Tel: +91-9827271101, 9820282307
Email: info@kohkawilderness.com
Kohka Wilderness Camp
Pench Tiger Reserve
Post Turia, Kohka,
Madhya Pradesh 480881
Tel: +91-9827271101, 9820282307
Email: info@kohkawilderness.com
(A shorter, edited version of this article appeared in the 16th January 2018 issue of the Afternoon Despatch & Courier newspaper, India on page 20 http://www.afternoondc.in/48-hrs/call-of-the-wild/article_216229)
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