27th Aug 2024
The world’s top tiger-spotting destination is set to be back in the spotlight again with the upcoming wildlife season which kicks off in October/November across India’s many treasured wildlife parks.
The apex predator of the Indian jungle has wildlife buffs across the globe in tizzy to be the early birds to book these jeep safaris, whose numbers have been reduced in alignment with a new consciousness about disturbing the tiger’s natural habitat. Little wonder bookings generally get wrapped up well before the game parks actually open for business.
India has nearly 6.5 per cent of the world's known wildlife species. What makes India such an amazing wildlife destination is up-close and personal encounters with one of the most magnificent and rare wildcats on earth…the tiger. With over 70 percent of the tigers India is the world’s largest home for Royal Bengal Tigers.
Ever since the numbers of India’s lion population came down drastically, thanks to the trophy hunter’s gun and the poacher’s greed, the tiger has hit the spotlight on the wildlife tourism stage. The Asiatic lions of the wild are still there, but are confined to the protected environs of Gir National Park in Gujarat, but the tiger can still be found in wildlife habitats in geographies across the four compass points in the country.
In the early 19th century India was home to about 40,000 Royal Bengal Tigers. Over seven decades their number dropped to an appalling total of 1800 only. One of the reasons India’s tigers managed to avoid a similar fate to the Asiatic lion fate is that in 1973 they were brought under the umbrella of Project Tiger, a global conservation programme to save the tiger, whose numbers were diminishing rapidly worldwide.
The conservation programme was kicked off in India’s first national game park— the Jim Corbett National Park and Tiger Reserve in Uttarakhand. The country’s 20-year-old science- based tiger conservation drive has been pivotal for the revival of the populace of India’s tigers. At the last count, according to the latest census as of July 30, 2023, India had 3,682 wild tigers, which is about 75% of the world's tiger population. This is a 24% increase from 2018, when the population was 2,967.
India is home to 54 tiger reserves and amongst these with the densest tiger populations are in the states of Madhya Pradesh, followed by Karnataka and Uttarakhand.
Given the rising numbers of visitors and limited permits issued for park entry each day, visitors are advised to book safaris well ahead to avoid disappointment.
That said, it should not deter you from planning ahead for this exceptional safari experience, which offers some truly indelible memories of India’s amazing wildlife heritage.
Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh which is home to six tiger reserves and 785 tigers at the last count, pulls in huge numbers of visitors from around the world each season. The park which has registered 135 tigers at the last count once served as the private hunting preserve of the Rewa Royals. You will recall the legendary white tigers of India. Well, Rewa was the native home of those legendary wildcats. Bandhavgarh is home to over 22 species of mammals, including the tiger and 250 species of avifauna.
You can look forward to some superb game drives amongst the open savannah grasslands for which Bandhavgarh’s terrain is famous. It makes tiger-spotting much easier compared to, say, Corbett National Park, with its dense deciduous forests.
It's uncanny how this majestic beast completely fascinates you- holds you in thrall and thrills you to the core at the prospect of following its huge pug marks on lonely jungle trails.
When the tiger pads through his domain everyone quietly gives the right of way. Even the jungle holds still…and once its passes leaves behind a cacophony of shrill noises in its wake as the denizens of the forest heave a sigh of relief that they’ve been spared. For a tiger in full cry as the fierce hunter is a terrifying sight to behold.
Towering over the skyline of the game park stands the crumbling ruins of the over 2000-year-old Bandhavgarh Fort inhabited till as late as 1935 before it was abandoned; of interest too is Shesh Shaya the prostrate 11-meter-long sculpted Vishnu statue with an umbrella of Shesh Nag, along with a Shivling and Lord Brahma; there are mysterious ancient caves and inscriptions dating from the 1st century BC. The Bari Gufa is believed to be the biggest man-made cave of the reserve dating back to the 10th century.
Apart from the jeep safaris you’ll be pleased to learn that Bandhavgarh is the first place of its kind to launch a Hot Air Balloon Safari for tourists.
A spanking new luxury property Spree Maati Jungle Resort should be your accommodation of choice in these gorgeous surrounds. It’s launched by Spree Hospitality (a subsidiary of EaseMyTrip.com) which already has a presence at Corbett, Sariska, and Ranthambore.
What drives the experience at Spree Maati is its focus on merging the twin experiences of leisure and adventure. Marked for their tranquil vibe the spacious cottages come with private plunge pools and gardens, and all mod-cons.
Dine and wine at leisure at the 40-cover poolside multicuisine restaurant The property also features lush green lawns and recreational areas, including a mini-theatre for 15 guests, a kids play zone, and a large swimming pool with an attached kids’ pool— just perfect for families and groups.
Ideally positioned to cater to both leisure and business travellers, Spree Maati Jungle Resort is also deeply allied to its commitment to sustainability. The resort is an eco-friendly sanctuary with approximately 2000 trees, organic farming practices, and a focus on preserving the natural beauty of its surroundings.
Protecting the integrity of forest and wildlife areas has to be a joint effort by both visitors and promoters of wilderness activities, for wildlife tourism to remain a responsible and sustainable activity.
