Category: Book My Safari-Travel Guide

3 Most essential things to know before you start wildlife photography

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Hardly few years back, with manual cameras and film rolls, not everyone was interested getting into Wildlife photography. Only few people were haunted by this rare passion. Though it was glamorous but not affordable to everyone. But with the arrival of digital cameras and memory cards, wildlife photography has become a passion and a fashion as well. Tourists carrying huge lenses and camera bodies in National park is normal scenario now a days. Social media has played a big role for making wildlife photography a tempting passion. Posting a picture gets one instant gratification. Also, Google & YouTube are good source of information, and one needs no photography workshop or classes to learn basic wildlife photography. But there are some essential things for wildlife photography that one needs to learn & understand.

1. Knowledge of National Park: It is very important for you to gather some information about the national park you would be visiting. The terrain, the tracks, the tree cover, forest density, the kind of wildlife in the national park, the month you would be visiting, the light to expect, the weather to expect etc.

2. Wildlife Knowledge: Create the checklist of animals you may encounter in the National park. If you are planning to take Tiger images, then you will be better equipped if you know the behavior of the Tiger.

3. Safety: Always remember that you are in a national park and surrounded by wild animals. Your safety and the safety of wild animals you are shooting is of paramount importance. Do not underestimate the speed and power of wild animals at any point, irrespective of the size. Hence it is important to keep safe distance from wild animals. Follow all instructions of the guide & the driver in the Jeep, do not force them to get very close to the animal. Besides you will be able to capture good images only if you are at a safe distance wherein the animals are not disturbed by your presence & behavior. Avoid making unnecessary sounds, or talk loudly, no sudden or jerky movements while you are in the vehicle. As all this can easily scare the animal and send it in cover, thus depriving you of a good wildlife snap.

Once you cover the above basic things for wildlife photography, then what?
Then should gain the technical knowledge of taking photographs. Expert advise here is do not be over dependent on your photography equipment or post processing of the pictures, rather get them right while clicking them. Always remember, it is the eye behind the camera which is more important than the camera itself. Latest technology can’t replace the art of photography.

Top Five Wildlife Tourism Places in South India

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Southern part of India has wildlife sanctuaries & national parks which are perfect destinations for wildlife tourism in India. South India has UNESCO recognized Western Ghats & Nilgiris. Forests of south India are rich in flora and fauna with different eco-systems. Those forests are home to many wild animals like Elephants & Tigers. You can find wide range of species that are exclusive to the region. Our blog here picked a few wildlife destinations in South India which can offer some thrilling getaways to our wildlife lovers

Bandipur National Park

Bandipur is one of the most beautiful national parks in India. Bandipur National Park was established in 1974 & it is a renowned tiger reserve. National Park is located in Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka. Covering an area of 874.2 sq km, Bandipur along with Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala, Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu and Nagarhole National Park in the North Karnataka creates the biggest biosphere reserve in India, which is also known as the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. This park is home of Tigers along with wildlife species like gaur, wild dogs, wild boar, jackal, sloth bear, panther, sambhar, chital, mouse deer, four-horned antelope, porcupines, malabar squirrels and the black-knapped hare. Birds like green pigeon, jungle fowl are also found here.

Periyar National Park Kerala

Periyar National Park is located in Thekkady, Kerala. Rich in biodiversity, this park spreads over an area 925 Sq .km. Periyar National Park is famous elephant reserve and it is also amongst the 27 tiger reserves that India has. Periyar National Park forms the major watershed of two important rivers -The Pamba & the Periyar. Elephants are the prime attractions of Periyar, however, Gaur, Sambar, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer, Wild Pigs, Dole or Indian Wild Dog and Tiger are other animals that consider this place their home. You can also find Common Langur, Nilgiri Langur, Bonnet Macaque & the rare lion-tailed macaque. Periyar National Park has a rich bird life as well, great Malabar Hornbill, Kingfishers, Darters, Cormorants and Racket-tailed Drongos can be found here. Visitors are allowed to trek in National Park and thus get a better opportunity to witness wildlife closely.

Nagarhole National Park

Nagarhole National Park is named after river that flows through the park. This national park is situated in the two districts of Karnataka – Kodagu & Mysore. Nagarhole National Park covers an area of 643.39 sq. Kms, Nagarhole is an awesome place for wildlife safari in South India. Predators like tiger, leopard, sloth bear, hyena & wild dog can be found in large number in the park. You can also find here spotted deer, four-horned antelope, gaur, sambar, barking deer, elephant & wild boar. It is also ideal place for elephant sightings. Over 250 species of birds & reptiles like marsh crocodile, rock python & monitor lizard can be found in this national park.

Mudumalai National Park

Mudumalai National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is well known Tiger reserve and it is located in Nilgiri district of Tamilnadu state. It was established in 1940. This national park shares its boundary with Kerala & Karnataka. Mudumalai sanctuary is divided into five ranges ? Masinagudi, Mudumalai, Kargudi, Thepakadu & Nellakota. Rich in biodiversity, this national park has 50 species of mammals, 200 species of birds, 34 species of reptiles & 21 species of amphibians. This park is home of Tiger, Gaur, Leopard, Deer, Elephant, Long billed vulture, Red crest, Wild dog along with White rumped vulture, Parakeets and Owls

Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary

Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is the second largest wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka state. It covers an area of 834.16 sq.km. Karnataka state government has officially notified the Dandeli Elephant Reserve under Project Elephant on 4 June 2015 & it is the second elephant reserve in Karnataka after Mysore Elephant Reserve. The sanctuary has scenic beauty which includes meandering rivers & breath-taking valleys. Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is a perfect home for animals like tigers, elephants, sloth bear, pangolin, Malabar giant squirrel, bison, jackals, langurs, Black Panther, mouse deer & civet cats. This sanctuary is also perfect destination for bird watching in Southern India as it has birds like golden backed woodpecker, crested serpent eagle & magpie robin.

6 Best Tiger spotting Places in India

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Royal Bengal Tigers is Indias pride with whose presence the lush bio-diversity of India becomes extraordinary and a lot more appealing. Known for its culture, traditions, customs and values, India has a special place within the heart of people from all across the world. India tourism prospers with its fantastic heritage and vivid cultures, which are witness and cherished by many tourists, nationwide and internationally.

To enrich the splendour of the country we’ve got many national parks in India and wildlife sanctuaries in India which are one among the significant pillars of tourism in India. Travellers round the year travel through these bio-sphere reserves to treasure the wonder and charm of the wildlife of India. The main attraction of the wildlife tourism is spotting the tigers. We have brought you best tiger spotting places in India where you can find the piercing eyes of big cats without much hassle.

1. Ranthambore National Park

2. Kanha National Park

3. Bandhavgarh National Park

4. Jim Corbett National Park

5. Pench National Park

6. Tadoba National Park

 

1. Ranthambore National Park

The charm of Rajasthan wildlife tourism, Ranthambore national park is one of the most important national parks in north India. The park is nestled within the lap of Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan; the park is just 130 kilometre from Jaipur. The park is spread in over 1334 sq kilometre and is encircled by the rocky ridges. Formerly called the hunting ground for the royal families of Jaipur has currently converted into the wildlife reserve which is holds an outstanding position in wildlife tourism in India where one can see the union of wildlife, history and culture beneath one sky. One can take safaris to spot tigers here twice a day at 6:30 AM and at 2:30 PM. This tiger trail runs for three hours. There are special zones famous for the tiger safari in Ranthambore and these are Zone 1, Zone 4, Zone 6 and Zone 3. A few tigers like Noor, Arrow head, Ladli, Star male, Kumbha male, Sultan male, Zalim male are very popular in Ranthambore and give very frequent sightings.

 

2. Kanha National Park

Kanha Tiger Reserve which is also known as Kanha national park is an outstanding national park in Madhya Pradesh. To encourage wildlife tourism in India, both international and national travellers are invited to the bio-diversity rich areas of the country and Kanha national park plays a major role. The area of national park is spread in two districts, Mandala and Kalaghat and is declared as reserve forest in 1879, wildlife sanctuary in 1933 and upgraded as national park in 1955. To spot tigers in Kanha national park, tourists can relish the safaris arranged by the park authorities and tourists can also stay in the wildlife resort and lodges situated on the fringes of forest. To spot tigers, safaris take place in two shifts of morning and afternoon. It takes around 3 to 4 hours to complete a safari. Neelam female, Link 7 female, Chota Munna male, Munna male, Umarpani male etc are the most sought after tigers in Kanha tiger reserve.

3. Bandhavgarh National Park

Another spectacular wildlife reserve in Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh national park is one of the most wonderful wildlife reserves in India. The fascinating and plush flora and fauna of the place is taken into account as the original home of white tigers. Beside the tigers, the land is also filled with wonderful species of animals like Bengal Fox, Asiatic jackal, Jungle Cat, Sloth Bear, Dhole and many more. The exploration of this park can be done in 2 ways, first of which is jeep safari in Bandhavgarh national park and second is elephant safari in Bandhavgarh national park. The gyspy safaris for tiger spotting in Bandhavgarh national park are conducted twice a day in special zones named Tala, Magadhi and Khitauli. There are a few tigers in Bandhavgarh that are the heartthrobs of travellers and photographers like Bheem male, New Bamera male, Rajbehra female, Solo female, Spotty female, Mahaman male etc

 

4. Jim Corbett National Park

Jim Corbett National Park is the part of Corbett Tiger Reserve that’s nestled within the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. One can notice a great variety of biodiversity over here, enhancing the grace and beauty of the park. It was established as Hailey national park in 1936. Later the national park was declared as Indias first tiger reserve in 1973. Along with the massive numbers of tigers, the place is filled with quite 650 species of birds as well as locals and migratory along with 50 totally different species of raptors and various species of animals. There are different zones settled within the park that are meant for sightseeing of wildlife in Jim Corbett national park. These 4 zones are named as follows: Dikala, Bijrani safari Zone, Dhela safari Zone and Durga Devi Zone just to call a couple of zones there. Most popular tigers of Corbett national park are Paarwali tigress, Langda male, Mota Sal tigress, Bhim male etc

 

5. Pench National park

Another stunning and fantastic national park which is an integral a part of the state of Madhya Pradesh, Pench national park has its name from the Pench River that runs through the park and helps in booming the wildlife in Pench national park. Spread within the area of 758 sq kilometres this park is another wonderful example of tiger conservation and wildlife tourism with the glorious history. Only a couple of people know but this tiger reserve is the original inspiration of Rudyard Kiplings The Jungle Book. Beside the fierce stripped cats, you’ll also spots varied animals over here like cheetal, nilgai, leopard, wolf, jackal, fox, civet and etc. On the same hand, the place is stuffed with quite 285 species of birds (local and migratory). The jungle safari in this place is generally done two times in a day, that starts at 6:30 am and 3:00 pm and it runs for quite 3 to 4 hours. The famous tigers of Pench are Collarwali, Langdi, Raiyakassa male, BMW male, Tarzan male, Handsome male and Baras female.

6. Tadoba National Park

Maharashtra is known for its distinctive culture and traditions and what adds values to its beauty is the presence of Tadoba national park. It’s the attractive and largest National Parks in Maharashtra. Tadoba national park is listed among the 47 project tiger reserve prevailing in India. The name Tadoba comes from the tribal God Taru who is praised the tribal people. In 1955 the area was declared as national park and in 1986 the neighbouring area was declared as Andhari wildlife Sanctuary and in 1995 the park and sanctuary was merged to form a Project Tiger- Tadoba Tiger Reserve. One can find large numbers of tigers in Tadoba national park. Beside tigers, people also like to watch Leopards, Spotted deer, Wild Boars, Gaurs along with different places of cultural importance. For tiger spotting in Tadoba national park, regular gypsy and canter safaris are run under guidance of forest department. You’ll be able to relish gypsy or jeep safari to explore the wildlife of Tadoba national park. Tadoba national park is additionally known as Jewel of Vidharba. A few famous tigers of Tadoba are Maya, Waghdoh, Sonam, Madhuri, Bajrang and Matkasur.

Safety measures to take while staying in a resort near a national park

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Staying in a jungle resort while on wildlife holiday is always a great fun, however for a comfortable and hassle free experience one must take care of himself and his group. There are numerous safety measures to take while staying near a national park. Some are listed below.
First and foremost – Avoid going towards the forest on foot or in a vehicle if it is prohibited area. There are gates from where all sightseer’s vehicles enter. Utilize just the approved entryways to enter at the given time with a valid permit to enter the park. Avoid entering from any other area in the protected areas.
If you get caught in a national park without a valid permit, you will attract a jail term and your vehicle will be seized. So kindly don’t think on these lines regardless of what local or a resort person instructs you to.
Never leave the vicinity of the resort alone after sunset. Not even if you plan to just go for a walk after your dinner. After nightfall, Leopards frequently tend to approach the villages and resorts in search of food or the livestock. At night, Tigers also roam around the protected areas. It is not worth taking the risk for little adventure you want to experience.
If you need go out for some urgent work, and have to cross the buffer area of the jungle, don’t go on a two-wheeler. Make sure you are in a car and take someone from the resort or village who are familiar with area, and always carry a torch & communication device for sure. After sunset, driving a two-wheeler in a forested area is a huge risk, especially if the forest has animals like Sloth bears. If it breaks down for some reason, you will be in a trouble. Four-wheeler will at-least offer some protection from the aggressive animals.
In case, if you are in Elephant dominated area, then even a four-wheeler is not advisable at night. It is better to postpone all your work for next day. Wild Elephants can kick your four-wheeler really hard. Hence it is good idea to stay in safe boundary of your resort.
Please do not even consider carrying any weapon even if you possess one. Getting caught with a weapon in forested area is a non bail-able offense and attracts a term of up to 7 years in prison. You can carry a wooden stick while on foot but not any kind of weapons whatsoever even in a safari vehicle.
Be careful when you go in to the bush, there are many species of venomous snakes and scorpions in and around the national parks.

WILDLIFE TOUR OPERATORS IN INDIA

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Welcome to Book-my-safari.com, one of the top Wildlife Tour Operators in India. We are one of the pioneers of wildlife adventure safaris to national parks in India & Africa. Popular for serving well-customized trips managed by wildlife and bird-watching experts, we as Wildlife Tour Operators in India have been conducting tours since more than 10 years now.

As a leading and top Wildlife Tour Operators in India, we organize trips to various renowned wildlife sanctuaries & reserve parks such as Tadoba National Park, Jim Corbett National Park, Pench National Park, Kanha National Park, Ranthambore National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park & Masai Mara (Africa).

With our massive knowledge on wildlife parks, we are in a position to provide you comprehensive collection of thrilling journeys, not available elsewhere. We, as, Best Wildlife Tour Operators in India reveal the many concealed secrets and unexplored retreats in this multicolored and enticing land, along with some more well-known and eminent sights. These wildlife hubs are incorporated in our exclusive and innovative itineraries that have something impressive for everyone.

TIGER SAFARI IN INDIA

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India’s many nationwide parks are home to over half of the world’s tigers. Even when there are so many zoos where you can easily spot tigers, but there is something magical about seeing one of the world’s rarest animals in form of tiger safari in India. Besides, India’s wildlife parks have more to give than just unusual tiger sightings.

Some of the best wildlife hubs to enjoy tiger safari in India are Tadoba National Park, Jim Corbett National Park, Pench National Park, Kanha National Park, Ranthambore National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park.

The best time to visit national parks for tiger safari in India is between March and June. Parks usually close in July, and open yet again by mid-October.

At book-my-safari.com, we take you on an amazing tiger safari in India at affordable rates, with best accommodation facilities and rewarding Tiger sightings

RANTHAMBORE SAFARI BOOKING

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Online safari booking at Ranthambore will introduce you to wildlife landscape that alternates between dry deciduous forests and open grassy meadows. Besides, the flora of the park includes 539 species of flowering plants. Dhok trees are found in majority, other species includes Sal,  Mahua, Imli, Banyan , Khiar , Jamun, Palas etc

Ranthambore National park has a huge variety of animals, birds and reptiles within it, all which can be witnessed by booking affordable Ranthambore safari packages

Tiger being the key stone species, other mammals include Leopards, Striped Hyenas, Sambar deer, Chital, Nilgai, Common or Hanuman langurs, Macaques, Jackals, Jungle cats, Caracals, Sloth bears, Black bucks, Indian Wild Boar, Chinkara, Common Palm Civets, Indian False Vampires, Indian Flying Foxes, Indian Foxes, Indian Gerbilles, Indian Mole Rats, Indian Porcupines, Long eared Hedgehogs, Ratels, Small Indian Mongoose and Common mongoose.

A list of 272 species has been documented in the park. The park has number water sources and lakes where one can find amazing number of birds. The most important birds in Ranthambore include Graylag Goose, Woodpeckers, Indian Gray Hornbills, Kingfishers, Bee Eaters, Cuckoos, Parakeets, Asian Palm Swift, Owl, Night jars, Pigeon, Dove, Crakes, Snipes, Eagles, Darters, Cormorant, Ibis, Pelicans, Storks, Pittas, Shrikes, Treepies, Crows, Orioles, Cuckoo-Shrikes, Minivets, Drongos, Flycatchers, Ioras, Wood Shrikes, Pipits, Bayas, Sparrows, Finches, Wagtails, Munias, Bulbul, Mynas, Falcons etc.

The water bodies of Ranthambore are famous for their Muggars or Marsh Crocodiles. Other reptiles and amphibians found are Tortoise, Banded Kraits, Cobras, Common Kraits, Ganga Soft Shelled Turtles, Indian Pythons, and North Indian Flap Shelled Turtles.

At book-my-safari.com, you can do booking of customized Ranthambore safari packages & explore the rich biodiversity like never before. You can also write us about Ranthambore safari booking, accommodation, wildlife packages and other information related queries.

MASAI MARA TOUR OPERATORS IN INDIA

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Be as wild and free as the rich wildlife in Africa! Pack your bags and set your voyage to the continent of colossal beauty and make memories of your expeditions with one of the best Masai Mara tour operators in India– Book-My-Safari.com

As leading Masai Mara tour operators in India, we let you choose from our various Masai Mara tour packages where you can explore the unseen gems of adventure & wildlife! If exciting activity and safaris are what you are looking for, then our tour packages will suit the best. Besides, book-my-safari is of those Masai Mara tour operators in India that plan tailor-made holidays for your comfort and convenience.

We, Masai Mara tour operators in India, book open safari at world-renowned Masai Mara Game Reserve where you are taken to be astounded by the pure exquisiteness of the Savannah and delight watching the pride of lions, cheetahs, zebras, crocodiles, hippos, leopards and Rothschild giraffes amongst others.

BANDHAVGARH TOUR PACKAGES

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Established in 1968, Bandhavgarh National Park is a beautiful wildlife region in the north-eastern border of Madhya Pradesh and is spread over an area of more than 1150 sq.km. Situated in the middle of Satpura and Vindhya ranges, Bandhavgarh National Park is well-known for its wildlife resources and various eco-tourism programs.

With exclusive Bandhavgarh tour packages, you can witness & explore High Royal Bengal Tiger density, Photography opportunities, Buddha Stupa and Fort inside the forest. The place has also gained recognition for its source of rare white tigers.

At Book-my-safari.com, we offer custom-made Bandhavgarh tour packages at affordable rates. Our Bandhavgarh tour packages include top-class accommodation & sightseeing facilities backed by experienced wildlife tour guides.
Bandhavgarh national park is watered by small dams and water holes and has characteristic vegetation, which is a combination of sal and bamboo forests.

So book Bandhavgarh tour packages today & enjoy the rich wildlife & great bio-diversity!

BLACK NAPED HARE

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BLACK NAPED HARE Or INDIAN HARE
Scientific name: Lepus Nigricollis

Indian Hare also called as Black Naped Hare is commonly seen throughout the Indian Sub continent along with the neighboring regions.

There are 7 sub species of the Indian hare found in the country.
Indian hare can be found in various habitats like the Grasslands, Scrub lands, Barren areas as well as farmlands and agricultural areas along with forest areas. These hares are also seen in mangrove ecosystem and wetlands.

Indian hares weigh around 1.5 to 7 kgs and average length is about 40-70cms. The coloration varies from beige, brown, black. The underparts are covered in white. They have long ears and large hind feet. They have a black patch on their neck which gives them the name – the Black Naped Hare. The body is very well covered in fur. Females are usually larger than the males. The hares reach their Sexual Maturity almost after 1 year of their birth.
Mating system is polygynous and the mating season is usually throughout the year but the peak season is during monsoons. During mating season, the hares become aggressive and males try to mate with as many females as possible. Males usually show their dominance by fighting with their fore paws and boxing with the hindpaws. The gestation period is for 41-47 days. A litter of 1-4 young ones are born at a time.

The lifespan in the wild of the Indian hare is about 5-7 years. These hares usually sleep during the day and are active during the night. They are primarily diurnal and solitary in nature. Diet is herbivorous. It feeds on varied vegetation including short grasses, flowering plants, germinating seeds and crops.

Indian hare is listed as Least Concerned by IUCN.

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