AdBlock Detected!

Asian Elephant or Indian Elephant found in Corbett national Park is one of the biggest park among india. Natural habitats of wild life is really amazing here. I visited second time in april 2014. This time i visit Dhikala zone and stay their for one night to catch Asian Elephant movement habitats and also their behavior. The grass land of Dhikala zone is really very good to catch lots of birds and mammals and also a landscape is tremendous.  Elephants are largest land mammals living on earth. Asian elephants are in endangered as their population decreasing last 60-80 years.

The scientific name for Asian Elephant is Elephas Maximus . They live in grassland and open areas near river. Asian elephant habitat are grassland, forest, savanna and desert .Asian elephant mostly travel in crowd and in family. They have large family so they travel in a group. Only Tusker Asian Elephant found alone sometimes but female Asian Elephant found only in family or Group. The Asian Elephant population in India is around 25000 to 28000 approx. Asian Elephant is endangered in IUCN list.

Asian Elephant Facts / Things to know about Indian Elephant :

• They are largest land mammals living in Asia.
• Total population of Asian Elephant around 50000 individuals.
• Female Asian Elephants can live 60 years approx.
• Asian elephants are smaller than African Elephants
• Also Big differance is their male tusk is smaller than African Bush Elephants.
• Height of Asian Elephant is around 9-10 ft.
• Its weight is around 4000 kgs.
• Total body length with trunk is approx 18-20 ft.
• Asian Elephant trunk contains 60000 muscles.
• They use their trunk for feeding, breathing, washing, watering , defance and offence too.
• Elephant tusk is best weapon for them and they also protect trunk too.
• Skin color of Asian Elephant is mostly grey.
• Elephants can eat approx 120 -140 kg per day

Differance Between Asian elephant / Indian Elephant and African Elephant :

African elephant is larger than Asian elephant. Large in size and also ears are larger than asian elephant. While African elephant weight around 4000-7000 kgs and Asian elephant weight around 3000-6000 kgs. Also skin differance between them too as Asian elephant skin is smoother and African elephant skin is more wrinkled than asian elephants. African Savanna Elephant is the biggest elephants among all spices of elephants.

Asian Elephant cubs are really beautiful to see and they are very cute. Generally cubs are found with females and also in a group. If you are very near to cubs or elephant then they give you warning sign so beware don't go near further. Elephants are more dangerous if you go closer to them. In other way elephants are killed widely for its Ivory means their Tusks. There are lots of incidents of killing elephants by humans but very less incidents of killing humans by elephants. Elephants population is decreasing because of natural habitas , Fragmentation and poaching. Elephants generally found in groups and with family. You can get good photos of elephant family or elephant cubs and elephant mother and cubs.

Asian elephants lives in grasslands and in forests. In India they found in East of Himalayas. In Asia they generally found in China , India, Bangladesh, Shrilanka etc. Elephants found in India called Indian Elephants. Asian elephant has subspices like Indian Elephant, Shri Lankan Elephant and Sumatran Elephant. Elephant eat 112 different spices of plant.

Dhikala Zone at Corbett National Park :

Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand is famous for Bengal Tigers but lots of mammals found here. Dhikala zone is inside of Corbett national Park and there is night stay facility at Dhikala which you can book online from forest department. Here near dhikala rest house a river passed so you can get beautiful landscapes of corbett national park at morning sunrise and evening sunset. In the evening Asian Elephant activities are high at Dhikala zone near the river. So you have to be prepare for Asian Elephant Family shot near the river by 4pm. You can get beaufitul Asian elephant family with cubs in a group. Amazing wildscapes you can take with Asian elephants and sunset at Dhikala.

Photos taken at Dhikala zone on safari during evening with Canon 6D and canon 100-400 mm lens.

Tiger is national animal of India. Ranthambore is located in Rajasthan at Sawai Madhopur. It really amazing feel to see tiger in its habitat. My trip to Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan, I was very lucky to see the Ranthambore Tigress Mala T-39 Named Noor in her habitats. During trip i want morning safari because its good time to see tiger during his/her movements. The Tigress Noor/Mala is resident dominant tigress who travels currently in Singhdwar - sultanpur - kala pila pani - khemcha kund. She found in normally Zone 1,2 and 6. She used to share is territory with male dominant Ranthambore Tiger T-24 named Tiger Ustad. Tigress Noor/mala has kid in 2012 name Sultan T-72.

Ranthambore Safari Booking :

For booking safari at Ranthambore National Park you can visit https://www.ranthamborenationalpark.in/online-safari-booking-ranthambore.html 

from here you can book your safari. I suggest book Jeep safari morning or evening. Canter safari is cheaper then Jeep safari but there are more than 20 people in it. So by chance if you see Tiger then in canter its over crowd to see Tiger so i suggest book Jeep Safari. There are also some agents who can book your safari in canter or Jeep with taking extra money. 

How Many Tigers in Ranthambore National Park ?

Well There are almost near to 80 Tigers/Tigress/Cubs in Ranthambore National Park. Among them there are  20 Tigres , 30 Tigress and more than 25 cubs and subadults approximately. Numbers may change after 2021.

Famous Tigers/ Tigress Of Ranthambore National Park : 

T-39 ( Tigress Mala ), T24 ( Ustad ), T-28 ( Sitara ), T-41 ( Junglee ) and Bina 1 and 2 are most famous Tigers/ Tigress of Ranthambore national Park. Now a days T-19 named Krishna is the Queen of Ranthambore National Park. It is female cub of Machli ( T- 16 ) also Queen of Ranthambore. The King of Ranthambore is T-24 Ustad.

I am very afraid while shooting T-39 noor because she was very close to me and passed through our car. It was breathtaking experience a wild animal near you. Generally people says morning safari is the best for animals but we got it in the evening safari. So its all about your luck. 

When Ranthambore National Park Open :

Question is When Ranthambore National Park is Open ? Well answer is - Ranthambore National Park safari is open for tourist from October to June every year. During monsoon it remains closed for tourist. 

Ranthambore National Park Safari Prices :

For jeep safari in Ranthambore national park is 1700 per person as of now for Indian Citizen and 3500 for Foreign citizens. And Canter price almost 1200 for Indians and 2500 for Foreigners.

Identification of Tigress Noor/ Tigress Mala T39 : 

• The first siting of tigress noor was in 2009. 
• She is also known as Mala, Noor and sultanpur too. 
• She is known for her beauty and amazing wavy pattern on her body. 
• The identification of tigress noor/mala is diamond symbol on her body. 
• She was in zone 1,2 and 6. Her age is around 14 years. 
• For another identifications her left ear was broken. 
• Above right eye inverted trishul like mark. 
• Two prominent Y on right leg.

Is Ranthambore Worth Visiting ?

Definately yes Ranthambore is worth visiting. Ranthambore jungle is very nice to travel even you can not see the Tiger. There are lots of other spices to see in the jungle. Also travel in a jungle is one of most beautiful experience in a open jeep. Its really trilling experience.

Are Tigers endangered in India ?

Well Yes you can say the Tigers or Bengal Tigers are endangered in India. There are increase in their population during 2006 to 2018 from 1400 to 2900 approx. Tigers are poaching for its skins and other body parts. But Currently India has largest population of Tigers  in the World. 

About Ranthambore National Park Safari :

Ranthambore national park is good for tiger lovers. Tigers siting at Ranthambore National Park is high. You can book your Ranthambore safari online. Also tatkal booking before 24 hours via agents but its on your luck that you get your safari booking. So book your safari online first then plan your travel. For safari Jeep drive is best. Also kenter mini bus safari available but too much crowed around 20 peoples. So go for jeep drive. Morning time is best for game drive in Jungle all over India. Also evening drive is good. Its all about your luck to get seen tiger. I seen tiger in evening drive. After Ranthambore trip you can go for Jaipur or Agra for next destination. Ranthambore is the best place for wildlife in Rajasthan. Siting of tigers are also good here.

Ranthambore Resorts and Hotels : 

There are many options at Ranthambore for hotels and Resorts. Hotels are quite cheaper then Resorts . Hotels and resorts at ranthambore national park are very good and aslo some popular resorts like Fern resort, Regenta resort Vanya Mahal ranthambore , Nahargarh ranthambore, Oberoi Vanya vilas etc are some luxury resorts in Ranthambore. Hotels starting price from 2500-3000 INR to 5000 INR approx. And luxury resorts price around 7000 to 10000 INR depend on season and Time. During diwali time the resorts price are at high. So if you are planning on Diwali time then plan to book early as possible. I stay at Vanya Mahal Resort and its beautiful resort to stay at ranthambore. 

Ranthambore nearest tourist places :

Most people came ranthambore for Tiger Safari for 2 days but if you want to explore some nearest places at Ranthambore are Ganesh Temple, Ranthambore Fort, Trinetra Ganesh Temple and Kachida. At Ganesh Temple you can do some hiking at fort side . Also you can see Heritage fort of Ranthambore too. There are some local guides who want to guide to Ganesh Temple and charge high so please if you need guide then make sure about money what he takes first. Otherwise they are misbehaving with you and you have to pay money what he ask.

Location of Photos : Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan, Zone 6 Evening Safari

How to Reach Ranthambore : Nearest Airport : Sanganer Airport is nearest Airport, Also you can go to Jaipur and from Jaipur you can go by road.

                                                Nearesrt Railway station : Sawai Madhopur about 10 km distance

Camera Gear : Canon 6 D, Canon 80 D, Canon 100-400 mm lens

Rhesus macaque monkey is one of the intelligent monkey in all spices. It is one of the old monkey spices. Its color is brown grey and it has pink color face. They generally found in India, china, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal etc. Monkey called Rhesus on the name of King Rhesus of Thrace. The females are smaller than the male. The Rhesus monkey is in a group of 20-200 monkey which includes males and females. Rhesus monkey using a various facial expression and vocalization to communicate. Rhesus monkey is very important for scientific experiments. As humans are made from monkey their genomes and anatomy are similar to humans. Also they are easily available due to their population. So Monkeys are been widely used in medical and biological research on human and animal health related topics.

Some Interesting Things to know About  Monkey : 

• Rhesus monkey is similar to humans as their DNA similar to humans. 
• The Rhesus monkey is very intelligent. 
• The genomes of Humans and Chimpanzee are 95 % similar as research by scientists. 
• Some monkeys are highly intelligent and some are stupid too. 
• Orang-Utans monkey is highly intelligent among all monkeys and also most intelligent  in animals. In Bangkok safari world there is a Orang-Utan show where two of these monkey have boxing fight and it was so funny show that kids and adults like it most. 
• In opposite Lemur is the stupidest monkey among all spices of monkey. Lemur is so stupid that it cant recognize its own reflection. The weakness of monkeys are mischievous and unreliable. 
• The Rhesus monkey factor is not limited to humans. Although the Great Apps have same blood group types like humans.

Monkey Bite :

• It is proven that monkey bite is deadly. 
• It cause anaphylactic  shock in humans and it can kill humans. 
• As discovered by scientist a monkey which come out at night is more dangerous and its bite can kill humans.
• Monkeys sleep sitting on trees. 
• Bonobo monkey is closest relative to humans according to research by scientists by matching DNA and genomes of humans and Bonobo monkey. 
• The difference between Humans and Monkeys is Hands. 
• Humans are not the only animals to possess opposable Thumbs.  

The animals in their Habitat :: Animals in their habitat OR Animals in their environment is one of the good siting for wildlife photographer. During my trip to Jim Corbett National Park i found lots of Rhesus monkeys and Rhesus monkey baby in their habitat. They are jumping all over on the trees. Some of them are on the ground and got something to eat at ground level. So i didn't miss that moment. Some good images i capture of Rhesus monkey which explain the behavior and habitats of monkey.  

At the end the baby Rhesus monkey baby try to get down from tree . Now he is able to climb and jump over trees without help of his mother.

 Location of All photos : Jim Corbett National Park, Dhikhala 

Gear Used : Canon 6 D, Canon 100-400 mm lens

It is very small falcon and in shape is like shrike.It is a species of "Birds of Prey " in a falconidae family.It is found in southeast Asia across Bangladesh, Thailand, Myanmar, Nepal, Bhutan, India,Vietnam. I shot it at Corbett National Park Dhikala forest Rest house backside. It is a smallest falcon in falcon family. In India it generally found in Himalayan Range like northeast Uttarpradesh, Sikkim, Bengal and Assam. Collared falconet is Shy Bird.

Description and Facts About Collared Falconet :

• Its wings are pointed.
• It is 18 cm Long only.
• Tail is rounded and medium length .
• The adult male has a black crown and white forehead.
• It is the member of genus Microhierax which are the smallest falcon.
• It is found in forest country aprox 5500 ft height.
• It roosts  and breed in old woodpecker or barbet holes in dead trees
• It feed mainly insects and small species of birds.
• It also shy and nervous.
• It has shortish wings and tail is medium length.
• It has also strong half feathered legs and very powerful feet.
• A bold white collar and supercillia
• It is a smallest falcon in falcon family.

Collared Falconet is a raptor so its feets are very strong to catch and it is also a good hunter bird. During my trip to Corbett national Park we done a morning safari and taking a rest at Dhikala forest lodge. On the back side of lodge on a old dead tree we found it. I seen Collared Flaconet for the first time and i ask to my mentor what is it ? and he said its a collared Flaconet and i ask  is it Falcon ? Well i am surprised that its a small bird that called Falcon but its true. It looks very cute to see but its a good hunter. Bird watching and bird photography is my favorite at that time and now also. Bird photography is very challenging because you have to follow the bird and its behaviour for taking a good picture of bird.
 

Landscape Photography is one of my favorite subject. Corbett National Park is one of the most visited National Park in India. Its a Biggest Tiger Reserve in India and also large number of Tigers are here. Framing a landscape photo need good background and foreground. Well in corbett National Park Dhikala is the place where you can stay at night and also near to river side so you can visit Asiatic Elephant Family at Dhikala area. 

Dhikala is situated at core location of Corbett National park. It is located about 30 km from Dhangadi Gate of Corbett National Park. Actually Dhikala is forest rest house where tourist can stay. Dhikala Forest Lodge is best place to stay in Corbett national Park. There are 6 different winges with different numbers of rooms in Dhikala. Dhikala is most popular to stay for wildlife photographers because in this area you can visit good river side sunset or sunrise and also a large number of Asiatic Elephants with Family. 

Morning Golden Light :

While shooting landscape photography light is very important . When i was on my safari at Dhikala zone i saw morning golden light and a burned tree trunks standing on ground. Well i just capture is with good golden light. If you want good colors of sunlight then use white balance on shades in your DSLR camera. It boost your frame colors. And after then post processing with good color corrections. I also shoot it in Black and White landscapes at Corbett national Park. 

Corbett national park is too big in area that Tiger siting possibility is too low. But there are another beautiful subjects to shoot their like elephants, crocodiles, birds etc. Also dont forget the Dikhala site where you can take landscape photos of amazing corbett. During sunset time here you can get elephant family and also magic of golden light.

Alone tree with golden light looks beautiful in frame. 

A birds on top left branch of the tree .make my frame outstanding black and white photo with bird.

How to Reach Corbett National Park :

Corbett National park is located in Nainital District, Ramnagar, Uttarakhand. Nearest Railway station is Ramnagar about 10-12 km from Corbett Tiger Reserve. Kathgodam Railway station is about 3 hours distance from corbett national park. Nearest Airport is Pantnagar about half hour drive from corbett national park. Also you can fly to Delhi and then hire a car for corbett national park for one way. Best time to visit corbett national park is winter season. Well you can also visit all over year but winter is better to visit Jungle. Only Registered vehicles are allowed inside the park so you cannot go with your own car inside park. Bijrani is the best zone after Dhikala to spot Tigers. 

Gear Used : Canon 1000 D, Canon 6D, Canon 18-55mm, Canon 100-400mm

Pallas's Fish Eagle is large brownish sea eagle. It is also known as Band Tailed Sea Eagle.It is Partially Migratory bird in central Asia. My first siting of Pallas's Fish Eagle Or Pallas's Sea Eagle at Corbett National Park in 2014 while I am participating Canon Wild Click organised by naturewanderers. Color of Pallas's Fish Eagle is light sandy brown. It face is white in color. Its Wings are darker than body color. Juvenile is dark brown in color.

About Pallas's Fish Eagle :

• It is known as Pallas's Sea Eagle Or Band Tailed Sea Eagle
• The length of Pallas's Fish Eagle is  70 to 85 cm .
• With Wingspan length is 180-210 cm.
• Male Eagle weight around 2 -3.3 kg and Female weight around  2.1 - 3.7 kg. 
• Main Diet of Pallas's Fish Eagle is Fresh fishes.
• It also hunts water birds, small mammals, frogs and reptiles too.
• It breeds in Russia, Mongolia, India, Kazakhstan, China, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan etc.
• Pallas's Fish Eagle is Endangered spices and listed in Endangered on IUCN Red List.
• Golbal population of Pallas's Fish Eagle is around 2500 approx.
• Pollution and overfishing lakes by humans is main reason for putting in endangered to Pallas's Fish eagle .
• A reason for low count in India is spread of water hyacinth so difficult to find fishes in lake water.

Killing experience of Pallas's Fish Eagle :

To see kill of pallas's fish eagle is awesome experience. It standing on a tree and below 100-140 ft down a river goes and i saw that eagle stand for while then just down in fastest speed n catch a fish OMG what a scene that was . I just sow his speed n accuracy is fantastic.

I m not lucky too much that i shoot that action but a kill n feast i can capture.

Here below picture u can see his neck can turn 360 degree. That specialty makes him perfect for kill , watch, and be accurate .

Location : Corbett National Park, Near Dhikhala , During safari ride.

Canon gears : Canon6D , Canon 100-400mm 

Asiatic Lions are only in Gir national park located in Gujarat near famous Somnath Temple. It is also known as Sasan Gir. The park made in 1965 . It cover 1412 sq km area. At the 19th century only few of Asiatic lions were survive and all of them only in Gujarat's Sasan Gir. It is the only area in Asia where Asiatic lion live. In 2015 lion census conducted and the population of lions has been count around 523  upside then 2010 . There are 109 male, 201 Female and  213 cubs. Gir national park is only a park in India where you can see Asiatic Lions aka lions of Gir. The park has also approx 300  species of birds, 38 types of mammals , 37 spices of reptiles and more than 2000 spices of insects.

Things to know about Asiatic Lion / Gir Lions :

• Asiatic lions surviving only in India And only In Gujarat 
• Asiatic lions found in Gujarat only in Gir National Park.
• Asiatic Lion is one of the pantherine cats in India.
• North and west African Lion genetic are closer  to Asiatic Lion.
• The post orbital area of Asiatic Lion is shorter than African Lion.
• Adult male skull length is around 340 mm. and female skull length around 300 mm.
• Mane is less developed of Asiatic Lion in compare to African Lion.
• Gir and Girnar hill systems are comprise for  Asiatic Lion habitat.
• Gir Sanctuary, Gir National Park, Pania Sanctuary, Mitiyala Sanctuary and Girnar sanctuary are five areas are to save and protect Asiatic Lions.
• Barda Wildlife Sanctuary recently established for second home for Asiatic Lions.
• Male and Female lions are associate for few days while matting. Male and Female Lion rarely live and feed together.
• Lion can live 8-10 years in wild also they may live more than 25 years too. It depends on weather, ecology, Health of lion, Critical illness etc.

Lions of Gir : Gir Lions 

Gir lion also known as Asiatic lions are found only in India and in Gujarat only. So Sasan Gir is the only place where you can see Gir lions Or Asiatic Lions. You can go to Gir safari via online booking and enjoy the jungle safari . The jungle itself beautiful even you can not find Lions during safari. Most Trees found in Gir National Park are Teak wood tree . There are also Banyan tree, Jamun, Kalam, Amli and many more trees found at Gir Forest. The Gir Lions mostly eat by Hunting Chital , Sambar , Deer etc . Also Gir Lions Hunts local Cow / Cattle and Carrion . 

How Many Lions are there in Gir National Park : 

As per letest in 2020 there are more than 650 Asiatic Lions in Gir National Park. The numbers are increase almost 28 to 30 % from 2015 counting. The lions are one of the five pantherian cat in India. It is also known as Indian Lion. Asiatic Lions population is increasing but still you can say Asiatic lions endangered spices because their area are restricted only in Gujarat. Population growing is good but still Asiatic Lions are in endangered spices in IUCN list.

Gir Safari Booking online : Gir Lion Safari

You can book only online safari for Jungle trail in Gir National Park. You can book from girlion.in .  Two timings for Gir safari  morning and evening. In morning safari timings are 6 AM to 9 AM and 6:45 AM to 9:45 AM and 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM. and in evening safari timings are 3 PM to 6 PM and 4 PM to 7 PM.  Price for safari is approx 4000 INR per Jeep. It depends on members too.  More member (max 5 per jeep ) is cheaper for per person safari. Safari price includes Jeep, Driver, Guide and permit charges but may be some convenience fee extra charged. 

Asiatic Lions vs African Lions :

Main differance between Asiatic Lion vs African Lion is the male Asiatic lion is shorter then African lion. Also Asiatic Lion hair color is darker then African Lion hair. Also growth of hair (mane ) in African Lion is more than Asiatic Lions.

HOW TO REACH GIR ::

Nearest airport from Sasan Gir is Diu ( Domestic Airport ) but Nearest International Airport is Ahmedabad. Nearest railway station is Junaghadh . Lots of Hotels near Gir u can stay. Also some farmhouse can give room for rent. When u want to visit book safari online. Safari booking done online only so plan accordingly ur visit. Also take morning and evening safari as i prefer bcz no one lucky as first time to see lion in first safari. Also Devadia is reserve park for those who didn't see lions in safari in jungle. Here sure 100% to see lions and leopards. For resident of Gujarat people best way to go by own car. Find some good hotels and loudge near safari entrance.

Lions Breeding :

During breeding period you can not mess with lions. Also in monsoon the National park is closed but it not necessary that only in monsoon they breed. In Junaghadh Sakkarbaug Zoo made as breeding center. So it helps to study about lions behavour . And the sakkarbaug zoo successfully breeds 180 lions and more than 120 lions have been given to zoos in India and also in Foriegn.

Devaliya : 

Devaliya is an iterpretation zone where all habitats are covered in some area with fenses and also from entry gate. Here you can have half hour bus safari with 100 % sure see major animals like Lions and Leopard. It will promote nature education and also reduce some rush for jungle safari too. 

About Gir National Park : Flora and Fauna of Gir National Park

Gir National park is a wild life sanctuary and it also known as Sasan Gir. Asiatic Lions in India only here you can see. So the sanctuary is very important for wildlife and also for Asiatic Lions. There are also other mammals found here like Indian Leopard, Jungle Cat, striped Hyena, Golden Jackal, Fox etc. Also some reptiles like Cobra, Crocodial , Monitor Lizard and tortoise too. Also found more than 280 spices of birds here too so Gir national park is good for birding too. Some times Gir forest faces some cyclone and jungle fire too but its depends on ecology and nature so its not in human hand. So at end i must tell you that visit Gir National Park atleast once. Also Gujarat Tourism will helps you a lot in visit Gir forest and give more informations what you need. Gujarat tourism also promote to visit Sasan Gir as Khushboo Gujarat Ki. But i must say enjoying a Jungle ride even you cant see any animal is also a superb experience. Just enjoying nature.

KUNO Palpur in Madhya Pradesh may be the second home for Asiatic Lions in future. I am not sure about it i just heard some news about it. 

Note : All above photos are taken at Gir Forest none of above image is from Devaliya interpretation zone.

Gear Used : Canon 6D and canon  100-400 mm lens, Canon 1000D with 18-55 mm lens