All posts tagged: nature

Forays into the forest: Here’s why I love it!

Published by Anita

I look forward to opportunities to travel to the different jungles and reserves in India whenever I can. We don’t realise it but we’re really lucky – there are so many (still) to choose from. Most states boast of such rich flora, fauna and reserved forests and I am still discovering many of them. I’ve written about my experience in Kaziranga, the amazingly beautiful sanctuary in Assam and home to the endangered rhino. Last December, I travelled into the dense and magical jungles of Kanha and came back mesmerised. What variety and beauty around every corner. Every trip into the forest was filled with surprises and delightful encounters. So what if I didn’t spot the elusive cat (well, that’s another story, for another day!) but I’ve loved every adventure into the forest. This time, it was an opportunity to visit the Kali Adventure Camp, thanks to Jungle Lodges, and though the monsoons have set in, I still thought it would be a good experience. I was also lucky to be in the company of Supriya …

Tryst with nature: The Kanha National Park

Published by Anita

In December 2013, I got the opportunity to spend a few days exploring the Kanha forests, and relaxing at the Kanha Earth Lodge, a comfortable haven for wildlife and nature lovers. A trip into the forests of Madhya Pradesh is incomplete without a tiger sighting. Or so they say. Though it was something that was on my mind, I wasn’t really too stressed about it. My guide, on the other hand, was. He tried his hardest to make sure we sighted a tiger, but unfortunately, the two times we went into the Mukki and the Kisli zones, the tiger wasn’t in a mood to come out in public. An early morning scene as we enter the Kanha National Park The tiger is one magnificent animal and there’s nothing as memorable as seeing one roaming free in the wild. But with the dwindling numbers and the poaching reports, I am not very hopeful of this animal’s future. We’re definitely bent upon eliminating this majestic creature from the Indian landscape and doing a good job of it …

Naturalist, Chinmay Deshpande, and his passion for all things wild

Published by Anita

Meet naturalist and snake expert, Chinmay Deshpande, who decided that pursuing his dreams was worth sacrificing a career in IT and a desk job. You only have one life, says this young man. And we agree! This is his story. He was hooked at a young age. A wildlife enthusiast and a naturalist at the Kanha Earth Lodge, Chinmay confesses he got interested in reptiles and snakes after watching a lot of Discovery and NG channel while growing up. He began to learn about handling snakes by watching and observing and soon in his hometown people started calling him whenever there was an issue. He began to learn and understand how to handle venomous and non venomous snakes. At the same time, he was also pursuing his studies and went into commerce, but his heart was always in wildlife and nature. He conducted workshops and camps to educate children and people, especially those of the poorer economic class, who face conflict on a regular basis. Chinmay took on a part-time job as a swimming coach …

Olaulim Backyards: Where time stands still, but a lot can happen!

Published by Anita

They had me at Richard Parker! This cosy homestay, situated in a very quiet and serene part of Goa will transport you to another world all together. Away from the buzz and the humdrum, the noise and pollution of the city, it’s a relief as you step into what is literally a “backyard”! All around is just green as far as the eye can see. And a creek that lazily winds its way into the property completing the perfect picture. And fittingly, you know why this serene place is called Olaulim Backyards. Inhabited by a motley group of permanent residents (besides the hosts and their 2 kids) – three dogs, a pony, a donkey and a cat called Richard Parker – every moment is a delight. I was lucky to spend 3 days at Olaulim, in the peak of the monsoons and I don’t think I’ve seen Goa in a more beautiful season – bathed in rain, the countryside is a shade of green that you’ll never find in a concrete jungle. The roads are inviting, winding …

Dreaming of Darjeeling

Dreaming of Darjeeling!

Published by Anita

The temperatures are soaring. It’s hot and Bangalore these days could give Chennai some stiff competition on the heat front!  So if you (like me) are dreaming of cooler climes, do consider this lovely farmstay up in the beautiful hills of Darjeeling. Tathagata Farm is located in a cer­ti­fied organic vil­lage called Min­eral Spring which is an hour’s ride from Dar­jeel­ing town. If like ven­tur­ing off the beaten path, then I am sure you will love your stay here. At the backdrop of a very rural rustic life and greenery, Tathagata Farm is a space for travelers to be a part of an idyllic country experience. You could try your hands with tea making, learning local cuisine, cooking on firewood, backyard farming or just plucking veggies. With a view of the hills around, you could also just sit back, relax and sip on countless cups of the famed Darjeeling tea! The complete post is here on my Besthomestaysindia website. Related articles The Darjeeling Mountain Railways Organic Darjeeling Tea – Best for Your Health