Pench residents
Gir Forest
Dandeli
Kaziranga
Bandhavgarh
Pench
Jungle tours
“Aho, aho,” says somebody in a very
sweet voice. Now I know that Maharashtrian ladies address their husbands as aho
but surely the voice is far too doting to be real and why is she calling out
again and again? Is the husband nowhere nearby? Why is he not responding to
such a sweet address? I am wondering about it when the same voice says, “Ninad,
go to school, go to school,” to which, most probably, the boy replies, “Shut
up.” As if to affirm this, the voice repeats, “Shut up.” Something is
definitely strange. I’ll have to find out.
After I take my
chemotherapy shot I am all right for the first two or three days, then the
discomfort sets in and it is at its maximum midway in a cycle of 21 days. My
relatives, have taken it upon themselves to give me company during these
difficult days. Presently I am in Nigdi as I have accepted the kind invitation
of Tai and Shantanoo (my brother-in-law) to spend time under their very strict
care. And practically daily, I have listened to the above conversation. It is
only when I was standing in the balcony one morning that I find out that this
is no conversation between two human beings. Instead, one of them is a bird, a
macaw, imitating the human voice in a sweet way. Unfortunately we haven’t had
the opportunity to see the bird from close quarters otherwise Ashok would have
clicked innumerable photos of the bird and then passed them over to me for
editing. Editing Ashok’s photos is one hell of a job. During every trip he
clicks thousands of photos and it requires great patience and an eye for minute
details in deciding which photos need to be kept. Though not of the macaw but
the work of editing would come to me during this trip too. In the evenings we
go out for a walk (strictly, on Tai’s instructions, I cannot give it a miss since
it is good for the health). The venue is a beautifully landscaped garden called
Sawarkar Udyan. The garden has an undulating jogging track which goes through
groves of trees interspersed by interesting focal points. Along the path there
is also a lake and we can see some waders (water birds) enjoying the evening. A
kingfisher sits on a stone in the lake showing off its blue glitter. The other
birds entertain us with their playfulness. Ahead of that lake is the children’s
play area with swings, see-saws and slides. As you approach the other end there
is a waterfall which is actually meant for aeration and recirculation of water.
After the waterfall there is a sharp climb. Then you take a turn and you are
treated to a colourful view of the rose garden. Each rose deserves to be
photographed. Is there any wonder then that here Ashok’s camera works overtime?
We all take rounds along the jogging track as per our capacity. I somehow
manage to complete one round which is about a kilometre. By that time Ashok
completes two while Tai and Shantanoo go for a second half round.
Our evening jogging trips remind me of
the tours we’ve taken through the jungles. We have so far visited quite a few
wildlife sanctuaries such as Dandeli and Dajipur, popularly known as the
Bison Sanctuary. National parks at Gir, Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Pench and Kaziranga
are some of the other forest areas that we have visited. Each forest has taught
me something new, giving me a better perspective on life.
* * *
Gir Forest
Gir Forest
Our first jungle tour was to the Gir forest where we had our first
encounter with the lion family. I had read some interesting stories about
beautiful jungle animals and seen some nice pictures, but to see them live was
an unforgettable experience. The childhood image that I had of a jungle was
shattered as we arrived into the forest. There were no thick trees forming an
impenetrable canopy overhead with darkness underneath. No Tarzan swinging from
the branch of one tree to that of the other! No hissing snakes dangling from
the trees! No roars of animals! No animals hiding behind trees ready to pounce
on us, for Gir is a dry deciduous forest. Though I was disappointed at the look
of the jungle I do not know what would have happened had my image come true.
Being new to the game of sighting wildlife I was very afraid. But the fear
started evaporating and vanished completely ‘jab we met’ the lion family. Gir
acquainted me with the forest and made me bold.
* * *
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