Indian Wildlife - Real Treasure of Dense Jungles

The legacy of exotic wild animals that we have inherited in our forests includes about 350 species of mammals, 1200 species & 2100 sub species of birds and more than 20000 species of insects. In this diversity of life forms, India is the second largest country of the world.

Because of its unique geographical location and divergent climatic conditions, India has always had a large variety of wildlife.

The lofty Himalayas with thousands of species of flora stand on one end and the mighty oceans on the other.

The vast expanse of the Rajasthan deserts and the refreshing tropical greenery of Kerala lend charm and wonder to this bountiful land. This way, the wildlife of India is a mix of species of diverse origins.

Amazing Facts

* With such a vibrant and enchanting wildlife, India is home to about 60-70% of the world's biodiversity.

* Over 500 wildlife sanctuaries, 14 biosphere reserves, and 25 wetlands showcase their best magnetism when it comes to wildlife in India.

Interest in Indian wildlife among the general public is definitely increasing. Most of the wildlife sanctuaries like Jim Corbett, Bharatpur, Dudhwa, Sariska, Ranthambore, Periyar, Nilgiri etc. offer some of the best safaris of the world.

In these dense areas one can get a lifetime opportunity to spot lions, leopards, elephants, sambars, wild boar, bear, wild cats and many other rare species.

People have started visiting forests to escape the tensions of a busy and noisy city life and relax in the sanctuaries & national parks.

Some of the prominent national parks & wildlife sanctuaries of India are also declared World Heritage Sites by the UNESCO.

By : Sanjog_KR

Jim Corbett National Park - Free Rein to the Wilderness

Wish to see elephants playing with water in the Ramganga River in the foothills of the Himalayas? Plan a trip to the

Nanital district of Uttarakhand and visit

jim cornett national prak. This oldest national park of India attracts wildlife freaks from all over the world.

Although, the park is famous for wild cats - tigers, but one can easily spot elephants here in large numbers.

When several elephants lie down in a small stream, they block the entire flow. Standing in the current, elephants throw water on their bodies with their trunks.

They throw slush from the bottom of streams or ponds onto their back - this keeps them moist for some time. After bathing, they have a daily dust bath.

They pick up dust with their trunks and throw it onto their backs. This is a protection against flies. You can watch this entire episode very closely at Corbett wildlife sanctuary.

Background

Covering an area of over 500 sq km, this National Park was established in 1936 under the name 'Hailey National Park'. Later it was renamed as Jim Corbett National Park after a hunter turned conservationist, Jim Corbett who worked a great deal in establishing the Park.

Overview

This is a home to around 575 avian species, 33 kinds of reptiles, 50 mammal species, 7 types of amphibians, 37 dragonfly species and around 488 kinds of plants. While enjoying a jeep or elephant safari in the dense greens of this safari, lucky wildlife enthusiasts may get a lifetime opportunity to spot tiger, leopard, barking deer, sambar, hog, Black buck, sloth and Himalayan Black bears, Indian grey mongoose, otters, yellow-throated martens, ghoral (goat-antelopes), Indian pangolins, and langur.

Sightseeing

Apart from exploring the dense greens, tourists can plan out short excursion trips to Dhikala, Garjia Temple, Corbett Museum etc., which will surely make your holiday to Jim Corbett memorable for a lifetime.


By : Sanjog_KR

Luxury Safari Lodges - Jaci's Safari Lodge

Situated in the heart of South Africa, amidst flora and fauna of all varieties is Jaci's Safari Lodge.

The lodge is situated on the edge of the Marico River offering exceptional views of the surrounding landscape as well as the opportunity to say a safe "hello" to your wildlife neighbours.

The Madikwe Safari Reserve offers the perfect surroundings for this lodge to give you a simply majestic experience.

The Reserve is one of the finest safari locations in South Africa and boasts a malaria free reserve with over 75,000 hectares of undisrupted wilderness.

The teams at Jaci's Safari Lodge offer a memorable wedding and honeymoon experience. The Madikwe Bush Wedding experience is fast becoming a popular choice for those looking to tie the knot.

Jaci and Jann personally promise that your experience will be personal and unforgettable by providing everything and anything you need to ensure your special day goes without a hitch.

The lodge consists of 8 rooms and 2 family suites, each individually styled and designed, the impeccable attention to detail makes Jaci's Safari Lodge something of a diamond in the rough.

The décor is rustic and simple with exquisite colours and textures reflecting the surrounding quite simply, but with great effect.

Recently the family safari suites have been renovated and spruced up, and they look impeccable, wrapping around the private plunge pool offering a fusion of outdoor and indoor space.

The suites can fit between 5-8 people and comes with its own pool, drive guide and chef. Both Jaci and Jann designed the new look suites and are over the moon at the results converting the safari suite into a delectable family unit.

The dining facilities at the lodge are incredible, the skilled chefs create authentic, rustic dishes using a modern interior kitchen as well as a wonderful outdoor barbeque, the sense of community and family dining is a welcomed part of the stay giving you the perfect opportunity to discuss the day's events over a plate of incredible food and a glass of locally produced wine.

One delightful element of Jaci's lodge is the way each evening meal is taken at a different location, often under the stars with a roaring fire creating atmosphere and warmth.

By : Michael_Jessop

Open Your Mind and Opportunity With a Travel Adventure

Do you find yourself at work feeling as though you are trapped in your job or in your lifestyle. Maybe you have a burning desire to get out of the rat race and go and explore what the world or your country has to offer.

Do you sit at work looking out the window thinking about your next Travel Adventure. Well chances are you are suffering from severe case of Travelitis.

Travelling is an Education.

Travelling can not only be a great adventure where you experience new places & people, but an education on life itself, especially if you travel at a young age.

As a young person you have all these pre-conceived ideas about what certain places in the World look like. Things like what the cities and landscape looks like and what the people are like.

It is not till you make the effort to go to check out these landscapes, that they are a lot different to what you think and usually far exceed your imagination.

Generally speaking, the people are always welcoming to their part of the world, and they cannot do enough for you.

They are happy to help you find your way and point out places you may not have heard about.

It is also interesting to see the lifestyles that the different people lead when comparing the people who live in city to the people by the beach, in country or even in the outback.

It can give you a whole new appreciation to what you have, or would like to have, in your own life.

Travelling has taught me many things, including having an open mind about the world. Because if your mind is closed you will miss out on all the good things in life.

Travelling opens Opportunity.

If you are someone who feels that things are a bit flat in your life, or is kind of stagnant or stationary.

Then a Travel Adventure maybe just what you need, to recharge your batteries, to boost your enthusiasm, to sharpen your focus on what you want in life and what direction you will take to get there, or even lead you to the opportunity you would not otherwise had.

Travelling taught me that there are opportunities everywhere, if it is a new opportunity or change of lifestyle you are looking for, you just have to be prepare to have a look and ask, they rarely come to you and knock on your door.

It is a great way to meet people and build friendships with people in different parts of your country or even the world.

You never know, you just maybe lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time for the opportunity of your lifetime.

So if you have a dream to explore your country or the world, want to grow as a person though travelling, or would like a change of lifestyle, there is no reason you should not start planning your next Travel Adventure now.

By : Cade_Arnel

Travel Guide to Maui - Its Beaches and Its Unspoilt Beauty

Beach lovers often complain that the once popular beaches now appear cluttered and crowded even during the off season. This compels them to look for newer destinations that have not yet been encroached on by vacationers.

One of the relatively unexplored destinations for beach lovers is the island of Maui. Blessed with exotic beaches, mountain ranges and a sunny weather, Maui is also known for providing state of the art amenities to its tourists.

It is at par with the other well known Hawaiian islands. However, it is far less crowded and muddled. Maui has won hearts of all kinds of travelers.

From adventure sports enthusiasts to those who come here for a relaxed weekend, it has something unique to offer.

Maui is a temperate island with lush surroundings. The beaches have clear water with familiar tropical trees. Many visitors like to spend their day relaxing at these beaches with barbeque and water rafting.

At night, like most Hawaiian island, Maui also changes its mood. Fireplaces are lit up and melodious music wafts through the air.

It is indeed interesting to note that unlike other beaches that tend to get humid during summer, Maui remains breezy and temperate throughout the year.

Apart from relaxation, Maui offers something special for people who are looking at entertainment. There are several pubs and night clubs that play rocking music and enthrall visitors.

As for food, Maui has some delectable delicacies on offer. These range from mouthwatering seafood to fresh juices prepared by some of the most well known chefs.

If you are thinking of planning a visit to the Maui Islands, the best time for you will be summer when the beaches remain sunny and breezy.

If you are planning your wedding at a beach, Maui could be the best place for you. Its ambience and breathtaking locales will never to cease to surprise you.

By : Roland_Poitevin

Travel to Goa and Live Up Your Dream Vacation

Goa - a small and most frequented place on the western coast of India - was always an easily accessible place by sea. Hippies arrived here in 1960s, and rested on the picturesque beaches.

These white sandy beaches were the hot spots for their camping, parties and adventure sports. They called the place - a Tourist Paradise.

Since ten, Goa has witnessed a number of races, religions and cultures of different countries and continents.

The multi-hued and distinctive lifestyle of this 'Queen of the Beaches' invited a number of dynasties, of which the Portuguese ruled here for over 450 years.

Being impressed by the rich culture and hospitality of Goa, they made the state rich in architectural splendors like temples, churches and old houses.

Today Goa has something or the other for almost all kinds of tourists belonging to different age groups and even different tastes.

If you are a nature lover, the place will definitely leave you mesmerized with its excellent palm-coconut fringed beaches, white sands, crashing sea waves, and beautiful Sahyadri Hills in the backdrop.

Party lovers will fall in love with the Trans Parties in night and the fire camps. The place, being addicted to festivities, showcases various colorful outfits and serves a wide range of lip smacking seafood delicacies like - prawns, mackerels, sardines, crabs, lobsters etc.

Adventure sports enthusiasts can indulge in various activities like parasailing, paragliding, surfing, water-scootering, jet skiing etc. under the guidance of trainers or the experts.

Life in Goa revolves round the beaches, which are classified as - crowded beaches, party beaches, adventure beaches and isolated beaches.

Almost all the beaches have superb location for relaxing vacations. And if you are religious minded person, every beach has a temple or a church in the vicinity.

By : Sanjog_KR

A Road Trip on I-95 Through Florida is an Adventure in Itself

I-95 runs 1,917 miles along the length of the east coast with over 300 miles of it in Florida. Starting near Jacksonville, running to Miami with main thoroughfares such as I-10 to I-4 intersecting with it. If you're going anywhere along the east coast in Florida chances are some point you'll be on I-95.

Known as the "East Coast's Main Street" I-95 serves the entire Northeast as well because it is an important factor in commerce and tourism, linking New England and the southern part of America. I-95 passes through more states than any other Interstate Highway.

There are many exits in Florida and they lead to some of the Florida's finest destinations. The first major city in Florida on I-95 across the boarder from Georgia is Jacksonville.

Jacksonville is truly beautiful between the architecture and the bridges and the fact that the St. Johns River runs through it, necessitating the bridges, this place is spectacular. One of the best things about Jacksonville is the river.

You see they have these water taxis there that you can take when you party around downtown or go to one of the Jacksonville Jaguar Games, I've done both.

Jacksonville Landing is the place to party on the river. You can eat drink and, in general, be merry. If you were head off to the west this is where you'd leave I-95 for I-10 a road that takes you well into Texas ends in L.A.

The next important stop down I-95 is historical St. Augustine. Touted as the oldest city in America this place takes a good five day visit if you want to see everything there is to see. You can spend a day going through the historic shopping district alone.

They have sight seeing trains, ghost tours and are known for their many Bed and Breakfast lodges and the food there is fabulous. They have a famous lighthouse there that recently has been listed as haunted, if you believe.

Last time we were there we took a carriage ride through the city at night, it was spectacular. One of the stops on the carriage ride was by Flagler College; Henry Flagler was instrumental in the development of Florida all the way down to the Florida Keys, much like I-95.

Our next stop would have to be Daytona, Home of the world renowned Daytona international Speedway.

It's like this whole city is about speed and engines and RPM's. Many people travel down I-95 many times throughout the year for Speed Week, Bike Week, Biketoberfest and other races or events.

These events bring the city many dollars along with those people so the residence of Daytona put up with the traffic and noise.

One of my favorite things about Daytona Beach is that you can drive on the beach which makes sense if you think about it because the beach is where all this need for speed began all those years ago.

Don those ears and grab that Pixie dust because off of I-95, just a short drive west on State Road 528, also called the "Beachline", and you're in Orlando a favorite vacation destination of people all over the world.

Orlando may very well be the theme park capital of the world. Disney has 4 theme parks there several resorts, two water parks and Downtown Disney a shopping, dining and entertainment venue.

Universal studios has two theme parks and tier own downtown venue call City Walk, there are water parks, Thrill ride parks, dinner shows, souvenir shops and just about anything else entertaining you can think of and I didn't even mention the sports teams, theaters and performing arts centers.

Between Daytona and Orlando you'll find the turn to I-4 the gateway to the west, of Florida that is. I-4 takes you straight across the state and leaves you off in the Tampa St. Petersburg area.

The next significant area you come to down I-95 is called the Space Coast which includes a good portion of North Brevard County.

Here, as the name suggests, is where you'll find the Kennedy Space Center, NASA and Cape Canaveral, where they shoot off the Space Shuttle.

The Space Coast is also where you'll find world famous Ron Jon Surf Shop, in Cocoa Beach. Cocoa Beach is called the small wave capital of the east coast; there are several surfing fests held here each year.

It was also the home of the fictional characters Jeannie and Major Nelson, there is even an I Dream of Jeannie Lane. Port Canaveral, which is the busiest cruise ship port in Florida, is located here too.

From here down I-95 there are many coastal towns dotted along the way; Jupiter is one of note, Burt Reynolds once owned a dinner theater here and there is a great lighthouse and an inlet where boats are able to come inland. Jupiter is also considered the start of South Florida.

We are coming to the end of our journey down Florida on I-95 as we reach South Florida. One of the first things you'll notice when you're in South Florida, besides the subtropical climate, is the water.

The water down there is the same clear blue-green of the Caribbean, so nice. Palm Beach is a popular town in South Florida, its where all the rich and famous from New York come to spend their winters, Donald Trump has a home here.

Palm Beach is full of designer shop and swanky hotels. During the winter if you're from the North and you have money this is the place to see and be seen.

Fort Lauderdale is next down I-95 and was once known as THE place to come for Spring Break. In 1960 there was a famous movie about 4 college friends who come down for Spring Break called "Where the Boys Are" staring Connie Francis and George Hamilton, the song from the movie was actually pretty popular. Fort Lauderdale is still a great place to visit any time of the year.

Now we come to our last stop, the place where I-95 ends - Miami. Miami is an amazingly vibrant city with a powerful Latin and developing European flare. Driving into the city you can feel the energy but that might just be from the pulse of all the traffic.

Miami offers the best of everything that is South Florida -food, fashion, water sports. They have a port there where you can leave for a fabulous Caribbean Cruise; they have several sports teams to enjoy including the wildly popular Miami Dolphins, Go Fins!

The people of Miami are a mix of people from all over the Latin world and many of them speak Spanish so it might be good idea to pick up a few phrases if you're going to be down there for any length of time.

Trust me this is a place where if you go you'll want to stay. One of the most famous residence in the area is Gloria Estefan, she came over with her family when she was just a girl and is very involved in building up and promoting the Miami area.

By : Kirby_Collins

Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary - Ready For a Wild Encounter!

Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary is a dream tourist destination for wildlife enthusiasts. One of the best tiger reserves in India, this Park attracts tourists from all over the world. Not only this it is the most filmed wildlife destination in the world.

Located in Sawai Madhopur district of the royal state of Rajasthan, the Park is one of the famous attractions of Rajasthan. This wild destination was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1955 and came under Project Tiger in 1973.

Ranthambore National Park is known for its tigers and promises bright chances of seeing the majestic predators in their natural habitat.

The most propitious time to visit the Park is during the month of November and May. A wide variety of other wildlife is also found here such as leopard, nilgai, dhole, wild boar, sambar, hyena, sloth bear and chital.

Apart from this, the Park is also a home to the breathtaking variety of colorful birds. One of the largest banyan trees of India is located here, which is always flooded with langurs.

The Park encompasses three lakes, which serve as the water source for the wildlife. Out of the three, Padam Talao is the largest one.

Located at the edge of this lake is the beautiful red sandstone Jogi Mahal. The vegetation of the Park mainly consists of dry deciduous forest.

The Ranthambore Fort is another attraction of the Park, which deserves mention. Built in the 10th century, the fort has several beautiful structures.

For exploring the Park you can opt for a Jeep safari, which is an interesting way of moving around in the Park. The safari lasts for around three hours.

Around 272 bird species are found in the Park. Some of the finest locations for bird watching are Malik Talao, the Ranthambore Fort, Rajbagh Talao, Padam Talao and the Jhalra area.

Some of the enchanting birds spotted here are Asian Palm Swift, Owl, Nightjars, Pigeon, Dove, Crakes, Snipes, Sandpipers, Minivets, Drongos, Flycatchers, Ioras, Wood Shrikes, Pipits, Bayas etc.

By : Sanjog_KR

Green Traveling Around the World Series - Ribe, Denmark

Denmark's oldest town is an actively green community. From alternative energy sources to organic dining, you can have a wonderfully green vacation in Ribe, Denmark. Make Danhostel Ribe your home as you explore the area.

The oldest city in Denmark isn't stuck in the past. Ribe, Denmark, may have the trappings of the eighth century, but attention to the environment brings them from the past into the future.

From lodgings to restaurants to activities, you'll find Ribe is more than just another old city. This Viking town's full of educational attractions, and it has green lodgings and food that help take the guilt out of traveling. Where should you stay in Ribe?

The Danhostel Ribe is a hostel located in Ribe, near the Wadden Sea National Park. It has Green Key certification due to numerous environmentally friendly initiatives, like energy and water conservation measures, recycling, composting, eco-friendly herbicides and cleaning products, and eco-friendly food.

The Danhostel Ribe is also not spartan as you would expect from such lodging. They offer a great breakfast buffet every morning, wireless internet, climbing wall, and children's activities for your benefit while visiting the area.

When you are ready to venture out for lunch or dinner, take your green standards with you. One great thing about Denmark in general is that restaurants use local produce and meats in their menus.

Whether organic or not, this may vary depending upon the restaurant, but you will largely find that Ribe and the surrounding areas offer sustainable foods that you'll enjoy.

Some restaurants that you will want to consider are Restaurant Klammerslusen, Restaurant Backhaus, Weis Stue, and PostGarden.

Delight in the various food choices available in and around Ribe that are filling, sustainable, and delicious, giving you the energy for all of the activities you will want to partake in.

What should you do in Ribe? The most obvious activity is visiting the historical locations in this old city, but there is a lot more to do.

The Town Market in Ribe is a great activity for the entire family. Held every Wednesday from May to September, you'll find unique specialty items not to be found anywhere else in the world, like local arts and crafts.

If you have children, let them visit the children's area where children buy and sell toys and books.

Numerous outdoor activities are available like cycling, boating, fishing, and swimming, allowing you to find the perfect activity.

Denmark's oldest Viking town is not stuck in the past. It is full of fun and exciting activities that you can enjoy apart from looking at old buildings, churches and monasteries.

It offers eco-friendliness as well, which makes it an ideal destination for those of us who appreciate green initiatives when we travel.

By : Kit_Cassingham

The Fish Was to Be Eaten With Our Hands

We went to Mexico to try and find a fishing village with a restaurant that served fresh fried fish. We happened to be staying in Merida city when we decided to take a side trip to Progresso Beach.

The ride from Merida to Progresso Beach was less than an hour away and it cost only one dollar and fifty cents US dollar each way per person.

The transportation system going from one town to another town is amazing and the buses run every twenty minutes; making it easy and inexpensive to travel. Most busses have some form of AC and play music in the background for your entertainment.

Once we got to Progresso Beach we decided to make a few inquiries about their fishing and where to eat the best fried fish. We thought this place was beautiful but too touristy for us.

We asked if we could find a fishing village nearby and we were told about Chelem a small fishing village only twenty minutes away and another fifty cents US dollar each way per person.

Chelem was reachable only by small vans that took workers from Chelem to Progresso back and forth. Once we got to the town of Chelem we noticed that it was really a very small fishing village and by that I mean only one main road of about twenty blocks.

We asked a couple of locals where could they recommend for us to hire a boat to fish and also a place where we could have our catch prepared fried for us and they pointed to Jose at the beach.

It looked like the beach of our dreams with a restaurant twenty feet from the shore (don't think you can really call it a restaurant.) The restaurant was set directly on top of the sand and the roof was made out of two nylon tarps that basically only protected you from the sun; it was great.

Immediately as you walk in you knew that if locals came here to eat it was probably really good food. At the shore were fishermen waiting to take people fishing. Families were enjoying the beach and the fresh food served by this place; we felt we could eat here too.

The owner, Manuel, came by immediately to greet us and told us that to rent a table and two chairs was five US dollars and it was acceptable to bring your own food or we were welcome to use the shaded area for free.

We decided on the latter for now, we sat on our towels on top of the sand and we asked for two beers and he said he only served national beer and the cost was one US dollar each: Manuel brought the coldest beers we had ever drank. It felt like paradise and but for a lot less money.

Children were swimming on the beach while fisherman arrived in their small colorful boats. We asked Manuel who could we hire to go fishing and he pointed to a fisherman approaching the shore.

We were told by the fisherman that fishing with him was thirty dollars it included four hours of fishing, the boat, gasoline, rods, bait, beer and some snacks for the both of us.

Well, it was not a boat by any mean of our knowledge of a regular fiberglass boat; this was a wooden boat that he had made with his own hands.

We set out to fish and the experience was like no other. We brought back four fishes that were more than two pounds each fish.

Once we got back we asked our friend Manuel if he could fry our fish whole and he said yes; like a friend he made us feel at home. So we decided to share the fish with Manuel and we ordered another round of icy cold beers while we waited for the fish to be done.

While we waited we went swimming. We felt so lucky to have found such a place. As the fish was being fried, we stayed in the beach looking towards the shore when we noticed that there were no hotels.

There were only private homes next to each other and they were at the same distance to the beach as was Jose's restaurant.

Manuel brought our catch and we asked to please bring forks and he said that we could order a side of tortillas which can act as our fork by holding it in our hand and wrapping the fish, also we ordered salsa to top the fish; the fish was to be eaten with our hands.

The whole cost of this adventure including the four hours of fishing, the fried fish, six beers and the ride to get there and back was about fifty US dollars for the both us; for a whole day of enjoyment.

Where in the world can you spend a day like this for that amount of money? In Progresso Beach they are building a pier to welcome cruise ships - how long before this unspoiled place will become too crowded with tourists.

I would advice for you to go there now if you are interested in fishing and seeing Chelem like a native. We spent a day that it was a dream come true at a beach called Chelem.


By : Angel_S.