6 Offbeat National Parks For Your Next Wildlife Adventure

Featuring 104 national parks, India is home to some of the world’s most unique wildlife with a steadfast commitment towards conservation. While wildlife expeditions in the country are often centered around catching a glimpse of the royal Bengal tigers, there are a countless number of gorgeous mammals, birds and more that deserve your equal attention. We listed 6 unconventional yet stunning National Parks in India perfect for your next expedition this winter season.

Gir Forest National Park, Gujarat

Gir, a sanctuary to the king of the jungle, is inhabited by over 500 majestic Asiatic lions. In the 19th century, the royal cats were hunted as a sport, after which only a dozen Lions remained in India. Nawab of Junagadh turned the area of Gir into a protected sanctuary. The 1400 km square park has 7 perennial rivers which call out 38 species of mammals, 37 different reptiles and 300 types of birds. The wide variety of foliage and fauna have crowned Gir as the jewel of Gujarat’s ecological resources. 

 

Silent Valley National Park, Kerala

One of the last undisturbed tracts of the Western ghats rain forests and tropical moist evergreen forest, the Silent Valley is a world heritage site which was recognized by UNESCO in 2007. The Silent Valley, however, began attracting explorers after the British botanist Robert Wight began his documentation in 1857. Today the lush biodiversity remains untouched by human settlements. Feathered creatures like the Nilgiri wood-pigeon, Malabar Parakeet, among many others fly freely among this broadleaf forest.

 

Keibul Lamjao National Park, Manipur

Keibul Lamjao is an eye-catching park with distinct floating plant materials known as phumdis. The park is suspected to be one of the only floating sanctuaries of the world. The wildlife sanctuary was first established to protect the species of brow-antlered and dancing deer but soon caught the eye of nature lovers with its aquatic flora and fauna as well. Aside from a wide variety of deer, wild boars, Indian civets, jungle cats, and other mammals swarm this unique sanctuary.

Hemis National Park, Ladakh

As a high altitude park, Hemis National Park is home to 16 mammal species and 73 bird species. The beautiful park in Eastern Ladakh has the highest density of snow leopards in the world in a protected area. Approximately 200 snow leopards reside in Hemis. The mountainous regions also feature roaming unique species of sheep like the Great Tibetan sheep, Blue sheep and the Ladakhi Urial. Birds of prey like the golden eagle, Himalayan griffon vulture, and lammergeier vultures can often be spotted soaring through the blue vistas. 

Kaziranga National Park, Assam

As a World Heritage Site, Kaziranga National Park accommodates two-thirds of the global population of the rare one-horned rhino. The park also has a high density of tigers and was stamped as a Tiger reserve in 2006. Kaziranga is recognized as an important bird watch area by Birdlife International. The ‘big five’ animals in the park include; One-horned rhinos, Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, water buffaloes and swamp deer.

Keoladeo National Park, Rajasthan

Keoladeo is a paradise for birdwatchers. The park receives thousands of migratory birds every year. Created about 250 years ago, this sanctuary is named after Lord Shiva and even has a temple dedicated to the mythological Hindu god within the area of the National Park. Critically endangered birds like the Sarus Crane, Spotted eagle, eastern imperial eagle along with others take refuge in the soaring Park of Keoladeo. With its gigantic plane, this bird reserve plays the perfect host as a breeding ground for the feathered beauties. 

 

Get in touch with us at +91 22 24927575 or email us at info@destinationsunplugged.com to book your next curated wildlife getaway!

The Road Less Traveled: 6 Offbeat Holiday Destinations

The road less travelled is often the one we’re curious to walk, especially if you’re a traveller longing to explore and experience hidden gems retaining their age-old beauty. On the borders of Europe and Asia, are stunning countries bursting with natural beauty and unique cultures of their own. Once under the Soviet rule, these countries now offer a mix of their individualistic as well as Soviet-inspired culture.

From the Baltic countries to the Stans, here are 6 countries that will feed your travel curiosity.

Latvia

The humble country of Latvia is a rare mix of the old and new. The cosmopolitan capital of the country, Riga, is also a World Heritage site, decorated with cobblestone pathways, gothic churches and an array of pubs and fine dining options. The city is also the home to architectural beauties like Alberta Iela, Blackheads house, and Art Museum Riga Bourse. While Riga offers a robust environment, it is the rural parts of the country that will lead you to surreal beauty. Latvia is laden with culture, with fragments of its history found throughout the land. The 32 km long Jurmala covers 14 townships and has retained its pristine waters even through the heights of communism. During the Soviet regime, Cape Kolka, another mesmerizing location in the country was not open to civilians, as a result of which, it is now one of the most picturesque experiences Latvia has to offer.

Estonia

Historically rich Estonia is wrapped in culture and distinct natural essence. While the country endured hardship during its Soviet rule, it is now one of the fastest-growing countries in northern Europe. The capital, Tallinn is an enchanting town with magnificent cathedrals and museums like the Alexander Nevsky cathedral, Estonian National and history museums among many others. Soaking up the culture in Estonia also means partaking in ‘Bog Walking’ and night canoeing, in Soomaa National Park. Continue your peaceful journey by visiting the Pahni Megaphones in Varstu Parish. The giant wooden megaphones resonating the sounds of the surrounding flora and fauna in are even big enough to sit and lay inside. Conclude your mystifying trip by visiting the Kaali Meteorite Crater Field and Rummu Underwater Prison.

Lithuania

The land of witches and fairy tales, charming Lithuania is surely bound to cast its magic on those who explore the country. The capital, Vilnius is a quaint town famous for its beer and hearty ‘snacks’ served along with it. Dwelling deeper into the country, visit the hill of crosses and the hill of witches. Travel back in time by visiting the Trakai Castle, an impressive Gothic castle estimated to have been around since the 1400s. For a relatively modernistic approach to Lithuania, visit the Europos Park, geographically located in the middle of Europe which was founded in 1991. The park contains modern art pieces of various shapes and sizes, spread across 55 hectares.

Belarus

The country of Belarus has retained its natural beauty with 40% of its land remaining forested. Become a part of Belarus’ liberation from the Nazis by visiting the grand structure known as Mound of Glory in Smaliavicki Rajon, Khatyn Memorial and the Brest Hero-Fortress in Brest. Gain insight on eccentric subjects by visiting the Cat Museum in Minsk, Museum of Malformations of the Human Body in Hrodna and the Museum of Confiscated Art in Brest. Bask in the majestic beauty of the Mir Castle and Nyasvizh Castle to find yourself lost in a fairy tale-like surrounding.

Uzbekistan

The understated country of Uzbekistan has historically been a major part of the Silk Road. The country has recently been opening its door for travellers from all over the globe to witness its architectural beauty and culture. Ulugh Beg Observatory in Samarkand and Kalyan Minaret in Bukhara provide stunning views from their observation points. Moynaq on Muynak district, on the other hand, used to be a buzzing fishing port but now is 90 miles away from the shore and offers a surreal view of the district, especially during the night. The country’s hospitality and friendly approach towards travellers makes exploring Uzbekistan a delight.

Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan may be the most well known among the other ‘stans’ because of its oil reserves and booming economy, however for a traveller, the country offers the perfect blend between Europe and Asia. Both the largest city in Kazakhstan, Almaty, and the capital Nur-Sultan have futuristic architecture embracing the 21st century. But for travellers looking to indulge in a more traditional and natural adventure, the country has more to offer still. The valleys of Tian Shaan are famous for its wildlife and hiking. The countryside offers a variety of charming guesthouses and traveling over the western deserts lead to unique underground mosques. The Kaindy Lake in Saty is a once in a lifetime experience where you can witness the eye-catching turquoise lake with submerged trees peeking over the water body.

In the past, the Baltic countries and the ‘stans’ were subject to Soviet oppression, however, today these countries emerge as delightful travel destinations by embracing their past and nurturing their future. Traveling about these countries is gradually gaining momentum as travellers have begun to realize how truly special it is to journey through relatively untouched countries that have so much to offer.

Get in touch with Destinations Unplugged to book a bespoke trip to destinations like Uzbekistan and Estonia. Call us at 24927575 or email us info@destinationsunplugged.com.