Saturday, July 22, 2017

Sariska Tiger Heaven by Sterling Holidays


Sometimes we skip few places which are nearby and always think that we can visit it anytime. But that "anytime" took me many years before I decided to visit Sariska. I wanted to visit this place because I had never been to a wild-life sanctuary. Personally I don't endorse the large number of tourists visiting jungles since it disturbs the law of the jungle. Tourists flock to such places these days because of easy accessibility while government also fails to check the number of people entering forest just to see a tiger. Well, the fact is it is only a matter of luck that you would spot a tiger because of less tiger population.

From Hero Honda Chowk, Gurgaon, Sariska is 195 km which includes a straight drive of 155 km and then a left turn for 45 km. I was very well aware of the traffic situation on Jaipur-Delhi highway, so leaving early was the best decision. The road is good till the left turn to Viratnagar from were the ride was not smooth because of potholes and traffic. It took us 4 hours to reach our destination Sariska Tiger Heaven by Sterling Holidays. The huge resort is beautiful and peaceful where nature blooms. The resort is divided into many sections which also include tents, swimming pool, activity area, a big restaurant and few stand-alone cottages. We chose the cottage stay.

Below is my photo journal for this resort




Our Room







                                                                                                 





 Activity area  
                                                           
 Way  to the restaurant
                                                         
 







             

                                                               Pool in shape of tiger paw                                            












                                                                          Reception area





                                                                          Gopal- As our host






                                                                           Tents




So if you are in Delhi NCR this is a perfect weekend getaway. I suggest that please take a complete package with meals if you are booking online because the restaurant is the only eating place. The food was too good and the service is flawless. You can start Saturday morning and be back till Sunday evening.

I really want to thank few staff members.

1. Gopal- Helped us to visit a part on jungle behind the resort. He was also responsible for all team activities including bonfire and made an extremely good host.

2. Lalita (Reception)- She is an amazing women and she made sure that we had everything in our room. She did not hesitate to click our pictures when we requested.

3 Mr Pandey (Manager)- A service industry veteran and knows about the history of this resort. He was the one who encouraged us to go for a tour behind the cottage seeing my interest in bird watching.


Saturday, January 7, 2017

Bird's paradise- Okhla Bird Sanctuary





Large grey blabber
Located in Gautam Buddh Nagar, Noida, Okhla Bird Sanctuary is a must see place for all nature lovers, bird watchers and photo enthusiasts.  The sanctuary is spread across four square kilometers with a large water body and several migratory birds that flock here. Advisable to visit the place early morning to see the beautiful birds. As they day progresses, you will be left with lesser birds in sight. The sanctuary has two entrance gates, both without proper parking facility. Car parking is at visitor's risk! Entry fees to the place is Rs 10 each.


Once you enter the premises, it is a straight two kilometers road without turns or curves. This is how the morning Sun welcomed us with bright sunlight and misty breeze.




Human beings don't read signboards. "Do not Litter". "Silence please" boards are often ignored. It hurts to see the insensitivity of human race towards nature. The irony is, the sanctuary is located on the backside of Mayawati's Dalit Park from where loads of plastic waste and noisy generators pollute the place. Such is a peaceful coexistence of humans!

I was able to capture few images with great difficulty. It takes patience and some scolding to noisy visitors in order to win the birds' trust and then take their pictures. 
Siberian Stonechat female

Ashy Prinia

Red Vented Bulbul


Black Drango

Prinia




Jungle Babbler



Did you recognize Vijay Mallya Logo?


Spot Billed Duck




Great Cormorant




Great Egret



Spot Billed Duck






Ringed Parrot

Home to more than 200 species of birds, Okhha Bird Sanctuary is a photographer's delight. If only we could maintain silence & cleanliness, we would be able to see more of them. 
AddressNoida Plaza, N Block, Pocket K, Sector 95, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201301
Timings- 7am to 5:30pm all days of the week