Expansion of Bandhavgarh National Park

The conservation efforts have started showing results in increased population of tigers. Increased population of tiger in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh, India is compelling forest authorities to expand buffer as well as core zones of Bandhavgarh National Park. The tigers roam in a larger area and travel quite a long distance.

Keeping in view the increased tiger population in Bandhavgarh Wildlife Sanctuary and frequent movement of the tigers in buffer zone, the forest authorities have proposed to include 540 sq. kms forest area of Umaria district into buffer zone of Bandhavgarh National Park. This will comprise Dhamokhar, Panpatha, Manpur, Chandia and Ghunghuti forest ranges. As a result, the buffer zone area of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve will increase to 1370 sq kms from 830 sq kms.

Naturally, as the tiger population increases and their movements become frequent in buffer zones, the buffer zones and later core zones of tiger habitat are increased. Presently the area of core zone of Bandhavgarh National Park is 740 sq kms and it is also likely to increase as well.  

The expansion of Bandhavgarh National Park will surely be a delight for wildlife lovers. Indian tour operators offer several India wildlife tours which include an excursion into Bandhavgarh tiger reserve. India wildlife tours comprising Bandhavgarh National Park offer ‘tiger safaris’ on jeep and elephant. 

Six Rajasthan Hill Forts Declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Six Rajasthan Hill Forts Declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Rajasthan adds another feather to its crowning glory with inclusion of six hill fort palace complexes in Aravalli hills (mountain range) into the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The International Council in Monuments and Sites, a body that surveys, evaluates and proposes heritage sites with cultural relevance and architectural brilliance to be inducted into the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. On recommendation of International Council in Monuments and Sites, six hill forts of Rajasthan- Chittaurgarh Fort (Chittaurgarh), Kumbhalgarh Fort (Rajsamand), Ranthambhore Fort (Sawai Madhopur), Jaisalmer Fort (Jaisalmer), Amber Fort (Jaipur) and Gagron Fort (Jhalawar) - have been granted UNESCO World Heritage site status.

These forts of Rajasthan are splendid examples of Rajasthani art and architecture. Rajasthan is a desert state of India and so faces paucity of water. These hill forts of Rajasthan have developed excellent mechanism of water harvesting and conservation. These forts are exemplary embodiment of Rajput military hill architecture. Most of these Rajasthan hill forts, built during 17^th & 19^th centuries, house palaces, temples, courtyards, memorials and villages. Thus these forts symbolize fortified township architecture.    

Rajasthan travel itineraries comprising these forts are already being offered by many Indian tour operators. Rajasthantour without visiting these places is not complete. Various Rajasthan packages, offered by Indian travel agents, comprise stay in heritage hotels as well. This serves as additional exotic and incredible India experience for a visitor on India tour.