Latest news with #EasternHimalayan
India.com
5 days ago
- India.com
Discover The Enchanting Beauty Of Shillong's Monsoon Season
Shillong represents the 'Scotland of the East' in the northeastern segment of India while establishing itself as a beautiful hill station. Shillong emerges as an enchanting natural wonderland when the monsoon falls due to its legendary combination of emerald-green landscapes and rolling hills together with streaming waterfalls. Shillong becomes the optimal place for adventure seekers combined with nature enthusiasts because the rains revive its thriving plant and animal populations. Seven essential elements showcase the bewitching charm of the Shillong monsoon season according to this article. 1. Emerald Green Landscapes Shillong experiences its most astonishing natural beauty period when the monsoons arrive. When rainfall continues uninterrupted the city transitions to an even greener state because of its position between dense pine forests and expansive meadows. The monsoon season converts grasslands into extensive green fields which reflect upon trees as raindrops coat them in enchantment. The Umiam Lake on the edges of Shillong provides spectacular views by reflecting surrounding hills and clouds which become more outstanding under rainy weather conditions. 2. Majestic Waterfalls in Full Flow Multiple unique waterfalls found in Shillong receive fresh vitality during the monsoon months so their natural beauty becomes more powerful. The waterfall attraction Elephant Falls gathers its maximum power during monsoon season because the water volume increases. The Seven Sisters Falls and Nohkalikai Falls transform into violent torrents which create remarkable visual impacts that impress visitors equally. During the hot summer season waterfalls function as visual attractions that provide relief from the heat. 3. Cool and Pleasant Weather Shillong enjoys an all-year-round pleasant climate which monsoon season brings special appealing characteristics. The cool environment between 15C and 20C in Shillong provides the perfect sanctuary for Indian residents wanting to run away from hot summer highs. A peaceful environment develops as mist and gentle rainfalls form during mornings which suit meditation practices and the exploration of natural quietness. 4. Rich Biodiversity Flourishes The biodiversity of Shillong thrives primarily due to the important role that monsoon season plays in the ecosystem. Practically situated within the Eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspot the region supports an extensive variety of plant and bird and animal species. The wet season brings rare orchids to blossom across the hills which create vibrant colors throughout the mountain slopes. Smitten by endemic species, birdwatchers regularly visit the Shillong Peak and Mawphlang Sacred Forest to observe both the Ward's Trogon and Fire-tailed Myzornis because both species flourish in the rainy season. 5. Cultural Festivals and Local Traditions Throughout the monsoon season the Khasi tribe which forms the majority population in Shillong holds many cultural activities. One traditional festival celebrated in the rainy months by the Jaintia people is Behdienkhlam. Through regional rituals combined with dancing ceremonies alongside saucy parades Meghalaya lets visitors witness its robust cultural background. Locally harvested fresh produce can be found in local marketplaces during the rainy season thus enabling visitors to enjoy authentic Khasi cuisine made from seasonal foods. 6. Adventure Activities Amidst Nature Atms in Shillong provide adventure lovers numerous opportunities to travel through its uneven landforms during wet seasons. Trekking trails that lead to David Scott Trail as well as the living root bridges in Cherrapunji become even more thrilling to explore after rain. The wet conditions on hiking paths enhance the adventure experience because they become prone to slips and covered in mud. During monsoon season river swelling brings excitement for adventure sports as people take advantage of rafting and kayaking while enjoying the natural landscape. 7. Romantic Ambiance and Photography Opportunities This enchanting union between misted hills and foggy skies and gleaming water streams makes the destination attractive to passionate couples and professional photographers. The entire Shillong region during the rainy season appears exactly like illustrations found on postcards. Photographers find Laitlum Canyon especially attractive for its natural photogenic aspects during the season. Photographers should use their equipment to take powerful pictures of waterfalls and fog-draped valleys and rain-wetted territory as these photos represent authentic scenes from nature. Conclusion During the Shillong monsoon season one can observe the breathtaking magic that surrounds the city. The city demonstrates appeal to all visitors through its collection of emerald-green scenery along with magnificent waterfalls together with pleasant temperatures and active cultural life. Shillong provides its visitors with unforgettable memories through its natural environments during rainy seasons because it allows various experiences for solitude in nature and local culture immersion and thrilling adventure activities. The rain produces a tender embrace with Earth's surface while hills awaken with color and sound which makes Shillong a permanent symbol of the monsoon enchantment.
India.com
29-05-2025
- India.com
Top 7 National Parks Around Kolkata City For Wildlife Safaris
As India's cultural capital Kolkata provides access to eastern India's most magnificent wildlife sanctuaries together with its well-known heritage and literary background. Nature enthusiasts together with wildlife lovers discover an exciting discovery opportunity throughout these parks because they present both diverse ecosystem exploration and rare species observation along with thrilling safari experiences. Read the following detailed information about the top national parks surrounding Kolkata that provide excellent conditions for wildlife safaris. 1. Sundarbans National Park Situated about 100 kilometers to the south of Kolkata resides Sundarbans National Park which dominates worldwide as one of the biggest mangrove forests while earning its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cross-border West Bengal and Bangladesh region contains this park which offers Royal Bengal Tiger sightings that draw many people to the area for their tiger safaris. Other fauna at this park include spotted deer, wild boars, crocodiles and different species of birds. The abundance of creeks and rivers shapes a maze in the park so tourists can enjoy boat safaris through the heavy mangrove forest and catch glimpses of wildlife. 2. Buxa Tiger Reserve Wildlife enthusiasts should add Buxa Tiger Reserve to their mandatory travel destinations because this location is found 350 kilometers outside Kolkata within West Bengal's Alipurduar district. The Western part of the Eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspot extends across 760 square kilometers. Apart from its tiger population Buxa Tiger Reserve shelters elephants along with leopards and barking deer while birds and reptiles also reside there. Visitors can observe the regional plants and animals through jeep safaris together with guided trekking programs. 3. Gorumara National Park Coursing near Kolkata at a 120-kilometer distance stands the Gorumara National Park which attracts visitors because of its Indian one-horned rhinoceros. The park remains compact in size yet visually appealing because it resides inside the Eastern Himalayas near the Jalpaiguri district. Rhinos exist alongside elephants as well as guard (Indian bison) and leopards and the park possesses more than 200 bird species. The park's inhabitants can be observed during jeep rides as well as elephant safaris along with adoring the natural beauty of its grasslands and forests. 4. Jaldapara National Park The one-horned rhinoceros sanctuary of Jaldapara National Park exists in the lower parts of the Eastern Himalayas near Gorumara. Jaldapara National Park rests about 130 kilometers from Kolkata while its 217 square kilometer territory harbors elephants accompanied by deer together with pythons and hornbills. Agents operating at Safari provide two booking options between elephant rides and jeep tours that let visitors explore dense forests and riverine areas for spotting local wildlife. 5. The Neora Valley National Park The untouched Neora Valley National Park sits at a distance of roughly 350 kilometers outside Kolkata and reveals pure wilderness alongside astonishing panoramas to its visitors. Each year this protected territory within Darjeeling district draws visitors because it maintains a rare endangered species of red pandas within its Eastern Himalayan ecozone. Clouded leopards together with Himalayan black bears share their habitat with a wide range of bird species at this location. A challenge-filled hike through the wild terrain enables visitors to discover untouched natural beauty together with various species of wildlife. 6. Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary Next to the Teesta River streams Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary serves as a hidden attraction between 150 kilometers and Kolkata. The small reserve houses multiple species including elephant, gaur, sambar deer together with tigers. People who want to explore the parks of the region should consider stopping at this location because it lies close to Gorumara and Jaldapara. Wildlife enthusiasts can book Jeep safari tours to explore both the attractive scenic beauty and abundant native wildlife of this sanctuary. 7. Maharani Forest Residents of the South 24 Parganas district can find convenient wildlife immersion at Maharani Forest which sits near Kolkata. The forest reserve features limited yet interesting wildlife sightings including monkeys and deer and migratory birds with its smaller size relative to these other parks. People seeking a short day in nature but staying close to the city should consider the site for their outdoor family recreation. Conclusion National parks around Kolkata enable people to both explore nature and observe extraordinary wildlife species of India. Visiting Sunderbans for its tiger safari adventure or watching the rhinos at Gorumara will lead you to life-changing experiences within these two parks. Your visit to protected areas merges adventure activities with essential contributions to the survival of valuable natural biodiversity. To discover breathtaking wildlife in the vicinity of Kolkata you should book a trip and carry your viewing optics.
Time of India
29-04-2025
- Science
- Time of India
NCERT textbook shows Indian rhino with 2 horns, sparks row
1 2 Guwahati: The new NCERT mathematics textbook for Class 4 has sparked a controversy due to an incorrect illustration showing two horns on an Indian rhinoceros. The issue has drawn attention from academics, wildlife specialists and the public in Assam, prompting the state's education department to address the matter. Talking to the media, education minister Ranoj Pegu said, "I have not seen the NCERT book, but I have directed SCERT to check the textbook, and if such a picture has been published, they will inform the NCERT to correct it. We know that there are different types of rhinos. Of them, the Indian rhino has one horn. Rhinos with two horns can be found in Africa." Assam's state animal is the one-horned rhinoceros , locally known as 'gor'. In Chapter 4, titled 'Thousands Around Us', the text discusses the Indian rhinoceros. Under 'Did you know?', it states: "The Indian rhinoceros is found in the foothills of the Himalayas in Northeast India. Floods and the medicinal value of their horns have led to a reduction in their population. In the early 1900s, their population was driven to near extinction with as few as 200 rhinoceroses. But with recent conservation measures, there are now around 4,000 (four thousand) rhinoceroses." The illustration contains significant inaccuracies about the species. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Up to 90% Bill Reduction: Thousands Cancel Electricity Bills with £0 Down Solar UK Solar Program Learn More Undo Aaranyak's secretary general and CEO, Bibhab Kumar Talukdar, a distinguished rhino conservation biologist, expressed concern about the inaccurate information. He highlighted that the term 'greater one-horned' explicitly indicates a single-horned species, and the inclusion of an African rhino image raises questions about NCERT's quality control. He noted that these rhinos inhabit the Brahmaputra Valley's floodplain ecosystem alongside the Eastern Himalayan foothills. Talukdar cautioned that referencing medicinal properties of rhino horns could encourage poaching. As a recognised rhino expert, he emphasised that Assam's floods are natural and essential for the ecosystem. He pointed out that despite regular flooding since the 1950s, rhino populations have increased significantly, citing Kaziranga's growth from 366 rhinos in 1966 to approximately 2,613 currently. He expressed concern about NCERT's choice of authors for educational materials. The error attracted criticism on social media platforms. A user named Udoy Bhaskar Borah posted on X: "In the recently published NCERT Class 4 Math textbook, an Indian rhino is shown to have two horns (Pg 45). Such mistakes are not acceptable in an NCERT textbook."
