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India.com
25-06-2025
- India.com
Safari Soul: Wild North East India With These 5 Must-Visit Spots Near Shillong
Shillong finds its place in the core of Meghalaya while locals call it the 'Scotland of the East' because of its characteristic rolling hills and extensive verdant landscapes. Shillong City shows itself through amazing vistas and cultural richness while the adjacent regions deliver complete chances to see wildlife. This piece explores the seven vital features of a unique wildlife safari destination which stands near Shillong City. 1. Nokrek National Park Nokrek National Park stands at a distance of about 120 kilometers from Shillong as a sanctuary dedicated to biodiversity enthusiasts. The designation of UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2009 has honored this park which supports the rarest wildlife species including Red Panda, Slow Loris and rarely spotted Snow Leopard. Birdwatchers find Nokrek National Park attractive because it protects more than 200 species of birds scattered throughout its dense forest areas. Tourists can participate in guided wilderness tours throughout the untouched wilderness to study the distinct plant and animal species of the area. 2. Balpakram National Park Balpakram National Park obtains its local name as the 'Land of Perpetual Winds' while located about 300 kilometers south of Shillong. Native local tribes consider this park a spiritual location because they believe that lost souls rest there. Balpakram features multiple natural environments which include both subtropical forest areas along with grasslands. The park provides habitat for the Indian Bison (Gaur) together with Elephants and Leopards and many different reptilian species. The jeep safari adventures here let people experience both dramatic encounters with nature while enjoying panoramic views of deep valleys and waterfalls. 3. Siju Caves and Wildlife Sanctuary Similar to spelunkers who want a blend of cave exploration and wildlife activities, Siju Cave and Wildlife Sanctuary stands out as a secret location. The Garo Hills region houses this sanctuary which contains Asia's longest cave system at approximately 150 kilometers distance from Shillong. Visitors who explore the caves can find bats among other nighttime animals and the sanctuary features wild boars together with deer and monkeys throughout its area. The cave system and forest trails allow visitors access to guided tours that enable them to deeply explore the natural treasures of Meghalaya. 4. Umiam Lake and Surrounding Habitats The primary status of Umiam Lake as a sight to behold for its natural beauty coexists with its vital ecosystem functions for supporting the local animal population. Migratory birds such as ducks and kingfishers along with herons visit the lake during winter since it rests 15 kilometers north of Shillong. Birdwatchers who visit Umiam Lake can both sail on boats while looking at migrating birds and make walks through the lakeside trails. The surrounding hills along with the forests of the area host diverse small reptiles and mammals which enhance the safari adventure. 5. Eco-Tourism Initiatives Around Shillong Shillong together with its surrounding region has started multiple eco-tourism initiatives which protect their abundant biodiversity while delivering environmentally friendly safari experiences. Community-driven tourism activities enable visitors to work almost one-on-one with native communities to understand their historic preservation methods. Protected reserve tours form part of such initiatives where visitors are guided to medicinal plants and endangered species while learning about deforestation programs. These initiatives support sustainable development for tourists who gain advantages from the ecosystem while protecting their surroundings. Final Thoughts Shillong City offers wildlife safaris to meet all kinds of nature enthusiast needs regardless of their adventurous spirit or their interest in peaceful birding or cultural exploration. Across Nokrek and Balpakram National Parks and Siju Caves and Mawphlang Sacred Forest each place shows how humans can live in peace with nature despite their rough climates. Tourist activities that respect natural ecosystems paired with a deeper comprehension of their sensitive connections enable guests to create enduring memories alongside a fresh dedication to wildlife protection.
Hans India
23-05-2025
- Hans India
Debrigarh best ecotourism destination: Sherpa Kant
Bhubaneswar: India's G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant hailed Debrigarh wildlife sanctuary as the 'best ecotourism destination' in the country. Kant, a former NITI Aayog CEO, visited Debrigarh on Wednesday and interacted with the forest officer and personnel engaged in the management of the wildlife sanctuary. 'I visited Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary @Debrigarh in Odisha today and was delighted to see the wonderful work done in terms of community participation. This is by far the best example of the local community operating and managing the ecotourism project,' Kant wrote on X, while sharing some pictures of his visit to the sanctuary. Later, he held a meeting with the local administration at Sambalpur. Speaking to reporters in Sambalpur, he said, 'I saw the wonderful work done by the DFO. I have visited all ecotourism projects across India, and Debrigarh is the best project.' The best part of the Debrigarh ecotourism project is the active involvement of the local community, he said. During his visit, Kant interacted with the community members of the Debrigarh ecotourism project and appreciated the model functioning in the wildlife sanctuary. Around 85 forest-dependent families are earning their livelihood from different ecotourism activities. Jungle Safari, Hirakud cruise, trekking, hiking, kayaking, storytelling sessions on wildlife and bird-watching activities are being organised by these community members for tourists, a forest officer said. Besides, 20 cottages for the night stay of tourists are available at Debrigarh, including six stargazing rooms with glass roofs. Each community member working at Debrigarh earns around Rs 13,000-15,000 per month. The officer said 40 per cent of those employed at the ecotourism site are women, and some are even in roles of safari drivers and guides. Habitat management work has strengthened the wildlife population with big herds of Indian Bison being slighted by tourists daily along with sambar, deer and bear. In the financial year 2024-25, Debrigarh earned the highest revenue among the ecotourism sites in Odisha, at Rs 5.11 crore, the officer said. According to ecotourism guidelines, 35 per cent of the revenue is shared among the local community as wages, 25 per cent is utilised for recurring expenses, 10 per cent for infrastructure development, 10 per cent for village development and 20 per cent goes to the corpus fund of the Forest department's wildlife wing for training and capacity building of community members, the officer said. So, 100 per cent of the revenue generated goes back to the community. This makes the local community a major stakeholder in ecotourism which strengthens protection and conservation of forest and wildlife.
Time of India
07-05-2025
- Time of India
Leopard alarm in 2 villages as goats, sheep & dogs disappear in Kolhapur
Kolhapur: Residents of Desaiwadi and Khotwadi villages in the district's Panhala tehsil have now written to forest officials here demanding they set up traps for a leopard which the villagers said was responsible for the disappearance of sheep, goats and several dogs from their villagers also warned that they would "lock up" the forest department's office in Panhala if the traps were not set. Desaiwadi and Khotwadi villages are located approximately three kilometres from each Khot, a resident of Khotwadi village, said: "In the last 10 days, the leopard has killed one goat, a sheep, 10 dogs and a calf here and in Desaiwadi. Farm workers are now scared to work the fields. We're unable to harvest ready crops. Because it's the summer, we get electricity to the agriculture pumps only at night, which means farmers have to step out after dark to turn them on." Another villager in Khotwadi, Tanaji Khot, said: "We're already faced with heavy crop losses due to gaurs (Indian Bison). Now, we're worried about the leopard. The forest department should trap it soon. If it fails to do so, we'll lock the door to the Panhala forest department office."Forest Ranger RS Rasal said the department was working to track down the animal. Pugmarks of a leopard were found in the vicinity of the 2 villages, he said.
