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India.com
2 days ago
- India.com
Top 7 National Parks Near Indore For Unforgettable Wildlife Safaris
Indore functions as Madhya Pradesh's main city through its status as a point of access to various spectacular Indian national parks which combine diverse wildlife with lush forests and breathtaking landscapes. Wildlife enthusiasts together with nature lovers should explore these national parks because they contain varied fauna alongside magnificent forests along with stunning scenery. People interested in wildlife safaris nearby Indore can refer to this article which lists the leading national parks providing extraordinary safari opportunities. 1. Satpura National Park: A Wilderness Paradise Situated at 200 kilometers distance from Indore exists Satpura National Park which stands as a major wildlife safari destination in central India. The 524 square kilometer park makes up part of the greater Satpura Tiger Reserve while offering visitors numerous species of wildlife. The park contains various wild creatures including tigers and leopards together with Indian bison (gaur), sambar deer and wild boar. Servomatic National Park stands out through its unmatched natural features of forests, gorges along with rocky mountain ranges. Visitors experience various natural activities such as jeep safaris and boat rides on Denwa River as well as controlled walking tours led by qualified naturalists. Multiple species of birds from a total of 300 can be observed while visiting the park. 2. Pench National Park: Inspired by Rudyard Kipling The Jungle Book writer Rudyard Kipling made Pench National Park famous as his literary inspiration and this reserve exists 190 kilometers from Indore towards the southeast. Measuring 758 square kilometers in total size the park exists between state borders of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. The reserve gets its name from the Pench River which runs through its territory sustaining its diverse ecosystem. The Pench region draws widespread fame through its tiger inhabitants yet it protects polluting predators like leopards along with wild dogs whereas herbivores consisting of spotted deer and chital and nilgai live within its borders. The designated zones allow visitors to book Jeep safaris which enable them to get meaningful animal encounters. The reserve features a combination of trees with seasonal leaves and open natural fields that attract photographers. 3. Kanha National Park: The Land of the Barasingha Kanha National Park can be found 260 kilometers from Indore within the state's prestigious portfolio. With 940 square kilometers spread across this UNESCO World Heritage Site focuses on preserving vital conservation efforts to eliminate the hard-ground barasingha (swamp deer) toward extinction. Animals that live in big cats and four different types of herbivores like gaur, chital and langurs can find a secure home at Kanha National Park. This natural sanctuary allows visitors to observe wildlife because it contains rolling hills of grasslands with sal forests interspersed with bamboo thickets. People visit the park through eco-friendly open-top jeep and canters during daybreak and dusk hours to observe different sections of the wild area. 4. Bandhavgarh National Park: The Tiger Capital Wildlife fans need to include Bandhavgarh National Park on their visit list because this site maintains its wildlife attraction value despite being located 350 kilometers away from Indore. The park extends across 1,536 square kilometers to make it a home to some of the world's densest wild Bengal tiger populations. It contains an array of tropical forest areas and grasslands and rocky terrains. The natural habitat of Bandhavgarh contains sloth bears and hyenas alongside jackals and various deer species together with tigers. Visitors can discover historical value at Bandhavgarh Fort inside the park. Visitors can take two safari tours each day and typically carry home astounding wildlife encounters from this unfenced territory. 5. Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve: Off the Beaten Path Tourists tend to avoid Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve which rests 300 kilometers away from Indore as this park does not receive the same level of tourist traffic like other reserves thus providing perfect solitude for nature lovers. The Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve consists of two parts including Sanjay National Park and Dubri Wildlife Sanctuary over an area of 831 square kilometers. The preservation area features various species including tigers and leopards together with Indian wolves and four-horned antelopes. Tourists who choose this location find its dense forest areas and steep hills extremely difficult during wildlife safaris but appreciate the challenging experience. Birdwatchers who visit this area can spot two rare bird species – the crested serpent eagle and paradise flycatcher. 6. Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary: A Hidden Gem Passersby can reach Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary easily because it stands at only 50 kilometers from Indore's city center. The Ratapani Tiger Reserve consists of the 823.84 square kilometer sanctuary which features dry deciduous forests and rocky outcrops. The sanctuary preserves both a well-balanced tiger population together with leopard and sloth bear along with multiple species of deer. People visiting the sanctuary can experience its rugged landscape by taking jeep safaris which allow them to witness the wildlife inhabitants. Nature lovers and thrill-seekers find Ratapani to be a perfect destination because it provides trekking and camping opportunities. 7. Safaris at Madhav National Park The 160-km vicinity from Indore showcases Madhav National Park as a single spot that unites historic, cultural and natural wildlife attractions. The 354 square kilometer expanse which started operations as a park in 1959 extends from forests and lakes to grassland territories. Sakhya Sagar Lake is a main attraction at this site because crocodiles can be seen lounging peacefully along its edges. The wildlife at the park consists of chinkaras along with nilgais and sambars and blackbucks. The reserve does not feature tiger populations but it makes up for it with its mesmerizing natural sights and peaceful environment. The park offers boat rides on its water bodies and safari activities which enable visitors to see its wonderful sights. Final Thoughts Wildlife enthusiasts can start their journey through India's biodiverse wildlife from Indore because the city stands near countrywide wildlife reserves of exceptional quality. All nature lovers can find something they enjoy in the natural parks as you can both experience ferocious tigers in their wild state alongside graceful barasinghas while enjoying peaceful unperturbed forests. All national parks around Indore present distinctive wildlife travel opportunities because you can choose between famous destinations such as Satpura and Kanha or visit the hidden gems of Ratapani and Sanjay Dubri. Set off into nature surrounding Indore with your camera, binoculars and adventurous spirit.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'Postcard' seaside village in Sussex with links to Disney author and tennis star
With much of both East and West Sussex being on the coast, there are a number of quaint seaside towns and villages. From cosy locations you may not have heard of to larger settlements, you are sure to have visited, there is a range of spots. This one we are spotlighting today has a "perfect postcard setting" and has been named among the most beautiful in Britain. So, here is why you should visit Rottingdean. Rottingdean is a village in Brighton and Hove on the south coast. Boasting a historic centre, it is often the subject of picture postcards. The first recorded mention of the village is 'Rotingeden', in the Domesday Book in the 11th century. Visit Brighton says its "most fascinating period" is that of "highly organised smuggling involving almost the entire village in the late 1700s". It is rumoured that the village had a "maze of brick-lined tunnels that led from the cliffs, under the duck pond, right into the locals' houses". Visit Brighton describes the village today as a "picturesque" spot, boasting a "pretty duck pond and cosy cottages". It adds: "It is a perfect postcard setting with its own nature reserve and some impressive manicured gardens. As if that isn't appealing enough, it also has its own beach, just a five-minute walk from the village." Rottingdean saw its beach recently crowned one of the best in Britain, too. Rottingdean has a number of notable residents. One of these is famous author Rudyard Kipling, most known for The Jungle Book, a classic collection of short stories and poems first published in 1894 These have been made into several films, with the most well-known being the Disney animated classic from 1967, as well as a live-action remake by Disney in 2016. Kipling lived in the village, and you can visit Kipling Gardens, which were once part of The Elms, where Rudyard Kipling lived from 1897 to 1902. Other famous faces with links to the village you might recognise include the former number one tennis player, Fred Perry. He won three consecutive Wimbledon Championships in the 1930s and was the last British player to win a men's singles Grand Slam title until Andy Murray won the 2012 US Open. You will likely recognise the name due to the popular clothing company that exists today, The iconic white cotton sports shirt, made to be similar to René Lacoste's, was launched at Wimbledon in 1952. The Fred Perry tennis shirt was an immediate success and still remains a large brand today. British politician Sir Michael Fabricant was born in the village. Sir Michael Fabricant appeared on Celebrity Big Brother 2025 (Image: ITV) Sir Michael was the MP for Lichfield in Staffordshire, formerly Mid Staffordshire, from 1992 until his defeat in 2024. You may recognise him for appearing on the latest series of Celebrity Big Brother. As Visit Brighton says, Rottingdean is home to "plenty of appealing places to stop for a bite to eat", including "warm and cosy pubs, some tea rooms and a few other small shops and cafés". The Terraces Stage on the seafront boasts a programme of music and theatrical events from June through to September, most of which are free admission. Recommended reading: 'Beautiful' market town in Sussex named one of Britain's happiest places to live The 'famous' Sussex town that is a celebrity hotspot and inspired a Disney book 'Secluded hidden gem' in Sussex named one of Britain's most beautiful villages You could also try The White Horse Hotel, which overlooks the sea and offers "traditional pub grub", or Molly's café down on the beach itself. The village is also home to the Grange Museum and Art Gallery, which overlooks the pond and village green. The early Georgian building currently houses a library and tea garden too.
Sky News AU
5 days ago
- Sky News AU
Darling Harbour's stunning new 'W' hotel, hilltop Singapore resort among new entrants on luxury list of the best places to stay in Asia, Australia and beyond
A new hilltop hotel in a tropical garden with its own beach has helped reignite a tourism boom in Singapore. It is one of a number of new hotels from Asia, Europe and Australia to make the hotel hot list this year. Raffles Sentosa is Singapore's first all-villa hotel featuring 62 contemporary lodges, each with its own private pool. It is an ideal place for a mini break for travellers making the arduous trip to and from Europe. Or stay longer and settle into a resort style hotel with access to an award-winning golf club and Sentosa's Tanjong Beach. Raffles Sentosa is set in 100,000 sq m of gardens. It is a far cry from the original Raffles hotel built at 1 Beach Road in 1887 and named in honour of Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, the British statesman and the father of modern Singapore. It is steeped with history and nostalgia. Rudyard Kipling edited his first draft of The Jungle Book there. Elizabeth Taylor, Michael Jackson, W. Somerset Maugham, Noël Coward, and Ernest Hemingway also stayed there. The hotel was refurbished in 2017. The Raffles name also spread to 18 hotels including new properties in Cairo, Istanbul, London and Bali. Raffles London at the OWO occupies a stately Grade II Edwardian Baroque building in Whitehall once the centre of British Government and the Old War Office. It is close to St James's Park, Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey and close to West End theatres. Raffles Bali features 32 oceanfront villas, each with their own pool and garden. Raffles Sentosa is noted for its culinary offerings starting with the Empire Grill, a modern Italian restaurant. And of course there is a restaurant offering Cantonese cuisine. Royal China is set in a dining room framed by floor-to-ceiling windows and surrounded by lush greenery. And there is a Japanese omakase restaurant, Iyasaka by Hashida. Chef Kenjiro "Hatch" Hashida's aim is to make it the best Japanese restaurant outside his homeland. Hilton, the global hotel colossus, already operates 8,600 hotels and resorts and is planning more. The new ones are being built in New York, Costa Rica, Athens and Osaka. In London, The Emory at Belgravia in London seems to be top of the hit parade with the critics. It's the capital's first all-suite hotel and one of the last projects by the late Richard Rogers, one of England's most celebrated architects. The Emory was built by the Maybourne hotel group which owns and runs the Berkeley next door as well as Claridge's and the Connaught. In Sydney, the curvaceous W hotel at Darling Harbour reeks of glamour and sophistication and features weirdly wonderful mirror aluminium panels on the ceiling. It is a grand edifice with 588 guestrooms and suites. Josh and Julie Niland's boutique hotel Grand National in Paddington couldn't be more different. It has 14 rooms and is a study in a restrained elegance. It sits above their celebrated restaurant, Saint Peter, and is a drawcard for the culinary cognoscenti. Their original restaurant, Saint Peter, opened around the corner in 2016, was the only Australian restaurant that made it to The World's Best Restaurant List in 2024. The new Eve Hotel on the border of Surry Hills and Redfern in Sydney draws on the Australian landscape for its architectural inspiration. Guests enter a calming lobby anchored by natural stone and bespoke glazed terracotta. Architect Adam Haddow designed the hotel to wrap around a central courtyard allowing sight lines through to lush greenery. The hotel's 102 guest rooms each offer a 'unique experience with an Australian inspired palette of either eucalyptus or red clay tones'. Each room has a private balcony. Haddow's groovy hotel is the centrepiece of the new Wunderlich Lane retail and hospitality precinct on Cleveland Street. TRAVELLERS' TIP Singapore Airlines is offering competitive business class fares to Singapore. A sampler: Sydney to Singapore return, from $6,108. Melbourne to Singapore return from $4,343. Adelaide to Singapore return from $4,448. Brisbane to Singapore return from $5,659.16.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Time of India
Meet the 'Tiger Men' of Pench and Tadoba
Gajendra Singh Rathore, MD, Jungle Camps India The forest has a rhythm. But you have to be still. You have to be willing to listen. At the entrance to Pench, the massive gate opens into the Pench Jungle Camp - the very landscape that once inspired Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book. But the fiction ends there. At Pench, the stories are real. They walk on four legs. They glide through the trees. And as the Jungle Camp India resort's staff at Pench and Tadoba - from founder to naturalist to chef might tell you, these stories linger long after tourists leave. They speak of the bravery of the unseen, the unheard, the undervalued - those who protect the wild not with fanfare, but with fierce commitment. Lives Rewritten by the Wild The passion for the wild runs deep among the founder and staff. There's Gajendra Singh Rathore, who took an improbable journey from chartered accountancy to conservation. Over two decades, he has built infrastructure, introduced safaris, and mentored a new generation of naturalists across central India. He speaks with quiet reverence about his mission: turning tourists into conservationists. 'Every day, our staff educates guests not just about tigers, but about the rangers who defend nature, about how you can contribute to sustainable coexistence, and about the urgency of habitat loss,' he says. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Secure Your Child's Future with Strong English Fluency Planet Spark Learn More Undo 'This is not just hospitality - it's a movement.' Gajendra Singh Rathore, MD, JCI Jungle Camp India's model isn't just about creature comforts or curated experiences. It's rooted in community. From hiring locals to teaching tourists about scientific research, the camps strive to embed sustainability into every aspect of their operations. Gajendra Singh Rathore says,"Every day through our resort, our safaris, and our passion for eco-tourism, we try to make guests understand that we all share the responsibility of protecting the natural efforts are rooted in respect, listening, and patience like the forest itself." Eco-tourism as conservation Jungle Camps India is a constellation of luxurious eco-lodges scattered across Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, two tiger-rich states in central India. From the raw, rugged forests of Tadoba in Maharashtra to the calmer canopies of Pench on the Madhya Pradesh border, these stays do more than just accommodate - they interpret, educate, and protect. Yash Rajput, who now oversees operations at Tadoba, left a career at McKinsey & Company to work in the forest. 'Finance couldn't compete with the call of the wild,' he says. 'Nobody goes disappointed from Tadoba. The tiger sightings here have made it a magnet for true wildlife enthusiasts.' Naturalists here are more than guides, says Raghuveer Singh, GM at Pench branch of JCI. 'We are the glue,' Nayan, who calls himself 'Tiger Man' says. 'Between tourists and the wild.' Indeed, increasing tourist footfall has paradoxically helped tiger conservation by deterring poaching through visibility and awareness. Samrat, a seasoned naturalist, puts it plainly, 'It was never the tourists who undermined the tiger protection campaign. When tigers vanished in certain areas, it was tourists and local nature lovers who blew the whistle. Suagto, a naturalist at Pench, is a trained tracker who has participated in multiple wildlife censuses. But he's just as likely to halt a safari for the humble beauty of a butterfly. 'The forest speaks in many languages,' he says. 'It's not just the big cats. It's everything. You have to be willing to listen.' One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
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India.com
7 days ago
- India.com
Planning A Wildlife Safari? Visit THESE 10 Indian National Parks Before Monsoon Begins
photoDetails english 2907314 Updated:May 28, 2025, 12:55 PM IST 1 / 12 As the monsoon season approaches, nature transforms into a lush paradise, making it the perfect time to explore the great outdoors. National parks across the country come alive with vibrant greenery, blooming flowers, and a symphony of wildlife activity. Whether you're an adventure enthusiast, a wildlife lover, or simply someone looking to escape the hustle of city life, visiting these 10 national parks ahead of the monsoons offers a unique experience. Prepare for breathtaking landscapes, refreshing rain showers, and the chance to witness nature at its most beautiful. Let's dive into our top picks for national parks that promise unforgettable adventures this monsoon season. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand 2 / 12 India's first national park is a paradise for tiger lovers and birdwatchers, with its dense forests, riverbanks, and varied terrains providing perfect opportunities for safaris and nature photography. The best time to visit is from March to mid-June. Highlights include sightings of Royal Bengal Tigers, elephants, and gharials, while the Dhikala zone offers excellent chances for overnight stays and optimal wildlife viewing. Additionally, the park is home to over 600 species of birds, making it a haven for ornithologists. Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan 3 / 12 Ranthambore offers a dramatic mix of wildlife and historical ruins, with the dry summer landscape from April to early June making it easier to spot animals congregating around waterholes. The park is famous for its tigers that roam among ancient forts, and it is also home to sloth bears, hyenas, and leopards, making it an ideal destination for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts. Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh 4 / 12 Bandhavgarh, a wildlife lover's dream, boasts one of the highest tiger densities in India, with frequent tiger sightings from March to May. The park's mystical charm is further enhanced by ancient caves and the ruins of Bandhavgarh Fort, while a rich bird and butterfly population adds to its diverse wildlife. Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh 5 / 12 Known for its expansive meadows and sal forests, Kanha is the sole habitat for the endangered hard-ground barasingha. The best time to visit is from March to June, where highlights include sightings of tigers, leopards, and barasinghas during scenic jungle safaris. This park is also notable as the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling's "The Jungle Book." Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh & Maharashtra 6 / 12 Pench is a lesser-known gem, featuring teak forests and flowing rivers that create an ideal setting for peaceful yet exciting safaris. The best time to visit is from February to May, where highlights include sightings of tigers, leopards, and wild dogs amidst beautiful river landscapes and hilly terrain, making it a true birdwatching paradise. Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra 7 / 12 Tadoba is renowned for regular tiger sightings, particularly from March to May, as the big cats often lounge near waterholes in the dry forest landscape. During this period, visitors have a high chance of spotting tigers, and can also enjoy the benefit of fewer tourist crowds. The park is additionally home to sloth bears and wild boars. Kaziranga National Park, Assam 8 / 12 Before the Brahmaputra floods the region, from February to early May, Kaziranga stands as the premier destination for spotting one-horned rhinoceroses in their natural habitat. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers both elephant and jeep safaris, allowing visitors to witness not only rhinos but also elephants and wild buffaloes. Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal 9 / 12 The Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest, is home to unique swimming tigers and estuarine crocodiles. The best time to explore this mysterious UNESCO World Heritage Site is from November to May, before the monsoon season makes boat safaris risky. During this period, visitors can enjoy a unique boat safari experience and spot Royal Bengal Tigers, crocodiles, and mudskippers. Satpura National Park, Madhya Pradesh 10 / 12 Satpura is known for offering a more intimate and less commercialized wildlife experience, with unique walking safaris and canoe rides. The best time to visit is from March to June, allowing visitors to enjoy highlights such as sightings of sloth bears, leopards, and Indian bison, along with rare walking safaris. The park also boasts the scenic Denwa River and intriguing rock shelters. Nagarhole National Park, Karnataka 11 / 12 Part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Nagarhole is characterized by its dense forests and streams, making it one of India's best leopard habitats. The ideal time to visit is from April to early June, when highlights include sightings of elephants, leopards, and wild dogs, along with boat safaris on the Kabini River amidst a lush landscape supported by excellent safari infrastructure. 12 / 12 Visiting national parks during the monsoon not only allows you to witness nature's splendor but also provides a chance to connect with the environment in a fresh and invigorating way. While the rain may bring challenges, it also enhances the beauty of these parks, making them more vibrant and alive. From the serene landscapes to the diverse wildlife, each park offers a unique experience that is worth exploring. So pack your bags, embrace the monsoon magic, and embark on an unforgettable journey to these stunning natural reserves. Remember to check weather conditions and park guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.
