Camps Corner

13/01/2019

19/12/2018

Gir Jungle Trail

Gir is one of India’s oldest sanctuaries, and is synonymous with the majestic Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica). The only place in India to see this animal, this park can take legitimate pride in saving an endangered species, which was at the threshold of extinction in the start of the twenty-first century, by providing it a more secured habitat. The Gir ecosystem falls in Biogeography Zone-4 (the semi arid) and Biogeography Province 4-B. Gujarat Rajwara is the last remaining abode of the Asiatic Lion, Panthera leo persica. The Government of Gujarat has declared an area of 1412.1 sq km as Protected Area (PA) which comprises 258.7 sq km as National Park and 1153.4 sq km as Sanctuary. Besides this 470.5 sq km of forest area forms a buffer Zone as reserve, protected and unclassified forest. Thus, a total area of 1882.6 sq km makes up the Gir forest.

Ecological importance

The largest compact tract of dry deciduous forest in the country, protected as Gir National Park and Sanctuary, covers an area of 1412 sq km in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat. Gir has evolved to host a very stable ecosystem with tremendous regenerating, self-supporting and self-sustaining capacity due to its richness of biodiversity: 606 different plant species, 39 species of mammals, 37 species of reptiles and over 300 species of birds and more than 2,000 species of insects. A breeding ground for migratory birds, the avifauna of Gir includes a variety of raptors and many other significant species, including Lesser Florican, Osprey, Indian Pitta, Red-headed Vulture, etc. It also supports a variety of reptiles, including the Indian python and the Indian star tortoise, and possibly one of the highest populations of Marsh crocodile in the country. Gir also has one of the densest concentrations of leopards in India.
The continuous forest, which covers a large tract, plays a pivotal role in keeping the climate moderate and also keeps the salinity levels at a low on the southern coast of Saurashtra. Gir is essential to life in Gujarat. It helps in the smooth running of several ecological activities. Gir forms a part of the south central highlands in Saurashtra and is a catchment of important rivers like Shetrunji, Hiran, Saraswati, Shingoda, Machhundri, Raval and Datardi. The forest helps recharge the water table due to infiltration and percolation in conjunction with soil and moisture conservation. Thus, Gir is a boon to farmers inhabiting the peripheral environs; it ensures sustained agricultural and horticultural production. Not to mention, the forest has great potential to be a centre for creating environmental awareness and imparting nature education. The real feather in Gir’s hat, though, is the presence of the Asiatic lion. The attraction of these ironic species coupled with the aesthetic beauty of the area and the close proximity to the Somnath temple, has made Gir a popular tourist destination.

Conservation

For over 150 years, Asiatic lions have remained confined only to Gir after the Nawab of Junagadh took strong conservation measures to protect them, leading to a growth in the lion population. Even today, thanks to the people who live in this area, Gir is one of the best conservation stories in the world. The number of Asiatic lion has increased to 411 in the area according to census conducted in 2010.
Adequate protection and better enforcement of conservation strategies have resulted in the dispersal of lions outside Gir National Park and Sanctuary. The lion's distribution range has expanded to 21 talukas in the 3 districts. It is possible that an increase in the number of male lions might be one of the reasons that lions are migrating in search of new, alternative territories. The government has taken steps to develop and increase more forest areas under the network of protected areas for the lions using the ‘landscape conservation’ approach. Infrastructure, skilled manpower, better communication and patrolling systems, state-of-the-art rescue and treatment facility, people participation, scientific and organized management inputs, and esteemed leadership are the key factors behind the overall biodiversity conservation.

Eco-tourism

Tourism in Gir had its modest beginning much before the country’s independence. During the last decade, a lot of improvement works have taken place in terms of promoting the ecotourism opportunities in Gir. In tune with the objectives of Wildlife Conservation, ecotourism is allowed on a limited and regulated basis in identified eco-tourism zone near sasan-Gir. The objectives of eco-tourism in the Gir are to minimize the negative impact of tourists on PA and wildlife, to provide economic benefits to the local communities, to maximize peoples’ enjoyment during their stay through education, interpretation and to increase the visitors’ concern for nature and biodiversity conservation.

16/12/2018

THE GREAT RANN OF KUTCH

A desert by definition, for those who value the beauty of culture, Rann of Kutch is a vast ocean of cultural beauty. With a glorious past captured in its traditions this is a culture that not only preserves its essence but also celebrates it.

Each village has its unique craft that has been mastered over centuries by the talented and uniquely artistic people of Kutch. Machine-made works of art pale in comparison to the exquisite craftsmanship of the Kutchi women who work with meticulous detail and astonishing accuracy. The variety of crafts range from weaving, patchwork, block printing, bandhani, tie-and-dye, rogan-art and other ethnic styles of embroidery, to pottery, wood-carving, metal-crafts and shell-work.

Beautifully organized by the Department of Gujarat Tourism, Rann Utsav is truly a festival that celebrates the varied art forms and handicrafts arising from different parts of Kutch.

13/12/2018

Kailash Mansarovar

Even before the Himalayas rose into existence, Mount Kailash towered above them. The Kailash Range is 30 million years old and its supreme peak, the 6,675 meter high Mount Kailash was formed of shining granite with its white glacial crest, was already a huge, structure even when the Himalayas were just beginning to protrude out of the Tethys Sea. Hindus and Tibetans seem to have been aware of the uniqueness of this mountain from the most ancient times. To Hindus it is the earthy embodiment of the dominant mountain of heaven, Meru, and the residence of Lord Shiva and his consort Goddess Parvati. To Tibetans it is Sumeru, the cosmic centre of the universe. Consequently Mount Kailash has held a great charm for pilgrims for centuries.

As might have been expected, most of the Himalayan passes in Kumaun and Garhwal provide access to this sacred mountain. Today, however, pilgrims from India are allowed to journey to Mount Kailash only through the Lipulekh pass in Kumaun. Moreover, the pilgrimage to Kailash, and to the sacred Mansarover lake that lies 30 Km to its south, is run exclusively by a government organization, the Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN). The organization works in collaboration with the Government of India's Ministry of External Affairs, and the Government of China. Kailash - Mansarovar lies in Chinese-occupied Tibet.

12/12/2018

Bungee Jumping

Bungee jumping is the sport of jumping from tall structures such as bridges, buildings and towers with an elastic cord tied around your ankle. With the cord secured to the structure, bungee jumping gives you a sense of free falling until the cord reaches its end and snaps you back toward the top of the structure. The highest structure in the world for bungee jumping is China's Macau Tower, the launching pad for world-record drops. For bungee jumpers in the United States, a popular place is Bungee America, located in the Angeles National Forest in Los Angeles, California.

11/12/2018

Rock Climbing

If you aren't afraid of heights, rock climbing could be the adventure sport for you. Rock climbing styles include free, trad, aid, solo, ice and mountain. Before you set out to climb, you'll need appropriate equipment, including carabiners that connect your rope and your harness; the harness is needed to hold you up while you are climbing. Also critical are belay devices, used by climbers to feed the rope to one another. Climbing shoes made of vulcanized rubber, gloves and a helmet are also essential safety equipment. You can find rock climbing across the country in locations such as Mt. Shasta, Mt. Hood and Yosemite National Park on the West Coast and east of the Rockies in McConnells Mill State Park, Tennessee River Gorge and Rocky Mountain National Park.

10/12/2018

Types of Adventure Sports

If you enjoy adrenaline rushes or thrilling adventures, then adventure sports could just be what the doctor ordered. Whether it's climbing the face of a mountain, jumping off a bridge, diving to see sharks or navigating through treacherous rapids, there is an adventure around most corners

Whitewater Rafting

Whitewater rafting is the sport of navigating on rivers in an inflatable raft. Usually several people are in the raft, and each uses a paddle to help navigate. Rapids are categorized into six classes according to order of difficulty, which guides you to the whitewater experience that is appropriate for your experience level. Level I rapids are small, easy waves with no obstacles and don't require a guide. Level VI rapids include unrunnable waves and waterfalls that can be deadly. Rafting adventures are as close as the nearest river or across the country in locations such as New York's Salmon River, Oregon's Rogue River or the famous Colorado River.

08/12/2018

5. TREKKING

a. Shepherd’s Trail, Himachal Pradesh

The Shepherd’s Trail may be a bit challenging, but the beautiful landscapes make it well worth the effort. Some parts of the trail can only be accessed for four-five months in the year, so plan your trek accordingly.

b. Zanskar, Jammu & Kashmir

If you are looking for a challenging trek that will really test you, head to the Kargil district in Jammu and Kashmir for the Zanskar trek. Few things in the world can match the sense of accomplishment one gets after conquering this trail.

c. Dodital, Uttarakhand

If you are looking for a more relaxing trek, Dodital in Uttarakhand is ideal for your needs. With multiple trails around Dodital lake, trekking in these parts of Uttarakhand can be an amazingly tranquil experience.

07/12/2018

4. SCUBA DIVING

a. Andaman Islands

In the world of scuba diving, the waters around the Andaman Islands have been a very well-kept secret. However, as more people come to know about it, the Andaman Islands are playing host to an increasing number of scuba divers from around the world.

b. Netrani, Karnataka

If you prefer to keep your scuba diving action closer to the mainland, Netrani in Karnataka is a great place to get started off at. Not only are the waters pristine, there are a number of certified world-class diving schools that rent out quality equipment for safe adventuring.

c. Lakshadweep Islands

For those who want to go scuba-diving while staying away from the crowds, it doesn’t get any better than the Lakshadweep Islands.

06/12/2018

3. WATER SPORTS

a. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Rishikesh has long been one of the finest places in India for water sports. Nothing much has changed over the years as the rivers around Rishikesh continue to be one of the most ideal destination for white-water rafting.

b. Baga, Goa

Goa is more than just churches, partying, and affordable alcohol! Look closely and you will find a budding water sports culture. From jet-skiing to surfing, the beaches of Goa have a lot to offer. You just have to look in the right places.

c. Devprayag, Karnataka

In many ways, Deprayag in Karnataka is the ideal place for people looking to take up kayaking. The Kali River is a mix of calm and rough waters, which means it is a great place to learn and master the art of kayaking and rafting.

05/12/2018

2. PARAGLIDING

a. Stok Kangri, Ladak

The trek up to Stok Kangri is considered to be one of the most challenging trek routes in India. However, once you’re up there, you can reward yourself by paragliding over the valleys and taking in some breath-taking views.

b. Bir, Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh isn’t just about Shimla and family vacations. HP is fast becoming an adventure sports hub and Bir attracts para-gliders from all over the country and even from across the world.

c. Kamshet, Maharashtra

Located 110 km outside Mumbai and only 45 km from Pune, Kamshet is the go-to destination for paragliding in the West coast. With conditions that are ideal for amateurs to learn in, you can expect Kamshet to be as busy as Bir in a few years.

04/12/2018

One of the best things about India is the wide variety of geological conditions and climates that the country offers. From the deserts of Rajasthan to the Himalayan mountains to the pristine lagoons of Kerala, few countries in the world, if any, can boast of such variety. It’s not surprising that India is a pretty good destination for adventure sports enthusiasts.

Although it has taken a bit of time to gain a foothold, adventure sports in India are becoming increasingly popular.

1. MOUNTAIN BIKING

a. Singalila Ridge, West Bengal

Although the Singalila Ridge in the northwest of West Bengal has been a popular trekking destination for quite some time, it has seen an influx of mountain biking enthusiasts in the recent years and has become a favourite on any Adventure

b. Pang to Rumtse, Ladakh

You don’t need a Royal Enfield to truly explore Ladakh. If you prefer to pedal rather than a motorized bike, Ladakh has a lot to offer. The road from Pang to Rumtse in particular provides a great balance between a challenging ride and exquisite views.

c. Trails of Sikkim

The trails of Sikkim are popular with mountain bikers from around the world. Not only are the trails, some of them running through tea plantations, quite thrilling but they also allow you to meet and enjoy with mountain bikers from other countries.