Pic: Corbett, Dec'08

The other day I was going through a blog where the blogger described her experience in Jim Corbett National Park. This park, earlier known as Hailey National Park in 1907, covers an area of 798 sq km. Interestingly the park possesses sub-Himalayan geographical and ecological characteristics. Not many will understand the importance of this, since ignorance is one of the easiest forms of self-deception now. But I just wish, for people who throw plastic wrappers on the road and care two hoots about the environment, realization would come a bit early. Before their kids start gasping for air and choke to death in front of their frail eyes.

Anyways, back to the blog. “More than visiting the wild, this trip was meant to be a respite from a monotonous routine. So instead of staying in a cottage somewhere inside the jungle, we chose a lush resort offering everything from perfect rooms and clean pool to a sports room and decent food,” she wrote.

The resort in question is Jim’s Jungle Resort, 2 km from the closest entrance to the forest, and if I am not mistaken, a very ‘urban’ area because Corbett is one of those parks where human settlements border on the wild side. And her words, I feel, are nothing more than a typical Dilliwala’s reaction when they are pushed out of their familiar surroundings.

So, the next morning, according to her blog, she and group of friends got on to a jeep and entered the forest. I can imagine the motley bunch giggling their way through the trail as the bored driver caressed his way through the tracks. “They say you could spot a tiger if you are lucky. Guess we were quite an unlucky lot. We saw nothing to boast of except a few beautiful birds, wild hen, spotted deer and some admirable flora. It was only later we were told that the bright pink I wore like other members of the group are a strict no-no,” her blog says. “A few beautiful birds????” Now what’s that?

Bird lovers from all over the world, with their Leicas and Hasselblads, trudge across to this part of town to catch a glimpse of the Indian Hornbill, a magnificent bird that can dwarf a human kid.

“Wild hen?” That must have been the red jungle fowl, the ancestor of all domestic fowl. Too much of tandoori chicken, eh?

And of course, there is the splendid white-throated Bushchat (only around 8,000 are left in the wild). Known as a mysterious bird, it is locally called the $100 bird, meaning firangs pay that much for a mere sighting. This mysterious bird is a migratory bird though surprisingly it can only be found in the grasslands of Corbett in winter and not anywhere else. And oh yes, the Great Slaty (arguably the largest species of woodpecker in the world) also thrives here. So, what are we talking about?

Coming back to the tiger, I am glad that most tourists don’t catch a glimpse of it. This magnificent beast deserves some peace and not ignorant idiots on top of jeeps chasing it. Understanding nature is important. Understanding the habits of tigers is important. It is useful to know which deer’s call can confirm that a carnivore is in the vicinity. It helps to be in the core area of the forest and not in some clean swimming pool. Any which ways, the Ramganga River that feeds Corbett is cleaner. Especially, in those places where Ghariyals, Goonches and Mahseers swim in harmony. 

And most important: After going for a two-hour jungle safari in a forest, which covers 798 sq km, don’t write about hens. And secondly: Don’t insult Jim by encouraging comments such as this: “a few beautiful birds, wild hen, spotted deer and some admirable flora..."
ha ha... goes to show how overrated the place is. am sure nobody ever saw a tiger there except jim corbett himself.... visiting a zoo is more educational...” That was a comment on the blog.

I have nothing more to say. Goes to show why National Geographic doesn’t have a lot of Indian reporters.