 |
| Achanakmar Forest Reserve |
The SUV lurched and stopped. The vehicle had a burst tire, it seemed. I got down along with driver and as he was busy in fixing it I looked at the narrow rugged path leading somewhere in the dense jungle. The
Sal trees with branches were almost obstructing the path, an eerie silence intermittently broken by unrecognized sounds of wild animals and chirping of birds.
I was lost.Suddenly, there was a sound, a shuffling and I saw some figures moved quickly in those mysterious surroundings. I looked at the driver Ramesh frowning and a little scared. Ramesh looked at the direction of the sound and then at me.
“Don’t worry, sir. That’s not an animal. They are “Gond” tribal women, collecting wood and going home”, said Ramesh with a smile on his face. “How the hell do you know?’ I questiond! “Because I’m a “Gond” myself, but had been to school in Raipur”, replied Ramesh, grinning and showing his sparkling white teeth. I relaxed.
We were in
Achanakmar Biosphere Reserve. The reserve lies in the Bilaspur district in Chhattisgarh.
Chhattisgarh
This state of India is the great unexplored tourism wonder of most beautiful land, numerous tribes who practice their secret and ancient culture and rituals, awesome forest wealth with plenty of exotic wild animals, centuries old temples some with wired sexual poses (you will forget Khajuraho!) and a Bell Metal art still unknown to the world.
The fauna composition of the
Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve is quite rich. More diverse and flourished population of wildlife can be found in the Achanakmar Sanctuary in comparison to the other reserved forest areas included in the biosphere reserve. The major reason behind this is the better protection and improved habitat conditions attained in the Sanctuary, due to strict conservation actions taken so far.
We were lucky to see a tiger with a killed Bison, sambar and barking deer and variety of birds. The reserve’s statistics are amazing!
According to the 2004 census, the Achanakmar Sanctuary is home to 26 tigers, 46 panthers, 28bears, 1936 chitals, 1369 sambars, 376 barking deer, and 552 bison (gaur). Apart from these, other important fauna species found in the reserve include the blackbuck, chinkara, wolves, foxes, jackals, wild boar, monkeys, and giant squirrels. Besides the rich variety of mammal fauna species, the reserve also provides natural habitat to 170 bird species belonging to 51 families. Over 13 species of snakes and lizards along with several species of frogs (cricket frog, burrowing frog, tree frog, ornate narrow mouthed frog, toad,bullfrog are found in the reserve as well.
By evening we were back into our resort “Sal Valley Resort’ where we had come from Raipur after taking a 5 hrs journey by road. A nice and quite resort with bamboo/ dry grass roof cottages!
Next day after breakfast, had a full day excursion to Amarkantak Hill station and Holy destination, the origin of River Narmada. Enjoyed packed lunch on the bank of the river and spent day exploring places and by sunset drove back to resort and enjoyed camp fire dinner.
Bhoramdeo temple with sex sculptures
The following day we headed to our next destination, mystic Bhoramdeo (200 kms / 4.5 hrs drive), nestled around forest facing small lake, close to 7 to 11th century ancient Bhoramdeo temple which is also called “Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh”. Our stay was arranged at the Tourist Guest House overlooking a beautiful lake and forest.
 |
| Bhoramdeo temple |
Late in the afternoon after some rest, took a small nature walk, exploring Temple . The Bhoramdeo temple was amidst the picturesque surroundings of Maikal mountains and dense forests and a perfect blend of religious and erotic sculptures. The Bhoramdeo temple, was carved on the rocky stones in the Nagar style. The Shiva Linga in the temple was beautifully carved and the artistic appeal beckons the visitors. The Bhoramdeo temple had a resemblance with the
Khajuraho temple, and that is why it is also called the Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh. In the backdrop of natural beauty, this temple is also unique for its architecture.
Cunnigham had termed it as one of the most beautifully decorated temple seen by him.Continued on the next post........