Seven Iconic Animals Found In Jammu & Kashmir And Where To See Them

 Kashmir, known for its spellbinding, enchanting landscapes, is also home to many species of plants and animals. The state's biodiversity varies with elevation and includes many rare and threatened species. Poaching has always been a major threat to the state's wildlife, but currently, habitat loss also puts the state's biodiversity at stake. From the massive Himalayan brown bears to the Himalayan pit viper, the world's highest living snake, and the highly threatened hangul, Kashmir's seven iconic animals are quite unlike any other in the world!

Himalayan Brown Bear

A Himalayan brown bear. Image credit: Zoo Hluboka via Wikimedia Commons.

It is the largest mammal found in Kashmir and weighs around 250 kg. These bears, a subspecies of the brown bear, are found at altitudes ranging from 2,000 to 2,500 m and feed on both plant parts and animals like insects, crustaceans, rodents, livestock, etc. In recent times, the brown bear has come into conflict with the people of the state as driven by scarcity of food and intact habitat; these bears are forced to approach human-inhabited places. There have been sightings of bears feeding on garbage in human villages. Sightings of these bears have increased in the Pir Panjal Range, the hills of Pahalgam, Drass, Sonamarg, and Kupwara, and other parts of their range but not because of increased numbers but due to a change in behaviour driven by their preference for coming close to human habitation. Conservationists are requesting locals and hoteliers to responsibly dispose of garbage to ensure that potential human-wildlife conflict situations do not arise. 

Kashmir Musk Deer

A rare capture of a Kashmir musk deer. Image credit: Αντώνης Παπ. via Wikimedia Commons.

It is an enigmatic species that is quite unlike any other deer species - it lacks antlers, has large ears, unequal hind and forelimbs, and its males have fangs! This rarely seen species inhabits alpine grasslands and meadows at elevations of above 2,500 m in the Himalayas. The Kashmir musk deer is endangered and is heavily threatened by poaching for meat and musk glands. Very little is known about this species, and efforts to conserve it are also rare. Spotting a Kashmir musk deer in Jammu and Kashmir is thus a matter of great luck. The Overa–Aru and Limber Wildlife Sanctuaries and the Kishtwar National Park are places to look out for.

Western Tragopan

Illustration of a Western tragopan. Image credit: Archibald Thorburn, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

A Vulnerable species, the brightly plumed Western Tragopan is a mid-sized pheasant found in Jammu and Kashmir, with its range stretching into Himachal Pradesh and possibly Uttarakhand and Pakistan to the west. This bird is extremely shy and elusive and highly threatened by poaching. Only around 2,500 to 3,500 individuals remain in the wild. While its presence was known in the state, it was first photographically documented in 2023. However, to protect the bird, the authorities did not disclose the location of the bird. The Western tragopan is highly threatened by poachers who collect its feathers for the black market. Hence, to spot this bird, you must travel across its range depending on anecdotal information and try your luck.

Asiatic Black Bear

A Himalayan black bear in Jammu and Kashmir. Image credit: Abhay200112 via Wikimedia Commons.

This bear species, also called the "moon bear" due to the white crescent-shaped marking on the chest of the bear, is facing major conservation issues in Jammu and Kashmir. Like many other species inhabiting the state, it is facing habitat loss at a rapid pace. Forced out of the degrading forests and with a reduced food supply, these bears are often forced to approach human-dominated areas where they become the source of human-wildlife conflict. Many human attacks by these bears have been registered in recent times, and also retaliatory killings of these bears by people are becoming common. For those who want to see these bears in the wild, the Dachigam National Park is a place to visit.

Kashmir Stag

Illustration of a Kashmir stag or hangul. 

A few decades back, the hangul or Kashmir stag thrived in the dense forests and meadows of Kashmir. This red deer species' range stretched from eastern Kashmir's Kishtwar National Park to the Line of Control in the north. Today, however, these elegant animals number only a few hundred and are critically endangered. The Dachigam National Park and its surroundings near Srinagar is the only remaining habitat for the hangul. Here, too, its habitat suffers from encroachment and overgrazing by livestock. Poaching is also another major threat to the species.

Himalayan Pit Viper

A Himalayan Pitviper in the soil. Image credit: Name, CC via Wikimedia Commons

We usually do not associate Jammu and Kashmir with snakes but the state is home to quite a few of these slithering beauties. While most of the state's snakes are non-venomous members of the Colubridae family, two are highly venomous - the Levantine viper and the rarer Himalayan pit viper. The latter, a dark brown or grey-coloured snake, occurs at altitudes as high as 4,800 m and is the highest-occurring snake species on Earth. It feeds on rodents, skinks, amphibians, etc., found in its habitat. With climate change, the distribution of snakes is bound to change in Jammu and Kashmir, and the question is whether the state is prepared to combat this new change.

Kashmiri Flycatcher

A male Kashmiri flycatcher. Image credit: Bhargav Dwaraki via Wikimedia Commons.

This rare bird is a Vulnerable species that can be spotted in the  Zabarwan Hills and the Dachigam National Park. This small passerine bird is an insectivorous species living at an altitude of 1,800 to 2,700 m in areas with dense undergrowth in preferably mixed broad-leaved forests. Habitat destruction due to deforestation for timber, overgrazing, and agriculture threatens this species's survival in the state.

Seven Iconic Animals Of Arunachal Pradesh And Where To See Them

The northeast Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh is home to some of the remotest places in the country that are home to great biodiversity. From regal-appearing butterflies to gorgeous high-altitude tigers to rare melodious songbirds, that state's collection of wildlife is as unique as it can get. Come discover seven iconic animals that call Arunachal Pradesh home and learn where you can find them when visiting this paradise on Earth.

Kaiser-i-Hind

The Kaiser-e-Hind butterfly. Image credit: Vkchandrasekharanlic via Wikimedia Commons.

This out-of-the-world beauty became the state butterfly of Arunachal Pradesh in 2021. The name of the butterfly is as royal as its appearance. It means "Emperor of India." This swallowtail butterfly attains a wingspan of 90 to 100 mm and sports a beautiful shimmering green colour with bright yellow patches. The Kaiser-i-Hind, although extremely rare, has a range stretching from Nepal to northeast India all the way to Vietnam. In India, it is found across six Eastern Himalayan states at altitudes ranging from 6,000 to 10,000 feet. They prefer densely forested areas. In Arunachal, the Kaiser-i-Hind has been spotted in the Talle Valley, Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, Ziro Valley, Luyor Pass, and more recently in Mechukha. Habitat loss and poaching to supply dead butterflies to collectors threaten the survival of this rare winged beauty.

Tiger

A Bengal tiger. Image credit: Seemaleena, via Wikimedia Commons.

Arunachal Pradesh is home to three tiger reserves—Pakke, Namdapha, and Kamlang—which together house only around nine tigers. Unfortunately, the tiger population of Arunachal has dipped from 29 as per the 2018 census to just 9 in 2022. NTCA has thus created a special task force to protect the tiger habitats in the state. There are also tigers in the remote Dibang Valley of Arunachal Pradesh, home to the Idu-Mishmi tribe. These people consider the tiger to be their sibling and, hence, refrain from killing the animal. However, reaching these tigers is extremely arduous as the valley is highly remote, and the terrain is challenging. NTCA has recently drafted a plan to establish a tiger reserve in the area, but the local Idu-Mishmis are protesting this move as they believe that it will hamper their rights to access the forest.

Arunachal Macaque

Arunachal macaque on a camera trap in Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary. Image credit: Nandini Velho via Wikimedia Commons.

This endangered primate species is extremely rare, with only around 250 mature individuals surviving in the wild. It is one of the highest-dwelling macaque species, found at elevations ranging from 2,000 to 3,500 m. Currently, its only confirmed extant population is from Arunachal Pradesh, but it could survive in Bhutan and China as well. It is found in the Tawang District and in parts of the West Kameng (Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary) district in Arunachal Pradesh. The Arunachal macaque lives in a variety of habitats, including conifer forests, broadleaf forests, open scrub forests, and even agricultural areas. Hunting by non-locals for their meat and retaliatory killings by locals for agricultural damage are the primary threats to the species in Arunachal Pradesh.

Namdapha Flying Squirrel

The Red Giant Flying Squirrel from Namdapha National Park closely resembles the Namdapha Flying Squirrel. Image credit: Prashanthns via Wikimedia Commons.

After 42 long years, scientists from the wildlife conservation organisation Aaranyak spotted the Namdapha Flying Squirrel in Arunachal Pradesh last year. It was last reported from the state in 1981. The scientists observed the critically endangered rodent for over an hour in 2023 and identified it based on its prominent ear tufts, distinguishing it from the similar-looking Red Giant Flying Squirrel. The Namdapha National Park offers the best chance to spot this squirrel, which is endemic to Arunachal Pradesh. The Namdapha flying squirrel is an arboreal, crepuscular species found in the dry, deciduous montane forests near flowing waterbodies.

Bugun Liocichla

A Bugun Liocichla in Arunachal Pradesh. Image credit: Muk.Seh via Wikimedia Commons.

A critically endangered beautiful songbird finds new hope in Arunachal Pradesh, where it was first spotted in 1995 and described for the first time in 2006. Till now, only 14 individuals of this species have been identified in the Braiduah village area in the West Kameng district near the Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary. In 2024, the local Bugun community showed a great example of selflessness when they donated a part of their land, around 1,470 hectares of forest, to the government to create a protected area for these birds and other wildlife. Thus, the Braiduah Community Reserve was established to protect the land against tree felling and hunting, and allow the Bugun Liocichla to thrive.

Mishmi Takin

A Mishmi takin on a rocky slope. Image credit: Parc Animalier d'Auvergne.

The endangered Mishmi takin is a goat-antelope takin subspecies native to parts of northeast India, China, and Myanmar. It lives in elevations ranging from 2,000 to 4,500 meters and can easily navigate through dense high-altitude forests and rocky outcrops. The takin is well-adapted to survive the frigid environment of its habitat and has a broad snout with a network of air cavities designed to warm the air reaching the lungs. It is threatened by habitat loss and hunting for bushmeat in parts of its range. In Arunachal Pradesh, the Dibang Valley is a stronghold of this species. In 2024, the takin was also spotted in the Kamlang Tiger Reserve in Lohit and Anjaw districts.

Ward's Trogon

A Ward's trogon. Image credit: Mark Gurney via Flickr.com.

Arunachal Pradesh is a paradise for birdwatchers. Many species of birds of all shapes and sizes and, of course, colours, occur here, including many rare and threatened species. The Ward's trogon is a strikingly beautiful bird with bright red plumage on the breast that stands out as a stark contrast to the surrounding greenery in the cloud forests of the state. Ward's trogon is a near threatened species with the Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary being a great place to observe these birds in the wild. 

Seven Iconic Animals Found In Gujarat And Where To See Them

Over 7,000 species of flora and fauna call Gujarat home, and among them is the iconic Asiatic lion found nowhere else on the planet in the wild. Gujarat's Great and Little Rann of Kutch are noted for their diverse birdlife, while the state is also home to the iconic Indian wild ass. Graceful blackbucks can be observed in the state's Blackbuck National Park, and its coastal waters are ideal venues for watching interesting marine life, such as dolphins. Here are seven iconic animals to see in Gujarat.

Asiatic Lion

A male Asiatic lion in Gir, Gujarat. Image credit: Sumeet Moghe via Wikimedia Commons.

Obviously, when talking about animals that live in Gujarat, the first species that comes to mind is the Asiatic lion. It is definitely the pride of the state as Gujarat is home to 100% of the wild population of this endangered species. Once widespread across large parts of Asia, the Asiatic lion was ruthlessly hunted down to near extinction. In India, British rule was most lethal to these big cats, and by 1893, lions had been eliminated from the rest of the country except for a tiny population of around a dozen in the Junagadh area of Gujarat. Fortunately, the efforts of the local rulers and later the government of free India, as well as the pride of the people of Gujarat in the lion, all worked together to bring back the Asiatic lion from the brink. Today, an estimated 700 lions are in Gujarat, primarily concentrated in the Gir National Park and surrounding non-protected areas. 

Indian Sarus Crane

A sarus crane pair in courtship display. Image credit: Hari K. Patibanda via Flickr.com.

The people of Gujarat have always revered sarus cranes. It is said that in some villages, it is customary for newly married couples to witness sarus cranes in the wild to have a happy married life since these birds are known to mate for life. However, while there is respect and love for the birds, there are many threats as well. The sarus cranes are primarily ground-dwelling wetland birds and also build their nests on the ground, making them extremely vulnerable to many threats. Loss of wetlands over large parts of their range has forced these threatened birds to take refuge in croplands where people and machinery movement, feral dogs, and pesticide use endanger the survival of adult birds, chicks, and eggs.

Despite the grave situation, however, the number of these birds has risen from just around 500 in 2015-16 to around 1,150, as per the latest census in December 2022. Around 80% of this sarus crane population of Gujarat occurs in the three districts of Ahmedabad, Anand, and Kheda.

Indian Wild Ass

A mother and baby Indian wild ass in the Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary, Little Rann of Kutch, Gujarat.
Image credit: Balaji Venkatesh Sivaramakrishnan via Flickr.com.

Gujarat can also boast of housing the entire wild population of another species besides the lion - the Indian wild ass. Formerly found across a large range stretching from Central Asia to the Indian subcontinent, today, the wild ass is only found in Gujarat, where it is called the khur or ghudkhur. According to the Indian wild ass census conducted every four years, the number of this species has risen from 6,082 in 2020 to 7,672 in 2024, with the Surendranagar,  Kutch, and Patan districts hosting the highest populations of this species. The Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary in the Little Rann of Kutch is the best place to see and photograph these wild asses in the state. Deserts, arid grasslands and shrublands comprise the habitat of this near-threatened species. The Indian wild ass is known for its fast-running abilities, achieving speeds as high as 80 km per hour and can even outrun a jeep. In the past, diseases had wiped out large populations of the species, but currently, they are monitored for disease outbreaks. Habitat loss, invasive plants, and grazing by cattle of local communities are the biggest threats to this species today.

Mugger Crocodile

A mugger crocodile in Charotar, Gujarat. Image credit: Rupeshsarkar via Wikimedia Commons.

In the recent monsoon floods that swept through Gujarat, news poured in of people spotting muggers on Vadodara's streets. Indeed, Vadodara can easily claim to be India's "croc city!" A 22 km section of the Vishwamitri river flowing through the city is home to an estimated 300 crocs! These crocs, however, do not just remain confined to the river but use the 410-km-long network of stormwater drains crisscrossing Vadodara for their movement. When the river overflows in the monsoons, the crocodiles can be spotted crawling along the streets and homes of the city! The Charotar Wetlands is another crocodile-spotting hotspot in Gujarat. All this is actually good news because the muggers despite appearing like huge threats to human life are actually threatened themselves. They are labelled as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.

Blackbuck And Wolves

Blackbucks in Velavadar Blackbuck National Park. Image credit: Panchasarakrutarth via Wikimedia Commons.

Blackbucks, the fastest mammals in India prior to the re-introduction of cheetahs, find their haven in the Blackbuck National Park of Velavadar, Gujarat. The park, formerly the hunting ground of the ruler of Bhavnagar, was made a national park in 1976. It has a combination of grasslands, shrublands, saline land and tidal mudflats. Thus, taking a safari in the park offers views of interesting and changing landscapes and large herds of the graceful antelopes - the blackbucks. Where there is prey, there is also predator and this national park has a rare predator - the Indian wolf. While the wolf has disappeared across vast areas of its former range in India, the Black National Park is one of its last strongholds.

Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphin

Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphin. Image credit: Mandy via Wikimedia Commons.

Good news is coming from Gujarat's coastal waters. A 200% increase has been noted in the number of Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphins along the Gujarat coast extending from Sir Creek to the Gulf of Khambhat. The number has risen from only 221 in 2022 to 678, as per the census in January 2024! Now, tourists can take boat tours to Mithapur and Okha to enjoy the delightful view of these dolphins at sea. A vulnerable species, this dolphin faces threats from water pollution, coastal development, climate change, overfishing, and marine traffic disturbance. The species is labelled as endangered by IUCN.

Flamingos

Greater flamingos in the Rann of Kutch. Image credit: Dhaval Vargiya via Wikimedia Commons.

Every monsoon, the Great and Little Rann of Kutch in Gujarat experiences the pink wave. Yes, it is the gorgeous greater and lesser flamingos that paint the Rann with their beautiful colors. During the monsoon season, the desert there becomes a brackish water wetland where aquatic creatures like molluscs, algae, and plankton thrive. They are a rich nutrition source for the birds who arrive at the Great and Little Rann of Kutch in large flocks to feed and breed. They get their reddish-pink colour from the beta-carotene pigment present in their food (shrimp and algae). The greater flamingos are the largest flamingo species, distinguished from the lesser flamingos, which are the smallest flamingo species by both size and beak colour. The greater flamingos have pink beaks with brownish-black tips, while lesser flamingos possess brownish-crimson beaks.

Are Golf Courses A New Enviromental Threat In India?

A person playing golf. Image credit: Courtney Cook via Unsplash

Before I visited Goa, I had never thought about golf courses as an environmental threat. However, a village walk in Goa opened my eyes. I was taking a heritage walk in the tiny village of Tiracol when I learned how, for years, the residents have been fighting a major company planning to build a world-class golf course and resort in the area. The place was still quite untouched with wild vegetation, rich animal life, gorgeous uncrowded beaches, and mysterious caves. All that would change if the villagers lost the fight. 

Returning home, I started reading about the environmental impact of golf courses. It was huge!

I learned that golf courses are becoming a bigger environmental threat with time. This is primarily because golf, a sport previously confined to a small proportion of elites, is now becoming more accessible to the larger population, especially in fast-developing countries with growing incomes like India. While that might be a reason to celebrate in terms of achieving social equality, it is not good news for environmental security.

Aerial view of a massive golf course. Image credit: Richard Brutyo via Unsplash.com

I further went through research articles on why golf courses might cause harm to the environment. Here are some of the reasons:

Golf Courses Are Water Guzzlers

Water sprinklers irrigating a golf course. Image credit: Muhammed Zahid Bulut via Pexels.com

Golf courses are water guzzlers. They consume vast volumes of water, which is often extracted from nearby water bodies or groundwater. The water is used to irrigate the course. Thus, they deplete natural water systems and create an imbalance. For example, when golf courses near the coast exploit groundwater resources, the water level in underground aquifers might drop below normal, allowing saline waters from the sea to invade the aquifer and damage the overall water quality. Surrounding communities who depend on such water for survival will thus suffer.

Golf Courses Cause Habitat And Biodiversity Loss

A golf course fragmenting a forested habitat.

Golf courses cause habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation. They require vast space—an 18-hole golf course demands around 125 to 175 acres! Wildlife habitats are already under great exploitation pressure in India, where the population is so high. There is little space in the country's tightly packed cities and towns to create new golf courses. Thus, it is pretty understandable that the creation of new golf courses would mean destroying existing wildlife habitats while causing permanent damage to existing ecosystems.

Use Of Chemicals Cause Pollution

The use of pesticides and fertilizers causes soil and water pollution. Golf courses need these chemicals to maintain the quality of the grass. However, the substances ultimately integrate with the environment by mixing with the soil. They also enter ground and surface water with run-off water from the golf course. Ultimately, they enter living systems like ourselves through food and water, causing health issues. They also induce eutrophication of water bodies, making them unsuitable to sustain life. Studies conducted to measure pesticide concentration in water sources near golf courses have shown pesticide concentrations higher than permissible levels. 

A golf course in a mountain ecosystem replacing the native vegetation of the area. Image credit: Dan Congdon via Unsplash.com

Golf came to India during British rule. In 1829, the colonisers established the first golf course in India (also the first one outside the United Kingdom), the Royal Calcutta Golf Club in Kolkata. For years, access to golf remained limited to the elite sections of the society. It did not become a sport of the masses.

A golf course in Himachal Pradesh. Image credit: Adam Jones via Flickr.com.

Today, news reports state how golf is becoming more popular in India. With more disposable incomes and changing lifestyles inclined towards Westernisation, Indians are taking a greater interest in golf. Young corporate professionals are becoming the new-age golfers. Golf tourism is also increasing, with the mountains, forested areas, and the coast becoming sought-after venues for setting up golf courses. All these are fragile natural ecosystems already burdened by a multitude of threats.

It is not bad for a sport to become popular, especially one that benefits the mental and physical health of the players and spectators. However, in the case of golf, one needs to consider the greater good of the population. Since golf courses have such negative environmental impacts, they are detrimental to the health and well-being of the human population and other species as well.

Little research has been conducted on the environmental impact of golf courses in India. Future decisions on golf course creation should be based on data from scientific research. Else, it will be too late.

For further reading about the issue:

• Paradise not lost, yet
• The planet is burning. Why do golf courses still exist?
• Golf posed for high growth as a pastime across India
• Navi Mumbai couple fights to save a bird haven from becoming a golf course
• The Environmental Impact of Golf Courses

Experience A Different Side Of Goa At The Wildernest Nature Resort

The reception area of Wildernest Nature Resort. Image credit: Arijit Nag

From the stunning sea views at Fort Tiracol Heritage Hotel to the breathtaking valley view of Wildernest Nature Resort, our visit to Goa could not be more fabulous and unique. In this blog, let me tell you about staying in a popular eco-resort in Goa, in the heart of nature, with panoramic views of the Sahyadri mountains of the Chorla Ghats in the Western Ghats ecoregion, carpeted by dense forests. 

Our journey to Wildernest Nature Resorted started from Fort Tiracol, a historical fort turned luxury hotel in the secluded location of Tiracol, Goa. If you are interested, read about it in my previous blog. A two-and-a-half-hour journey by car from the fort took us to the parking area of Wildernest, nestled in the Chorla Ghats of Goa. Here, Ghats do not mean the river ghats like in Varanasi but mountain ranges like the Western Ghats. If you are travelling from the Manohar International Airport in North Goa, it is only around 1.5 hours away. Just an important note: the Google map might take you 1 km extra along the road, but you must stop at the Wildernest Nature Resort parking sign on the roadside. Look out for it as you approach the location. Once you park your car, a resort staff member at the parking area office will arrange your travel to the resort.

The funicular ride to the Wildernest Nature Resort, Goa.

Now begins the epic journey, one you will definitely always remember! You will now board the Canopy Slope Train/cable car (a version of funicular rail), which will then move above a steep mountain slope. The cable car, like an open box, offers panoramic views of the Sahyadris that will simply blow away your mind. Rows of mountains stretching as far as your eyes can go, covered in thick forests and waterfalls running down them, appear straight out of some fairytale. The sound of the waterfalls and songs of the birds will greet your ears. You'll feel the fresh mountain breeze touching your skin, and your lungs will thank you for breathing the unpolluted air.

Waterfall view from the Wildernest Nature Resort.

Be prepared to enjoy these serene settings during your entire stay at Wildernest Nature Resort and also experience adrenaline rushes as you trek through the mountains to experience the power and beauty of raw nature.

The funicular ride takes you to the reception area in around five minutes. There, you complete all the formalities and then walk to your room in the resort. Remember, you will have to walk a lot inside the resort and climb stairs, so those with health issues must be aware of the same. 

View from the Valley View room at the Wildernest Nature Resort. Image credit: Arijit Nag.

There are different types of cottages at Wildernest: forest view, valley view, valley view with private swimming pool, and family cottage. We opted for a valley view room, and it was thoroughly worth it! The room itself was simplistic, but the view from its balcony was just otherworldly. 

I spent entire evenings hanging around on the balcony, capturing many birds, butterflies, insects, and even a Brahminy skink on my camera! The lights are quite dim here to preserve the sanctity of the wilderness, so carry your own torches or use your cell phone ones. The rooms do not have air conditioners, which is appreciated given it is an eco-resort. However, we were travelling in early November, and it was pretty pleasant and, in fact, a bit chilly inside the room. 

The sprawling dining space has both outdoor and indoor seating options with massive buffet spreads. The food served is mostly local cuisine using locally available ingredients, which is, again, good as it is eco-friendly. Whether you are vegetarian or non-vegetarian, you'll find plenty of options for both.

Enjoying a hearty meal at Wildernest Nature Resort, Goa.

Of course, another place that will entice you at Wildernest Nature Resort is its beautiful swimming pool, where you can swim to your heart's content while soothing your eyes with the spectacular view of the valley spread out in front of you. There are changing rooms and also swimming costumes available in case you forget to bring yours.

The Wildernest Nature Resort offers plenty of activities and experiences. Look for the activity board outside the restaurant, which is updated daily. 

From treks and trails to folk dances and lamp dances, there is something for every type of traveller. My focus was the wildlife of the area. The Chorla Ghats is part of the larger Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot and is loaded with an array of life, including many endemics—species found nowhere else on the planet! 

A blue Mormon caterpillar at Wildernest Nature Resort, Goa.

Wildernest is completely enveloped in native vegetation, another hallmark of an eco-friendly resort that does not maintain manicured lawns but allows local vegetation to thrive. Amidst the greenery, you'll find many species of life forms. Early mornings and evenings before sunset are ideal for birding. Many species of beautiful birds like the Malabar barbet, Malabar pied hornbill, flame-throated bulbul, verditer flycatcher, black-naped monarch, oriental-dwarf kingfisher, and others are found here. 

A yellow-eyed bulbul at the Wildernest Nature Resort. 

As the sun comes out, you'll find gorgeous butterflies flying around, like the blue Mormon and Southern birdwing. However, it is not just during the day that you get to see wildlife here. The nighttime becomes even more lively, and there are chances of sighting the Malabar pit viper snake and some massive moths like the lunar moon moth, Atlas moth, and tussar silk moth. Green vine snakes are very commonly seen both during the day and night. 

A green vine snake at the Wildernest Nature Resort, Goa.

Camera trap images have also detected the presence of several mammals in the area, including leopards, gaur, porcupines, civets, and even a tiger in 2016!

However, if you are focused on wildlife-watching activities, you must speak to the resort staff for specific guidance and take personal trips with them. Otherwise, if you go for the set treks and trails, you will only be able to get an overview of the flora and fauna as you will be travelling with a larger group. During our stay, we were offered two treks - a highest-point trek to watch the sunset and a morning trek to a waterfall. 

Karvi flowerbuds waiting to bloom at Wildernest Nature Resort

Instead of going with the crowd, we took a personal naturalist guide with us to the highest point trek in the resort so that we could move at our own pace, photograph, and observe the nature around us. This was a good choice as it gave us all the time to soak in the natural beauty and stop and observe wherever we found something interesting. We, however, avoided the waterfall trek as we were a bit exhausted from all our previous travels and just wanted to enjoy the serenity of the resort. If you want to do the waterfall trek, be aware that it might be a bit demanding, but the rewarding view of the Chorla waterfall at the end is definitely worth it. YouTube videos of the trek are available online, so you can go through them before deciding.

The highest point trek was fun but also not overtly easy. There was a fair bit of climbing and moving through large rocks and steep slopes. However, it was fairly short for around 20 minutes one-way but ours took a bit more time as we stopped numerous times to admire the wildlife around us, including beautiful wildflowers and butterflies. 

Highest point trek at Wildernest Nature Resort, Goa.

The highlight of the trek was awaiting us at the top. Along with a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and waterfalls at the Goa-Maharashtra-Karnataka border area, we also saw karvi blooms at the top. This flower blooms every eight years, and 2024 was one of them. 

Karvi flowers in bloom after eight years at the Wildernest Nature Resort, Goa.

We also observed footprints of a gaur and the scat of a leopard at the top, implying that we were on the same path that these large mammals had passed by, possibly just a couple of days back.

Women performing the Lamp Dance at the Wildernest Nature Resort. 

Evenings at the resort are equally enticing, and you can enjoy pottery-making sessions, mehendi art, and cultural performances. We fell in love with the Lamp Dance, a traditional dance performed by Goan women that is a display of both power and beauty. 

Enjoying a cup of tea in the serene settings of Wildernest Nature Resort, Goa.

So, why wait? Plan your next trip to Goa and go on this offbeat adventure, combining the seaside stay at the historic Fort Tiracol with the forest-drenched holiday in the Wildernest Nature Resort of Chorla Ghats. You will definitely return home with fantastic tales to tell!

A Memorable Stay At Fort Tiracol Heritage Hotel, Goa

Fort Tiracol, Goa. Image credit: Arijit Nag

Have you ever fancied living in an ancient fort on a clifftop with a mesmerising view of the ocean in front of your eyes? If yes, then Fort Tiracol in Goa, India, is just the place to be. I visited the fort on my last visit to Goa and have tried to provide you with a vivid description of what I saw, heard, and learned.

The fort, a protected heritage property now converted into a luxury hotel, overlooks the confluence of the Tiracol River and the Arabian Sea. Located around 1.5 hours from the Manohar International Airport, Goa, the property welcomes guests with a fresh sea breeze, a spectacular panoramic view of the blue ocean, and historic fort walls that tell their own tales. 

Step into the fort's courtyard, where you see a beautiful white church, the St. Anthony's Church, at one end and a statue of Jesus at the other. The church remains open on Sundays when villagers from the nearby village of Tiracol visit it for the Sunday mass. 

St. Anthony's Church, Fort Tiracol. Image credit: Arijit Nag

The sea-facing side of Fort Tiracol has a series of rooms offering captivating ocean views. Each room has a cosy balcony where you can sip your morning or evening tea and watch the sky above the sea change colours, further enhancing the beauty of the blue ocean below. The rooms come with vintage decor and a luxurious feel that transports you to a different era. 

A room with the view of the sea at Fort Tiracol Heritage Hotel, Goa. Image credit: Arijit Nag

The rooms also lead to a common staircase that climbs down the historic fort walls to reach an amphitheatre below, where you come closer to the ocean and simply experience the serenity of the place. Looking up, you can admire the historic fort and think about the many ancient dwellers of this bastion.

The amphitheatre at Fort Tiracol, Goa. Image credit: Arijit Nag

It is believed that Fort Tiracol was established on a hillock in the 17th century by the ruler of Sawantwadi (present-day Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra), Khem Sawant Bhonsle. It helped the king maintain a naval fleet for defence and trade. 

At the entrance to Fort Tiracol Heritage Hotel.

Later, in 1746, the Portuguese annexed the fort, which remained under their control until 1961! The fort is also associated with India's freedom fighters, who used it as a symbolic location to demonstrate their right to independence from colonial rule.

Hence, once you learn about this fort's history, your stay becomes even more interesting as you feel the history oozing out of every part of the property. 

The beautiful view from the room at Fort Tiracol. Image credit: Arijit Nag.

Of course, another experience to look forward to at Fort Tiracol is the food served there. The dining area is, again, one with a view to remember! One story above the living area, the restaurant of Fort Tiracol, the Tavern, just soothes your eyes and soul with its gourmet food and gorgeous sea views. Try out the local Goanese cuisine here, like prawn balchao and chicken xacuti. Continental dishes are also available and are equally good.

The sunset viewpoint and half-moon beach near Fort Tiracol, Goa. Image credit: Arijit Nag

There is a fantastic sunset viewing point close to the property where you can enjoy some cosy time with loved ones while watching the sunset. Although the property lacks a beach of its own, a beautiful beach nearby is easily accessible from the fort. You can see the beach from the fort but must take a ferry across the sea to visit it. The ferry is available every half hour, and the staff will help arrange a car to take you to the ferry ghat.

In addition to the beach visit, you can also go on a fishing expedition, take a heritage walk, or explore other beaches. The staff at Fort Tiracol are always ready to help you with such arrangements.

View of the sea from a cave near Fort Tiracol, Goa.

During our stay, we took a guided heritage walk in the morning outside the property, which lasted just over an hour and gifted us with wonderful memories. The guide explained the history of the fort and the area and took us to the cliffside, where we saw the sea lashing the shores of a half-moon-shaped beach and a small, mysterious cave that ended in a phenomenal view. The locations are genuinely remarkable for photography, so make sure you dress accordingly. However, remember to wear comfortable walking shoes as the route is undulating, and heels are a definite no-no. 

The way to The Tavern in the evening with the church in the background.  Image credit: Arijit Nag

The nights at Fort Tiracol are equally enjoyable. If you are visiting as a couple, you are sure to enjoy the romantic candlelight dinner at The Tavern with light music in the background. If visiting with friends or family, it is the perfect time to relax and engage in deep conversations. The serene settings will definitely calm your mind and soothe your soul.

Read about another offbeat destination in Goa here: Wildernest Nature Resort, Chorla Ghats

11 Animals That Live In The Ganga River

India's holy river, the Ganga, is the lifeline of millions settled along its stretch of around 2,525 km from the western Himalayas to the Ganga Delta, opening into the Bay of Bengal. The river has witnessed thousands of years of rich Indian history and the rise and fall of so many great empires. It is also worshipped as a deity, Goddess Ganga. In addition to its historical, cultural, and religious significance, the Ganga and its tributaries also teem with biodiversity. The river system is home to the critically endangered gharial crocodilians and the endangered Gangetic river dolphins. Threatened species of otters also live along its banks. The river system also welcomes many species of migratory birds in winter. The endangered Indian skimmers and black-bellied terns build their nests on the sand bars of the river. It is also home to the gorgeous golden mahseer fish, an endangered fish with a declining population. Many species of threatened turtles and amphibians also inhabit this historical river. In this article, learn about ten such animals found in the Ganga River and the threats they face.

1. Indian Skimmer

Endangered Indian skimmer in the Chambal River. Image credit: Arindam Bhattacharya via Flickr.com.

The Ganga River basin, with its rivers, marshes, lakes, and flooded wetlands, attracts many species of migratory birds as well as houses a diversity of resident avian species. Many protected areas along the basin are dedicated to protecting these birds. The Indian skimmer (Rynchops albicollis) is one such species that lives in the basin area, with nearly 80% of its breeding population occurring in the Chambal River, a tributary of the Yamuna River, the largest tributary of the Ganga.  

The Indian skimmer is a beautiful-looking bird with bright orange-yellow beaks, with the lower one longer than the upper one. It is called "skimmer" because it flies above the water surface while skimming for fish with its lower extended mandible.

The Indian skimmer is an endangered species that faces threats primarily due to its ground-nesting habit on sand bars and islands in the river. The bird scrapes out a nest in the sand in a sand island/bar in the river and lays eggs in it. Such sand bars are usually surrounded on all sides by water, keeping the nests safe from predators. However, the problem occurs when the river's water level changes due to human interference. For example, a sudden release of water from the dams in the Chambal River can flood the sand bars and flush out the nests of these birds. On the other hand, when the river water falls too low due to extreme summers, the sand bars get connected with the banks, allowing predators like dogs and foxes to approach the nests and eat the eggs. Trampling by cattle and humans and egg collection by people also occur when during such dry periods. Illegal sand mining is also a major threat to the species. Overfishing also depleted the prey base of these birds, causing their populations to shrink.

2. Black-bellied Tern

Black-bellied tern at National Chambal Sanctuary in India, Morena, Madhya Pradesh. Image credit: Godbolemandar via Wikimedia Commons.

Another endangered bird species, the black-bellied tern (Sterna acuticauda), suffers quite the same fate as the Indian skimmer. Once again, its nesting habit in the sand subjects it to the same risks as the Indian skimmer. The Chambal River in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh is also one of the last refuges of this bird's breeding population. The National Chambal Sanctuary, which protects a large section of this river, serves as a blessing for both the Indian skimmer and the black-bellied tern. According to estimates, around 1,000 mature individuals of this species survive in India.

3. Gangetic River Dolphin

A Gangetic River dolphin. Image credit: MSH Sourav via Wikimedia Commons.

The critically endangered Gangetic river dolphin once thrived in the Ganga from Haridwar to the Sundarbans in thousands. One of the world's four freshwater-exclusive dolphin species, the Platanista gangetica's presence indicates a healthy riverine ecosystem. However, the species has dwindled over the centuries from around 10,000 at the end of the 19th century to just over an estimated 3,500 in the early 2000s. Currently, it is an endangered species distributed primarily within the main stem of the Ganga and its major tributaries, and it has disappeared from the large parts of its historical range. The species now faces severe habitat fragmentation due to the construction of numerous dams, barrages and other obstructions in the rivers. It also suffers from water pollution, deaths as bycatch, loss of prey base, hydrological changes, and more.

4. Otters

Smooth-coated otters. Image credit: Rk20julyvia Wikimedia Commons.

Three species of otters have been recorded in the Ganges river: smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata), Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra), and Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus). The evidence of these animals' presence is obtained from direct observations or through the study of signs of their presence, like footprints and spraints. However, the former is rare as these animals are nocturnal and elusive. The present distribution of these semi-aquatic mammals is primarily restricted to stretches of the Ganges and its tributaries flowing through protected areas with good vegetation cover and fish diversity. It is estimated that the population of these otter species is decreasing due to threats like human disturbance, habitat fragmentation, habitat degradation, pollution, and even poaching and illegal trade.

5. Gharial

A male gharial in the Chambal River. Image credit: Charles J. Sharp via Wikimedia Commons.

India is home to three species of crocodilians, all three of whom inhabit the Ganga river basin.

 The gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) is the rarest of all. It is critically endangered, with only around 1,000 individuals surviving in the wild. An earthen pot-like protrusion at the end of the snout of male gharials gives the species its name as "ghara" in the local language means pot. The gharials are almost exclusively fish-eating species with their long, narrow snouts designed to catch fish and not any large species. Hence, gharials are hardly known to attack humans. The National Chambal Sanctuary, which protects the Chambal River, is home to the majority of the gharials. A Gharial Rearing Centre in the sanctuary in Morena helps raise gharial hatchlings in the safety of the centre before they are released in the Chambal. Gharials are found in small numbers in the Girwa River in Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, the main stem of the Ganga, and some other smaller rivers. Gharials are extremely sensitive to environmental changes, and hence, their numbers have drastically declined over the years due to habitat loss, illegal sand mining, dam construction, pollution, overfishing as bycatch, and more. They also lay their eggs in sand, making their nests extremely vulnerable to threats.

6. Mugger

A mugger crocodile on the river bank. Image credit: Kandukuru Nagarjun via Flickr.com.

The mugger or marsh crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) is a freshwater species with a much wider distribution in the Ganga basin than the gharial because of its ability to adapt better. However, it is also declared as a vulnerable species by the IUCN due to declining numbers. The Chambal River is once again a stronghold of this crocodilian species as well. The mugger benefitted from Project Crocodile, which was launched in the 1970s to protect the gharial, which then numbered only around 100. The species is also found across nearly the entire Ganga River drainage area. It is found in the main stem of the Ganga, its many tributaries and distributaries, and many lakes, reservoirs, ponds, etc., in the drainage area of the river and beyond. Besides the Chambal, the Ramganga River flowing through Corbett National Park and Gujarat are known to host significant numbers of this species.

The mugger has a wide prey base, feeding on a variety of prey species, from insects and fish to large mammals like monkeys, dogs, cattle, and goats. Muggers are also known to attack humans on some occasions.

7. Saltwater Crocodile

A saltwater crocodile in the Sundarbans. Image credit: Fabian Roudra Baroi via Wikimedia Commons

The saltwater croc (Crocodylus porosus) is truly massive, weighing as much as 1,500 kg and growing as long as 20 ft! As the name suggests, it survives in salt water and hence, is found in the sea near the coasts. In the Ganga basin area, it occurs in the Ganga Delta region in the Sundarbans, where the freshwater meets the seawater of the Bay of Bengal. Several human deaths in the Sundarbans have been due to attacks by these crocodiles, which are extremely powerful and can easily take down large-sized prey. After Nile crocodiles, saltwater crocs are considered to be most likely to prey on humans. Outside the Ganga delta region, the species has a wide distribution extending from coastal India to Australia, and hence, is a "Least Concern" species on the IUCN Red List.

8. Turtle

An Indian roofed turtle. Image credit: Mike Prince via Flickr.com.

India is rich in turtle diversity, housing 24 species of turtles and two tortoise species. Of these, 14 turtle and one tortoise species are found in the Ganga. These reptilians are extremely vital to the riverine ecosystem, controlling the aquatic plant population, keeping the environment clean through their scavenging action, and also serving as food to numerous species. However, many of these turtle species are highly threatened due to habitat destruction, death as bycatch during irresponsible fishing practices, poaching for meat and eggs, and more.

Here are 13 species of turtles found in the Ganga River basin:

• Red-crowned roofed turtle (Batagur kachuga) - Critically endangered
• Northern river terrapin (Batagur baska) - Critically endangered
• Three-striped roofed turtle (Batagur dhongoka) - Critically endangered
• Spotted pond turtle (Geoclemys hamiltonii) - Endangered
• Indian tent turtle (Pangshura tentoria) - Least Concern
• Brown roofed turtle (Pangshura smithii) - Near Threatened
• Indian roofed turtle (Pangshura tecta) - Vulnerable
• Crowned river turtle (Hardella thurjii) - Endangered
• Indian black turtle (Melanochelys trijuga) - Least Concern
• Indian softshell turtle (Nilssonia gangetica) - Endangered
• Indian peacock softshell turtle (Nilssonia hurum) - Endangered
• Indian narrow-headed softshell turtle (Chitra indica) - Endangered
• Indian flapshell turtle (Lissemys punctata) - Vulnerable

9. Amphibians

Indian bull frog. Image credit: Rajan007RJ via Wikimedia Commons.

The Ganga River is home to around 90 amphibian species. These semi-aquatic animals are vital to the ecosystem by forming a major component of the aquatic and terrestrial food chains, act as ecological indicators and efficient biological pest controllers. Many of these species are threatened with habitat loss and diseases. Different species of amphibians are distributed across the stretch of the Ganga from 3000 m above sea level to its delta region. The Amolops chakrataensis is an endemic species found only in a small stretch of area in Chakrata in Uttarakhand. Here are some amphibians found in the Ganga River:

Cascade frog (Amolops formosus)

Himalaya paa frog (Nanorana vicina)

Indian bullfrog (Hoplobatrachus tigerinus)

Marbled toad (Duttaphrynus stomaticus)

Nepal paa frog (Nanorana minica)

Tytler’s pond frog (Hylarana tytleri)

Jerdon’s bullfrog (Hoplobatrachus crassus)

Dudhwa tree frog (Chiromantis dudhwaensis)

Annandale’s paa frog (Nanorana annandalii)

10. Ganges Shark

Sketch of the Ganges shark. 

The Ganga River is home to around 240 species of fish that act as a major protein source for millions of humans settled along its banks. Among them is the critically endangered Ganges shark (Glyphis gangeticus). There are very few reports of sightings of this species in recent years. After a single sighting in 2006, the next one was reported in 2016 in a Mumbai fish market. The species is known to live in coastal waters, estuaries, and large tidal rivers where human disturbance is maximum. Over the years, many Ganges sharks have died when caught as bycatch by the fishing industry. Dam construction, sand mining, coastal construction, poaching, etc., are some of the many threats to this species. Only around 240 mature individuals of the species possibly survive in the wild today, as per IUCN.

11. Golden Mahaseer

Golden mahaseer. Image credit: Charles J. Sharp via Wikimedia Commons.

The beautiful golden mahaseer fish (Tor putitora) is also a threatened fish species found in the Ganga. It is found in the river's upper reaches as it flows through the Himalayas in Uttarakhand. It occurs in rapid streams, riverine pools and lakes. The Ramganga River is one of the tributaries that houses a significant population of this species. The golden mahaseer is endangered and faces threats like overfishing and habitat disturbance. It is a popular gamefish that can grow as long as 9 feet and weigh as much as 54 kg!

For more information: Click: https://nmcg.nic.in/pdf/Status%20report%2010%2005%202018_WII%20(1).pdf