The Elephant God Of North Bengal : Death Or Deity?

If you wish to discover a truly incredible relationship between humans and the wild, travel to the Dooars region of northern West Bengal. Here, on the way to the Gorumara National Park, right beside the highway, in a small clearing bordered by tall forest trees, you will find the Mahakal shrine. A decorated elephant statue stands there, a symbol of intense devotion and a traditional belief system that has fostered human-elephant co-existence in the Dooars for ages.

For those who keep a note of conservation issues in India, you might have come across news stories about human-elephant conflicts in the Dooars. Sometimes, it is elephants raiding the crops of farmers or trampling down an unfortunate victim upon a sudden encounter and at other times, it is people driving away elephants with cruel intentions, injuring the giants, or causing a tiny elephant calf to fall into a ditch and lose its life.

Why then the Mahakal? Why worship a being that is involved in so much conflict with humans of the Dooars?

To understand this unique and highly intriguing relation, we need to delve deeper.

Humans worshipping animals as deities is deeply ingrained in India's cultural fabric. Across the country, you will find humans living closely with the wild, villagers sharing landscapes with megacarnivores and megaherbivores. At the same time, their temples and shrines have deities in the form of animals and plants. In Maharashtra, Warli tribals can be observed bowing down before their Waghoba, the tiger or leopard God, praying to the big cat to protect them from evil. In Karnataka, travel across the countryside in places like Agumbe, the stronghold of the mighty King Cobra, and you are bound to come across shrines dedicated to serpents. These animals and more, in their biological form, are nature-designed lethal weapons that can bring humans down with a single bite, but in their deity avatar, they are the guardians of the local communities.

It is perhaps such a blend of emotions of love, reverence, and fear that people hold in their hearts for these animals that allows co-existence in conflict. The case of the Mahakal is no different.

If you ask local Mahakal believers in the Dooars about why they worship the elephant, they will probably find it a weird question. For them, seeking the blessings of the Mahakal for the well-being of their loved ones is a part of their very existence. They grow up learning about the significance of their Elephant God and how it has protected their kith and kin from all harm.

Yet, when you travel across the Dooars and meet the local communities, you will hear tales of tragedy. There are instances where elephants came in search of paddy to village homes, and ravaged the walls of the tiny mud structures, seeking the stored grains. At times, they have rampaged across fields, finishing everything just before harvest, putting the farmers’ years of work to waste and risking their ability to feed their families.

Interestingly, at the same time, you have a publication in which researchers note that believers in the Mahakal refuse compensation offered by the forest department in exchange for the loss of crops to elephants. According to such farmers, the Mahakal feeding on their crops is a blessing in disguise, ensuring that they will achieve a bumper crop the next year.

While all this might appear like a romantic tale of coexistence, there is some bitter truth to it as well. Such cultural beliefs are increasingly getting diluted in an age of consumerism and globalisation. People’s desires and aspirations are changing across urban and rural landscapes, and their acceptance of wildlife in their midst is declining. Climate change is bringing doom to agricultural yields due to unpredictable rainfall and extreme heat. Migrant workers arriving from other parts of the country also have little regard for traditional cultures and beliefs. To them, elephants are a threat and not a deity. The tsunami of rapid development has also reached the Dooars. Now, along with highways and railways, sprawling housing complexes and resorts are mushrooming everywhere.

The people of the Dooars and their Mahakal are now in the grasp of changing times. They need the support of each of us to continue living together successfully, as they have for eons. Without the elephant, the lush forests and grasslands of the Dooars will wither away, and with them the hope of a bright future for the people of the region. The elephant’s survival into the future is thus vital to a fertile, nurturing Dooars landscape.

Writing and photos by: Dr. Oishimaya Sen Nag

Further reading: 

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/conservation-science/articles/10.3389/fcosc.2021.683356/full?field=&journalName=Frontiers_in_Conservation_Science&id=683356

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/conservation-science/articles/10.3389/fcosc.2021.727696/full

6 Incredible National Parks Of West Bengal

Extending from the snow-covered Himalayan peaks to the coast of the Bay of Bengal, West Bengal is rich in natural wonders, including six incredible national parks. Here, you can meet the swamp tigers of the Sunderbans while boating through the mysterious mangroves and lock eyes with a red panda as you trek through montane forests in Singalila. The Dooars region offers some spectacular national parks where megaherbivores like elephants, rhinos, and gaurs roam wild and free. Many colorful bird species thrive in West Bengal's national parks, and so do a variety of other life forms.

Sundarbans National Park

A Bengal tiger yawning in the Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal. Image credit: Soumyajit Nandy Wikimedia Commons.

Of course, the list of West Bengal’s national parks begins with the Sundarbans, renowned globally as the only mangrove ecosystem that serves as home to tigers. The Sundarbans tigers are also known for their unique traits, like preying on humans - yes, literally they do so in the Sundarbans! However, it is not just its tigers that allure visitors to the mangrove islands formed where the Ganga-Brahmaputra drains into the Bay of Bengal, but also a plethora of other wildlife, including gigantic saltwater crocodiles that rule the waters around the islands. The mangroves here protect the inland settlements against cyclones and coastal flooding and hence are of great conservation significance. Climate change is one of the biggest threats to this unique ecosystem. The importance of the Sundarbans National Park is recognised by the United Nations, which has included it as part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, it is visited by tourists, writers, wildlife photographers, and filmmakers from across the world who want to tell the many fascinating stories associated with this national park.

Jaldapara National Park

Two powerful animals, the gaur and the rhino, confront each other at a salt lick in Jaldapara National Park, West Bengal. Image credit: Darshana Darshuvia via Wikimedia Commons

Known for its expansive grasslands and riverine forests, this national park, on the banks of the Torsa River, houses the largest one-horned rhino population in West Bengal. The park is also home to a great diversity of other species, similar to Gorumara, and offers extremely scenic landscapes for spending a relaxing time in the heart of nature. Both Gorumara and Jaldapara suffer from habitat fragmentation due to growing human presence along their peripheries. Conflicts with wildlife, especially elephants, are commonly reported. Protecting wildlife corridors in the area is thus vital to ensure the safety of both people and wildlife.

Gorumara National Park

Entrance to the Gorumara National Park in West Bengal. Image credit: Tiyasakolkata2016 via Wikimedia Commons.

Located in the Dooars region in northern West Bengal, the Gorumara National Park is an enchanting getaway into the heart of the wild. It is a place known for its large elephant population and the many stories that revolve around this gentle giant, like the story of the elephant God, Mahakal, worshipped by the local communities of the park. Gorumara also offers visitors the opportunity to observe the one-horned rhinos living in the park from several watch towers in the area. Leopards, gaurs, spotted deer, sambar deer, barking deer, many species of birds, and other wildlife can also be seen in this national park.

Buxa National Park

The emerald dove in Buxa National Park. Image credit: Shiv's fotografia via Wikimedia Commons.

More popularly known as the Buxa Tiger Reserve, which includes the national park area and surrounding wilderness, the Buxa National Park is another wilderness that needs urgent protection. Although a designated tiger reserve, the majestic apex predator is rarely seen in the area, with occasional tiger sightings reported from Buxa. The park is very scenic with forested hills, plains, and rivers winding through. A variety of other wildlife, including elephants, leopards, Chinese pangolin, hog deer, the Asiatic golden cat, the clouded leopard, around 284 species of birds, and butterflies, is found here.

Neora Valley National Park

A red panda at the Neora Valley National Park in West Bengal. Image credit: Soumyadeep Chatterjee . from Kolkata, India via Wikimedia Commons.

Located in West Bengal’s Kalimpong District, this national park is known as the home of the red panda. It comprises a rough, hilly terrain covered by thick forests, large parts of which remain less explored even today. In addition to the endangered red panda, the park also houses other rare species like the Himalayan black bear, clouded leopard, Asian golden cat, and leopard cat. The bird diversity here is incredible, with species such as Satyr tragopan, Darjeeling woodpecker, mountain imperial pigeons, black-faced laughingthrush, and others. The forests of Neora Valley are contiguous with those of Bhutan across the international border and the Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary in neighboring Sikkim.

Singalila National Park

The Satyr tragopan at the Singalila National Park in West Bengal. Image credit: Rejaul karim.rk.

This national park in the Darjeeling District ranges in elevation from around 2,300 m to 4,000 m and houses West Bengal’s highest peak, Sandakhphu at 3,636 m. The park, located on the Singalila Ridge, is accessible to visitors through trekking routes starting from Manebhanjang. Red pandas are the star residents of this national park, along with many other rare and threatened Himalayan fauna. Many species of orchids and rhododendrons grow here.

Seven Iconic Wild Animals Found In Rajasthan And Where To See Them

A desert fox mum suckling its babies. Image credit: Sumeet Moghe via Wikimedia Commons.

When talking about Rajasthan, people mostly think of vast stretches of lifeless sand dunes or royal cities with grand palaces and havelis. However, the state hosts a wide variety of ecosystems, from the forests of Ranthambhore to the grasslands of the Thar Desert and the raw desert itself. Biodiversity thrives everywhere in the state. Even its seemingly lifeless habitats are full of life. So, from across Rajasthan, here are seven iconic species you must see.

Indian Tiger

A reclining tiger in Ranthambhore National Park. Image credit: LuisVilla via Wikimedia Commons.

Talk about watching tigers (Panthera tigris tigris) in India, and the name of Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve appears at the top of the list. This protected area of Rajasthan is known for offering great tiger sightings, thanks to the sparse vegetation during the dry seasons of summer and winter, which allows one to see long distances through the forest. Photographers also seek the opportunity to capture a tiger’s photo amid the ancient ruins of historical forts and gateways in Ranthambhore. The Sariska Tiger Reserve nearby also houses tigers. Overall, the state is home to around 88 tigers.

Great Indian Bustard

A Great Indian Bustard. Image credit: Prajwalkm via Wikimedia Commons.

Rajasthan’s Thar Desert grasslands remain one of the world’s last places that house the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard (GIB) or Ardeotis nigriceps. This primarily ground-dwelling bird can be seen in the Desert National Park and adjoining areas in the state’s Jaisalmer District. The GIB faces many threats, including collisions with overhead power lines, loss of grasslands due to overgrazing, agricultural expansion, encroachment by human settlements, the installation of solar power plants and wind turbines, and more.

Indian Desert Cat

An Indian desert cat. Image credit: Raja Bandi via Wikimedia Commons.

Roughly the size of a domestic cat, this species (Felis lybica ornata), also known as the Asiatic wildcat, can be spotted by the lucky visitor in the Desert National Park of Rajasthan and its surroundings. In India, its range extends to other arid and semi-arid areas of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra. The species remains well-camouflaged in the desert habitat by virtue of its sandy-coloured coat, which has small black spots. The tail has a black tip and black rings. The ears are long and pointed. Its coat colour is known to vary with its habitat. In Rajasthan, its primary prey is the Indian desert jird.

Indian Spiny-tailed Lizard

A spiny-tailed lizard. Image credit: Muhammad Musab Malik via Wikimedia Commons.

It is a threatened reptile found in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan. The species Saara hardwickii is predominantly herbivorous and feeds on the flowers, fruits, and seeds of local plants. In the ecosystem, it plays a major role as food for raptors and other birds. The lizard is a threatened species, listed as “Vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List. It is poached by the locals for the use of its fat as an aphrodisiac.

Lesser Florican

A male lesser florican in display. Image credit: Parth Kansara via Wikimedia Commons.

Another highly threatened bird species, the critically endangered lesser florican (Sypheotides indicus), breeds in the grasslands and agricultural fields of Rajasthan’s Ajmer district. During the monsoon, male lesser floricans perform their unique courtship display, jumping several feet into the air and making characteristic sounds to attract the female. Unfortunately, only a few individuals of this species survive today. Time is almost running out for the lesser floricans who suffer from many threats like habitat loss and degradation, poaching, power line collision, predation by feral dogs, nest trampling or destruction by humans and agricultural procedures, etc.

Chinkara

Chinkara from Jorbeer, Rajasthan. Image credit: Mvshreeram via Wikimedia Commons.

This dainty-looking antelope, also called the Indian gazelle (Gazella bennettii) is found across grasslands and shrublands in Rajasthan’s arid to semi-arid areas. They can be found near Bishnoi villages and farmlands, as the Bishnoi community is a strong protector of blackbucks, chinkaras, and other local wildlife. Chinkaras are usually found alone or in small groups. Sometimes, larger groups of 8 to 10 individuals are seen. They usually feed after sunset. They have a reddish-buff coloured coat with a white belly and throat.

Desert Fox

Desert fox pups playing. Image credit: Sumeet Moghe via Wikimedia Commons.

The desert fox, also called the white-footed fox (Vulpes vulpes pusilla), is another iconic species found in Rajasthan. It is not too big, almost the same size as the desert cat, has a bushy tail, small beady eyes, and a coat colour that is a mix of sandy, white, and grey. Its adorable look is often what wildlife photographers crave to capture. The species is well-adapted to the desert environment, with longer hind limbs that help it run from predators such as raptors and large ears that allow it to detect the sounds of prey. These opportunistic omnivores feed on a variety of animal and plant matter. The Desert National Park offers the opportunity to witness these adorable carnivores in action.

As you can see, these iconic species of Rajasthan are facing a troubled future. They are already reeling from so many threats. Climate change will worsen their fate. What happens to the ecosystem will affect us as well. Hence, efforts to protect these iconic species of Rajasthan need to be sped up before it is too late.

The Highest Point In West Bengal - Sandakhphu

Welcome to the “land of the poisonous flowers” or Sandakphu. Situated at an altitude of 3,636 meters (11,930 feet), it stands proudly as the highest point of West Bengal. Straddling the border between India and Nepal, Sandakphu is a peak in the Singalila Ridge and is located at the edge of the Singalila National Park.

View of Sandakphu, West Bengal. Image credit: Po0zan via Wikimedia Commons.

The name of Sandakphu comes from the growth of the Aconitum ferox, a herbaceous perennial plant in the area. It is a highly poisonous plant whose consumption would often lead to the deaths of livestock grazing in the area. As a result, the locals would fit muzzles on their sheep to prevent them from feeding on the poisonous vegetation. The plant can also prove fatal to humans. Its poison works by affecting the respiratory system, and death occurs by asphyxiation or cardiac arrest. The plant is considered the most poisonous in the Himalayas.

View from Sandakphu, the highest point in West Bengal. Image credit: solarshakti via Wikimedia Commons.

Sandakphu is also a popular tourist destination as it promises spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. On clear days, four of the five highest peaks in the world, Mount Everest, Kangchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu, can all be viewed from Sandakphu. The peak houses some hotels and homestays, allowing visitors to stay and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.

The Singalila National Park is also visited by wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers. It is home to the endangered red panda and other Himalayan wildlife and rich birdlife.

Sandakphu can be reached by trekking or via a 4x4 Land Rover ride. The nearest base is Manebhanjan, where visitors can spend one or two nights to make all the arrangements before heading out to Sandakphu.

View of Kangchenzunga from Sandakphu. Image credit: Abhishek.ghosh1984 via Wikimedia Commons.

Warning: Doctors and other authorities have warned that visitors who are of ill health or not properly acclimated may suffer from health issues in Sandakphu due to high-altitude sickness. Several deaths due to this reason have been recorded as people visiting the nearby hill stations like Darjeeling have taken Sandakphu tours without giving time for their bodies to adjust to the elevation difference.

Sandakhphu is not just the highest point in West Bengal, but also one of the state’s most treasured natural destinations. It is important that such places do not welcome unruly tourists and maintain the environmental sanctity. Visitors must always ensure that they adhere to the rules and regulations at all times and refrain from actions that harm the natural balance of the place.

Seven Iconic Wild Animals Found In Mizoram And Where To See Them

 Mizoram, tucked within the Indo-Myanmar biodiversity hotspot, is home to an extraordinary array of wildlife shaped by its rugged hills, dense forests, and varied ecosystems. From elusive mountain-dwelling mammals and arboreal primates to rare birds and newly discovered reptiles, the state supports species found in few other parts of India. Here are 7 iconic wild animals found in Mizorma.

Mrs. Hume’s Pheasant

A Mrs. Hume's pheasant. Image credit: Christoph Moningvia Wikimedia Commons.

Mizoram’s state bird, the stunning Mrs. Hume’s pheasant (Syrmaticus humiae), is named after the wife of Allan Octavian Hume, a renowned British ornithologist. The males of this species exhibit striking plumage colours, whereas the females have a subdued colour. The bird range includes parts of Northeast India, Myanmar, southern China and parts of Thailand. The bird prefers inhabiting forest edge areas, as well as areas with mixed vegetation types and along the edges of farmlands. In Mizoram, it is locally known as Vavu and is more common in the Champhai and Saiha districts. It is possible to see them in the Phawngpui and Murlen National Parks of the state. The bird is a threatened species and is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. It suffers from habitat loss due to slash-and-burn agricultural practices, forest fires, infrastructure development and also hunting for meat and feathers.

Himalayan Serow

Close-up of a Himalayan serow. Image credit: Dibyendu Ash via Wikimedia Commons.

The Himalayan serow (Capricornis sumatraensis thar) is the state animal of Mizoram. A subspecies of the Mainland serow, this member of the Bovidae family is found across the Himalayas in India, but in small numbers. It is well-adapted to live on the rocky slopes and extreme conditions. It is a strict herbivore that migrates from lower to higher elevations in the summer and vice versa in the winter, depending on food availability. They are usually solitary in nature and active most of the day, but more at dawn. Poaching for meat and habitat loss are major threats to the animal. At the species level, the Mainland serow is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.

Bengal Slow Loris

A Bengal slow loris. Image credit: ian_dugdale via Wikimedia Commons.

The Nycticebus bengalensis is found in the evergreen and mixed deciduous forests of Mizoram. Its range in India includes the states of the northeast. Beyond India, it inhabits parts of Bangladesh, Myanmar, China and Southeast Asia. It is a venomous mammal that is arboreal and nocturnal. It feeds on nectar and other plant parts and occasionally on small invertebrates. The species is Endangered and is threatened by habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation. It is also heavily poached for traditional medicines and sport. It is also collected for the illegal pet trade market. The Dampa Tiger Reserve in Mizoram houses a small population of the Bengal slow loris.

Leopard Cat

An elusive leopard cat in the wilderness. Image credit: Shan2797 via Wikimedia Commons

The Mainland leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) is a small wild cat species found in Mizoram. Although widely distributed from parts of the Indian subcontinent to Southeast Asia to East Asia, this species is highly elusive and very difficult to spot and observe. It also adapts to a wide variety of habitats from forests to grasslands, shrublands, wetlands, and even plantations and croplands. The cat hunts small prey, primarily rodents, birds, and some reptiles. It lives at elevations ranging from 0 m above sea level to 4,474 m. Although still a Least Concern species on the IUCN Red List, the leopard cat suffers threats like habitat loss and hunting.

Mizoram Parachute Gecko

Endemic to Mizoram, this is a newly-described species. The Gekko mizoramensis is endemic to Mizoram. It was discovered in May 2022 in Lawngtlai town in the southern part of the state. Little has been studied about the species. It was found feeding on insects at dusk. Being a parachute gecko, this species possesses special adaptations that allow it to leap into the air and glide from one surface to another up to a distance of around 200 feet.

Phayre's Leaf Monkey

The Phayre's leaf monkey. Image credit: Md. Tareq Aziz Touhid via Wikimedia Commons.

The Phayre’s leaf monkey (Trachypithecus phayrei) is an Endangered primate species found in the Northeast Indian states of Assam, Mizoram and Tripura and some parts of Bangladesh and Myanmar. The species inhabits evergreen and mixed deciduous forests. It is predominantly diurnal, arboreal and folivorous (fruit-eating) in nature. The animal suffers from hunting to remove its gallstones which are used in traditional medicines and for its meat. It also suffers from habitat loss and degradation due to high deforestation rates.

Clouded Leopard

A clouded leopard. Image credit: Sandeep pai1986 via Wikimedia Commons.

A magnificent mid-sized wild cat, the clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) is a threatened species listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. It is found in parts of South and Southeast Asia at elevations ranging from 3,700 to 5,580 m. In India, it is primarily found in the northeastern part, including the Dampa Tiger Reserve in Mizoram. Leopard cats are highly arboreal animals and thus prefer living in tropical evergreen rainforests, but are also sometimes found in dry and deciduous forests, grasslands, etc. These cats feed on a wide variety of prey, including small ungulates, birds and reptiles. Habitat destruction and illegal hunting are the two biggest threats to the species.

5 Strangest Lakes In India

From meteorite impact craters and high-altitude glacial lakes to vast coastal lagoons and sacred water bodies, these lakes are not only natural wonders but also vital to biodiversity and human livelihoods. They support rare species, preserve ancient histories, and reflect deep spiritual beliefs, while also facing growing threats from pollution, climate change, and human activity.

Lonar Lake, Maharashtra - A Geological Marvel

The Lonar Lake in Maharashtra. Image credit: Praxsans via Wikimedia Commons.

The Lonar Lake is a rare geological marvel nestled in the Buldhana District of Maharashtra, India. It is located in an impact crater formed when a meteorite from outer space collided with Earth's surface in this area. Various estimates exist about the age of the crater, ranging anywhere from 52,000 to 570,000 years ago. Analysis of the soil in the lake area has detected minerals found in Moon rocks. An endorheic basin with no outflow, the lake loses water by evaporation and gains it from precipitation and freshwater springs. The water is highly saline and alkaline, supporting a range of microorganisms that are adapted to hypersaline environments. The surrounding area is rich in biodiversity with over 160 species of birds, 12 mammalian species, 46 reptilian species, and more. Pollution and unsustainable tourism threaten the unique environment of this lake.

Roopkund, Uttarakhand - The Skeleton Lake

The Roopkund Lake in Uttarakhand. Image credit: Ashokyadav739,via Wikimedia Commons.

A lake steeped in mystery, the Roopkund Lake is located in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district. Located at 5,020 m, it is accessible only through a multi-day trek from Lohajung, the nearest settlement with a motorable road. The Roopkund Lake is surrounded by the lofty, snow-clad massifs and glaciers of the Himalayas and is a place of ethereal beauty. The lake itself is not too large and the water is around 9.8 feet deep, and remains frozen for most of the year. The lake is known for the many human skeletons that reveal themselves when the snow thaws over the lake. The origin of these skeletons remains a matter of debate. Some studies claim that an extreme weather event, possibly a deadly hailstorm, killed a group of people from a single group passing through this area sometime in the 9th century. Other studies, however, propose that the skeletons come from two separate events and belong to people of three distinct ancestry groups.

Loktak Lake, Manipur - Home To World’s Only Floating National Park

The phumdis on Loktak Lake. Image credit: Sharada Prasad CS via Wikimedia Commons.

The Loktak Lake is a spectacular water body, varying in size from 250 square km to 500 square km, and is located in Moirang, Manipur. The lake is famed for its floating phumdis. These are circular, often ring-shaped masses of decomposing vegetation of varying sizes that float throughout the lake. In some places, such phumdis are used by fishermen to build their huts and use a fishing station. At the southeastern side of the lake, the phumdis have coalesced to form a large mass of floating vegetation that is home to a great diversity of species. This area has been designated as the Keibul Lamjao National Park. The endangered sangai deer, an endemic subspecies of the Eld’s deer, is found in this park, along with many other species. The Loktak Lake is currently threatened by pollution and climate change.

Chilika Lake, Odisha - Asia’s Largest Brackish Water Lagoon

The Chilika Lake in Odisha. Image credit: Government of Odisha via Wikimedia Commons.

The Chilika Lake, the world’s second-largest coastal lagoon, covers an area of 1,100 square km in three districts of Odisha. It is present at the mouth of the Daya River as it flows into the Bay of Bengal. The lake is the Indian subcontinent’s largest wintering ground for migratory birds. Hence, it has earned recognition as a Ramsar wetland of international importance. Chilika is also famous for its rich fisheries and the rare Irrawaddy dolphins found near Satapada.

Pushkar Lake, Rajasthan - Mythological Legends And Lore

Ghats on the Pushkar Lake in Rajasthan. Image credit: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ghats_on_the_Pushkar_lake,_Rajasthan.jpg via Wikimedia Commons.

This lake, situated in Pushkar in the Ajmer District of Rajasthan, is considered sacred by Hindus. Thousands of pilgrims take a bath in the lake each year, with over 50 bathing ghats built to facilitate this ritual. It is believed that bathing in the lake cleanses people of their sins. The lake is surrounded by over 500 temples, including India’s only temple dedicated to the Hindu god Brahma. Pushkar Lake also finds mention in ancient Indian mythological tales, epics, and scriptures, and thus holds great significance in the country’s history and culture.

Know about any more lakes that can be added to the list?

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Seven Iconic Wild Animals Found In The Andaman And Nicobar Island And Where To See Them

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, an isolated archipelago in the Bay of Bengal, are among India’s most biologically rich regions. Separated from the mainland for millions of years, these islands have evolved a remarkable variety of plant and animal life, much of it found nowhere else on Earth. Dense tropical forests, mangroves, coral reefs, and seagrass meadows together support a unique mix of terrestrial and marine species. Among this extraordinary biodiversity, several animals stand out as truly iconic, symbolising the ecological importance of the islands.

Andaman Cuckoo Dove (Macropygia rufipennis)

Andaman Cuckoo-dove from Mt Harriett National Park, Andaman. Image credit: Mvshreeram via Wikimedia Commons.

This beautiful endemic species of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands inhabits forested areas on the islands and feeds on fruits and berries. Although they have been classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, these birds face many threats, including habitat loss and poaching. Although an accurate population census of the species is missing, it is estimated that the bird’s numbers are steadily dropping. These birds have been spotted in the outskirts of Port Blair and are usually found hidden in the forested areas of the islands. The Mount Harrier National Park is an excellent place to observe these birds.

Andaman Cobra (Naja sagittifera)

An Andaman cobra. Image credit: Moinudheen via Wikimedia Commons.

One of the most threatened species of cobras, the Andaman cobra is an endangered species on the IUCN Red List. It is endemic to the islands and has a very potent venom. It can also spit its venom, but is less efficient than the true spitting cobras in this behaviour. It inhabits forested and semi-modified habitats, playing a vital role in controlling small vertebrate populations. Seeing this animal demands great luck because it is one of the best-kept secrets of the Andaman Islands and is known to be extremely elusive and mysterious in nature.

Dugong (Dugong dugon)

A dugong near Neil Island in the Andamans. Image credit: Vardhanjp via Wikimedia Commons.

This threatened marine mammal is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN. The shallow coastal waters of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are among the best places to observe these animals in India. However, only a small population of the animal survives here, making sightings extremely rare. As a specialist herbivore reliant on seagrass meadows, it plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and productivity of marine ecosystems.

Andaman Day Gecko (Phelsuma andamanense)

Andaman day gecko photographed outside Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Image credit: Kalyanvarma via Wikimedia Commons.

This endemic reptile of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a stunner in appearance. It has a bright green colour with red spots and stripes on the back. The tail in males is blue or turquoise. This diurnal and arboreal gecko is one of the few wild species that has managed to adapt well to the increasing anthropogenic presence and has found a new habitat in agricultural fields. Hence, it has grown in numbers and is a least concern species on the IUCN Red List. By feeding on insects, it acts as a natural pest controller.

Nicobar Long-tailed Macaque (Macaca fascicularis umbrosus)

A Nicobar long-tailed macaque in the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve. Image credit: Prasun Goswami via Wikimedia Commons.

A subspecies of the crab-eating macaque, this primate is endemic to the Nicobar Islands, where it is found in only three locations: Great Nicobar, Little Nicobar, and Katchal. It prefers to inhabit mangroves but is also found in coastal and inland forests. These animals are listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN and are threatened with habitat loss and human disturbance. These frugivorous animals feed on fruits and nuts, helping to disperse seeds. The Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve Forest houses a population of these primates.

Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus)

A saltwater crocodile. Image credit: Richard.Fisher via Wikimedia Commons.

This apex predator of saltwater habitats is the largest living reptile species in the world. The Andamans host a considerable population of these salties in the coastal waters, mangroves, and open sea. The crocodile helps keep prey populations in check. On rare occasions, crocodiles have approached beaches visited by humans and raised alarms, with a few cases of human deaths due to crocodile attacks reported in the Andamans. Such incidents are, however, very rare, and the waters of the Andamans are mostly safe for swimming and other activities. It is always wise to listen to locals when venturing on isolated beaches to ensure the safety of the waters in the area.

Narcondam Hornbill (Rhyticeros narcondami)

Narcondam Hornbill female on the Ficus rumphii tree. Image credit: Rohitjahnavi via Wikimedia Commons.

This hornbill has the most restricted habitat of all hornbills found in Asia. It is endemic to only Narcondam Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands region. It is highly dependent on intact forest habitats and serves as a flagship species for the conservation of island biodiversity. The species is primarily frugivorous in nature.