Vetnai

Vetnai is a small village located in Ganjam district of Odisha. Nestled in the laps of the Eastern Ghats, the place is home to innumerable black bucks which roam freely in the mountain slopes. The local people consider the black bucks as a symbol of sanctity and good will. There are a total of about 350 black bucks at Bhetnai. You can also visit the nearby Monglajori Bird Sanctuary. Various species of birds including Whistling duck, Grey-headed lapwing and Asian openbill are sighted in the sanctuary. Chilika Lake is another attraction near Bhetnai which you shouldn't miss out.

Getting There

The nearest railway station is Brahmapur. Aska is 50 km from Brahmapur and regular bus service is available from Brahmapur to reach Aska. Vetnai is 12 km from Aska. Minibuses and trekkers are plying from Aska to Vetnai.

Staying There

There are no proper accommodation facilities at Vetnai. It would be better to stay at Brahmapur where there are a number of good hotels.

Pakke Tiger Reserve

Pakke Tiger Reserve is situated in East Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. The forest lies at the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas and covers an area of 862 sq km. There are about 27 villages in and around the jungle which are inhabited by the tribal people. Around 60 species of mammals including tiger, elephant, clouded leopard, hog deer, wild dog, capped langur, sambar and Himalayan black bear are residents of the Pakke Tiger Reserve. The Pakke Tiger Reserve is also home to 296 species of birds. The forest is well known for the sightings of the Great Hornbill, Oriental Pied Hornbill, Wreathed Hornbill and Rufous-necked Hornbill. Other birds seen at Pakke include white-winged wood duck, yellow-vented warbler, barbet, fish eagle and black-tailed crake.

Getting There

The nearest major railway station is Guwahati which enjoys excellent rail connectivity with other parts of the country. Pakke Tiger Reserve is 230 km from Guwahati. Hired cars are available from Guwahati to reach Pakke Tiger Reserve.

Staying There

Forest Guest House. Contact: DFO, Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve, Seijosa, East Kameng, Arunachal Pradesh. Tel: (03778) 200014.
Pakke Jungle Camp. Tariff - Rs. 3500 (for two persons including food and stay).

Kitam Bird Sanctuary

Kitam Bird Sanctuary is located in South Sikkim and is the only bird sanctuary in the state. The place is a paradise for bird lovers and photographers. The sanctuary lies at an altitude ranging from 1200 ft to 3200 ft above sea level and covers an area of about 6 sq km. One can get a stunning view of the Rangeet River Valley and the whole sanctuary from the Tarey Bhir watch tower. Kitam Bird sanctuary is home to around 105 species of birds including oriental white-eye, blue-throated barbet, long-tailed broadbill, flycatcher etc. Various species of butterflies are also observed at the sanctuary. During October, many migratory birds visit this sanctuary.

Getting There

The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri. Kitam Bird Sanctuary is 110 km from New Jalpaiguri. Hired cars are available from New Jalpaiguri and Siliguri to reach the sanctuary.

Staying There

There are a few home stays and a hotel at Kitam. Tariff - Rs. 1200-2000.
For more information: Greater Rangit Eco Tourism Committee, Kitam. Tel: 9832427887, 9593381999.

Panna National Park

Panna National Park is situated 25 km from Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh. The park is located on the banks of the Ken river and spreads over an area of 543 sq km. The Panna National Park mainly consists of dense forest of Sal trees. Among the animals found here are the tiger, leopard, wolf, sambhar, sloth bear, chital and porcupine. A separate sanctuary named Ken Gharial Wildlife Sanctuary has been developed for the protection and conservation of the Gharials. A boat ride from the park to the Ken Gharial Wildlife Sanctuary to get a close view of the Gharials is an unique experience. The best time to visit Panna National Park is December to March. The park remains closed from June to September.

Getting There

The nearest major railway stations are Satna (70 km), Katni (130 km) and Jhansi (190 km). These stations enjoy excellent rail connectivity with other parts of the country. The nearest airport is at Khajuraho, 25 km from Panna Tiger Reserve.

Staying There

Ken River Lodge. Tariff - Rs. 2500. Tel: (07732) 275235.
Panna Tiger Resort. Tariff - Rs. 2500. Tel: (07732) 275245.
The Jewel of Jungle. Tariff - Rs. 2500-3000. Tel: 9425420701.