Searching for Tigers in Esoteric Tiger Landscape called Kipling Country

Kipling Country

Seooni Hills! Kipling referred to this mountain range in Satpuras as the abode of human-like creatures he penned so vividly in his book "The Jungle Book". These hills now comprise Pench National Park and the tiger reserve. Kipling's esoteric emotions can be well understood once you experience the panoramic grandeur of these mixed forests. Hardwood comprising tall trees like teak and its associates dominate the tiger landscape.  Mowgli is no more, but you see thousands in the villages around living in harmony with the wilderness around.  

                                                                         Tiger Safari Photo

It is here at Seooni Hills that Mowgli the wolf child was born and reared by the wolves. He was first discovered by Lt.Moor of the British Army in 1800 AD. The child was reared by his foster parents - a pair of wolves who led the pack. He virtually existed as a naked hunting human among the canids.  

Elephant Safari

Except for Sher Khan with a propensity to kill humans, especially Mowgli, the rest of the animals had become extremely possessive of the human child living among the wolf.  Despite all the myths and depictions in shikar tales, Sher Khan is no more a bloodthirsty human killer in this esoteric land. He is under the aegis of Project Tiger a program designed to save the big cats of India. He is the pride of India as the National Animal. 

Tiger Conservation Story

A country steeped deep in conservation ethos since the Vedic Times paradoxically managed to lose 90% of forest land and the tiger. Although the country lived with roots disabled by the invaders and foreign rulers still respects all life forms. Nevertheless, the Royal elites with priestly invocations were also responsible for the massacre of the tigers in India.

Barely 1400 tigers survived the onslaught of the hunters and poachers in the seventies whence the Project Tiger was launched. The merciless onslaught on wildlife was ongoing even after independence. Fortunately, India managed to stem the rot thanks to The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.  Fast-spreading agriculture, an imperative to feed teeming millions ravaged most of the ecosystems in the country. This impacted the very existence of the tiger in India but thankfully Project Tiger was launched in the year 1973. The notification of protected areas happened with the inviolate core. The core was a blessing in disguise for the beleaguered species as they could breed in complete privacy devoid of human interference. Only 20% of the core is open to regulated tourism and the big cats are flourishing in the zones.

Pench National Park

Today you explore Pench Wilderness by booking a tiger safari on the jeep in this Indian paradise. If your imagination surpasses Kipling's then you will see living creatures everywhere. They are like humans perhaps more gentle and kind. Do not forget a pat on Mowgli's back in the nearby village and say "Hello" to the wolves as you come across the pack. Remember to book the safari permit in advance. Vehicle entry is limited in the tourism zones. You can book online at MPOnline Portal belong to Madhya Pradesh Government in India.       

========================================================

Uday has worked as a naturalist and loves to write about tigers and other wildlife forms. He also provides SEO Services and Content for Digital Marketing. He can be contacted at :

pateluday90@hotmail.com

Mob/Watsapp: 9755089323

Wilds of Seoni Hills

Part of Central Indian Highlands so vividly and elegantly described by Capt.James Forsyth during the Raj...these hills are part of the Satpura Range. The Central Indian Forests where once contiguous and  were teeming with wild life and floral biodiversity. If you have not read the book do read it.

The Seoni Hills are where the story of Mowgli the Wolf Child is based. This is also known as Kipling Country since he wrote a fine account of these forests and Wainganga River in his book "Jungle Book". Rudyard Kipling has knit the wild denizens into a complex web of imagination that allures many to visit these highlands from all over the World. All the characters of this classic book live in the jungle even now, though the wolf has become rare.

With increasing urbanization lot of habitat types that support rare animals are being lost. Outside the reserve plains, grasslands and scrub have been completely overtaken by civilization. Increasing population, agriculture and industrialization further threaten these pristine jungles of India.     

The Seoni Township is a small city now with bustling commercial activity. Fifty km from it towards Nagpur lies the Pench National Park which encompasses Seoni Hills. The forests where once connected with Kanha Tiger Reserve, but I do not think they are anymore. The town itself is bare, but the jungle is met with at some distance. Most of the drive to Pench is pleasant as scenic splendor of dense canopy, undulating terrain  and green hills unfolds.   

Due to the ravages of time the forest have been greatly denuded but timely intervention saved the remaining. Most of the rock formations are pristine with black cotton soil and clay here and there.  Adjoining to Pench is Rukhad Wildlife Sanctuary now part of the tiger reserve. The WLS offers good sightings of animals including tigers and leopards. You can still come across Bison and deer crossing like it was everywhere in olden days. The area is well inundated by rivers and nullahs which are the life line of the ecosystems here. Water Holes or pools are referred as Dohs, perennial springs also support life in this region.    

Wildlife seen is tiger, leopard, bison, sambar, spotted deer, wild dog, sloth bear, barking deer, langur and Nilgai, The Indian wolf at Pench frequents outer areas around villages but are not often seen.     

Extensive jungle is connected with Seoni, Balagahat and Dist. of Nagpur.  The forests stretch from the State of Madhya Pradesh and ingress into Maharashtra. Most of the tourism takes place from Turiya Gate in MP. The MP border at Khawasa is the access point to Turyia Gate. In order to enjoy wildlife safaris one can stay in numerous Pench resorts that offer accommodation. The jeep safaris in the preserve need to be booked in advance during the rush season. The safari offer chance of sighting the spectacular animals of the Hills. 

The Central Indian Highlands also encompass Pachmarhi Hill Retreat and parts of Kanha.The distance from Jabalpur to Pench is about 200 plus km. From Nagpur it is 80 km. Both are connected by air with Mumbai & New Delhi. From Kanha the reserve is about 200 km.