Indian River Systems & Marine Life

India is rich in biodiversity both terrestrial as well as marine. We have amazing giant creatures swimming in our rivers. The notable ones are the Golden Mahseer, Dolphins, Crocodiles including the Gharial, Ganges Shark, Goonch Cat Fish, Otters, and Huge Turtles.  Among the turtles, the notable ones are Olive Ridley, Flapshell, and Black Turtle.     

Most of these creatures can be seen in the Indus, Gangetic, and Bhramhaputra River Sytems though the mugger is widespread. The large saltwater crocodiles are found in estuaries in Sunderbans and some parts of Orissa.  

The marine life is as diverse and can be seen at Pirtoan Marine Park as well as in the seas for Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Goa, Port Blair, and numerous islands.  The vast coastal belts of the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean are home to millions of sea creatures. 

The marine creatures are the Whales, Elapid snakes, coral reef snakes, Dugong, Mottled eel,  scarlet soldier Fish, giant moray rel, red sponge, sea squirt, sweeper fish, angel fish, spotfin, lionfish, starfish, thorny oyster and numerous species of sharks. 

Reef Life of Andaman Video

Aquatic Life of the Indian Ocean
Our oceans are facing numerous threats because of climate change, pollution, overfishing, and industries on the shores. Nevertheless, marine life is little researched and offers a vast scope of discoveries during explorations.   

Kosi River Corbett National Park

Photo Credit Ruchi Patel

This is Corbett National Park in Uttranchal State of India. The Kosi River along with Ramganga is the life lines of this ecosystem. The placid rivers are one of the most pristine and unspoiled in the country. They are home to enchanting creatures that thrive under the waters and besides.

The rivers are home to crocodiles, gharials, and many species of turtles and fishes. The rivers are part exotic landscape of this reserves. The most attractive species that inhabit this ecosystem are tigers, leopards, elephants, goral, sambar, spotted deer, barking deer, serow, yellow throated martin and many more.

It is possible to trek along these river systems outside the park areas. The walk yields exciting birds and animals to see. Tigers and elephants cross over these rivers but mostly in the night hours. However precautions should be taken to keep a distance from wild animals that thrive here in plenty. Some of the male tuskers are known to charge at humans. Birders frequent treks along these rivers in quest of avian species that abounds on the banks.  It is hence wise to trek in groups and stay together.  

Corbett National Park offers exciting elephant safaris in North India. Hundreds of elephants descend upon the river beds and grasslands from the higher reaches of Shivalik Hills on the foothills of Himalayas.  

Ramganga Tigers

When you visit Corbett from the Dhangarhi Gate you get a breathtaking view of Ramganga River. Unpolluted and crystal clear the waters appear blue surrounded by glistening white stones. The pristine river flows between low lying hills of the foothills and accords panoramic glamor to the landscape. 

The river flows adjacent as you drive on towards Dhikala Complex through the dense Corbett canopy. It plays hide and seek as it appears besides you and then vanishes behind a curtain of Sal and mixed forest trees. The forests are home to magnificent tigers who hunt beside the river thanks to a good prey base. Like all animals tigers are attracted to water especially in the summers.    

The sight at High Bank and Crocodile Pool is stunning, Ramganga and its sandy beach along side forest clad mountains.  You can see crocodiles and gharials basking in the sandy beach, the river is full of Golden Mahseer and Turtles some very big. From the dizzy height you peep right into the belly of the enchanting river.

The riverside canopy is very dense and hides wild elephants that start descending from November onwards. Tigers can be seen here crossing the road and one can track them from the alarm cries of the prey. The most striking spectacle I once witnessed was a tiger crossing the river in bright sunlight - Golden Stripes.

At the riverside Champion Road and Sambar Road are the best places to look for tigers. Dhikala Chaud, Thandi Sadak and near by places yield good tiger sightings for the lucky ones. The land of Corbett is last remaining patch of wonderful forests of Terai. Here Jim Corbett killed many man eating tigers and leopards.

But sadly the big cats are loosing ground until we do not do something the species may be lost for ever in the wild.     

*Note: You can enter Dhangarhi Gate on jeep safari only if you are staying at the RH inside the park.  

Chambal River Images

Images of Chambal Lodge and River

Of River and Ravines

Chambal River Safari

I work as a group leader and naturalist with Indian package tour operator "India Footprints". The company provides tailor-made package tours in India.

The company operates package tours to several destinations in India. My involvement is in wildlife & birding tours as a group leader and birder.

My recent visit to Chambal River Sanctuary was in one such package which included destinations like Sattal, Pangot, Bharatpur, and Corbett National Park. The focus was on bird watching as it was a birding tour. The tour members were from Germany and keen birders.

Chambal river sanctuary stretches 400 miles and is a unique destination not so popular yet. It is an amazing river, pure and unscathed by the pollutants of modern civilization. The river flows amidst ravines once famous for deadly dacoits - now dwindling. The dacoits are still there and so are the tourists who come to no harm from these insidious creatures.

The ravines impart exquisite charm to the river which offers the finest boating experience ever. As one cruise along the river, the hosts are none other than crocodiles and gharials with a pair of river dolphins occasionally popping up - it is an ethereal sight.

The boating excursions are organized by the Chambal Safari Lodge owned by Mr. R.P.Singh a wonderful host and charming person. The boat excursion covers a long stretch of the river with basking crocodiles and gharials - the fish-eating cousin. Alongside loom large the sun burnt ravines and steep mountains. Amidst occasional splashes of cool waters, boating transcends into an incredible safari for the visitors. The river safari offers good birding, sightseeing, and river exploration to tourists.

This rugged land and the river retain the pristine glory and charm of old India - glorified as a personification of incredible beauty and wonder.

The Chambal lodge compliments the surroundings and the hospitality is warm and the service is par excellence. The accommodation retains the old-world charm of landlords and their luxurious lifestyle. It is worth being here believe me!