On reaching Satpura
National park we were
informed that they offer three ways to explore the jungle--- a safari in open jeeps, an elephant
ride and a jungle walk. We decided to go on the jungle walk first, the same evening.
Our guide Laxman was
at our room on 3.15 p.m. and we walked towards the bank of the river to take the
boat. The boat drops the travelers at a particular spot from where the walk on
fixed route starts.
At the time we started
the sun was still high and shinning in the sky. The golden ball
glittered brilliantly. It’s deep reaching fingers tickled the amazingly blue
waters of the river and waves glee in silvery mirth. The tinkling of countless ripples filled the air
with sonorous raptures. On one side of the river the jungle stood in quite a
close proximity to the river bank while on the other far off stretch of the
trees could be seen shrouded in a haze behind the green ground rolling off for
miles and miles. The boat drive was of around 5 kms and it dropped us at the spot from the jungle trek had to start.
Getting down from the boat we climbed slightly rising ground to
reach the level of the forest. Laxman had a tranquilizing spray and a lathi
with him. We guessed that this must be relatively safer area of the forest, that is why the walk is organized on this side of the forest.
Laxman in his solemn voice informed us about the dos and dont's in case of
sudden encounter with wild bear etc and that combined with the resounding
silence of jungle set the mood of thrill
and anticipation. Every few steps our guide stopped to show us fresh pug marks
on the soil on the track we were walking, clawing of the bark of trees by bears
and leopards. Even the slightest sounds on the dry leaves covering the ground
made us alert. We did see few harmless animals like deer, sambhar, langoors and
wild boars and learnt a lot about local trees, plants and variety of grass.
From the boat the jungle looked united, an entity in itself but as we approached closer it
started separating- the individual trees, the thickets, the foliage, exotic
sounds, spill of sunlight, patches of light and shadow, crackling of dried
leaves, snapping of twigs, insects, silences, each of these distinct yet
inter-woven.
The cool shade inside the jungle was very comforting. Enough
light penetrated through the vegetation to make us see upto long distances but
it was not difficult to imagine what an eerie feel it would give once the
darkness descends. However at the moment the mellow evening light filtering
through the forest touched every leaf, every tuft of grass as if with a magic
wand. The tall stately trees stood wrapped in haloed aura and the smaller
plants, bushes, grass, the entire thicket knelt before them in complete
devotion.
After almost an hour and half long walk through the forest
we reached a clearing where an immense water body simmered lazily .The sun glowed
on the other side of waters. The forest
on this side stood in revering silence. How we wished to enjoy the
beauty of sunset in that panoramic setting but that was not to be. We could not
have stayed there up to sun set as we needed to cross the forest while
returning to the other side and walking through forest in dark was not
advisable. Anyway we enjoyed what lay before us stopping there for few moments.
The area was haven for birds. Like solitary thinkers few perched on dried
stumps here and there. Others nibbled on the wet mud toddling in groups. In
between the flocks of few others flew majestically setting a
harmonious rhythm in the air.
We returned via another route. This was almost on the periphery of the jungle. The
shadows had become darker. Though unseen the shuffling activities deep inside
forest could be felt. May be the young ones were being herded to safety
after prancing and frolicking the whole
day out, the adults were retracing their steps back to home, heavy hoofs, deep
grunts. The pulsating presence of a world so different yet so near created a strange mixture of
feelings of trepidation and fascination.
After about 8 to 10 Km. walk we reached the appointed spot at about 6
P.M. By that time the boat too had arrived to pick us up.
Lowering ourselves on the boat seats we threw a glance towards jungle. It stood
there silent, dark and closed.
An ant hill dug by bear to taste the fresh ants. |
Chinda grass.This grass is used to make brooms and alongwith layers of Sagaun leaves it is used to make roofs of huts. |
fresh pug marks of a leopard who crossed the tract we were walking
our guide Laxman with Sunder.
River Denwa---The boat which brought us to jungle |
crocodile bark tree---local name saj
The elegant Bhoj patra tree.The bhoj patra on which our rich ancient literature was written
Sugner grass used to prepare brooms. |
marks of paw scratches by leopard |
The delicate Lavender flower
The Baber grass used to make rope. |
Pics by sunder iyer and namita sunder
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