Friday, March 31, 2017

How to vacation in the wild for less than Rs 50,000 this summer

, ET Bureau|
Mar 27, 2017, 06.30 AM IST
Other than lions, Gir is also famous for the 4-horned antelope. Jackals, striped hyenas and the Indian fox can also be seen.
Other than lions, Gir is also famous for the 4-horned antelope. Jackals, striped hyenas and the Indian fox can also be seen.
The summer vacations are just weeks away. If a wildlife safari or some serious bird-watching is on your agenda, we present four options that are worth a dekko for under Rs 50,000 for a family of three, excluding airfare and train fare.

GIR NATIONAL PARK
Other than lions, Gir is also famous for the four-horned antelope. Jackals, striped hyenas and the Indian fox can also be seen. The Nalsarovar lake is ideal for spotting birds.

Getting there
• Nearest airport is Rajkot, 165 km away.
• Nearest railway station is Junagadh, 70 km away.

Safari timings
6 am to 9 am, 9 am to 12 noon and 3 pm to 6 pm.


Fees and charges for 2 adults and 1 child (age 10 years). 2) Accomodation for 3 nights and 4 days (in 3 star hotel / resort / homestay). 3) Cost for 5 safaris during the stay.

Best time to visit
October to mid-June (park closed during monsoon).

Things to carry
ID proof, camouflage or light coloured clothing, binoculars, camera, your copy of Birds of India, drinking water and cap.

KABINI NATIONAL PARK
Located near Mysore, this forest is home to rare black panthers, leopards, tigers, Indian bison, mugger crocodiles, Indian rock python, elephants and more.


Fees and charges for 2 adults and 1 child (age 10 years). 2) Accomodation for 3 nights and 4 days (in 3 star hotel / resort / homestay). 3) Cost for 5 safaris during the stay.

Getting there
• Nearest airport is Bengaluru, 245 km away. • Nearest station is Mysore, 76 km away.

Safari timings
6.30 am to 9 am and 3.30 pm to 6 pm.

Best time to visit
October to mid-June.

Things to carry
ID proof, camouflage or light coloured clothing, binoculars, camera, drinking water and cap

LATPANCHAR
A part of the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary in Darjeeling, Latpanchar plays host to 36 species of animals and over 240 species of birds. The area also includes cinchona plantations, the Ahal Dara View Point, Namthing Lake, Sarsari Dara, Sitong Orange Orchard, etc.

Getting there
• Nearest airport is Bagdogra, 52 km away. • Nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP), 44 km away.

Best time to visit October to May.
Things to carry ID proof, camouflage or light coloured clothing, binoculars, camera, water, warm clothes and a cap.


Fees and charges for 2 adults and 1 child (age 10 years). 2) Accomodation for 3 nights and 4 days (in 3 star hotel / resort / homestay). 3) Cost for 5 safaris during the stay.

HEMIS NATIONAL PARK
Located in Ladakh, this is the place to go to if you want to spot the elusive snow leopard. Other inhabitants include the Asiatic ibex, Tibetan wolf, the Eurasian brown bear and the red fox. For bird watchers, the golden eagle, Himalayan griffon vulture, Tibetan snow finch, robin accentor, the Himalayan snowcock and red-billed chough are what you need to look out for.

There are no hotels around the park. Tents and dormitories are available in the adjoining villages of Rumbak, Kaya, Sku, Shingo, Urutse and Chilling. The Hemis Monastery also provides accommodation facility.


1) Fees and charges for 2 adults and 1 child (age 15 years). 2) Cost includes local sightseeing and easy trekking /trails in Hemis to explore wildlife for 6 nights and 7 days.

Getting there
• Nearest airport is Leh, 50 km away. • Nearest railway station is Jammu, 250 km away.

Best time to visit
May to September.

Things to carry
Trekking bag, ID proof, walking stick, hiking shoes, woollens, water, juices, snacks, torch, medical kit, a good compass, a spare set of clothes, binoculars and camera. 
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/wealth/spend/how-to-vacation-in-the-wild-for-less-than-rs-50000-this-summer/articleshow/57825744.cms

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