The Silent Corbett

Visits to the Corbett National Park usually mean that extra batteries and memory cards for your cameras are di-rigeur, since every drive through the park pathways brings up something.

IF you think this is another of those odes to Tigers, you are mistaken. Every National Park has a huge life support system comprising flora and fauna, which are essential for the Tiger; which is an apex Predator to survive. Many of us make the mistake of running after the "glamour" species and end up missing experiences which could leave us with a lifetime of memories. Here is one such trip.

Filled with prime real-estate which will leave you slackjawed and filled with awe.

Despite being a repeat visitor, the landscape leaves me hungry for more, every single time. The Sal forest overhangs with the trees competing with each other for the sunlight, making for tall and slim trees or at another location, where the trees have more space resulting in thicker tree trunks and spreadout foliage.

Step out in the early morning to catch the mist (unlike the smog in our cities!!) rising up from the Ramganga waters, the crisp sunlight warming your cockles as the mist and the breeze do their best to keep you chilled.

Watching the jungle dwellers waft out of the mist like apparitions is a sight to behold, here are some pictures....

Island in the Sky....thats what this shrub looks like in the thick river fog

Nature's way of telling you...no matter how big you are, you will still be brought to your knees. This is the remains of a huge Sal Tree that was stuck by lighting that all but destroyed it. The base of the trunk is easily over 10 feet around, so you can imagine how large this tree would have been.

 As far as the hardcore Big Cat fans, yes we did get to see them too, a tigress and a Leopard...here you go....

The other forest dwellers that gave us an opportunity to say hello....

Black Necked Stork - Male

Changeable Hawk Eagle Pair Basking in the morning Sun.

Common Bushchat

Crested Kingfisher 

Pallas Fish Eagle bringing home the catch

River Terns 

Great Thicknee

Asian Elephant - Male

Water Pipit

Lesser Coucal

Fulvous Breasted Woodpecker

Scarlet Minivet

Siberian Lesser Whitethroat

If you have reached here...you deserve to get a look at the highlight of the trip - A mini tussle between two Tuskers...

See the Video here...Tusker Tussle

Looking forward to getting back to Corbett Soon for another set of memories, but thats for another day.... Sayonara!!