Wild Escape – 2014

                          WILD ESCAPE-2014

It was the first joint venture of Himalayan Explorers with
the Auto Giant Mahindra & Mahindra to promote Wild Life Tourism in the
Jungle of Central India. The forest’s selected for the event, were, Pench Tiger
Reserve Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh and Kanha National Park.

The event was from 10^th February 2014 to 14^th
February 2014. The team assembled at Tuli Imperial Ramdashpeth, Central Bazar
Road, Nagpur.

After Lunch, introduction of the participants,
distribution of the merchandize, the participants were addressed by Avril
Khambatta Thakur (President Himalayan Explorers), Bijoy Kumar and Vinod
Nookla from Mahindra Adventure.

After lunch the Chief Guest ShivajiRao Moghe
(Maharashtra’s Guardian Minister) was welcomed by Mr. Bijoy Kumar, and the
event was flagged-off for its first destination Jungle Home , Welcome Group
Resort ,Turia ( Pench Tiger Reserve Madhya Pradesh).  At the Jungle Home the dinner was organized
with live music and tribal dance. The night stay was at Jungle Home.

The next morning the entire group of 48 participants
in 08 open Gypsy’s went for the first Jungle safari through the Turia Entry
gate. From Turia there are two safari routes, viz. Route number 1 and 2. Four
gypsy’s on each route. All the participants were lucky, to be greeted by a
leopard that cat walked for more than 45 minutes. Many clicked still pictures
and many made video films. Throughout the safari the participants encountered
innumerable wild life, especially wild herbivores like Indian Gour, Sambar
(Swamp Deer), spotted deer etc. But to add to the thrill and luck of more than
85% participants spotted the most sought of the majestic animal the Royal
Bengal Tiger.

After mouth watering lunch at the resort, all the
participants drove in a convoy of 25 Mahindra Adventure vehicles
through the Jungle road (Via Khursapar) enjoying off roading to Sillari (Pench
Tiger Reserve) Maharashtra. The participants were mesmerized by the wilderness.
After reaching Sillari Gate, once again the 48 participants got in 08 Gypsy and
enjoyed the evening safari at Pench Tiger Reserve Maharashtra. There were lot
of sightings of animals and birds, especially birds like Malabar hornbills and
peacocks. Near the tothladoh dam we encountered numerous peacocks dancing.
After the safari we drove back to Jungle home Turia and enjoyed a gala dinner
night.  

12^th February all the participants went for
wolf safari in the Mahindra Adventure vehicle and few hired Gypsy’s. We did not
encounter any animals especially wolves, but yes the Jungle was beautiful with
total off road track.

After lunch the team was flagged-off by Mr. Raju
Itkelwar (Proprietor Jungle Home) to their next destination i.e. Kanha National
Park (Madhya Pradesh). At Khatia Village the team checked in at another 5star
property “Satya Ashoka”. The Kanha National Park is divided into four zones
viz. Kanha, Kisli, Mukki and Sarai . The team enjoyed bonfire with tribal dance
and sat along the fire sharing their experience for previous events with the
Mahindra Adventure.

The next morning all the participants went for safari
in the four different zones. Participants returned back with stories and
pictures of Tiger and other animals. As we entered the reserve, we were
encountered with a group of foxes basking in the sun. While we were driving in
the Kanha Zone, to our surprise one fox was walking in front of our Gypsy for
more than 3 to 4 kms. We all returned back with fond memories, pictures and
videos of wild life.

 After our lunch
we went back to the jungle for nature trail with a guide. The trail was of
approximately 6kms one side. The beauty was of numerous cobwebs of tunnel
spider. We also encountered a heard of Indian Gour’s, which was a bit scary,
because we were walking in their territory.

 Next afternoon
after lunch we all drove back to Nagpur and checked in at hotel Tuli Imperial
and celebrated Valentine day with banquet.

15^th February morning post lunch all the
participants flew back to their destinations and the Mahindra Adventure
vehicles were driven back to Delhi by the hired drivers.