India and wildlife are two inseparable things. People from around the globe come to India for witnessing the exotic wild species. For making the wildlife tour more worthy, respective authorities introduced jeep safari, elephant safari and canter safari. However, not many people know that there is another beautiful way of exploring fascinating wildlife and that is the river cruise. It is a lifetime experience to sit back in a boat and enjoy the splendors of nature.
Kerala Backwater Cruise Route:
Wildlife destination that one can witness on this cruise is the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Nestled on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, this place is nothing less than a paradise for bird lovers. Birds that hunt for fishes form the main attraction during the cruise. Mentioned below are some of the bird species that treat the eyes of the visitors:
- Herons
- Ducks
- Kingfishers
- Gulls
The traditional houseboat used for the cruise is called Kettuvallam. This boat is facilitated with every modern day amenity, right from double storey accommodation, to air conditioning, to an on-board kitchen.
Some important information regarding the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Local birds that are the major attraction of the sanctuary are Egret, Cuckoo, Waterfowl and Owl. Further, there are also migratory birds that treat the eyes like Larks, Siberian cranes, Flycatchers, Parrots, Wood Beetle and Teal.
Best Season to Visit: June to August (for watching local birds) and November to February (for watching migratory birds).
Sunderban Route:
Sunderban Tiger Reserve is the largest tiger reserve of India. It is the abode of the ferocious yet the most beautiful Royal Bengal Tigers. The river cruise takes the wildlife enthusiasts to the interiors of the reserve and makes the Sunderban tour worth by providing the sight of these stripped cats. It is the Sudhanyakhali’s tiger spotting tower where the visitors can easily spot the big cats.
Some important information regarding the Sunderban National Park
The Sunderban National Park is acknowledged for having world’s largest populace of the mangrove forest and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for the same reason. In its denseness, it inhabits various fascinating wildlife species like Indian Grey Mongoose, Flying Fox, Wild Boar, Fox, Macaques and many more.
Best Season to Visit: October to May
Brahmaputra Route:
The Brahmaputra cruise takes the tourists amidst the beautiful wildlife of the Kaziranga National Park. This national park is a jewel of not just Assam, but the entire country. Being the habitat of the largest population of one horned rhinos, this is among the most visited wildlife destinations of India. River cruise is among the best ways to explore the exquisiteness of the park. Visitors feel delighted after enjoying the water-safari here.
Some important information regarding the Kaziranga National Park
Kaziranga National Park Assam is one of the renowned World Heritage Site of UNESCO. In addition to the one horned rhinos, India’s 15 other endangered mammals dwell in this park. Some of the inhabitants of the park include Gaur Leopard, Ganges Dolphin, Sambar, Otter, Water Buffalo, and Gaur etc.
Best Season to Visit: September to October and February or March
Thus for all those who haven’t yet taken the pleasure of a river cruise, a simple suggestion, please try once and you will cherish it forever. There are various agencies that will be happy to render cruise services, so all that a wildlife enthusiast needs to do is decide for a visit and rest would be accomplished.
