BHOPAL
ECOTOURISM CIRCUIT
BHOPAL the capital of Madhya Pradesh is a fascinating amalgam
of scenic beauty, historicity and modern urban planning. It is
situated on the site of an 11th century city, Bhojapal, founded
by Raja Bhoja. Bhopal today presents a multi-faceted profile;
the old city with its teeming market places and fine old mosques
and palaces still bear the aristocratic imprint of its former
rulers; among them the succession of powerful Begums who ruled
Bhopal from 1819 to 1926. Equally impressive is the new city with
its verdant, exquisitely laid out parks and gardens, broad avenues
and streamlined modern edifices.
Bhopal the city of lakes is surrounded by beautiful forest from
all the sides. Three wildlife sanctuaries viz. Singhori, Ratapani
and Narsinggarh around Bhopal and one National Park right in the
centre of city provide a good abode for wild flora and fauna.
Four sites in the sanctuaries namely Barrusot, Delabadi, Chidikho
and Puratala Island has immense potential to be developed for
ecotourism.
BARUSSOT
- THE HERITAGE LINK
Barrusot
is situated within the Ratapani wildlife sanctuary which is one
of the good abodes for variety of wildlife.. The sanctuary is
situated within the vindhyachal hills passing through Raisen and
Sehore Districts of Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the most potential
ecotourism sites of Madhya Pradesh where the tourist can enjoy
the archeological site amidst the nature and wildlife. There are
number of attraction which can be visited by the tourist with
the night stay at the forest rest house. The sanctuary runs parallel
on the nothern side of Narmada river, which is the life line of
Madhya Pradesh. Towards the west of the sanctuary flows Kolar
river. Forest is dry deciduous type in which Teak is the dominant
species.
The
forest cover spreads over 135 sq km with profound natural habitat
of wildlife. The beautiful forests of Barrusot has carnivores
Tiger, Panther, Wild dog, Fox, Sloth beer and herbivores include
Sambhar, Barking deer, Spotted Deer, Blue bulls, Chinkara, Indian
Gazelle. Large variety of resident and migratory birds of many
rare species like storks, Ibis, Eagle, Kingfisher, lapwing, Orioles,
Hornbills, woodpeckers, Hoopoe, Wild cock, partridge, parakeets
are found here. This area also falls in the route of migratory
birds moving from north to central and southern parts of the country.
The water body with panoramic landscape around and crocks inside
add to the aesthetic and virtual values of the area. Barrusot
is situated at a distance of 60 kms from Bhopal approachable through
NH 12. Eight kilometers wild drive through good forests from the
NH 12 near barkehera, situated at the Bhopal Hoshangabad Road.
BHIMBETIKA
The
painted rock shelters, which are 10000 years old at, Bhimbetika
is declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site, situated in the sanctuary
area. It attracts one lakh visitors annually for the archeological
and historical value in terms of knowledge of different types
of historic activities through the paintings on the rocks of the
place and adventure sports activities like rock climbing in the
adjoining areas. The tourist can halt at Obedullahgunj for the
night stay. There is good parking facility but there is a need
to develop drinking water facility, toilet facility, Interpretation
centers and recruitment of knowledgeable interpreter or guide
at the site. The existing activities include boating in Ratapani
reservoir. Various proposed activities are " Development of tekking
trails. " Angling at Ratapani reservior. " Wildlife viewing from
watch tower and hides. " Bird watching with experts. " Bush walk
with guides.
DELABADI
- THE MOTHER NATURE
Delabadi
is situated within the ratapani wildlife sanctuary. Ratapani wildlife
sanctuary, situated within the vindhyachal hills passing through
raisen and Sehore districts of Madhya Pradesh, is one of the good
abodes for variety of wildlife. The sanctuary runs parallel on
the nothern side of Narmada river, which is the life line of Madhya
pradesh. Towards the west of the sanctuary flows Kolar river.
Forest is dry deciduous type in which teak dominants in some patches.
The area is famous as a natural recreation spot and also for wildlife
lovers. The sanctuary consist of a beautiful forest and an impressive
number of wild animals. The wildlife population in the area of
Delabadi consist of carnivores includes Tiger, Panther, Sloth
Beer, Wild dog, Fox and herbivores including Sambhar, Barking
Deer, Spotted Deer, Blue bull, Chinkara, Monkeys. Large variety
of resident and migratory birds of many rare species like storks,
Ibis, Eagle, Kingfisher, lapwing, Orioles, Hornbills, woodpeckers,
Hoopoe Wild cock, partridge, parakeets are found here. Paradise
Fly Catcher, the state bird of Madhya Pradesh can also be seen
in sanctuary area. Sun rise and sun set point can also be enjoyed
in wildlife area. Delabadi serves as an excellent destination
for the nature and wilderness lovers. The drive to Delabadi is
an experience for the naure lovers. Delabadi is situated at a
distance of 55 kms from Bhopal on Rehti road approachable through
NH-12, 265 kms from Indore through NH-3.
Apart
from natural beauty one can also enjoy the visit to Ginnorgarh
fort, POW Camp and tiger exibition hall. The Ginnorgarh Fort is
historical, archeological site, which proves to be natural sight
seeing area as well. The place is visited by very less number
of visitors that count from five hundred to one thousand annually.
Short trekking, fort visit and recreation entertain the ecotourist.
At present there is no basic facility only a rest house of the
forest department at Delawari, which is eight kilometers away
from the place. The famous Ginnorgarh Fort was long a Gond strong
hold but fell to Dost Mohammed in 18th century is situated within
the sanctuary area. Many old bawadi, which were used as water
source in old days are also present there.
POW
Camp- A prisoners of war (POW) camp under the British Raj is present
within the area. This is an archeological site where there is
a sunset point which is a worth site seeing place. At present
it attracts very less number of tourists who come mostly for the
site seeing purpose. The basic facilities are not present in the
area and need to be developed to attract large number of tourist.
A Tiger exhibition hall which is made to educate tourist about
the sanctuary is situated at the entry of the sanctuary gate.
Various proposed activities for the area are " Development of
tekking trails of different lengths - 1, 3, 5, .... kms " Exhibit
gallery / museum " Wild sports for the children. " Wildlife viewing
/ birding and star gazing " Walkays and over way trails
CHIDIKHO
- THE PARADISE
Chidikho is situated within the Narsinghgarh Wildlife Sanctuary
in Rajgarh District of Madhya Pradesh. The famous lake of Chidikho
was constructed in the year 1935 by the rulers of Narsinghgarh
state. The main attraction of the area is the waterbody in the
shape a Chidiya (Bird) spread over 22 hectares and also a permanent
source of water to wildlife especially in summers. One can enjoy
the nature walks and wilderness of the area. A watch tower named
as Chacko Point can be used to watch wildlife. The wild life population
in adjoining areas of Chidikho consist of Panther, Sambhar, Blue
Bull, Chital, Chinkara, hyena, Wild boar, Peafowl, Crocodiles,
Black buck. Small animals like Porcupine, Common Langur, Jackals
Rattles etc. are also part of attraction. Reptiles like Cobra,
Krait and Tortoise are added attractions. Large variety of residents
and migratory birds of 48 families and 164 species like Egrets,
Storks, Ibis, Eagle, Kingfisher, Lapwing, Orioles, Hornbills,
Woodpeckers, Hoopoe, wild cock, Partridge and Parakeets are found
here. One can also Paradise Fly Catcher the state bird of Madhya
Pradesh. This area also falls in the route of migratory birds
moving from north to central and southern parts of the country.
Interpretation Centre just at the gate way of the Sanctuary. Chidikho
is situated at distance of 80 kms from Bhopal approachable through
NH12, 221kms from Indore through NH3 and NH12 and also 278 kms
from Kota (Rajasthan). A motor drive of four kms from the main
road to the reservoir adds to the thrill.
PURTALA
- THE WONDER ISLAND
Purtala an island of 2.5 acres is situated within the Singhodi
Wildlife Sanctuary. Singhodi Wildlife Sanctuary, with an area
of 110 sq km, is situated within the Vindhachal Hills passing
through Raisen District of Madhya Pradesh. Forest is dry deciduous
type in which Teak is dominant alog with its asociates. Bari is
situated at a distance of 100 kms from Bhopal approachable through
NH-12. Purtala is accessible from bari through 30 minutes motorboat
ride.
The
Island is surronded by vast stretch of Barna Water reservoir spreading
over around 1500 sq km. Many other virgin islands around add to
the aesthetic and natural values. The forest cover consist of
287 sq km area, providing a beautiful natural habitat of wildlife.
The wildlife population in the area consist of carnivores including
Tiger, Panther, Wild dog, Fox and herbivores are Sambhar, Barking
Deer, Spotted Deer, Blue Bull, Chinkara, Monkeys. Large variety
of resident and migratory birds of many rare species like storks,
Ibis, Eagle, Kingfisher, Lapwing, Orioles, Hornbills, Woodpeckers,
Hoopoe Wild cock, Partridge, Parakeets are found here. Paradise
Fly Catcher, the state bird of Madhya Pradesh can also be seen
in sanctuary area.
A
25 acre big island is near the Purtala and reachable by waterways
within half hour journey. Chowkigarh Fort is accessible from the
Purtala island within half hour journey and another 45 minutes
of trekking.
