I have always deeply loved birding, nature, and our country's extraordinary biodiversity. In 2020, when my explorations came to a halt due to the pandemic, I stumbled upon an article about a man in the United States who had traversed all the National Parks in the country.
It sounded like a great idea! I researched, and when I discovered that no one had attempted the feat in India, I decided to embark on an expedition to unravel the treasures of our own National Parks.
Over time, my initial route to explore the 104 national parks would evolve to include the 54 tiger reserves, 32 elephant reserves, and ultimately the 17 exceptional biosphere reserves our country proudly hosts.
Along this extraordinary journey, I couldn't help but extend my route to cover our World Heritage Sites and 40 tentative world heritage sites.
The planning of this colossal expedition spanned six months, during which I had to meticulously craft an itinerary that allowed for immersive experiences rather than mere superficial visits to each place.
A well-defined route was established, dividing the journey into six legs—north, northeast, south, west, east, and central—ensuring optimal coverage of the diverse regions. It took approximately three months for me to categorise and compile the extensive list of places and destinations. Pinning each location on my Google map proved a formidable task, as some of these 300+ destinations were not even recognised on the map. Mapping out the entirety of my journey and determining the most efficient route using software and technology helped me launch my exploration.
I started from Pune in October 2021, setting off in my fully equipped and customised 4x4 Thar, tailored to cater to the various terrains I would encounter. With a 15-litre water storage capacity, a roof-mounted solar panel, and rugged all-terrain tyres, I commenced my journey from the central region of India, which included Madhya Pradesh, a portion of Chhattisgarh, South Bihar, Jharkhand, and eventually progressing into West Bengal. The first destination of my expedition was the incredible Melghat Tiger Reserve. Initially, the circuit was carefully planned to complete the central zone first, followed by the northeastern, western, southern, and finally eastern regions. However, due to the implementation of a second lockdown, a change of plans became necessary. Consequently, I altered the sequence and completed the eastern leg immediately after the central leg, as the parks and reserves in that area were accessible to tourists.
My guiding principle during my visits to each Park and Reserve was to explore the core zones of the destinations, accompanied by at least one buffer zone. Moreover, I had a deliberate plan to cover the various geographical areas of each park, prioritising a comprehensive experience of diverse terrains rather than solely focusing on wilderness.
Throughout my travels, there were countless phenomenal moments. The Himalayan Parks presented the most arduous challenges among them due to the high altitudes and demanding terrain. The most daunting experience was the 5-day trek in Nanda Devi National Park, where we faced a steep ascent and encountered technical hurdles during the final leg. Overcoming rocky terrain and overcoming various challenges, we eventually reached the summit at approximately 5000m.
Reflecting on my journey, I vividly recall my first-ever trek in Govind Pashu Vihar National Park. Despite being a novice trekker and lacking sufficient fitness, I persevered and completed the 70-km trek, experiencing incredible accomplishment.
From then on, there was no turning back; my passion for exploration was ignited, and I embraced every challenge ahead.
Another eidetic memory from my journey takes me to the Guru Ghasidas National Park in Chhattisgarh. I shared a cup of tea with a local villager in a small, secluded village. During our conversation, the villager recounted the incident of a tiger that had visited the village the previous night, preying upon and dragging away two of his cattle. He relentlessly sought to locate the cattle to claim compensation from the forest department. Seizing this opportunity, I, my guide and the tribal villager swiftly jumped into my vehicle and initiated a search, following the pugmarks left by the tiger. Our pursuit led us deep into the heart of the tiger reserve, covering almost 400 km. We could not locate the tiger or the missing cattle despite persistent searching and tracking. Nonetheless, the exhilaration of actively tracing the tiger's tracks, sometimes on foot and sometimes in the car, was awe-inspiring. It was an entirely novel experience, filled with a sense of adventure I had never encountered before.
In addition to using my vehicle and private jeeps for safaris, I embarked on some extraordinary and unconventional safaris; these included boating across the Manas and Nameri National Parks in Assam, navigating the Mukundara Hills National Park by boat, exploring Keoladeo National Park on a bicycle, discovering the Bison National Park on an electric tricycle, experiencing a section of the Desert National Park on a camel, and exploring the Western Ghats, Himalayan parks, and northeastern reserves on foot. Along the way, I witnessed breathtaking summit peaks that made me feel like I was on top of the world. The variety of safaris and the various modes of exploration allowed me to fully immerse myself in the diverse landscapes and ecosystems, creating unforgettable souvenirs.
My journey, spanning 63,000 km, was a transformative experience, fostering growth and development on both physical and mental levels. Each forest I encountered became a classroom, imparting invaluable lessons. Every small expedition I embarked upon instilled a renewed sense of purpose. Along the way, I had the privilege of connecting with tribal communities that possess a deep reverence for and custodianship of the forests. The interactions with locals and communities enriched my understanding of their rich culture.
The most significant takeaway from my journey is the urgent need to preserve and conserve our country's natural and cultural heritage. It is crucial to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the habitats of endangered species.
Additionally, preserving the traditional arts and crafts of local tribes and communities is paramount, as these traditions are dwindling with time.