Ambazari Biodiversity Park - Nagpur's Jewel in the Crown !!!

 

Being a travel consultant I have been looking for the genuine low cost  travel solutions for my guests during the pandemic. 

Some days back I did write  about the boat ride which all can enjoy at the Pench Dam reservoir. Since then many families  and friends  have taken the chance and enjoyed the boat ride amidst the nature.….of course, with proper care of social distancing, pragmatic use of sanitizers and wearing the face mask.

I have to follow the Covid19 safety protocols strictly ……for me, safety and enjoyment go hand in hand !!!

Since March, we all are desperate to breath fresh air…..to go for  family  outing …..at least have a walk among the woods….. 

I  have been praying – I just want my pre-Covid days back…..but, we all are aware, its a remote possibility as of now !!!

Looking for Options ??

For all the nature lovers….

Who need a short break….

Are on budget…..

I have an option and I am sure you won’t be disappointed..

No need to go far …. !!!

We have this beautiful place adjacent to  Nagpur City !!!

Its  Ambazari Biodiversity Park !!!

Strongly recommended …..Go and watch for yourself !!!

Location – on the road from Hingna tri-junction to Wadi.

What's so special about this place?

The area between the ring road and  the backside of our own Ambazari lake forms the scenic backdrop. Its a reserve forest, dominantly consisting  of open  grasslands. You will find less trees here. The open space makes it an ideal place for bird watching. Once the winter season sets in, the area also welcomes migratory birds.

The Nag river flows into the lake. The area along this river forms a green patch and the backwater or the wetland becomes an ideal playground for the avian species for nesting. For me this area forms an important source of absorbing carbon dioxide.

How was my experience ?

• ·     I already had in my mind to cover the park on cycle hence I opted for the yellow colour tubeless one.
• ·      Once you are on the cycle trail, you see the photographs of the  birds along the road on regular intervals.
• ·       The roads are intentionally been kept simple and rustic.
• ·       I was impressed with the way the bird hides were constructed for bird watching.
• ·       There are towers in the park to get the better view of the green landscape around.
• ·    Though I am not an avid bird watcher still I could see lots of bee eaters, brown heron and lesser cormorants at the backwaters, munias, black shoulder kites and another raptor which was difficult to identify, drongo, babblers, robins, peafowls….. an accompanying naturalist would be better anytime.
• ·       Since you are in the open you are sure to observe the hovering black shoulder kite.
• ·       Equally impressive were the open air interpretation classrooms…. A great concept…. There were many such trees where photos of the birds were displayed  under the shade  with proper sitting arrangement.
• ·       For the first time I saw the Nag river in its full glory ….making its presence felt !!
• ·       It was not a planned visit as I had gone there during noon. Ideally for observing the bird activity the early morning hours or the evening hours are okay.
• ·       I always have a water bottle in my bag which was helpful in the scorching sun.
• ·       A good camera is strongly recommended for the bird watchers, I only had my cell phone.
• ·       The surroundings have a calming effect on your senses.
• ·      I could notice the specially erected resting stands in the wetlands so that the birds could sit on them.
• ·        I was happy to note some groups observing birds while cycling.
• ·       Still to explore as the park is big…….shall visit again

How can you ‘Enjoy’ nature here?

• ·       The park size almost touches whooping 800 hectares.
• ·       Once you enter the gate you will find the booking office and a sprawling parking space. There is a small eatery/shack  here.
• ·       Park timings are 6 am to 6 pm.   Closed on Monday.
• ·     Once you pay the entry fees of Rs.10.00….there are ways… ways …and ways ….to enjoy the pristine nature here !!
• ·       Walk along the various designated trails
• ·       Cycle -pay Rs.50/- for 2 hours and Rs.25/- extra for every next half an hour 
• ·       E-rickshaws for those who cannot walk but still want to be in the nature. Rs.300/- for 2 hours
• ·       You can also get binoculars by paying Rs.40/-
• ·       For an accompanying Guide or Naturalist charges are Rs.200/-
• ·       You can also bring your own cycle.
• ·       You will find variety of grass, trees, shrubs, birds, butterflies and insects.
• ·       The place is photographers delight.
• ·      Mr. Nilesh Tawale from the forest department  and his colleagues are very supportive and will give you good suggestions.
• ·       You can purchase Ambazari Guide at the booking office for Rs.250/-

Some suggestions…for adding more value !!

• 
  ·       There should be a map displayed at the entrance so that one gets a clear idea about the park.
• ·       During the trail, there should be maps mentioning the place you are at .
• ·       The trail should be circular ideally…..still, no issue !!!
• ·       Hope the persons entering the park  appreciate nature. There were young couples on the towers, group of boys and girls, most probably students,  in the park , least concerned  about where they were……no comments further !!!
• ·       The need of an interpretation center at the gate itself which displays the information details of the park.
• ·       Season wise display of the birds being found …or the birds who migrate.
• ·       Special competitions on Sundays.

On a Serious note.....

• ·       As long as the birds do not feel disturbed and the public entering the park behave responsibly the park is a heaven.
• ·       It can be an ideal place for the families who wish to be in the nature.
• ·  The place has all ingredients for learning and preparing the future generation for nature conservation.
• ·      More and more families should look this as a place for nature appreciation instead of picnic place.
• ·       The word of mouth publicity will attract more nature lovers to the park.
• ·       Avoid littering inside the park…..lets all maintain the sanctity of the park.

 

 Amit Naseri

9422145190