India’s only marine park recognised by International Union for Conservation of Nature, is inhabited by varieties of water species and is an enthralling experience. Unfortunately, industrial activities and oil spill have affected the ecosystem and initiatives are needed to stop further degradation.

The Chambal National Park is a rare, unspoilt place off the tourist circuit where you can enjoy the sight of the Indian gharial, and flocks of Indian skimmer in their natural habitat.

A high altitude escapade that stole my heart. It is indeed perfect for those who seek quiet getaways.

Situated at the foothill of Sintura Hill, Coochbehar, West Bengal, Rasikbil is a land of winged beauties. Or at least used to be. With an ever increasing tourist rush the bird count is dropping and Rasikbil seems to be losing its panoramic charm.

The mesmerising environs of the Sanctuary is a paradise for nature lovers. Abounding in grasslands and water bodies Debrigarh is a little known destination with astounding birding possibilities.

A sleepy town in West Sikkim that is an epitome of rich heritage, natural beauty and culture - heaven on earth. Situated at an altitude of 5580 ft Rinchenpong is a fairly new but must go tourist destination.

The lifeline of the UNESCO heritage site was choked off when the Panchana Dam was built on the Gambhir River. Now there is a move to reserve a share of water from the very same Dam for the Park and rejuvenate the millions that depend on it for their lives and livelihood.

Among the three variations of the martial dance form, Purulia Chhau has a distinctive ethos. Traditionally performed to celebrate the sun festival, year long cultural extravaganzas today provide a wide canvas for its dissemination. Thematic content in Purulia Chhau is drawn from epical stories and the mask is the most characteristic part of the dance.

A non-descript village Vetnai in the Ganjam district of Orissa, is a safe haven to the endangered blackbucks. The villagers fiercely protect the animals, perceiving them as the harbingers of good fortune. This is quite in contrast with the pastime of some who take pleasure in hunting the rare and beautiful antelope.

It was a land of hunters. Every home of this poverty stricken village possessed a gun, and winter was boom time. With country boats and loaded guns they foraged the vast wetland for prized migratory birds, firing with perfect precision. Poaching raked in as much as Rs. 25,000 per month till about 1997 when a magical transformation happened—the hunters foresaw their barren future, and turned protectors. Today the notorious poachers are very important members of ‘Shree Shree Mahavir Pakshi Suraksha Samity’.