Wayanadan Friend

Indian Giant Squirrel

The Indian giant squirrel, or Malabar giant squirrel, (Ratufa indica) is a large tree squirrel species genus Ratufa native to India. It is a large-bodied diurnal, arboreal, and herbivorous squirrel found in South Asia.It is called 'Shekru' in Marathi and is state animal of Maharashtra.The Indian giant squirrel is an upper-canopy dwelling species, which rarely leaves the trees, and requires "tall profusely branched trees for the construction of nests."It travels from tree to tree with jumps of up to 6 m (20 ft). When in danger, the Ratufa indica often freezes or flattens itself against the tree trunk, instead of fleeing.Its main predators are the birds of prey and the leopard.The Giant Squirrel is mostly active in the early hours of the morning and in the evening, resting in the midday. It is a shy, wary animal and not easy to discover.

Kabini Wild Life

About Kabini

The Kabini river winds its way from the Wayanad district in Kerala to join the Kaveri in Karnataka. Along the way it feeds the Kabini reservoir, the shores of which form one of the best, most accessible places in the country to sight wildlife. In the summer, animals are drawn to the water as well as the lush meadows on the fringes of the reservoir.

The river flows along the edge of the famous Nagarhole National Park and Bandipur National Park, the top places in India, probably Asia, to spot herds of the Asian elephant. Also, in 2011 Karnataka's tiger population overtook that of Madhya Pradesh, making it the the number one tiger state in the country.  Visitors have a great chance of seeing big cats in the wild, as well as sightings of sambar, langurs, sloth bears, chital, crocodiles, pythons, leopards and over 250 varieties of birds.

This region is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, an area of 5,522 square kilometres in the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka. The density of tree cover and animal life, as well as the number of streams and waterfalls, make Kabini a magical part of the reserve.

Walk Through The Ambiance Of Wayanad

Wayanad Walk

Spread across either bank of a sprightly mountain stream that runs through the 150 acre property, the Vythiri Resort is a delightful jungle hideaway and a naturalist's treasure trove. Wrapped in the cool embrace of a rainforest, stone lined pathways, canopied by majestic trees, lead to brick coloured cottages built in the style native to the region. Built of brick with wooden rafters on the roof, furnished in cane, wood and fabrics of discreet elegance, the cottages are equipped with all modern amenities. The accommodations are designed so as to provide residents an immediate experience of the surrounding sights and sounds. Available in configurations ranging from heady tree houses, to cottages on stilts overlooking the stream and further downstream, cottages with jacuzzis, private pools and a suite, everywhere, the muted hiss of the stream is a continuous serenade. A rope bridge across the stream, leads to the restaurant overlooking the swimming pool at one end and a sweeping view of the forest all around.

Place : Vythiri, Wayanad

Hotel : Vythiri Resort

Wild Life in Kabini

Hero of Kabini

Wildlife

Nagarhole forms part of the Nilgiri Biosphere whose diversity in vegetation make it one of the best elephant reserves in the country. It is home to the largest congregation of asiatic elephants in the world.In the summer months you can see herds in the hundreds at the reservoir quenching their thirst.

There are also a high density of tigers and leopards in the park due to the healthy prey base and excellent habitat. The other important carnivores found here are the wild dog(dhole), sloth bear and hyena. The herbivores are spotted deer, gaur, sambar, barking deer, four-horned antelope, wild boar and elephant.

Other mammals include common langur, bonnet macaque, jungle cat, slender loris, leopard-cat, civet cat, mongoose, common otter and pangolin.

Place : Kabini, Karnataka

Hotel : Kaav