Kenya’s Lake Nakuru National Park: A Photo Story of Wild Riches

It is a place where you can see hundreds of thousands of flamingos in one view making it one of the most famous bird spectacles in the world. It is a stronghold for both of Africa’s endangered rhino species. It is one of Kenya’s top wildlife destinations that is also a bird lover’s paradise. It is an important pitstop on the African – Eurasian migratory flyway. It is home to the big five and other animal and bird species. And it is one of Kenya’s lakes system UNESCO world heritage sites. I am talking about Lake Nakuru national park, a Ramsar wetland that is nestled in the vast Rift valley. This national park is a wildlife enthusiast’s delight and a stay of a few nights here is enough to wow you with its wildlife riches and panoramic beauty. This photo story aims at showing you the diversity of this rich ecosystem though these varied wildlife and bird photos shot here during a Kenya wildlife safari holiday.

Above photo: Flamingos gather at Lake Nakuru by the millions. There is something about the Rift valley lakes that appeal to these birds and the sight of them feeding and flying together in millions is a sight for the ages.



Above photo: Apart from flamingos, other water birds like Great white pelicans, african spoonbills and others can be seen at Lake Nakuru in huge numbers. Most of these birds migrate to the lakes of the Rift valley from Europe every year.



Above photo: The grassland surrounding Lake Nakuru is fertile and is made up of highly adaptable alkaline grasses, which attract herbivores in hoards. This is an example of a common zebra chomping on these delicious grass.



Above photo: This is another instance of a herbivore enjoying the grasslands surrounding Lake Nakuru. All herbivores thrive in healthy numbers in this national park.



Above photo: This olive baboon family can be seen enjoying the morning sun on the jeep track inside Lake Nakuru national park. These olive baboon families are rowdy in nature and the males can fight any animal, however large when threatened.



Above photo: Lake Nakuru national park is home to 400 species of birds. And one of them is this vibrant yellow-billed stork that can seen feeding in the shallow waters of the lake.



Above photo: Egyptian Goose, another migratory visitor, fills up new colours in your camera viewfinder.



Above photo: Black faced velvet monkeys are playful in nature and are commonly seen at Lake Nakuru National Park. Other primates that can be easily spotted here are olive baboons and colobus monkeys.



Above photo: The star attractions of Lake Nakuru national park are the greater and lesser flamingos that congregate here in millions. It feels as if the whole horizon is dressed in different shades of pink.



Above photo: The shallow algae rich waters of Lake Nakuru attract more than 2 million flamingos. The biggest numbers can be seen during the dry season. When the lake is full, the flamingos are known to migrate to another Rift valley lake, Lake Bogoria or sometimes Lake Turkana.



Above photo: Wildlife, bird and nature photographers like Lake Nakuru for its amazing flamingo photography. And you don’t have to travel a lot inside Lake Nakuru unlike the other national parks of Kenya, which ensures that you get lots of animal and bird photos with minimal hassle.



Above photo: A fluffy pied crow perched on top of a dead tree branch at Lake Nakuru national park. A common citizen here, the pied crow looks exactly like a crow, but with the added white colour chest jacket.



Above photo: This is the baboon cliff view point inside Lake Nakuru national park. It is situated in the middle of the park and offers great vistas of the lake and the surrounding hills and forests.



Above photo: Lake Nakuru is one of the few places in East Africa where one can see Rothschild’s giraffe in the wild. The population of this giraffe at Nakuru is the second highest after Murchison Falls national park in Uganda and the largest in Kenya.



Above photo: The common zebra exists in healthy numbers in Lake Nakuru national park and seem to love the grasslands here.



Above photo: If hippos interest you, go near the mouth of the Makalia, Njoro or Enderit rivers as the hippos like the freshwater that the river brings. Do keep a safe distance from the hippos as they are known to get aggressive.



Above photo: A dozen white and about 20 black rhino were translocated to Lake Nakuru in the 1990s and have since bred to form populations or around 100s of each species. The white rhino in particular is common on the lake’s southern floodplain.



Above photo: The best place to see the cape buffalo (one of the big five of Kenya) is in the swamps next to the lake. In all probability, you will see the buffalo wallowing in the mud.

Other nearby tourist attractions:

1) Samburu Tribe: One of the colourful tribes of Kenya

2) Samburu National Reserve: An Oasis of Wildlife in Arid North Kenya

3) Thomson’s Falls: A stunning waterfall at Nyahururu

4) Nanyuki’s Equator Point: A great place to understand the Coriolis effect

5) Maasai Mara’s Great Migration: 8th Wonder of the world

6) Maasai Tribe: The tribal people of Maasai Mara Game Reserve

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Waghoba Eco Lodge: Earth Friendly Luxury Wildlife Resort at Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve

One of India’s largest and oldest national parks, Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is rich in biodiversity and is one of the best places to see the tiger, gaur, leopard, wild dog and other wild species. It’s thriving tiger population make it a fabulous place to see the tiger up close in its natural habitat. The upcoming summer months also happen to be the best time to spot the tiger inside Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve. And one of the best ways to have a top wildlife holiday in Tadoba is to stay with Waghoba Eco Lodge, an earth friendly luxury wildlife resort owned by pugdundee safaris.



This review article is based on my recent experience of staying at Waghoba Eco Lodge and enjoying a surreal wildlife holiday at Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve. Following are the key highlights of staying at Waghoba Eco Lodge:

1) Excellent In-House Naturalists

Whether you are a pro wildlife lover or an upcoming nature enthusiast, you will definitely love the in-depth knowledge of Waghoba’s naturalists. Not only are these folks, well trained in the flora and fauna of Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, they are also genuinely interested in learning more about the nature around them. And this makes for great conversations and interactions and the joy of exploring the national park with them is unparalleled. They share local stories of the animals, are excellent at tracking the tiger and share their well rounded understanding of the forest that includes plants, birds, insects, amphibians, reptiles and the big animals. This makes your jungle safari, jungle treks and other activities more wholesome and thus making for a rich wildlife holiday with not just visual experiences, but with a deeper understanding of the wild too.



2) Strategic Location bordering the Tiger Reserve

Waghoba Eco Lodge enjoys a lovely location a bit away from the villages while sharing the border on one side with the tiger reserve. This ensures that they get regular wildlife visitors from time to time and if you get lucky you can actually sight a tiger from within the property itself. This proximity to the forest also ensures that you can go on those private walks into the jungle from the property where you can track the tiger on foot and may be, even spot it while you are on the walk. Imagine, how thrilling it would be. This is also a great way to understand the lay of the land and see some of the other denizens of the forest that you usually give a miss while on a jeep safari.

Waghoba Eco Lodge is just 8 kms away from the Khutwanda gate and 20 kms away from the action packed Moharli gate of Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve.



3) Sustainable Eco-Luxe Resort in Tadoba National Park

Waghoba Eco Lodge is that place where you can immerse yourself in the lap of luxury and enjoy a stay that is in complete harmony with nature. It is set beautifully in a 12-acre land of an untraversed area in the buffer zone of the tiger reserve. It has been crafted using the very best of sustainable and eco construction methods that include green architecture, handmade conical tiles, sustainable lighting fixtures, ground water recharge and Pythriod Sewage Treatment Plant among others. Waghoba Eco Lodge’s key features include:



a) Nature inspired cottages

b) In-house organic farm

c) Hide for bird photography

d) Wildlife library and lounge

e) A gorgeous swimming pool

f) In-house lake that attracts lots of local birds and animals



4) Organic Kitchen that serves Lip Smacking Thalis

If you are a foodie, you will definitely relish your time at Waghoba Eco Lodge as their chefs serve some thoughtfully designed regional platters and dishes for you. Their authentic thalis (including the Maharashtrian, Varadhi and the Hyderabadi Thali), the spicy Saoji curries and their iconic desserts are enough to take you on a journey to gastronomic heaven. The icing on the cake is that most of the food served here is grown locally in their organic farm or it is sourced locally from the nearby villages. Waghoba Eco Lodge is also home to a well stocked bar that is perfect for those relaxed evenings after a long day in the jungle.



Don’t look any further if a top eco-friendly wildlife holiday destination is on your mind. The beautiful mix of rich wildlife sightings coupled with some seriously good information from the naturalists, green architecture, luxurious stay and lip-smacking food make Waghoba Eco Lodge a top destination for your wildlife holiday in Maharashtra’s Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve. I had a jolly good time there and am eager to return soon.



Wildlife Highlights of Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve:



Tadoba has a thriving population of Royal Bengal tigers and hence is one of the best habitats to see the tiger up close. As Tadoba is mostly made up of sharp bamboo thickets, the tigers here prefer to work on the soft mud of the jeep tracks and hence the tiger sightings here are legendary. It is also a great place to sight the Indian gaur, leopard, black panther, sloth bear, dhole or wild dog, jackal, sambar deer, barking deer, nilgai, spotted deer, macaque, langur, monitor lizard, crocodile, Indian pitta, Indian roller, paradise flycatcher and many other species of birds.

Things to keep in mind while visiting Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve:



1) If visiting during summers, wear comfortable cotton clothing, sunglasses, hat and scarf to protect you from the heat and dust.

2) If visiting during the winters, wear winter wear with some kind of wind protection, gloves, closed shoes, warm cap and sunglasses.

3) The use of mobile phones is completely banned in Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve. You can either leave your mobile phone in your hotel room or carry it with you in airplane mode or switch off position. Do not take out your mobile phone at any time, else it will be confiscated.

4) You can only use DSLRs to take pictures during your jungle safari. You can either carry your own equipment or rent gear from the forest department.

5) There are only a few areas inside the forest that are allowed for walking. Do ensure that you have a guide with you at all times. When anywhere else inside the tiger reserve, do stay inside your safari vehicle.

How many gates are there in Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve:



There are 20 different gates in Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve. Fourteen of these fall under buffer zones while the other six come under core zones. When making bookings, it is important to keep accessibility and connectivity in mind while selecting a gate or zone of Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve.

How to book your jungle safari:



To book your safari permits, you will have to visit the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve government website and make your bookings online. Alternatively, the team at Waghoba Eco Lodge can help you with your safari bookings.

The cost of the safari permits vary for weekdays, weekends, festivals and for special occasions. The safari duration varies between morning and evening session and the safari timings change depending on season.

Best season to visit:



Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is open all year round, but the core is closed from July 1 through September 30 due to the monsoons. The monsoon season is a bit lean as only the buffer zone is allowed, but it can allow you to see the forest dressed in pretty green and sometimes, you might catch a whole bunch of tiger activity.

The best season to see tigers and other wild animals happens to be between March and June. This season also happens to be the hottest and dustiest.

October to February offers moderate weather with good sightings.

How to reach there:



The nearest airport is Nagpur International airport, about 122 kms or 3 hours away. The nearest railway station is Chandrapur, about 60 kms or 1 hour away. But, better rail connectivity can be found at Nagpur.

Waghoba Eco Lodge is situated near the Khutwanda gate. While traveling from Nagpur take NH 44 and NH 347A to Tembhurda via Borkhedi, Sonegaon, Jamb, Keslapur and Khambada. At Tembhurda, turn left and carry on forward to Khemjai, Shegaon, Chandankheda and Wadala Tukum, where the lodge is located.

Bus connectivity is very poor to Waghoba Eco Lodge. Taxis play between Nagpur and Tadoba, but it is best to book one in advance from a reliable tour operator for best service and prices.

Other nearby tourist attractions:



1) Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve: A wild place for a jungle safari

2) Pench Tiger Reserve: Where the jungle book comes alive

3) 11th Century Bhojeshwar Temple: Home to one of the largest Shiva lingas in the world

4) Ellora Caves: One of the largest rock-cut monastery-temple cave complexes in the world

5) Ken Gharial Sanctuary: A fragile and vulnerable ecosystem



6) Hidden Bundelkhand Kingdom called Orchha

7) Khajuraho: Of history, temples, sculptures, erotica and kamasutra

8) Ajanta Caves: The 2200 year old rock cave wonder

9) Aurangzeb’s Tomb at Khuldabad: The simple resting place of the last strong Mughal Emperor

10) Bhopal: The city of lakes



11) Moti Masjid: Bhopal’s mosque of pearls

12) Udayagiri Caves: 5th century cultural beauty of Madhya Pradesh

13) Bheem Betika: Of prehistoric structures, caves, drawings and paintings

14) Sanchi Stupa: Indian heritage gem that gave torana architecture to the world

15) Chanderi Sari: 700 years of history and a traditional handloom icon of India



16) Bhopal’s Taj-ul-Masjid: One of the largest mosques in Asia

17) Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve: In tiger’s territory

18) Zero Mile Marker: The true center of India

19) Diksha Bhoomi: A holy Buddhist monument in Nagpur

20) Kasturchand Park: The biggest meeting place in Nagpur

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Manjolai: The Unknown Hill Station Gem of India

This gorgeous hill station is home to some of the most pristine forests in the Western Ghats. It’s climate, rich flora and fauna are influenced by the winds coming from all the three oceans surrounding the Indian mainland – Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. It receives rains almost every month of the year. It receives rains from both the South West and North East monsoons, but since most of its valleys are facing the east, it receives bountiful rains during the North East monsoon. It is considered a giant during the North East monsoon and rivals most of the monsoon giants of the Western Ghats like Talacauvery, Chinakallar, Agumbe, Masthikatte, Castle Rock, Amboli, Malshej and Chorla for its annual rainfall. I am talking about the relatively unknown hill station of Manjolai that is located in the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve of South Tamil Nadu.



Manjolai is located at an elevation of about 4000 feet above MSL in the Western Ghats. It is part of the catchment area of the Thamirabharani river and its tributaries. It’s rain water run-off feeds the Manimuthar Falls and the Manimuthar Dam. It is a beautiful mix of tea estates, fruit orchards and tropical evergreen forests of the Western Ghats. During the British rule, tea was first planted on this hill station and it was managed by the Bombay Burmah Trading Corporation (BBTC). BBTC was given a lease by British India and the Singampatti Zamin for a period of 100 years in the year 1925. The salubrious climate allowed the tea estates to prosper and this gave birth to the tiny temples/churches, schools and houses in this hilly hamlet. Today, the 100 year old lease has come to an end and the government has decided to close the tea estates and restore the place back to its original glory. Manjolai will now come under the control of the Tamil Nadu forest department and the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve.



While this is great news for the forest, wildlife and for the catchment area of the Thamirabharani river, I feel sad for the people who used to call Manjolai their home. The government has planned to relocate them in the plains below, but I think it will be very tough for them. I hope the people of Manjolai can be employed in the forest department and PWD in the same region so that they feel some continuity with the region.



This is the last year before civilization disappears from Manjolai and it completely becomes a forest. Not that the civilization was huge here, but the tea estates, the iconic Manjolai rusk with lemon tea, the pretty little homes and the hill station vibes, they will all be missed for sure. But, I hope that as the forest and the region regenerates, we and our future generations can hopefully experience the Manjolai of the old before tea estates were part of the landscape. And I am sure, it will positively influence the weather patterns of the region and result in more inflows into the Thamirabharani river, which is the lifeline of South Tamil Nadu.



If you wish to experience this unknown hill station called Manjolai, visit soon, before the landscape changes and the hill station vibes disappear. Whether it is the winding and scenic drive from Manimuthar Falls to Manjolai, the amazing weather, the lush landscape, the yummy home made rusk, the raw nature, the umpteen waterfalls and the tiny village look n feel, there is so much to like about Manjolai.



For me, I love the fact that it one of the most prettiest virgin forests in the Western Ghats. It’s surroundings that are home to umpteen mountain streams and waterfalls carry some of the sweetest water in the region and that holds medicinal value too as it flows through medicinal herbs and plants. In simple words, it is a tropical forest paradise that is untouched by the burgeoning population of India. Manjolai, Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve and the connected Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve is one of Western Ghat’s well preserved secrets and may be, that is why I love what this place has to offer. Don’t you wish to see and experience this place for yourself?



Best season to visit:

Manjolai is open all year round and can be visited in all seasons. Summers are incredibly pleasant and are a far cry from the hot plains below. The rainy season between October and December is magical here and this is when close to 3000 to 5000 mm of rain precipitates in three months and dresses up the surroundings in fresh green with full water bodies and waterfalls. January and February offer clearer weather with low humidity and this allows for clear views of the spectacular landscape that includes tea estates, forests, mountains, waterfalls and dams. June to August is when Manjolai is at its windiest best due to the winds blowing during the South West monsoon.



How to reach there:

If you are traveling from Tirunelveli, head towards Cheranmadevi and Kallidaikurichi. Just before Kallidaikurichi railway station, turn left and take the road leading towards Manimuthar. You will cross Golden nagar, Thekku Pappankulam, Tamil Nadu Special Force IX battalion and Manimuthar village. If you head straight from Manimuthar village, climb the narrow road and you will reach the forest check post at Manimuthar Dam. You will have to get your permits checked here, pay the necessary fees and then drive onwards towards Manimuthar Falls, Manjolai, Kakkachi, Nalumukku, Oothu and then onto Kudrevetty.



How to get permits for this place in KMTR:

To travel to Manjolai, Kakkachi, Nalumukku, Oothu and/or Kudrevetty, you will have to get permits in advance from the forest department at Ambasamudram. The permit costs INR 200 at Ambasamudram and you will have to pay vehicle fee and per person charge at the Manimuthar forest check post. The forest check post opens at 7 AM and closes at 6 PM.

If you book a room at the forest rest house in Kudrevetty, then that booking is good enough and you don’t need to get the permits in advance.



Where to stay:

If you wish to stay within the tiger reserve, you can book the forest rest house at Kudrevetty through the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve website.

If you wish to stay in traditional Brahmin agraharam houses, you can try the home stays and guest houses at Kallidaikurichi village.

If simple, yet modern hotels are your thing, you can try Hotel Ambai Grand at Ambasamudram.

If you wish for a wide variety of hotels, you will have to try looking at the hotels in Tirunelveli.



Where to eat:

There are a few tea shops at Manjolai where you can find some basic snacks along with tea/coffee, but if you order in advance, you can get some food.

The forest rest house at Kudrevetty will prepare food for you if you happen to be staying with them. They will buy basic supplies once your booking is confirmed. However, if you have any specific requirements like country eggs, country chicken or any other requirements, you will have to inform them at least a day in advance.

There are a few family run restaurants at Oothu where you can get some local meals along with some tea and coffee. However, you need to order your meals at least a day in advance so that the people can arrange the ration and vegetables.

There are a few shack-like restaurants at Manimuthar village before the forest check post. Here, you can get basic meals and a decent array of tiffin items.



Other tourist attractions inside KMTR:

1) Nalumukku: The wettest place of India during the North East monsoon

2) Kudrevetty: The gorgeous windy station of Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve

3) Manimuthar Falls: The herbal waterfall inside a tiger reserve



4) Agastyar Falls: A gorgeous waterfall on the Thamirabharani river

5) Oothu: The quaint little hill station of Tamil Nadu

6) Kakkachi: The highest point inside Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve

7) Scenic Iron Bridge of Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve: Pristine nature overloaded



8) Karaiyar Dam: Offbeat wildlife and nature holiday destination in India’s deep south

9) Cycling through the backyards of Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve

10) Hidden pristine waterfall inside Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve



Other nearby tourist attractions:

1) Mekkarai to Achankovil to Konni: Heavenly motorcycling route through pristine forest

2) Mekkarai: One of Tamil Nadu’s prettiest villages

3) Courtallam: The herbal bath holiday destination of Tamil Nadu

4) Sunderapandiapuram: Of lovely Brahmin agraharam houses, sunflower fields, windmills and mountain views

5) Puliyarai view point: Scenic pit stop on the Tenkasi – Kerala highway



6) Sivasailam Temple: 1000 year old temple surrounded by the lush mountains of the Western Ghats

7) Sivasailam: One of the wettest places during the North East monsoon in India

8) 13th century Kasi Visvanathar temple at Tenkasi

9) Manalar Falls: The herbal jungle waterfall of Kerala

10) Kambhavurutty Falls: Pristine jungle waterfall in the middle of dense forest



11) Rosemala View Point: Gorgeous motorcycling route inside Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala

12) Thenmala Forest: Offbeat nature and wildlife getaway

13) Vintage Pathimoonu Kannara Bridge: Colonial charm of the Indian Railways

14) Punalur Suspension Bridge: Historical gem of Kerala

15) Lesser Known Kerala Mountain Railways: Treat for nature lovers

16) Achankovil Saastha Temple: That happy Lord Ayyappa in the middle of pristine jungle

17) Palaruvi Falls: Kerala’s herbal waterfall that drops like milk from the sky

18) Thenmala Dam: A monsoon pit stop view

19) Aryankavu Saastha Temple: Ancient temple located in the sacred forests of the Western Ghats

20) Mannarkoil Rajagopalaswamy Temple: Magnificent 10th century temple with an ashtanga vimana



21) 10th Century Brahmadesam Kailasanathar Temple: Lesser known architectural marvel of south India

22) 1000 year old Papanasanathar Temple: Where you can wash all your sins away

23) Kallidaikurichi: The village of the saaral season

24) Iruttu Kadai Halwa: Icon of Tirunelveli

25) Nellaiappar Temple: A 7th century cosmic dance wonder

26) Pattamadai Pai: GI tagged beautiful handwoven mats from a tiny Tamil Nadu village

27) Thamirabharani river delta: A motorcycle route full of rustic gorgeousness

28) 10th Century Valisvara Temple at Thiruvaliswaram: Hidden Chola gem in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu

29) Tiruchendur Murugan Temple: Sea shore magic

30) Kallidaikurichi to Manimuthar Dam: A top scenic and rustic cycling route



31) Garuda Sevai from the agraharams of Kallidaikurichi

32) Festival of Thiruvathirai from a traditional Tamil Nadu village

33) The festival of Karthigai Deepam from a traditional Tamil Nadu village

34) The exotic tropical fruit shops of Puliyarai

35) Kallidaikurichi Adi Varaha Temple Chariot Festival: Grand cultural spectacle in rural Tamil Nadu

36) Kallidaikurichi Anaicut: Gorgeous picnic spot nestled in the lap of nature

37) Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple: World’s richest Hindu temple

38) Shangumugham Beach: The tranquil and divine beach of Thiruvananthapuram

39) Thiruparappu Falls: Gorgeous monsoon spectacle near Kanyakumari

40) Mathoor Aqueduct and Hanging Bridge: An offbeat wonder nestled in the mountains near Kanyakumari



41) Kappil Beach: Sandy beauty hemmed in between the sea and the backwaters

42) Varkala Beach: That stunning cliff beach of Kerala where you can wash away all your sins

43) Meenmutty Falls inside Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary: A beautiful tropical jungle trail

44) Ponmudi: The offbeat hill station of Kerala with a 360 degree mountain panorama

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