Gangadharan Menon

Though it was Bera that caught the imagination of nature lovers for the unusual sight of leopards walking elegantly on rocky slopes, there are actually over a dozen leopard sites that surround this village.

Chilika today is the finest bird sanctuary in India, and among the richest ecosystems in the world. But Chilika yesterday was a different story altogether.

Their names, the stories behind their origin, their interesting feeding habits, and their struggle to survive – Gangadharan Menon talks about butterflies, the beautiful and mysterious winged insects.

Gangadharan Menon spent four beautiful, exciting and memorable days exploring the Tadoba Tiger Reserve. Spotting nilgais, bisons, wild dogs and then of course, the striped beauty of the big cats for whom they were there. It turned out to be the richest wildlife spectacle that he has ever witnessed in the country. This is his diary from the journey.

From the strategically placed Shivling to the legendary deities and folk tales, the stones of Mamallapuram have lives of their own. Know more about the mesmerizing stories behind this amazing World Heritage–listed and also learn about the new community of artists close by which is keeping the tradition alive!

Dr. Salim Ali's love for birds was so well known that once a cartoon strip mentioned him by saying, ‘Come, let’s fly a little low; if we are lucky we may be able to spot Salim Ali!’ His poetic descriptions of birds and love for them was unmatched. He would go to deserted islands just to listen to their songs. Take a tour of two beautiful bird sanctuaries named after him with Gangadharan Menon as he remembers the legend.

When a virulent epidemic called Black Fever struck their village, all the villagers vacated the place and never returned. Nature healed itself and now it is the location of one of India's most beautiful sanctuaries. Join Gangadharan Menon as he unearths the legends and mysteries surrounding the beautiful Orang and Nameri national parks in Assam, in addition to its stunning wildlife!

The only time you might have heard of Kheechan before is when you appreciated the remarkable efforts of ONE man, Ratanlal Maloo, in bringing over 15,000 Demoiselle Cranes to his little hamlet in Rajasthan from their homes in Mongolia and Eurasia, year after year! Today, Gangadharan Menon takes you on a little trip down the lanes of history and shows you the beautiful havelis that form part of Kheechan's landscape.

The amazing sights and sounds of this unique tribal village left Gangadharan Menon mesmerized and unwilling to leave. Fortunately, he left with a hopeful heart. Find out why you should head to this different world where time stands still, even though it is so close to our own chaotic world.

Read how one man's vision and perseverance led to the creation on India's only man-made sanctuary. It took 15 years of convincing villagers and enlisting their participation, but the beautiful forest is now replete with fauna and flora. Although the man is no longer among us, his legacy still exists for all to see, appreciate and enjoy. Truly, a life well spent!