Secrets in the wild
- POSTED ON: 28 Jan, 2023
- TOTAL VIEWS: 162 Views
- POSTED BY: Archana Subramanian | Article: Madhumitha Srinivasan
- ARTICLE POINTS: 100 Points
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) designates World Heritage Sites of outstanding universal value to cultural or natural heritage. Of the 40 World Heritage Sites located in India, seven come under natural heritage. These are designated according to physical and biological formations, geological and physiographical formations and natural sites important from the point of view of science, conservation or natural beauty. But there are a few that have more than just Nature to showcase. They also hold heritage or historical structures. Here are four such National Parks.
Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
Apart from the majestic tiger, this park also has the ruins of the Raj Bagh (between the Padam Talo and Raj Bagh Talo) as an attraction. These ancient ruins are stone structures said to be from ancient Rajput constructions in the form of arches, palace outhouses, domes and steps. They were once the Hunting lodge of Maharaja of Jaipur. Surrounded by dense jungle, they often serve as a hideout for royal Bengal tigers.
Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Home to more than 150 Royal Bengal tigers, this popular reserve was in the news recently after the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) discovered ancient caves, temples, remains of Buddhist structures, and statues of Vishnu’s dashavataras. More than 26 temples, two monasteries, 26 caves, two votive stupas, 46 sculptures, 24 inscriptions and 19 water structures have been found. Some date back to the Gupta period and others between the ninth and 11th centuries CE. Inscriptions found in the reserve forest refer to places such as Kaushambi, Mathura, Vejabharada and Pavata.
Jhalana Safari Park, Rajasthan
Set in the foothills of Aravallis, Jhalana is famous for birds and for sightings of the Indian leopard. The old hunting lodge atop a hill offers a panoramic view of Jaipur. The old Shikar Audhi (Hunting Palace) stands tall, even after the last tiger was shot in 1948. After the tiger disappeared here, leopards are the apex predator.
Panna Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh
UNESCO recognised the Panna Biosphere Reserve (encompassing the Panna National Park and three sections of the Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary) in 2020. The area is known for tigers, leopards and sloth bears. Paintings on slate and sandstone formations deep in the remote gorges of the Talgaon Plateau show evidence of human habitation from ancient times. Specifically, painted rocks depicting the life and times of the Gond tribe have been found.