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India.com
20-06-2025
- India.com
Top 5 National Parks Near Guwahati For Unforgettable Wildlife Safaris
As the northeastern access point of India Guwahati operates as a thriving urban center while serving as a sanctuary for natural wildlife explorers. The breathtaking national parks within the region are accessible for visitors to Guwahati because this city is surrounded by lush green spaces and rolling countryside and clean rivers flowing through it. All these natural sanctuaries support a wide selection of plant and animal species which attracts wildlife safari tourists. This guide presents a thorough explanation of the best national parks located near Guwahati which visitors should experience. 1. Kaziranga National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site The famous Indian wildlife sanctuary known as Kaziranga National Park exists at roughly 200 kilometers east of Guwahati. The Great One-Horned Rhinoceros population in this park exceeds up to two-thirds of the global count and makes it a major attraction. Kaziranga National Park occupies 430 square kilometers of land where residents find tigers alongside numerous other species including elephants and wild water buffaloes as well as the swamp deer. Visitors to Kaziranga can enjoy jeep safaris together with elephant-back rides through its park (while elephant rides require advance booking). Tourists can explore the four separate park ranges of Kohora and Bagori and Agaratoli and Burapahar since each of them presents distinctive ecological environments and wildlife observation opportunities. The most advantageous period to explore Kaziranga National Park runs from November through April because of its pleasant weather and improved animal visibility at water points. 2. Manas National Park: A Biosphere Reserve Manas National Park spans 175 kilometers west of Guwati while holding its position as a precious treasure of Assam. This natural site extends across 950 square kilometers to form a Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site that borders between India and Bhutan. The park derives its name from the Manas River which runs along its boundaries while its unique fauna includes vulnerable creatures such as Bengal tigers along with Indian elephants and golden langurs and pygmy hogs. Encounters within Nameri National Park include exhilarating jeep safaris together with guided walking excursions that bring forest guides revealing essential information about the environmental setting. Bird lookers will love visiting Manas because its extensive bird list consists of 450 species among which the Bengal florican stands as a unique species. The winter season from November through February presents the most opportune time to visit because it offers milder climate along with clearer atmospheric conditions. 3. Nameri National Park: A Paradise for Nature Lovers Located about 35 kilometers from Tezpur district and roughly 160 kilometers from Guwahati city exists Nameri National Park which serves as an eco-tourism sanctuary. Located at 200 square kilometers wide, the park borders Arunachal Pradesh and falls within the Eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspot. Nameri attracts visitors because it offers thick forests alongside flowing river paths alongside numerous bird species. The main attraction in Nameri lets visitors raft the Jia Bharali River which provides the chance to witness aquatic creatures together with picturesque landscape views. The park houses leopard and sambar deer and barking deer in addition to elephant populations alongside different bird species including white-winged wood duck and hornbills. Adventure seekers find Nameri perfect because it has guided treks combined with camping facilities. 4. Orang National Park: Mini Kaziranga The attraction of Orang National Park receives its 'Mini Kaziranga' nickname because it exists near the northern end of the Brahmaputra River at a distance of 140 kilometers from Guwahati. Due to its smaller span of 78 square kilometers the park remains as mesmerizing as Kaziranga National Park. The area functions as an essential dwelling ground for Great One-Horned Rhinoceroses and elephants together with several species of migratory birds. Visitors at Orang can experience a distinct view of park animals through Brahmaputra River boat tours. Safari visitors might see hog deer alongside civets and otters because of these animals residing in the area. Visitors can experience the park during the November to April dry season because this period attracts animals toward water sources. 5. Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary: High Density of Rhinos Set within 38 square kilometers east of Guwahati lies Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary which exists as a remarkable small wildlife sanctuary. Pobitora maintains the highest concentration of rhinoceros density in the world at one square kilometer. Besides the rhino population the sanctuary provides shelter to leopards alongside wild boars and many bird species. Tourists at Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary can ride elephants or use jeeps to observe wildlife directly through safari excursions. Visitors can easily visit Pobitora from Guwahati since it is located nearby. The optimal period to visit Pobitora runs from November through March due to limited vegetation which improves chances of spotting animals. Conclusion Visitors who explore the national parks and wildlife sanctuaries near Guwahati can experience one of the most impressive natural wonders in Northeast India. The safari lovers can enjoy unforgettable wildlife experiences by discovering rhinos at Kaziranga as well as watching tigers at Manas and observing the peaceful scene at Nameri. The parks accommodate wildlife lovers of all skill levels together with peaceful travelers who want to relax in quiet locations. Your trip planning should be strategic while you respect nature and treasure seeing magnificent wildlife species live in their habitats.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
On Japan's Ryukyu Islands, ancient tradition meets tropical paradise
As the legend goes, Japan's Ryukyu Islands were created by the goddess Amamikyo, who is believed to have descended from the heavens and into the sea, just off the southern coast of what is now known as the main island of Okinawa. The Ryukyu Islands, located in the East China Sea, flourished for some 450-years as the semi-independent Ryukyu Kingdom. The islands served as a center of trade between Japan, China, and Southeast Asia until being officially designated a Japanese territory and renamed Okinawa Prefecture in 1879. While the islands have become better known for their beautiful beaches and balmy subtropical weather, the soul and spirit of the former Ryukyu Kingdom can still be found in everything from the islanders intrinsic and spiritual connection to nature to its unique cultural and culinary identity. The Ryukyu Islands are believed to be the birthplace of karate—a martial art that fuses the martial arts of China and Japan. Join a karate sensei at an Okinawan dojo or at the Okinawa Karate Kaikan. Spend some time to exploring the Shikinaen Royal Gardens, which was once the private residence of the Ryukyuan royal family and a beautiful place to spend a leisurely morning or afternoon. Sacred spaces, known as utakis, are tucked within the forests and nestled beneath banyan trees and sugar palms peppered across the archipelago, and while many of the island's utakis are not open to tourists, Sefa Utaki is an easy walk along stone path through the forest and is considered the most spiritual places to visit in the Ryukyu Islands. Shuri Kinjo-cho stone road is a historical cobblestone pathway that winds its way through residential neighborhoods and onto Shuri Castle. The castle is under renovation, but it's still worthwhile to explore the grounds. Ceramics and Ryukyu glass are two traditional crafts that you can find all across the islands. In downtown Naha, Tsuboya pottery district is a great place to shop, or head to Yachimun no Sato, an entire village dedicated to pottery. Of course scuba diving and snorkeling are two of the most popular pastimes in Okinawa. For hikers and adventure lovers, Yambaru National Park is not to be missed. Located on the northern end of Okinawa, this national park is designated as a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site, and offers lush mangrove forests, and an incredible variety of rare, endemic flora and fauna that can't be found anywhere else in the world. (Unlock the secrets of the Blue Zones—how to master the art of living longer) Spring: Late March, April, and May brings warm days and breezy nights, making this one of the best times of year to visit. Late spring is ideal for both aquatic activities and on-land adventures; visitors will find an abundance of activities from dragon boat races in May to jungle river-trekking. Summer: June through August are the hottest and busiest months to visit the islands. June is the rainiest month of the year, and is also the start of typhoon season, which stretches into September, so be prepared for inclement weather. Fall: With the humidity at bay and typhoon season a thing of the past, October and November are an ideal time to visit. Every October in Naha, the annual Tug-of-War Festival features two competing teams dressed in traditional Ryukyuan attire. Also in October, the Paantu Festival on Miyako-jima is a spiritual cleaning event; a supernatural spirit smears mud onto willing participants in an effort to bless them and bring them good luck in the year ahead. Winter: The low season falls between December and February when the temperatures drop and the northernly winds blow their way across the islands. December through February can be chilly, especially at night. There are 160 islands across the Okinawan Prefuncture, 49 of which are inhabited. The Ryukyu Islands are divided into three major island groups: Okinawa Islands, the Miyako Islands, and the Yaeyama Islands. Okinawa Islands: The largest island in the archipelago is Okinawa Island, also known as Okinawa Honto. The prefectural capital, Naha, is located on Okinawa's main island. Smaller islands surrounding Okinawa include the Kerama Islands, which are beloved for their pristine white sand beaches, crystal clear water, and abundance of marine life. This island is also home to Yanbaru National Park. Miyako Islands: The main island of Miyako is covered in sugarcane fields, and the islands here are surrounded by some of Okinawa's most expansive coral reefs. The consistency of the sand is akin to powder, and the water is such a distinct shade, it even has its own name: Miyako blue. These islands are particularly attractive for water sports like diving, snorkeling, and glass-bottom kayaking. Yaeyama Islands: Practically hugging the Tropic of Cancer, the Yaeyama Islands are geographically closer to Taiwan than mainland Japan. The southernmost inhabited islands in the Okinawa archipelago are the Ishigaki, Taketomi, Hateruma, and Iriomote islands. Rosewood Miyakojima: Surrounded by sugarcane fields, Rosewood Miyakojima opened on Miyako Island in March 2025. This boutique hotel has taken great care to incorporate the local traditions and Ryukyuan culture into everything from the bar program and the architecture to the healing rituals at its Asaya Spa. Halekulani Okinawa: A sprawling resort along one of Okinawa's best beaches, Halekulani Okinawa offers a wide range of excellent on-site eateries, bars, and a spa. Guests can participate in a variety of activities, from snorkeling and scuba diving to trips to Yambaru National Park that are guided by local naturalists. Treeful Treehouse: On the northern reaches of Nago on the main island of Okinawa, Treeful Treehouse is a small and sustainable treehouse resort. This nature-centric stay offers a waterfall sauna and forest bathing river trekking experiences with one of the hotel guides. Traditional Okinawan cuisine, like agu pork and homemade Okinawan purple yam bread, are served by a bonfire and often accompanied by the hotel's resident goat, Donna. (10 of the best new hotels in Japan, from traditional ryokans to tropical treehouses) Hoshinoya Okinawa: Japanese luxury hotel chain Hoshinoya Okinawa is a seaside Ryukyu-style retreat that offers 100 oceanfront villas spread out among lush landscapes. Ryukyu Karate classes, sanshin guitar by the beach, and meditation sessions are offered daily in the beachfront activity studio. From soba stalls to shikuwasa (a lime-like citrus), Okinawa boasts a wide range of regional dishes, roadside farmers markets, and restaurants bursting with local produce and dishes. Get your bearings at Makishi Public Market in Naha, where you'll find everything from fresh seafood to local delicacies like smoked irabu (snake) and a delicious drinkable peanut-based tofu called jimaji. Within walking distance is Naha Kokusai Dori shopping street, a great place to experience 'senbero,' which is the Japanese equivalent of snacking and bar-hopping. For traditional Ryukyuan cuisine, Touyadokoro Fuan offers authentic dishes like bitter melon (goya champuru) stir-fry and peanut tofu, served on locally made pottery. Sui Dunchi is a traditional Okinawan restaurant and great place to try Agu pork shabu shabu and Okinawan soba. Surrounded by waterfalls, Ufuya is set in a traditional villa and serves authentic hot pot and soba. All across the islands, roadside markets are great places to try locally grown produce and Okinawan delicacies like deep-fried donuts (sata andagi), and shop for local souvenirs, too. It's worth it to also try awamori, known as the "spirit of Okinawa." It dates back to the 15th century, and today there are about 48 distilleries you can visit across the islands. (Why the traditional Okinawa diet is the recipe for a long life) Unlike mainland Japan, you'll find the tourism infrastructure in Okinawa is still developing, and outside a few select hotels, you might not find English spoken widely. It's best to make reservations for hotels, restaurants, and tours in advance of your visit. While tipping is not expected on the islands, come prepared with plenty of Japanese yen, as some places do not accept credit cards. Michelle Gross is a Beaufort, South Carolina-based travel journalist and photographer covering the cross-section of sustainable and ethical travel. Passionate about telling stories about interesting people and places around the world, follow her adventures on Instagram or check out her newsletter on Substack.
Miami Herald
02-05-2025
- Science
- Miami Herald
Venomous bites and first-of-its-kind births: See latest animal encounters
The summaries below were drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All linked stories were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists. Unique creatures, odd animals and new species are discovered across the planet. Some are found lurking in remote corners of the world, while others have been hiding right under our noses. Learn more about some recent animal interactions: Beachgoers watch stranded sea creature give birth in first-of-its-kind sighting On a beach in Calafell, Spain, beachgoers witnessed an extraordinary event as a stranded spinetail devil ray gave birth to a 'clumsy' pup. The rare and unusual sighting provided scientists with valuable insights into the reproductive behavior of this endangered species. The mother and pup were safely returned to deeper waters, marking a significant moment in marine biology. | Published April 28 | Read More | Satellites find rare predator returning to south Finland forests for first time In Finland, the elusive wolverine, once nearly extinct, is making a remarkable comeback to its historic habitats in the south. Researchers used satellite imagery and footprint tracking to confirm the presence of this ferocious predator in mixed-tree forests. This discovery underscores the importance of conservation efforts and the resilience of wildlife. | Published April 25 | Read More | Person cleaning their freezer in Peru bitten by venomous creature hiding inside In northwestern Peru, a person was unexpectedly bitten by a baby Bothrops barnetti, a venomous pit viper, while cleaning their freezer. The incident occurred in Piura province, and the snake, locally known as 'macanchillo,' was identified by a university biologist. Fortunately, the snake was rescued unharmed, and the victim received prompt medical care. | Published April 24 | Read More | Two pets found on island in Vietnam turn out to be critically endangered species On Hon Lao Island, Vietnam, scientists discovered two critically endangered Vietnamese pond turtles being kept as pets by local residents. Known as Mauremys annamensis, these freshwater turtles are native to central Vietnam and face threats from wildlife trade. The finding suggests that the island may be a natural habitat for this rare species, prompting calls for further conservation measures. | Published April 25 | Read More | Rare creature appears on trail camera in Thailand — then its family follows In the lush forests of Thailand, a rare sighting of a wild gaur, the world's largest living cow, was captured on a trail camera. This vulnerable species, known for its impressive size, was seen with its family in Huai Kha Khaeng Forest, a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site. The sighting, celebrated by conservationists, highlights the success of efforts to protect this majestic creature. | Published April 29 | Read More | McClatchy News continues to follow the discovery and sightings of the most unusual and intriguing species. Check back for the latest stories.
