Welcome to the Part 2 segment of my stay at the Bijrani Forest Rest House, where today I will be exploring the Jim Corbett National Park Bijrani Zone in the hope of spotting one of the famous tigresses named LUMA during the morning safari. Read more about Part 1 of my visit and stay at the Bijrani FRH.
You can also watch the Part 1 Video on YouTube, where you will get the virtual safari experience of me visiting the Bijrani Forest House for the first time.
So, let’s start our journey in search of the LUMA tigress and see if we hit any luck spotting her.
But before that, don’t forget to subscribe to the Jungle Revives YouTube Channel for the latest updates on exciting wildlife stories and adventures.
Table of Contents
Starting the Jim Corbett National Park Bijrani Zone Safari
We started the Corbett Bijrani Zone Safari, building on yesterday’s exploration of the area with Naturalist Gaurav. As we started, we saw the first rays of the sun touching the jungles, and the entire environment was glowing with vibrant golden light.
As we continued with our Bijrani Jungle Safari, Gaurav was telling me that yesterday we missed spotting the LUMA tigress, although some of the other jeeps were able to catch a glimpse of her. He was confident that today might be the day we spot her and make our safari journey a fruitful one.
The anticipation was rising because we were not just excited to spot LUMA, but also her cubs.
Beauty of the Bijrani Zone Jungles & Luma Pug Marks
The jungles of the Jim Corbett National Park Bijrani Zone are beautiful in themselves. But with the morning sun rays falling on it makes the scenery become even merrier to the eyes.
During our Safari, we came across Pug Marks of LUMA, and they were quite fresh. That indicated to us that she is nearby somewhere, but as usual, after analyzing the pug marks pattern, we found that she could be miles ahead of us, and we had to wait a little longer to spot her.
Following alarm calls is an efficient way to get to spotting the tigers in wildlife natural parks because they generally prefer to stay alone and in solitude. They are territorial and guard their region like it’s their own home. We were starting to look out for any alarm call in the region, but unfortunately, none was to be heard.
Although we heard a few of them while we were at the Bijrani Forest Rest House in the morning. It seemed like the entire jungle just went silent. But we were hopeful and continued further.
Enjoying the quiet atmosphere of the Jungles
As we were slowly moving forward in our Jeep on the Bijrani Zone Safari, we saw grassy surfaces all around covered in dew drops, and it was so refreshing to look at. The weather was perfect, and the morning safari ride made for a memorable adventure experience.
At every turn of the road, we were hoping to get a glimpse of the LUMA tigress and her cubs. But during the journey, we enjoyed the beauty, silence, and peacefulness of the jungles, which is hard to experience in fast-paced city life. As I looked towards the forests of Jim Corbett Bijrani Zone, every leaf, every tree, and every bush wanted to tell a unique story of the amazing wildlife that navigates through it.
The jungle is a mysterious place, and at every step you have to be careful as much while you stay excited for your next spotting. Tiger attack incidents are common in the Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve, so you must stay alert at all times and avoid causing trouble for the wild animals.
Exploring the Open Jungles of Jim Corbett National Park Bijrani Zone
The Jungles of the Bijrani Zone are nothing but vast expanses of land filled with dense bushes and tall trees, where spotting a tiger or any animal of your preference needs luck, experience, and timing. You need to be well-versed in the techniques of wildlife exploration or accompany a Bijrani Safari Guide with you so that he can walk you through the details and methods of spotting alarm calls, tracking pug marks, and other related aspects.
Also, since we only end up exploring a very small percentage of the jungles due to being on a jeep and only navigating specific paths, it makes it even more challenging to come across your desired wild animal for that one glimpse.
As we were continuing with our Bijrani Jeep Safari, we were exploring the jungles alone with Naturalist Gaurav and our safari driver. Since we were staying at the Bijrani Forest Rest House, we saw that none of the day safari jeeps had arrived yet, and this was increasing our chances of finding the tigress in the peaceful and less chaotic Bijrani Zone Jungles.
The jungle was quiet, and there was spring water crossing at multiple places on the road where we drove through. We were hoping to hear some alarm call or see some sign of LUMA, but nothing.
Flashbacks of Visiting Malani Forest Rest House
Then, I came to a place where I came for the first time while I was visiting the Malani Forest Rest House. I still remember clearly that during the trip to Bijrani Zone, I saw a yellow-throated martin kill a deer there. I also remember that it was a sunny day, and as the rays of sunlight fell on the quiet jungle trees, I was able to hear the chirping of the bulbul birds.
As our Jeep was moving slowly towards the dense forest region of the Jim Corbett Bijrani zone, we observed tremendous greenery all around, mostly of SAL trees. They are usually 30 to 35 feet in height and have thick leaves that shed in the summer. On the arrival of the monsoon, new leaves grow up again, making these trees lush green and vibrant.
Coming to a New Place that I have Never Visited Before
Then I came to a new region of the Bijrani Zone, which I had never visited before due to the vast expanse of the jungles, and we only ended up exploring a small percentage of it on each trip. It’s quite a peaceful region, as not many people decide to come over here. Most of them explore the mainstream places of Jim Corbett, but my inner wildlife enthusiast always strives to explore new places in the jungles.
“How amazing it would be to spot a tiger here!” I thought to myself, and with that, continued moving further in my safari journey.
Then I came to a place where the road connects to the Garjiya Zone, for which you need another permit. There was a spring water crossing in front of the road, and we could hear the chirping of birds in the surroundings.
Spotted a Kingfisher Bird During Bijrani Zone Jeep Safari
Suddenly, my eyes captured a beautiful common kingfisher sitting by the cold spring water and looking to hunt a fish for the next meal. It was a rare moment that I spotted out of the blue. This is what I am talking about. You need to be aware all the time to spot your favourite bird or animal. Otherwise, you can miss out on them. It was such a pure and peaceful moment where I captured a unique wildlife sighting through my camera gear.
Spotted an Eagle and a Parrot Together
After moving a little further in our Bijrani Jeep Safari, we saw another predator sitting on the branch of a tree: the eagle. It was such a majestic and magnificent-looking bird, and its whistle-like voice echoed throughout the entire jungle area. Besides that, I saw a green parrot sitting on the same branch of the tree, and I was amazed to look at it. How rare it is to see such a ferocious bird with a gentle creature like the parrot!.
Then Came The Moment We Were All Waiting For!
Suddenly, we heard a very strong alarm call, so we sped our jeep towards it. It was from a distant place, and we drove as fast as we could, given the off-road conditions of the jungle roads of the Bijrani Zone. We wanted to get there before it went off.
We were hoping that this could be the time we spot the tiger. It’s only possible to hear such sounds if you are knowledgeable about wildlife and have great attention to detail.
Then, we reached a place where multiple other jeeps were standing, and that was it! A tiger was sitting at a distant riverbank.
All the jeeps there took out their cameras and binoculars to spot the tiger. But unfortunately we discovered that it wasn’t the LUMA tigress.
This is the real magic of the jungles. You come across a tiger when you least expect it. The tiger was at a far-off place and was sitting peacefully and resting. We stood there for quite a while and enjoyed the moment for some time.
It was only because I was alert with my other mates that we were able to reach the spot on time and had a wonderful wildlife spotting experience of the tiger. Even though it wasn’t the LUMA tigress, I was still happy that I spotted a tiger in the jungle.
Heading Back to the Bijrani FRH
As our safari timing was about to end, we then started heading towards the Bijrani Forest Rest House.
Just as we were entering the main compound of the Bijrani Forest House, I was recapping the entire trip I had yesterday and today. It was my curiosity and the experience of Naturalist Gaurav that led us to the tiger spotting.
It was a memorable trip for me as it was my first time visiting the Bijrani FRH, and I ended up spotting a tiger.
With that, I ended my trip and eagerly awaited my next one. The jungles of the Jim Corbett National Park Bijrani Zone once again captivated us with its magic, and I am grateful for the opportunity to live my passion every day of my life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I track tigers and other wildlife during my Bijrani Jim Corbett safari trip?
You should always look out for pugmarks, alarm calls, and rely on naturalists/safari guides’ knowledge. It helps in anticipating where your preferred animal might be hiding. The jungle areas are always peaceful and calm. It can reveal many subtle signs of animal presence in the nearby areas.
Why is an alarm call significant during jungle safaris?
Alarm calls are certain sounds that animals make, like deer, monkeys, sambar deer, chital, etc, when they spot a predator in their vicinity. This acts as a warning call to other animals who can become alert and stay safe. While on safaris, alarm calls will help you to get an idea of the exact location of the predator. This may include a tiger, if you follow it carefully.
Which types of trees are found in the Bijrani Zone Jungles?
The Bijrani zone usually consists of tall Sal Trees, and that makes the overall scenery look even more beautiful. These trees are responsible for giving the Jim Corbett National Park Bijrani Zone its distinct appearance overall. It also makes for amazing natural landscapes.
What are the key advantages of staying in a Forest Rest House for a Safari in the Bijrani Zone?
The biggest advantage you can enjoy is the freedom to continue the safari till the end of the day. Unlike other day jeep safaris or canter safaris, which leave early due to timing restrictions; you can enjoy a more seamless wildlife exploration while staying in the Bijrani FRH.
Have there been any tiger attack incidents in the Jim Corbett National Park recently?
Yes, in the past, many tiger attack incidents have happened around the Corbett Tiger Reserve regions and outside of it, especially near the Town of Ramnagar. Usually the local villagers who go to collect fodder and other daily use items have been the targets.
Inside the wildlife park, it’s quite rare. But in the past, local employees who worked in the Dhikala Campus and other workers have been a victim of tiger attacks. But such instances are very rare due to stricter protocols.
The areas where there is overlap between the local villagers and the tiger movement are mainly at risk. But rarely inside the park those kinds of incidents happen. Tourists are strictly advised to follow rules and regulations for safer safari experiences.
Have a look at some of the recent news incidents of tiger attacks on people around the Jim Corbett Region
