Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary

Location

A Memoir from Western Ghats

Starting with my favourite, the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary. It is one of the least-explored sanctuaries in India with a protected area of 208 sq. km. tucked aside Valpoi, comprising of rich biodiversity and prominent waterfalls. Waterfalls like Vazra Sakla, Virdhi, Ladkyacho Vozar and many more, add to the beauty and source of water in these evergreen and semi-evergreen forests. Endangered species like Hump-nosed pit viper, tailless whip scorpion, green vine snake, stick insect, long-billed vultures, Indian bull frog are some of the fascinating inhabitants one can come across. Fun Fact: One can be at Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka, all at once as the sanctuary shares parts of its geographical area in these states.

Nirmal Kulkarni, the Director (Ecology) of the Wildernest Nature Resort, also the Chairman of the Mhadei Research Centre, with his 7 year old daughter, Naia accompanied my team in search of an apt place to put our PhenoCam, was simply the icing on the cake.

Watching his curious-for-wildlife daughter and Mr Kulkarni in such a tough yet reverential trek, made me realize that being connected to nature us in our DNA, but somehow, our city lives have created this invisible barrier between us and the wild. Increased gadget time and modified environments simulating everything has led to a major nature deficit amongst our children today.

Like Naia, I wish children to be comfortable rolling around in grass, finding spiders cool rather than scary, jumping in puddles and exploring the wilderness to find intriguing creatures, no matter how small they may be! Once they experience the magic of nature, they are always in awe of it. And once in awe, they learn to respect and treasure it.