A Hidden Gem, Jungle Highway

 

A Hidden Gem: A Scenic Drive Through Jharkhand's Untamed Beauty #Travel #India #ForestRoads

Imagine cruising down a smooth, serpentine highway that cuts through a cool, dense forest. The air is fresh, the only sound the whisper of leaves and the occasional chirp of unseen birds. This wasn't a scene from a movie, but a delightful surprise I encountered on a recent election tour in Jharkhand.

While traveling through the western part of the state, our path led us onto a seemingly forgotten highway. This wasn't your typical bustling thoroughfare; it was a quiet feeder road, perfect for a leisurely drive. The surrounding forest, stretching for about 40 kilometers between Manika and Herhanj, was a captivating sight. Towering trees formed a dense canopy, and the occasional glimpse of a small hamlet offered a peek into rural life.

The smooth road, perfect for cruising, fueled my hope of spotting some wildlife. Unfortunately, the day's adventure lacked that particular thrill. However, a chat with locals at a roadside Dhaba revealed that elephants, monkeys, and even wild gaur (Indian bison) are sometimes seen in the area.

This encounter sparked a curiosity about the intricate network of roads that traverse India's forests. These roads can be broadly categorized into main roads, secondary roads, and feeder roads. While they serve a purpose in terms of accessibility and development, they can also disrupt the delicate balance of the ecosystem.

Balancing Needs: Humans and Wildlife

The construction of roads through forests presents a constant challenge - how to balance human needs with the preservation of nature. Thankfully, there are initiatives underway to minimize the impact on wildlife. These include:

• Wildlife corridors: Building structures like culverts, overpasses, and viaducts allows animals to safely cross roads without hindering traffic flow.
• Barriers and deterrents: Guard walls, fencing, and vegetative barriers help keep wildlife off the roads.
• Light and sound mitigation: Measures like using anti-glare lights and sound barriers minimize disturbance to animals.

A prime example of such efforts is the 16-kilometer elevated corridor over the Pench Tiger Reserve on NH-44. This innovative solution allows for safe passage for both humans and animals.

Jharkhand's Untamed Beauty

Jharkhand boasts a wealth of stunning natural treasures, including national parks, tiger reserves, and wildlife sanctuaries. Some of these gems include:

• Betla National Park
• Palamu Tiger Reserve
• Horap Jungle
• Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary
• Netarhat (Queen of Chotanagpur)
• Birsa Zoological Park
• Topchanchi Wildlife Sanctuary
• Hazaribag Wildlife Sanctuary

These captivating destinations offer a glimpse into the heart of India's wilderness, making them a must-visit for any nature enthusiast.

Plan Your Adventure!

Jharkhand's hidden highway and the state's diverse wildlife sanctuaries offer a unique travel experience. If you're looking for a road less traveled, consider adding this region to your travel bucket list. Remember, responsible tourism is key to ensuring the continued beauty of these natural wonders.

Picture of the Manika - Harhanj Highway.

Text and Photo by Ashok Karan, Ashokkaran.blogspot.com

Please like, share, and subscribe!

#Nature #Wildlife Conservation #Responsible Tourism