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African Lions are keystone spices in African Savanna and also playing a vital role for eco-system. Africa is a dream of every wildlife Photographer to visit. In Africa you can find mammals, serpents, birds, miniatures, macros, water animals and many more. In Africa most people in the world visit Masai Mara National Park. Masai mara is the biggest wildlife National park in Kenya to visit. During June to August month the National park is full of tourist to see the migration of wild beasts. Also you heard about Big Five Africa that includes the major 5 animals of Africa. In Big 5 African Animal includes Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, Rhino and Elephant. Africa is very famous for Lions and Elephants too. In Masai Mara Safari timing is early morning and evening can do also you can go for full day safari about 6 hours with packed lunch. I found lions and also pride of lions in early morning safari. 

Facts About African Lions :

• African lion is a spices of Pantherian Cat.
• It has deep chested body and round head and ears.
• African  Lion total length is about 208 cm from head to tail.
• Group of femali Lions hunts together.
• Adult male Lion have prominent mane.
• Lions found in grassland and savannas.
• Population of Lions in African countries decline about 43% since 1996 so they put Vulnerable on IUCN red list.
• In zoos lions breed with tigers for hybrid spices. Hybrid spices called Liger. It is bigger than Lion and Tiger. 
• Lions are only cats that lives in Group.
• A lion's roar may heard around 8 km away.
• Lions mark their territory with their wee  and create a border.
• African lions bite force is around 600-1000 PSI.
• Lions are most intelligent cats.
• Lions gestation period around 3-4 months. They deliver 2-6 cubs generally. Cubs stay with mother around 18 months.
• African lions lifespan is around 15-18 years.
• As per African wildlife report lions can sleep 20 hours in a day.

In Kenya there are lots of wildlife Sanctuaries to visit like Masai Mara National park, Amboseli National Park,  Tsavo National park, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasa etc. Among them Masai Mara National Park and Amboseli National Park are most favorite for Lions and Elephants. In Masai mara national park you can see all major animals at one place so it is most favorite place for wildlife photographer. During migration time the Masai Mara National Park is full of tourist. There are many resorts inside of Masai Mara National Park so it is better to do best experience in the wild. During migration time resorts and hotel prices are too high. 

Park fees For Masai Mara National Park :

From 1st Jan 2024 park fees for Masai mara national park is revised and increased too.

For Non resident adult fees is 100 $ per person per day. Child from 9-17 years fees 50$ per person per day.  These fees are applicable from 1st January to 30 th June.

From 1 st July onwards fees for Masai Mara National Park is 200 $ for non resident adult per person per day. For child fees remains same.

Lions are most social big cats. They living in pride which include females, cubs and one or two males. Lions are predators and they hunt together with teamwork to take down prey. Population of African Lions are significantly decline due to habitat loss, poaching , conflict with humans etc. 

African Lions Vs Asiatic Lions :

• African lions are bigger than Asiatic Lions. African Lion weight around 500 pounds of male and 350 pounds of female. Asiatic Lion weight 450 pound of male and 350 pound of female.
• Male African lion have thick and full mane while Asiatic lions have shorter and sparser mane.
• Both lions live in pride but African Lion pride have one or two males while Asiatic lions have only one male.
• African lions live in various savannas and grasslands in Africa while Asiatic lions have only one forest Gir National Park.
• African Lions hunts large prey like wildebeest, zebra etc while Asiatic lions hunts small prey like Antelope and deer. 
• Both Lions spices are Endangered. African Lions face habitat loss and conflict with humans while Asiatic lions face restricted habitat in Gir National Park. 

Lions are big mammals and while in safari if you see them you definitely scared. It is really a great experience to see African Lion too close and contact eye to eye. My hands are shacked while clicking photos because if Lion jump on my van then i would be his breakfast definitely. Overall great experience in Masai Mara and also at Amboseli National park in Kenya to watch lions with their cubs and family. 

Photos Taken at Masai mara National Park and Amboseli National Park in Kenya

Gear Used : Canon 6 D with Canon 100-400 mm lens. 

The Oriental Garden lizard is also known as common garden lizard, Indian Garden Lizard, Eastern garden lizard, changeable or blockbuster lizard. It is widely distributed in Indo -Malaya. It is also found in many other part of the world and also in USA. Oriental Garden Lizard is a resident in gardens. It helps in control  insect populations. They are insectivorous and their main diet is insects. Binominal name of Oriental Garden lizard is Calotes versicolor. They also change their body color according to weather. 

Description and facts about Oriental Garden Lizard :

• Male oriental garden lizard has bright red throat in breeding season .
• Length of Oriental garden lizard is around 10 cm. Total length with tail is around 37 cm.
• Dorsal crest elevated on neck and anterior part of trunk.
• Ground color is light brownish. It can be change into red, black or mixture of both.
• During breeding season male change its color to orange in head and shoulders. Male change head color to red after successful battle with rival.
• Lizards don't drop their tail and also tail is very long, pointy and stiff.
• They eat mainly insects like grasshopper, crickets , ants and rodents like  geckos .
• Female lay 10-20 eggs which are long spindle shape and covered with leathery skin. They hatch in 6-7 weeks and they also able to breed in 1 year.
• They are diurnal means they are active during a day.
• They are excellent climber, thanks to their sharp claws and moving eyes.
• Some spices of lizard will go their entire life without drinking water
• Average lifespan of lizard is around 3-5 years.

Oriental Garden Lizard can move each of  their eyes in different  direction. Oriental garden lizard do not attack on humans and don't suck blood. Lizards are live everywhere even in the houses also. In India housewives are scared of lizards. There are various spices of lizards found in home and garden also. Lizards are in Reptilia class  and they are in least concern in IUCN list. I found many lizards in farm areas and agriculture areas near to my home.

Gear Used : Canon 6D, Canon 80D, Canon 100 mm macro lens

Exif Data : F-stop = f/5 , Exposure : 1/100 sec,  ISO : 640, Focal length  : 100 mm , No flash 

Kadiya Dhro is a fascinating natural wonder located in the Kutch district of Gujarat, India. It is looks like a grand canyon site and similar to it. Site is not much big but it is far from main road of Ulat in Kutch. You have to drive around 5 km from main road. There is a local transport of Jeep get to the Kadiya Dhro site and come back in 1 hour . They charge 100-200 INR per person or hire a jeep around 1000-2000 INR depend on season. Most people not visited Kadiya Dhro site because it is not in the main route of Kutch , Bhuj and Rann of Kutch. But i think it worth to visit it.  Kadiya Dhro site was discovered by traveller Varun Suchday in 2020. Kadiya Dhro is located in between White Desert of Kutch ( Rann of Kutch )  and Bhuj City. 

• Grand Canyon of India: Kadiya Dhro is nicknamed the "Grand Canyon of India" due to its resemblance to the famous landmark in the United States. Layers of colorful sandstone have been carved by the wind and river over thousands of years, creating a visually striking landscape.

• Location: It's situated about 32 kilometers from Bhuj, near a small village in the Kutch district.

• Getting There: Reaching Kadiya Dhro requires an off-road drive of around 4-5 kilometers, so a jeep with good ground clearance is recommended. You can find jeeps available for hire locally 

• Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit is between November and February, when the weather is pleasant and sunny 

• Things to Do: Enjoy the scenic beauty of the rock formations, explore the surrounding area, and be on the lookout for the diverse birdlife. Keep in mind that crocodiles have been spotted here, so avoid swimming in the water .

• Hidden Gem: Kadiya Dhro was recently included in The New York Times' list of "52 Places to Visit in the World" in 2021, bringing it more recognition .

If you're looking for a unique and off-the-beaten-path destination in Gujarat, Kadiya Dhro is definitely worth considering. Also Kadiya Dhro is less crowded site so you can enjoy a lot without any disturbance. The local jeep allow you for 1 hour visit site but i suggest that reach early morning or late evening to watch sunrise or sunset and hire jeep for atleast 2-3 hours for better visit site. Also some places have good photographs to take with sunset and sunrise. We had  a limited time for visit Kadiya Dhro so we reach in the afternoon in very sunny but still is good site to capture in your camera.

Photos Taken with  : Canon 6D, Canon 80D, Samsund S22 mobile, DJI Mavic Air 2

Places to visit in Kutch : White Desert , Dholavira, Road To Heaven, Bhuj , Smritivan, Mandvi Beach, Vijay Vilas Palace 

Road To Heaven is named to the road from Khavda to Dholavira in Kutch Gujarat. The road is so wonderful and scenery so it known  as Road to Heaven .  Khavda to Dholavira distance is around  58km but from Khavda there is a single line narrow road passes through small villages around 15-20 km approx. The main road starts after it and it is around 30-35 km approx. strait to Dholavira. Road is under constriction but almost 70-80% work done. The road heading to the city of Harappan Civilization Dholavira which is one of the largest site of Harappan Civilization and Indus valley Civilization.

Kutch is a largest district of Gujarat and also of India. Main City or Headquarter of Kutch District is Bhuj. Kutch is famous for White Desert or White Rann. In Every winter season from December to February celebrate “ Rann Utsav “ to attract foreigners and also locals. Tent City made in white desert to stay and also cultural programs arranged in it. The main Rann Utsav held in Dhordo of Kutch.

After visit White desert people also visit Dholavira which is nearest destination from Dhordo and also Kalo Dungar in between. From Dhordo you will have to go Khavda first and then from Khavda to Dholavira which is connected through “ Road To Heaven “. Dholavira is located at Khadir Bet. Khadir bet is separated because after monsoon the water filled outer side of bet. So the Road To Heaven is the way to connect Khadir bet to main city Bhuj.

About Road To Heaven Dholavira / Road to Heaven in Kutch :

• ·         It connected from Khavda to Dholavira.
• ·         Road to heaven distance around 30-35 km.
• ·         After monsoon the rain water on the both side of the road. You can see beautiful Greater Flamingo birds in between. Water level is low but muddy.
• ·         After winter in January –February the water on both side of the road is evaporated and turn into salt. Not all water but some areas during the road.
• ·         Water on the both side of the road or Salt/ white layer on both side of the road make the beauty of the road and that’s why it name as “ Road To Heaven “
• ·         When you are on the road there is hardly some traffic you face the open road with both side water or salt at morning or evening make the scenery like a Heaven.

I must suggest to visit Road To Heaven in Kutch while you visit Kutch. Also Visit Dholavira which is one of the largest Harappan Civilization site.

Places to visit near Road To Heaven :

Dholavira, Kalo Dungar, Dhordo, White Desert

Places to Visit near Bhuj : White Desert , Kadiya dhro, Chhatardi, Mandvi beach, Vijay vilas palace, Bhujyo Dungar, Smriti Van, Vande matram memorial

Camera Used : Canon 80D, Canon 6D, DJI Mavic Air2

Dholavira is located in Bhachau taluka in Kutch District of Gujarat. Dholavira is archeological site and it is one of the largest Harappan site among 5 sites. You can go to Dholavira by passing Road to Heaven which is finest route both side salt water. It is also a world heritagesite of UNESCO. Dholavira is located on Tropic of Cancer. It is located on Khadir bet island in the Kutch Desert wildlife Sanctuary. It is in the Greate Rann of Kutch belonging to Indus River. The site was discovered by Shambhudan Gadhvi in 1960. After his effort site was officially discovered in 1967-1968 by archeological survey of India. Total 8 Harappan site and Dholavira is one of the largest site among them. Other major Harappan site discovered are Harappa, Ganeriwala, Mohenjo-Daro, Kalibangan, Rupnagar, Rakhigarhi and Lothal. Dholavira was important center for trade between central Asia, south Gujarat, Punjab and Sindh. The excavation was started by ASI in 1989. There were 13 field excavation between 1990 to 2005.

City Plan of Dholavira :

Dholavira city is in rectangular shape. It spread over 54 acers and total area measures length around 2530 ft and width around 2023.8 ft. City Dholavira is divided in 3 parts as The Citadel, The Middle Town and The Lower Town. The Castel is double in height and bailey area near the castle is where important officials were lived. Middle town has own defense, gates, streets , well systems and large open spaces. Lower town for lower workers which has no boundary walls. In Dholavira there are 2 rivers flown one is Manhar in the south and Mansar in the North side.

Water storage system/ Reservoirs :

Water harvesting and storage system of Dholavira says about advance hydraulic engineering in third millennium BCE. The unique features of Dholavira is water conservation system of reservoirs and channel systems which was never found anywhere in the world before. They store rain water which diverted into rivulets. The system for water harvesting is for long time preserve fresh water in Kutch climate where sometimes rain may not fall for years. Reservoir are cut through stone about 23 ft deep and 259 ft long. Total 16 or more reservoir created of different size.

A huge sign board found around 9.8 ft long on which 10 letters of Indus script. The costal route existed linking Lothal and Dholavira to Sutkagan Dor on the Makran coast.

Language :

The Harappan spoke an unknown language. The Script which was found on large sign board not yet deciphered.

Chronology of Dholavira :

While visit Kutch Dholavira is must visit site in your itinerary. You can visit Dholavira with family to know about old architecture, business coastal area via sea, living things and utensils and most important is water harvesting system. While visit Dholavira must take a guide to know every structure in detail it will cost around 500 INR per group but worth it.

How To reach Dholavira :

Dholavira is 130 km from Bhuj. Bhuj is main city in Kutch where you find airport , railway stations and bus transports. From Bhuj Dholavira around 2 hr 40 min distance. Road is very good just from Khavda road is single line and narrow for half an hour. After it the Road To Heaven started around 30-40 km long and the road is fantastic both side water after monsoon and after evaporate water you can see salt a white desert both side of road.

 Near by places to visit : Road To Heaven, White Rann in Rann Utsav by Gujarat Tourism, Kadiya Dhro, Bhuj City, Smriti Van, Bhujyo Dungar, Mandvi Beach, Vijay Vilas Palace. 

 Camera Used : Canon 6D, Canon 80D, 14mm lens, Samsung S22 Mobile

There are lots of spices of Finch bird. Pink browed rose finch family name carpodacus rodochroa. Very small in size like a sparrow. The male is bright raspberry pink color and female is brown with streaked Buffy underparts and broad white eyebrows. This spices generally found in Himalayan range about 8000-12000 ft heights. I found both Male and female during my different trek. The male i found on my Har Ki Dun trek, Chandrakhani Pass Trek in manali and female i found at Singalila National Park. Images are taken at  with my canon 6D and 100-400 mm lens.

Pink Browed Rose finch generally found in heights above 7000ft . During my trek to Har Ki Dun and Manali (Chandrakhani pass ) i found Lost of birds among them one is Rose finch. It  is really beautiful to see this bird . Its color is very beautiful and looks like raspberry pink. It was difficult to shoot with distance and got sharp image. Well i had a good camera and lens so that i capture this sharp image.

Pink Browed Rosefinch is generally found at Himalayas. I found it at Har Ki Dun trek and also at Chandrakhani pass trek to Manali.  Bird is so beautiful in color you can not resist to capture image of it. There are also different types of finch bird available in manali and also at Uttarakhand. They generally found in pair of male and female. 

Gear Used : Canon 6D, Canon 1000 D, Canon 100-400 mm lens, Canon 80 D

Sikkim is the state in northeastern side of India. In northeast side of Sikkim is Tibet , east side is Bhutan, in the west is Nepal and in south its border touches to West Bengal. Capital of Sikkim is Gangtok. Total area of Sikkim is 7096 sqkm. Highest elevation of Sikkim is Mt Kanchenjunga 8586 m.  Population of Sikkim around 6 lakhs. Languages spoken here is Nepali, Sikkimese, Lepcha, English.

Sikkim has four districts known as East Sikkim capital Gangtok , North Sikkim capital Mangan, South Sikkim capital Namchi and west Sikkim capital Gyalshing . Major city and biggest of state is Gangtok .

Flora And Fauna of Sikkim :

• Sikkim is home of more than 5000 spices of flower plants. Among them 515 are rare orchids,36 spices of rhododendron, 11 spices of Oak, 60 spices of Primula, 23 spices of Bamboo, 362 varieties of Ferns and over 900 medicinal plants.
• Official flower of Sikkim is Noble Dendrobium.
• State tree of Sikkim is Rhododendron.
• On other side of Sikkim fauna there is a lots of wildlife found here.
• Major Attractions in wildlife in Sikkim is Red Panda, Snow leopard, Himalayan Marmot, Himalayan Tahr, Asian Black Bear , Leopard Cat, Tibetan Wolf, Comon Langur, Himalayan Jungle Cat, Dhole, Himalayan Serow, Himalayan Goral and Yaks.
• Also Sikkim is heaven for Birds too like Crimson horned Pheasant , Impeyan Pheasant, Tibetan Snowcock, Griffon Vulture, Golden Eagles, Quails, Plovers, Pigeons, Flycatchers and many more. Total more than 550 spices of birds found here.
• In Sikkim also butterflies found more than 1400 spices.
• Red Panda is the State animal of Sikkim.
• Singalila National Park is most favorite place for trekker and wildlife photographers.

The earliest inhabitants of Sikkim are Lepchas. Sikkim is almost in a hilly area. State elevation from 280m to 8586m.  Lowest elevation at West side at west Bengal border and highest is Mt. Kanchenjunga  summit. Kanchenjunga Mountain is the 3rd highest mountain in the World. It is Situated on the border of Sikkim and Nepal. Mt. Kanchenjunga can be seen from Darjeeling early in the morning also if you want to see Kanchenjunga very closely then visit Sandakphu at Singalila National park where you can see a clear Mount Kanchenjunga and also Mt Everest if weather is clear.

In Sikkim Tour we planned for North Sikkim, East Sikkim and South Sikkim places. Most tour visit Gangtok – Darjeeling – Pelling  or Gangtok – Lachen- Lachung – Darjeeling- Namchi . If you want to go pelling then Lachen and Lachung you have to skip or you have to add more 3-4 days in your tour to complete all of these. We done in our tour Gangtok-Lachen-Lachung-Gangtok-Darjeeling . Our tour Itinerary as below.

Best Time for Visit Sikkim :

The best season for traveling to North Sikkim is Mid February to Mid-June  & Mid-September to Mid December. 

Sikkim Tour Itinerary :

For Sikkim you can go via flight to Bagdogra then from Bagdogra (IXB) to Gangtok via road. Also a New Jalpaiguri Railway Station ( NJP ) overnight train from Kolkata reach in the morning and then via road to Gangtok.

Day 1

IXB Airport / NJP Railway Station to Gangtok 125kms in 4hrs  and drive to Gangtok (Capital of Sikkim). Gangtok is also a resting ground for people traveling to North Sikkim. Check in at Hotel. Evening we go for Gangtok city tour and shopping. We stay at Lemon Tree hotel Gangtok. A very nice property and good Hospitality.

Day 2

Early Morning leave to  Tsongmo Lake (12,400 ft.) & Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial (13200 ft) 52 kms from Gangtok city. Tsongmo Lake freezes completely during the winter and is much revered by the locals.

Optional tour to Nathula Pass (Alt 14000Ft / 4200M) on China Border can also be arranged (Except Mon, Tue) for Indian Nationals on advance request at an additional cost. I must say to visit Nathula Pass cost around 3000-4000 INR per car. At Nthula pass you must go early in the morning otherwise traffic  jam on afternoon. Also weather changes after 12 pm so reach early. At Nathula Pass if you stuck in traffic and if heavy snow fall then you will stuck for overnight and after BRO clear the roads you can not go back. So plan early morning if possible and listen to your driver and follow their guidance.

Day 3

Gangtok to Lachen (125 Kms / 6 hrs) Morning drive to Lachen in North Sikkim (8660 ft). In between  visit Singhik View point, Seven Sisters Water Fall, Naga Water Falls, and Chungthang Confluence. Arrive at Lachen in the evening. We stay at Khenkhim Hotel in Lachen.

Day 4

Lachen – Chopta Valley (13,200 ft.) – Gurudongmar Lake (17,100 ft.) – Lachung Early Morning drive to Chopta Valley to get some breathtaking view of alpine valley of frozen rives. Then procede further 30 Kms in 1.5 hrs to Gurudongmar Lake. The Highest and the biggest fresh water lakes in Sikkim, and it is very close to Tibet Border. After Lunch drive to Lachung.  We Stay at Etho Metho hotel in Lachung. Also a good and finest property.

Day 5

Early Morning Leave to Yumthang (Valley of Flowers) at 1200ft. It is a summer grazing ground of Yaks and winter playgrounds of Yetis. Back to Lachung. After lunch drive back to Gangtok. Kala Patthar or Zero Point is optional for visit around 3000-4000 per car. At Zero point or kala patthar you can see lots of snow and beautiful snow mountain view of Himalayas. Also on the way to kala patthar you can visit valley of flowers. In April to May month you can see beautiful rhododendrons are in full bloom and the entire route that leads to Zero Point looks almost like a painting. But when we were visit lots of snow fall during those days so flowers was not so many on that day but its worth to visit. You never disappoint with the entire route scenery. 

Day 6

Gangtok Half day sight-seeing- to Darjeeling (Alt 7100Ft/2100M), 95km in 3 hrs. Breakfast at the hotel, check out & visit Bakthang Falls, Enchey Monastery, Flower Show, Sikkim Research Institute of Tibetology, Dodurl Chorten and Handicraft Centre and drive to Darjeeling. We stay at Sterling Holiday Resort at Darjeeling. Resort is very good.

Day 7

Darjeeling local sightseeing Visit Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park (Thursday closed), Tenzing Rock, Ropeway, Tibetan Refugee self-help Centre (Sunday closed), Tea Garden (outer view), Japanese Temple, Ghoom Monastery, Batasia loop, Tiger hill (8,400 ft.). Evening free at leisure. you can go for shopping at Darjeeling market .

Day 8

Darjeeling to IXB Airport / NJP Railway Station – 90kms in 3hrs. In morning  drive to NJP/Bagdogra.

Casinos In Gangtok : 

There are many casinos in Gangtok if you are interested like Deltin Denzong, Ramada Casino, Big Bull Casino etc. We went to Ramada casino and had a great fun. Entry Ticket for Ramada Casino is 2000 per person ( rates may change ) which includes 2 drinks, 2 starters, buffet dinner and 1000 INR token chip. Also they have more package for entry for unlimited drinks and food may be.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW  ABOUT DARJEELING: 

Due to the recent changes in the Traffic Management System in Darjeeling there would be a lot of restrictions for visiting the Sight Seeing Points mentioned in the itinerary.  300 vehicles would be allowed to visit Tiger hill in a day with Coupon, which would be issued the previous  day by the Authorities. 

Batasia Loop, which was a part of the early morning sightseeing, would now open from 10 am instead of  06:00am. You will have to walk minimum 500 mtrs from the gate (Depending upon the rush)and the place where the car is parked.  No car would be allowed to pick-up or drop passengers in from of HMI ZOO and the same can only be done  at a designated area 100 mtrs away from the gate.  The cars would be allowed to pick-up or drop passengers only from the designated areas and not as per the convenience or wish of the guests

North Sikkim travel Guide (Lachung - Lachen):  Must Know Things while visit North Sikkim

• Guest Traveling to North Sikkim (Lachung / Lachen) requires 02-04 copies of passport size photograph, original photo ID proof with photo copy (identity card – Voter ID card / Pass-port / Driving License) for processing the permit. Aadhar Card / PAN Card - not acceptable for issuance of the Permit  In Lachen and Lachung . But when we go some places may accept Adhar Card too. Most of the hotels are offering Vegetarian food . Food quality is very good. 
• All guests are requested to carry minimum luggage when travelling to North Sikkim and keep the extra  luggage at the hotel in Gangtok because of bad road conditions of North Sikkim especially during transshipment due to landslides and road blockages. We carry only 1 bag for 1 family.
• Child below 10 yrs. and Senior Citizen is not suggestible to visit Gurudongmar Lake (17,100 Ft.) in Lachen  due to high Altitude and low Oxygen Level 
• Hotels of Lachen and Lachung have only with basic amenities  & simple food cooked by the locals and not by hotel Chef.  In maximum hotels there is no geyser in the bathroom – hot water is supplied by buckets by the hotelier. Also during Gangtok to Lachung there is a very few vegetarian food restaurant and you must take a lunch at their. Other wise there is no restaurant after that. Same at return to Gangtok. So plan some snakes and packed food from Gangtok.
• Lachen and Lachung hotels rooms are also small so you must adjust in it.
• No room heating systems are provided in the room in maximum hotels due to shortage of power, instead the hotelier provides hot water bags. At some hotels they provide heaters too depend on your hotel.
• Airtel, Vodafone  & BSNL operates better in Lachen and Lachung. After leaving hotels and city you can not get signal during sight scenes. So if you are travelling in group with 2-3 cars then plan close all cars or make a point where you can all meet if someone left alone.  Best way to keep walkie talkie for minimum 2-5 km range to contact each other.   
• Due to shortage of power the guest sometimes may have to bear with candle light. 
• Due to winter season (heavy snow) vehicle will be able to drive till Snow point on the way to Yumthang Valley. 
• Zero point(must visit place )  (Yumesamdong) is kept optional which the guest can avail with an extra cost. Approx. cost is Rs. 3500 per vehicle. 
• Mineral Water bottles are not available in North Sikkim. You need  to carry a bottle at all times. They can be refilled at hotels. Littering will attract fine. Cigarette smoking or tobacco / tobacco product consumption is banned in public places.

After all sikkim is must visit place where you can find a high himalayan range mountains with greenery. Here you can find greenery , snow, high altitude lakes and enjoy beautiful weather with nature. Also in Darjeeling zoo we can see rarest and endangered Red Panda and many more birds and animals.

Asian openbill is also known as Asian openbill stork. It is a large wader bird in stork family. Binominal name of it is Anastomus Oscitans and its family is Ciconiidae. It is generally found in South-east Asia region. Like other stork it size mostly similar to them. Only difference in color as openbill stork is greyish or white in color and glossy black wings. In Gujarat it is found in Thol bird Sanctuary , Nalsarovar Bird sanctuary, Pariej Wetland and agriculture areas at many places. It found in low level wetlands where it can find food easily. In Gujarat like Asian openbill stork other stork bird found like Painted Stork, Wooley Necked Stork etc.

Description and Facts about Asian openbill stork :

• Asian openbill stork is greyish or white in color. Its wings and tail are glossy black in color.
• As it name openbill the gap between lower and upper mandible of the beak. The gap between beak is not seen in young bird. The gap is very useful for gripping snails and shells .
• They are generally found in flocks. 
• Asian openbill generally found near river bank, wetlands, Irrigation canal and agriculture areas.
• It is very rare spices in Panjab and Sind region of Pakistan But it common in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Thailand and Cambodia.
• They are mostly seen in Winter from September to February.
• Asian openbill feed snails and they separate shell with its beak. They also feed frogs, water snakes and large insects.
• Asian openbill breeding season is after monsoon in November to March in Southern India and Shri Lanka and in Northern India and Nepal starts from July to September .  
• In colonial India a sportsman shot Asian openbill for meat  calling  it the  " beef-steak-bird".

In Gujarat there are lots of bird sanctuary where migratory birds and also resident birds visit through all seasons. Thol Bird sanctuary, Nal sarovar , Little Rann of Kutch, Pariej Wetland, Velavadar National Park, Khijadiya sanctuary etc are famous sanctuaries for bird watching. Thol Sanctuary is famous for Flamingo bird, Pelican, Bar headed Goose and many migratory birds. I found 3 spices of stork bird name Painted Stork, Asian openbill stork and Woolly necked stork in thol bird sanctuary. Thol sanctuary, nalsarovar , Little rann of kutch are very near to my home so i visit all sanctuary often.

Gear Used : Canon 6 D, Canon 1000 D , Canon 100-400 mm lens

Location : Thol bird sanctuary, Sanand, Kadi , Gujarat