Continued from Bhadra Forests - In Its Full Bloom
For many years now, it has been my interest and passion to see anything that is old and ancient. Old buildings, carvings, motifs, inscriptions and temples have fascinated me. Not just these, I have made it a point to look for natural heritage too. I have always wondered as to how they have managed to survive all these years amid the ravages of time, changing climate and last but not the least, man’s greed.
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| The Jagara Teak |
There are many places in India which are home to gigantic, rare and fragile trees that are centuries old. During my travails across Karnataka state, I have found ancient trees on road side while some in the midst of village squares or some even tucked away, unknown in one corner of a farm land. But it is the numerous 'sacred or private groves' and wildlife habitats that have provided protection to these green sentinels from a bygone era.
The Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary (also a tiger reserve) in Chikkamagaluru district has one of the oldest teak trees in the country and its survival is a testimony to the conservation efforts carried out by forest authorities and conservationists. As part of the Safari ride organized by the Bhadra wildlife authorities one is given an opportunity to visit the Jagara Valley.
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| The dense forest of Bhadra |
In this dense Valley, one can see a range of tree species from teak to rosewood to Honne to Mathi and this is what gives Bhadra the verdant forest look. In the olden days, this forest habitat has seen quite a bit of teak trees being planted but now the scenario has changed, informs DV Girish, Wildlife Conservationist who describes the past history in all detail. No dead wood or fallen trees are lifted from the environs of Bhadra now. It has been left to mother nature for any regeneration of any tree species.
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| The fallen trees are consumed by mother nature for regeneration of the forest |
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| The tree that seemed to go on forever |
The Jagara Teak is a huge tree with a girth of 5.21 meters. It is said to be approximately 400 years old. A living monument - the teak tree is the centre of attraction for all visitors to the Muthodi forests. It is very tall as high as 32 meters and we have to crane our necks to see the highest point but even then the tip is not visible.
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| A nearby board telling us about the tree |
Earlier in 1951, the Bhadra sanctuary was known as the Jagara Wildlife Sanctuary spread across 78 sq km but now over a period of time, it has expanded to 493 sq kms. The pristine river streams gurgling around in its merry and twisting paths of the forest literally take your breath away. We can now understand why the inhabitants are such a happy lot with tributaries and waterholes full. The unique forest sounds and the translucent waters gushing around is an experience to lock away in your memory box.
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| The beautiful Bhadra forest |
Wild flowers in innumerable colors some dark while some shaded - ferns and mosses climbing from the moist ground - completes the picture of a forest so rich and verdant that it makes you gaze at it longingly. Saying goodbye to these colors and hues and sounds is indeed painful while I heartily thank those innumerable people who have worked hard to retain and protect the unique habitat in the Western Ghats from the greed of people.
How To Reach There :
It is located inside Bhadra Tiger Reserve and one should enter from the Muthodi gate. Now en-route to Kesave from Muthodi - is the gigantic teak tree located in the Jagara valley. A big board on a neighboring tree gives you the right direction to this ancient tree.
Location map:
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