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Sustainability After agriculture, the Textile Industry is the second largest industry in terms of providing employment, primarily in the developing countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Africa and some European nations. It has always been an industry in demand and also has high competition. In modern times, there has been a steady rise in synthetic fibre, which require more refining and processing than natural ones. The various pollutants arising from various methods of processing fabrics have been harmful to the environment through emissions in the air and discharges into the earth and water. Generally, these pollutants remain untreated and often mingle with drinking water creating health hazards. Since the trend over the years has been to use more synthetic fabric, the usage of harmful chemicals and pesticides has been on the rise. Vegetation has also been highly affected by the toxicity of the wastes and marine life has taken a major impact. Given such harmful effects, the World has started to take serious note of the textile industry. The industry is also working steadily on various techniques to counter such hazards through sustainable innovative processes. Textile Process Overview | Environment Factors | Opportunities in Cotton Production | Manufacturing of Textile | Plant Emission | Usages of Water | Solid Waste Management | Distribution of Product | Recycling of Textile Textile Process Overview Generally, cotton balls develop within 100-150 days of seeding. The processing of the same into yarns and fibres takes another 30-40 days. The various dyeing options and treatments take a further 20-30 days and after that bear a shelf life of 2-3 months with the marketplace and another 2-3 years with the customer. However, there are a lot many factors that play their roles in defining the life cycle of a textile product. Environmental concerns play an increasingly vital role in the textile business. Both Government and consumers are expecting greener products and services. Environment Factors Textile products have certain life cycles. The life cycle refers to the period from the cultivation of material through to the finished product’s launch into the market until its final withdrawal. Although the textile sector is one of the biggest consumer intensive sectors, as of now, recycling and reclamation practices are not given much significance. Life cycle assessments or LCA, examine stage-wise waste generation potential, energy consumption, and environmental impact. It helps in evaluating the environmental impact of a product at every stage of its life cycle — from raw material cultivation, processing, manufacturing, distribution, use, and disposal or recycling. Apart from two types of different technical LCA (Attributional & Consequential), Social LCA is also under development. Opportunities in Cotton Production The production of organic cotton has risen manifolds over the recent years. It is grown in specially prepared soils and no pesticides, herbicides or chemical fertilizers are used. However, due to the specialized methods of this type of farming, the products tend to be a little more expensive than the normal products. Nevertheless owing to the benefits that one gets towards health and the environment, this type of farming is being steadily encouraged. Government agencies like NABARD etc are supporting the farmers with easy loans to undertake such kinds of cultivations. However, the price-sensitive population is still sceptic about the prices resulting in low demand for such fabric among the mass purchasers. There is a need the roll out incentives for the use of organic products and subsidise the same to lower the prices. The availability of organic fertilizers and vermicomposts should be assured by the government agencies at affordable rates to the farmers to carry out such types of cultivation. More focus on organic cultivation should be put and the demand for such products should be encouraged. The fashion industry also needs to re-align itself in a manner that more organic products are endorsed and used. With proper know-how and proper training, people can be made to grow and use natural fibres organically without the use of harmful chemicals. In recent times, increased awareness of the use of pesticides and chemicals has triggered the increased demand for organic products. Manufacturing of Textile The manufacturing sector also needs to adopt environmentally friendly approaches for sustainable and healthy practices. Discharges from the plants need to be well treated before taken for recirculation. Plant Emission The emissions are needed to be treated through proper ESPs (Electrostatic Precipitators) or condensed for usage in process boilers are fuels. This way Carbon credits can be obtained as per the ISO 14000 norms. Usages of Water Water needs to be properly treated as there are multiple methods for doing so. This same water can be reused for the service water requirement of the plant. Solid Waste Management The solid wastes can be made into composts and used for the construction of internal roads and temporary structures. Distribution of Product Distribution of products can be done seamlessly through organized shipment, especially by the use of railways rakes to minimize vehicular movement causing dust and pollution. Nowadays, every major industry has its railway sidings for raw material intake and dispatch of products. This is the most convenient method of bulk transportation. lots of challenges might come through transporters who had been engaged in such work for ages. These transporters may be compensated by utilizing their services in other sectors like construction etc. Recycling of Textile Recycling of used material, plastics and wastes is gaining popularity with the advent of innovative technologies that primarily focus on the molecular alteration of the products instead of burning or disposing of them. Most synthetic fibres take 20-200 years to decompose and hence are considered to be environmentally hazardous. However, by up-cycling the wastes, a lot of items of utility may be produced. The synthetic fibres can be solidified to be made into mounted plastics and other products too. Synthetic fibres can also be taken through the process of pyrolysis to yield petrol, diesel and producer gas. Construction blocks or road making components can also be derived from it and used extensively in infrastructure development. A lot of research is presently going on for the process of seamless recycling. The biggest hurdle in recycling has always been the automatic segregation of different forms of chemicals. It is anticipated that soon some workable solution will be worked out regarding the same which will be highly beneficial towards affluent elimination and contamination of the ecology. These processes are also sustainable methods of employment generation for the underprivileged and can also be developed as various welfare schemes. The government should urge major industries that have a good kitty of CSR funds to adopt technologies related to waste management and recycling to benefit society at large. It is also anticipated that the awareness of the usage of eco-friendly products will gain prominence in the years to come and would prove to be a healthy initiative. It is common for industries to strategize methods of improving utility and improving their existing processes. With a little concerted effort, we can bring about a revolution in the textile industries worldwide. By Satadal Lahiri Satadal is an engineer by profession and author by passion. He has written 17 books till date in various genres Satadal cares about environment and sustainability.

Sustainability For any country, tourism is a major source of income. Popularising various tourist destinations is always among the topmost priorities on any government’s agenda. It is also to be noted that tourists flock to places that provide the best facilities. Though some adventurous tourists may relish austere conditions most people inquire about a place and the facilities before venturing there. There has been a burst of activities in recent times to make every tourist destination as attractive as possible with the right kind of facilities. The demand for better services in transit, hotels, entertainment, food and other amenities has increased and therefore, the tourism industry has taken refuge in technological processes to upgrade to higher levels. Digitalisation in Tourism Digitalisation has caused a major revolution throughout the nations. I would like to cite an example here. A friend of mine had travelled to a remote destination in the state of Odisha and was unlucky to lose his wallet on the way. He, however, could sustain his stay for six days because of the various UPI applications he had on his smartphone. The digital penetration in even the remotest of sites has thus helped numerous people during emergencies and regular periods. There has also been an increased usage of online bookings of hotels, recreation spots, vehicles etc. allowing secure transfers and saving time. The dependence on local information has been reduced quite a lot through these facilities. Now, tourists can pick and choose places of stay and modes of transport by sitting at their homes themselves. This has not only given them independence but also allowed them to distinctly design their itinerary. Operators of the tourism sector and local guides have also benefitted immensely due to the visibility they receive through various social media platforms. Low cost and easy to read E-Books have facilitated quick know-how about a place. Smartphones have also added to the advantage. Bookings, registrations and payments on the go have reduced time, hassles and discontent amongst travellers. The tourism sector has thus now become more accessible, safe and user friendly. The popularity of remote sites has also increased commendably. Even after two years of paralytic impositions due to COVID-19, the tourism industry is steadily on its path of revival leveraging the digital transformation. IOT and IIOT in Tourism The Internet of things is a future-ready technology. However, it has already revolutionised various sectors like never before. The management of facilities has become fast, accurate and flexible. The interconnection of various controls through cloud computing has made the operation and maintenance of facilities more data-driven and easier to handle. From the malfunction of an apparatus to energy saving, everything can be monitored smoothly and precisely. The demand for facilities can be mapped timely to provide the best services to clients with ease. Travelling and connected facilities can be tracked and connected seamlessly, involving less process time. Internet of Things and Industrial Internet of Things have woven all probable requirements together to bring forth holistic solutions. On booking of flights or other modes of transport for a destination, we get suggestions for facilities to stay at and places to visit in the same mode. The Industrial Internet of things has improved the quality of experiences in even the most remote locations. Properly filtered drinking water, a clean and dust-free environment etc. have been brought about by cloud controlled systems. Electricity and temperature control of rooms are other aspects that have enhanced the comfort levels. The production of various local products is it food products or garments has also been under strong surveillance of IIOT and has adjusted production as per the peak and lean periods. The security system for tourists has also increased due to close monitoring by the cloud-connected devices and chances of mishaps have been reduced. The language barriers have also been broken due to the availability of QR and barcodes. Proper assessment of demand and supply can also be retrieved from perfect data analysis done by the various connection modes and thus immediate improvements can be resorted to. Owing to the enhancement of various facilities, even business meets are slowly shifting to tourist destinations to take advantage of digital services. Cottage industries have also received the necessary boost and a general improvement in lifestyle has resulted from it. The government agencies are putting all their efforts to implement various propositions of cleanliness, connectivity and availability of resources to woo more tourists. The Future of Tourism Metaverse is going to happen very soon. The innovation team of various technology giants are working on a more futuristic technology that will enable people to have virtual tours of places for travel and select hotel rooms after experiencing them from remote locations. Metaverse would allow people to experience their travel in better ways. This technology will further enhance the credibility of the tourism industry and increase the footfall to various locations tremendously. With improved research and implementation facilities opportunities in this sector looks bright. With digitalisation and IIOT doing their bits, the tourism industry is poised to gain a big step in the post COVID era. By Satadal Lahiri Satadal is an engineer by profession and author by passion. He has written 17 books till date in various genres Satadal cares about environment and sustainability.

Sustainability The tourism industry, as a whole supports tourists going to distinct destinations, be it locally or abroad, for relaxation, sociocultural, or adventure purposes. It increases the country's economic growth, generates employment opportunities, improves the infrastructure of the country, and promotes a feeling of shared culture among native residents and foreign visitors. The international demand for sustainable wildlife tourism, in particular, is predicted to be 12 million outings annually, with an average increase of 10% YoY. Not only that, the worldwide wildlife tourism industry is now equivalent to roughly 30 billion pounds. However, with that said, wildlife has all been hugely affected by forest destruction, illegal hunting, and in some places absence of financing to prevent such activities. Wildlife tourism is on the rise and will be instrumental to solve these problems. In this article, we are trying to help you to understand sustainable wildlife tourism and provide some directions related to wildlife conservation. What is wildlife tourism? Types of Wildlife Tourism Importance of Sustainable Wildlife Tourism What is sustainable wildlife tourism? Tips for Sustainable Wildlife Management Image by Alise Storsul, Unsplash What is wildlife tourism? Let's first understand what the term "wildlife" and "tourism" really implies. Wildlife can be defined as animals, except humans and domesticated animals, particularly mammals, birds, and marine life. Tourism is the systematic socio-cultural and financial application of travelling that includes the activity of enticing, accepting, and captivating visitors who go to nations or locations outside of their normal routine to satisfy their leisure and adventure needs. So, as a whole "Wildlife Tourism" refers to the watching of the local species of flora and fauna in their natural ecosystems. Wildlife tourism introduced visitors to the world of wilderness against the backdrop of Nature. Understanding of animal social behaviour, interaction patterns, discipline, inter-species dependencies etc. A clear observation of living creatures responding in a particular manner to a specified context provides hours of entertainment. Types of Sustainable Wildlife Tourism The most popular types of the sustainable wildlife tourism industry are as follows: Wildlife Safaris A wildlife safari is perhaps the best option to observe wildlife in their natural habitat. From African Savanna to Indian Jungles, wildlife safaris are very popular among tourists. The popularities are such, that the booking starts even 90 days in advance and sold-outs within a couple of seconds. Sea Diving Diving is a prevalent type of wildlife tourism, with scuba diving sites such as Australia's Great Barrier Reef, Egypt's Red Sea, and others. It allows visitors to explore life underwater. Birdwatching Birdwatching is the most popular wildlife activity across nations. People across the globe observe and study birds' behaviours in their natural habitat. There are many amateur Ornithologists in every locality. Whale & Dolphins Observation Swimming with dolphins and whales is a dream activity for many people. Every year people gathered around Iceland and other Northern bay areas to observe this wonder swim freely. Rescue Centre Animal rescue centres and sanctuaries, like the Elephant Nature Park of Thailand and the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary of Australia, are organisations that protect, care for, and rescue animals. They also promote awareness among tourists and support conservation.. Image by Rudney Uezu, Unsplash Importance of Sustainable Wildlife Tourism Sustainable Wildlife Tourism helps local people financially by bringing tourists to a specific region where they spend money on hotels, food, transportation, and so on. Increased footfall inside the reserve forest also helps in protecting the site from poachers and various illegal activities. Local people are also inclined towards legitimate business and act as a social representatives to prevent such illegal activities. Negative Effects of Wildlife Tourism With wildlife tourism growing in popularity, more individuals are interfering with the wildlife, resulting in the following issues: Abuse/cruelty to Wild Animals As per reports, over 500K wild animals are bearing the brunt of a harsh and ruthless tourism sector. For instance, lions are taken from their mothers and locked up separately forever, elephants are physically abused or beaten up. Spreading of Diseases Several tourists seek close encounters with the wild animals, which could prove to be problematic for the animals, making them more vulnerable to disease. Foreign visitors could also bring pathogens for which wild animals haven't yet developed an immune system. Change in Behaviour Wildlife activities can cause significant disturbances to animals’ natural environments. Such activities can terrify animals, particularly during vulnerable stages of their lifespan, and harm reproduction. Tourists feeding or even annoying wildlife could indeed alter moral behavioural patterns and make them dangerous. For example, snakes can bite, and elephants can stamp on people. What is sustainable wildlife tourism? A sustainable wildlife tourism approach integrates the long-term use of wildlife biodiversity to encourage wildlife conservation. Wildlife Tourism could only be considered sustainable if it adds value to the preservation of the wildlife and their habitat by engaging all stakeholders, such as the local community, environment, and government bodies. Tips for Sustainable Wildlife Management Here are a few possible strategies to guarantee liability in sustainable wildlife management As a Tourist Study the location you intend to travel to before actually going there to gain knowledge about the various nations, ways of life, and languages, as well as a plethora of data available online. You can also speak with your travel guide or agency, who already has extensive knowledge of the venue. Don't get too close to the wildlife as it might bother or scare the animals. Don't tamper with nature by tearing leaves and breaking branches, littering etc. Avoid buying souvenirs containing coral or endangered animal products such as ivory, rhino horns, coral, tortoise shell, reptile skins, plants, etc., as these objects only damage the biodiversity and motivate more unlawful behaviour. As a wildlife tourism manager Serve seasonal and locally sourced meals, and not anything from the wild directly. Design walks or crossings fitting for self-guided operations, such as proper signage and interpretation. Create facilities with an adventure theme, such as canopy passageways, walking trails, birdhouses or bird hides. Display signs instructing tourists about how to act around wild animals and birds. Provide activities and educational programs for children such as storytelling, drawing and painting wild creatures, insect collecting, and animal dropping monitoring. Make extra events available, such as trips to nearby villages for genuine conversations with communities, markets, and other places of interest. Final Words of Wisdom By preserving wildlife, we must ensure that future generations can experience our natural environment and the amazing life forms that inhabit it. To better protect wildlife, it's essential to comprehend how creatures socialize inside of their habitat and how human and ecological impacts affect them. Hope, we have been able to make it clear about the importance of sustainable wildlife tourism. Let's be responsible for caring for and conserving wild animals together. After all, none of us would like to see them go extinct like the Dodo birds, right?

Sustainability Imagine a world without any of the wild animals that you see today! No brave lions, no cunning foxes, no fierce tigers, no big whales, no mighty gorillas, no mischievous monkeys, no sleepy koalas, no slithering snakes-nothing at all! Unimaginable, right? But many of our activities are bringing us toward that doomsday. As per the research communities, human activities have resulted in over 60% of the world's wildlife habitats declining within just the last 50 years. Also, roughly 30000 species are threatened with extinction on an annual basis. Responsible Wildlife Tourists can play a vital role to prevent these losses. In today's article, I am trying to list down some responsibilities that a wildlife tourist should have. What is Wildlife & Why is it Important? Many of us still don't fully comprehend the term "wildlife." So before I start discussing wildlife tourism and being a responsible wildlife tourist, I would like to start a bit with the definition and importance of Wildlife. Wildlife refers to all the animal and plant species that have not been fostered, domesticated or provided with training by human beings. Importance of Wildlife I can not list down all the positive impacts because then it will be a never-ending list. In a single sentence, Humans can't survive without wildlife on Earth. We are just a small part of a large ecosystem. Any damage in this ecosystem directly impacts us in many ways. What is Wildlife Tourism? Wildlife Tourism refers to the observation and engagement of human beings with species of plants and animals in their native wild habitat, such as safaris, sea diving, birdwatching, whale and dolphin observation, etc. in well-protected and conserved areas. Providing tourists with profound psychological benefits such as the sense of joy, satisfaction, and gratification as a result of their native animal interactions Making students and visitors aware of native species and their economic and environmental needs to coexist with them sustainably. Who is a Responsible Wildlife Tourist? Now let us discuss the concept of Responsible Wildlife Tourists. Responsible Wildlife Tourists refers to someone who does the following: Travels without having a significant negative impact on nature, animals, or local communities, and contributes to conservation. Attempts to reduce or even control the harmful effects of travel. Is conscious of their opinions, behaviour, and activities. Respects the people, local community, traditions, spaces for wild animals and plants, and surroundings of the locations they visit. Motivate wildlife conservation and restoration. Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Conservation refers to the Preservation of better and healthier animals and their populations via the protection of wild lifeforms and their habitat. Wildlife conservation can indeed be split into two categories: In-situ Conservation: This sort of wildlife conservation refers to the preservation of habitat types, organisms, and biodiversity in their natural habitats. Naturally occurring phenomena and interactions, as well as biodiversity aspects, are preserved in this. Ex-situ Conservation: Since in-situ conservation is often not conceivable due to habitats being deteriorated or fighting for land requiring life forms to be relocated to save them, ex-situ conservation is done. It refers to the preservation of species' diversity attributes outside of their native ecosystems. Ex-situ conservation can be found in zoos, seed banks, beautiful botanical gardens, etc. It is important to have a highly effective conservation project which will be used to protect and improve natural habitats because of the following reasons: By preserving and protecting wildlife and forests, we ensure that all of the wide and varied species of plants and animals remain alive, reproduce, and thrive. Conservation forests are also critical for ecological integrity and stability as it provides habitat for animals and is an essential element for balancing food chains and food webs. Duties of Responsible Wildlife Tourists As responsible wildlife tourists, the activities we do will affect social, economic, and environmental aspects. As a result, we must strive to have a positive effect on our visited destination. There are numerous ways to be a responsible tourist. Here I list some of them; Maintain Distance with the Wildlife so that animals are not frightened, angered, or disturbed. Try to avoid any sort of interaction with wildlife that involves stroking, touching, riding, or even observing animals being forced or even lashed to perform. Do not follow animals that are running, creeping, crawling, swimming, or flying. Do not scare, call out to, or even tempt animals with food. Avoid any loud or noisy activities. Avoid Taking Selfies with Animals To ensure the safety of the tourists, many of these animals are often drugged or have gone through constant strict training. Shop With Extreme Care Never, buy wildlife souvenirs produced by animals in the wild. Examples of such items can be traditional medicines or ivory and coral ornaments. Don't be fooled into thinking that because the animal or plant is now dead, it can't hurt you or the wildlife in any way. Purchasing such stuff will only inspire future deals while also encouraging suppliers to hunt down, capture, or even kill more living creatures. Do Not Dirty the Place! If you can't see a nearby waste bin, keep your junk in your backpack or pouch. Carry anything you brought with you back to your home, including battery packs, plastic packaging, or containers. Rather than purchasing plastic bottles at each tourist attraction, take with you a refillable water bottle which can be filled with filtered water when you go. Preventing the use of plastic straws, which add a significant amount of waste to the ocean's waters. (Use a metal straw instead, or simply don't use a straw.) When going to the ocean or beaches, use reef-safe sunscreen because regular sunscreen contains elements which are harmful to fish and coral if they get mixed with the water. Respect & Support the Native Residents It is essential to conduct research before travelling to know about the surroundings and the people living nearby. This would help you avoid doing anything that might offend the native people. If possible, learn their language beforehand so that you can also educate them on wildlife conservation. Show your appreciation for them and their customs and traditions. Always take permission before you take their photographs. Purchase merchandise from locally run shops and stalls. Take professional Guidance When touring a wildlife habitat, you should go along with a qualified and experienced guide. They will be capable of ensuring your safety as well as the animals' well-being. Let's Wind Up! Travel and tourism are effective economic sources. It accounts for more than ten percent of global economic GDP and employs lakhs of people. However, due to the carelessness of many people, animals and plants are getting harmed unnecessarily. For this reason, we must become responsible wildlife tourists and make a meaningful contribution to wildlife conservation! I hope I have been able to convey the meaning of wildlife tourism, wildlife conservation as well as the importance of being a responsible wildlife tourist. Let's together preserve and protect these beautiful wild animals and habitats so that the next generations are never deprived of them. By Priyanka Biswas She is a content writer and an avid traveller. She loves to write about various topics. She cares for Nature and sustainability.

Sustainability The fashion industry is the second least eco-friendly business in the world, just after the oil industry. 10% of worldwide carbon emissions come from the fashion industry. Additionally, as per the 2018 records of UNECE, around 85% of all textiles are disposed of annually, and laundering particular kinds of clothing, such as synthetic ones, often discharges a big chunk of microplastics into the water bodies, causing pollution. Unfortunately, despite these facts coming to light, most clothing companies all over the world continue to manufacture their products at a fast pace and operate their businesses without considering the environment. If it continues to stay this way, it will negatively impact our beloved Earth! Even though there is no such option as "eco-friendly clothing" yet, there is a rising trend to bring forth sustainable fashion. This initiative will not only meet the demands of customers seeking fashionable clothing, swimwear, wedding dresses, shoes, and other fashion accessories but will also ensure that the manufacturing procedure of these products has no adverse effects on the environment. Sustainable Fashion Overview | Importance Of Sustainable Fashion | Ways To Achieve Sustainable Fashion Sustainable Fashion Overview The term "sustainability" refers to a social, economic, and ecological mission that essentially seeks to establish long-term human coexistence on Earth by securely utilizing natural resources in a way that meets their present needs without interfering with the ability of future generations to meet their requirements. Sustainable fashion, often referred to as ethical fashion or eco-friendly fashion, is an approach within the fashion industry towards incorporating and promoting sustainability. Such sustainable fashion industries design, produce, distribute, and utilize reusable clothing or accessories in an environmentally safe manner. Importance Of Sustainable Fashion And Reusable Clothing Maintaining sustainability in an eco-friendly fashion is important for a variety of reasons, including the ones listed below: Environmental Well-Being As mentioned before, the main purpose of sustainable fashion is to enhance both the overall well-being of the environment and the quality of life for both our human community and other living creatures. Eco-friendly fashion garments and accessories use less water, power, and generate less landfill waste. It gets rid of the toxic herbicides and insecticides used to grow cotton, as well as various other harmful chemicals that are contaminating the water supply and harming the health of the general population involved in the supply chain. Cruelty-Free Fashion Annually, more than 2 billion cows, calves, buffaloes, pigs, goats, etc. are slaughtered for their skins worldwide. Sustainable fashion on the other hand utilizes plastics or even garbage from the ocean as substitute items that are used in the process of manufacturing similar products. As a result, no animal gets harmed in the manufacturing process. The Perks Of Reusable Clothing Reusing or repurposing used garments gives them a fresh look while avoiding the massive amounts of textile waste that are generated by the fashion industry. Also, the 5Rs (Reduce, Repair, Recycle, Repurpose, and Reinvent) of waste management happen to be the framework of sustainable eco-friendly fashion brands. The strategy helps create manufacturing methods that are effective, affordable, and use minimal raw materials. These reusable clothes contribute to resource conservation and enhance brand recognition. Quality Over Quantity Also known as "slow fashion," sustainable fashion is all about quality rather than quantity. As a result, the reusable clothing or accessories produced by this practice will last for years, as opposed to the cheap, quickly produced, "fast fashion" garments or accessories that are meant for temporary usage. Although it is bound to be more pricey, most smart customers are more inclined to keep it for the long term and purchase fewer items altogether each season. Also, the total amount of greenhouse gases generated by general cloth production will be significantly reduced if customers start purchasing a small number of high-quality things annually rather than many cheap, less environmentally friendly ones. By doing so, they will be able to spend less, save money, and invest it. A Better Workplace For Fashion Industry Workers For years fast fashion has managed to keep its manufacturing costs low at the expense of poor working and living standards in developing and underdeveloped nations. These sorts of businesses do not give factory workers a healthy workspace to work in. On top of that, a majority of these workers are women, who face exploitation, forced overwork, less pay, harassment, etc. Ethical and sustainable fashion brands will ensure that there is no sort of mental or physical harm inflicted on the workers and give them their deserved rights, such as a good living wage, properly maintained work-life balance, standard working hours, safe working conditions, etc. A Step Towards Abolishing Child Labour As per the International Labour Organisation (ILO), 170 million children work as child labourers, most of whom produce textiles and clothing to meet the demands of customers. Toxic chemicals used in manufacturing lead to illnesses in workers and occasionally create various physical deformities in children who engage in on-field labour, including visual or hearing impairments, limb damage or loss, and facial injuries. The brands following sustainable eco-friendly fashion practices will be upfront regarding their recruitment strategy and thus will avoid this sort of modern-day slavery. Ways To Achieve Sustainable Fashion Without a doubt, the mere thought of building a long-lasting, sustainable fashion brand is overwhelming. We have to carefully consider each stage in the entire chain of business operations required in the process of manufacturing clothes or accessories. In addition to that, we also have to reduce waste and emissions, encourage global gender and wage equality and improve overall ecological preservation and protection. Some of the best practices that can be followed to create a sustainable fashion brand are listed below: Sustainable Use Of Resources Brands will utilize resources more effectively with advanced planning. Forecasting demand is the first factor in establishing that you order the right amount of eco-friendly material. So, you must research which are the in-demand materials that are environment-friendly at the same time. Such materials can include certified Organic Cotton, EcoVero, Organic Cotton, Organic Hemp, Organic Jute, Bamboo Linen, Pineapple Leather, Ramie, Semi-Synthetic Fabrics, and Tencel. Other than these, you can also opt for bio-based resources like cotton grown without pesticides or chemicals, or traditional fibres that are organically biodegradable like wool or silk. Also do try to utilize eco-friendly packaging for shipping your products. Minimize Consumption Of Unwanted Resources We must try to prevent excessive resource consumption. One way is by figuring out the demand for resources. You can start by conducting research on which fabrics are the most popular, likely to draw your potential customers or the long-lasting ones and then only invest in fabrics. Secondly, we must refrain from purchasing fabrics that require a lot of water, land, or energy to produce, as well as those created from fossil fuels. Prevent Waste & Carbon Emission To deliver their clothes or accessories to customers, fashion brands often engage in bulk warehousing and transport a significant number of garments to their facilities following production. Increased waste and carbon emissions result from this. We can minimize this issue by having products manufactured and stored in the same location and then shipping them directly to your customers. As an eco-friendly fashion brand, we must also avoid burning or dumping unshipped and unsold stock, make a discounted line of "mistake clothes" (clothes with sewing, colour, or size defects) that are on sale, and maintain a reliable infrastructure for disposing of garbage or how to reduce and reuse fabric waste. Manufacture Less but Good-Quality Products Many customers have experienced the disappointment of spending a lot of money on pricey garments only to discover a few months later that they already appear worn out or have holes in them. This is because fast fashion clothing places a lower priority on quality. Customers have thus ceased purchasing low-quality clothing and started favouring higher-quality garments that will last for a longer time. Therefore, rather than producing an excessive amount of low-quality, less environmentally friendly clothing, you must invest in improving the quality of their apparel. ​ Purchasing higher quality and more sustainable materials to produce less, in-demand clothes will almost certainly cost you more money. However, improving your brand's reputation will draw in more customers rather than drive them to choose different brands. To make it more appealing to your customers you can promote custom clothing and personalize the entire purchasing experience. This is a smarter way of connecting better with your customers In the age of consumerism. Consumers who care about the environment will pick custom apparel over mass-produced apparel. By doing so, you will conserve raw materials and natural resources while also promoting ethical and eco-friendly fashion. Taking Into Account The 5 R's Of Waste Management Last but not least, redesigning and repurposing are currently the top trends in the fashion sector. Brands and customers are both adhering to the 5 R's of fashion: Reduce, Repair, Recycle, Repurpose, and Reinvent. The process involves disassembling, reusing, and recycling unusual secondhand materials such as leftover garments and offcuts from other clothing brands or outdated stored stock of materials to make brand new innovative, and trendy outputs. By producing such reusable clothing, many fashion businesses will be able to save a lot of money fashion industries usually spend on materials and thus lessen the use of resources such as land, water, and oil. Many eco-friendly clothing companies also offer their customers the chance to have their unwanted, worn-out, or torn clothing repaired. Not only does this boost customer satisfaction, but it also allows your business the chance to recycle old clothes properly or reuse resources to create something new, both of which help keep unwanted items out of unwanted wastage and landfills. Conclusion It is tough for fashion industries as well as fashion designers to apply this innovative approach to produce elegant and enduring clothes and accessories. However, We must also keep in mind that the road to success depends on possessing a strong, sincere desire and worthwhile aim, notwithstanding the proverb "If there's a will, there's a way." After all, we won't want to witness a time when there are so few resources available that people are compelled to don clothing made from tree bark and leaves. So, build an eco-friendly, sustainable fashion brand today to make the planet a better place for everyone! By Priyanka Biswas She is a content writer and an avid traveller. She loves to write about various topics. She cares for Nature and sustainability.

Leisure Image by: Subhadeep Dishant, Unsplash Odisha, formerly known as Orissa is a state situated on the eastern side of India. It is the eleventh most populous state of India. It has a 480 km long coastline which faces the Bay of Bengal. Initially, Cuttack was made the capital of this state though later Bhuvneshwar became the capital. Other than the world-famous Jagannath Temple and other famous architecture, Odisha is also famous for its beaches. Puri is the most popular beach in Odisha. Most of the hotels, food shops and restaurants grew around this one beach. There are several other beaches in Odisha which are worth one’s time. Here beaches will allow one to spend some alone time in solitude. These beaches are perfect for those who are trying to enjoy the beach without its hustle and bustle. Some beaches present the most beautiful view of sunset where the sky turns a shade of crimson and gold. Another special mention would be Chandipur beach where the ebb tides sometimes go up to 4 km and then rhythmically disappear. There are so many beaches here which are still not properly commercialised. These beaches maintain their clean and serene atmosphere. Image by: Ashish Kumar Senapati, Unsplash Konark Beach of Odisha Also known as Chandrabhaga Beach, Konark Beach is situated at a distance of 3km from the Sun temple. The name came from the fact that the Chadrabhaga river meets the Bay of Bengal. Key attractions of Konark Beach Very clean and well-maintained beach. Due to its clear water and golden beach, it has been awarded Blue fag certification by the Foundation of Environmental Education (FEE). Konark International sand festival, which takes place from 1st of December to 5th of December attracts a lot of tourists. During this time a lot of sand artists across the world come here to show their beautiful sand art and sculptures. During January and February, pilgrims take a dip in the sea as a tribute to Chandrabagha. Best time to visit Konark Beach December, because of the sand festival. How to reach Konark Beach It is 60 km away from Bhubaneswar which is the nearest airport to the beach and 35 km away from Puri railway station. One can take local vehicles or hire cars to reach here from these places. Image by: Sohan Rayguru, Unsplash Gopalpur Beach of Odisha On the east coast of the Bay of Bengal Gopalpur Beach is one of the most luxurious beaches in Odisha. The azure waters of the beach present some of the most beautiful picturesque views. Key attractions of Gopalpur Beach Gopalpur Beach Festival which is held every year in December is one of the biggest attractions for tourists. Lots of locals, as well as celebrities, dance to western and folk music while enjoying some seafood and shopping for traditional artefacts. The lighthouse beside the beach is one of the most popular landmarks. The view from the lighthouse is what attracts visitors to this beach. There are various water sports like speed boating, paddle boat and windsurfing. Best time to visit Gopalpur Beach December to January during the festival. How to reach Gopalpur Beach Auto rickshaws or cars from Berhampur Railway station which is about 16km away are the easiest way to reach Gopalpur beach. Other than that one can hire cars from Bhubaneswar airport to reach Gopalpur. Image by: Sudeshna Sahoo, Unsplash Puri Beach of Odisha Puri is one of the finest beaches in India along the Bay of Bengal. Puri is World Famous for its Jagannath Temple. Pilgrims across the globe come throughout the year. During Ratha Jatra, The streets of Puri turn into human ocean. Key attractions of Puri Beach Lots of tourists come to experience the puri beach festival in November, during this time there happens a wide display of folk dances and local handicrafts across the beach. One can enjoy camel rides and horse rides along the beach with different water sports like surfing, boat riding etc. They can also take a dip in the sea and enjoy the waves. Tourists from all over the world come to visit beaches to go through the sand art made by various artists. Best time to visit Puri Beach October to March. How to reach Puri Beach One can hire cars from Bhubaneswar airport or puri rail station to reach here. Other than that there are several local intercity means of transport to reach this beach. Image by: Riddhiman Bhowmik, Unsplash Chandipur Beach of Odisha Chandipur is one of a kind beach in Odisha. it is known for its serene view of sunsets and miraculous behaviour of the sea. Key features of Chandipur Beach The peculiar behaviour of the sea during tides brings a lot of tourists here. During low tide the sea recedes up to 5km then comes and fills the void again during high tide. When one can walk upon the sea bed which from afar looks like walking on the sea. There are many shacks along the beach that provide delicious and succulent seafood. Due to the receding beach phenomenon, one can see the rare, harmless horseshoe crab on the shore. Best time to visit Chandipur Beach October to january. How to reach Chandipur Beach Local vehicles from Balasore Railway station which is about 10km from the beach are the easiest way to reach there. Other than that there are intercity buses and NH5 in case someone comes by car from Bhubaneswar airport. Image by: Kanhu Behera, Unsplash Bhitarkanika Beach of Odisha Bhitarkanika beach is one of the most biodiverse beaches of Odisha situated along the coast of the Bay of Bengal. Key attraction of Bhitarkanika Beach There is a bioluminescence phenomenon on this beach, it happens due to the presence of different floras and faunas that reside on the beach. A good place to enjoy some solitary time along the beach. Best time to visit Bhitarkanika Beach November to March. How to reach Bhitarkanika Beach The nearest rail station is Bhadrak and Paradip and Bhubaneswar is the nearest airport. One can hire cars from these places to reach here. Image by: Subhadip Kanjilal, Unsplash Ramachandi Beach of Odisha Ramchandi beach is situated at a distance of 65km from Bhubaneswar and it is found at the confluence of the Bay of Bengal and River Kushabhadra. Key attraction of Ramachandi Beach Due to the mild and harmless waves of the sea one can take a swim or enjoy rowing in the waters. Several water activities like surfing, scuba diving, and motor boating can also be enjoyed here during the Ramchandi Beach festival. During this time visitors can also enjoy watching sand art made by various renowned sand artists. Numerous corals can be found on the beach which can be collected for memory. Best time to visit Ramachandi Beach September to October during the Ramchandi Beach festival. How to reach Ramachandi Beach Local transport from Bhubaneswar airport and Puri Railway station is the easiest way to reach here. Other than that there are several intercity buses which do the same job as well. Rushikulya Beach of Odisha Rushikulya beach is one of the untouched clean beauties of Odisha. This beach is perfect for the busy hustle and bustle of the city. Key attractions of Rushikulya Beach This beach is very much suitable for swimming. The waves are big yet calm which helps the case. Hatching of endangered species named olive ridley turtles can be witnessed here. Best time to visit Rushikulya Beach October to March. How to reach Rushikulya Beach Taxis and cabs are available from Ganjam station which is the nearest railway station. Other than hired cabs from Bhubaneswar will do job as well. Image by: Subhadip Kanjilal, Unsplash Astaranga Beach of Odisha Meaning “colourful sunset’, Astaranga is a beautiful beach located in Odisha. This fishing village is known for its picturesque views and breathtaking sunsets. Key attractions of Astaranga Beach This beach is famous as a picnic spot among visitors. There are numerous food shacks lined along the beach which serve delicious food which makes the picnic even more enjoyable. The calming sea waters are perfect for taking a swim. One can witness the nesting of Olive Ridley turtles on Astaranga beach. A large number of these species can be seen crawling out of the sand. Best time to visit Astaranga Beach October to February. How to reach Astaranga Beach One can hire cars from Bhubaneswar airport or Puri Railway station to reach here. Otherwise one has to opt for NH316 to come by car.

Leisure West Bengal is the fourth most populous state situated in the eastern part of India. It shares international borders with Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan and has a beautiful coastline of the Bay of Bengal. Its capital is Kolkata. West Bengal has a small coastline of 158 km, despite this, West Bengal is very famous for its beaches. West Bengal is also home to a lot of Delta, formed at the base of the coastline which serves as big tourist spots. This state is also home to the world's largest delta, Sundaran. Now among the sea beaches, Digha beach which is situated in the Purba Medinipur district is the most famous in West Bengal. The coastline is separated into two different parts namely Old Digha and New Digha. Other than this many other beaches are less crowded and good for a peaceful vacation. The less crowded beaches are very well maintained, even perfect for honeymoon goers. One can watch a beautiful sunrise while enjoying the lovely breeze and delicious foods on these beaches. The hotel rates here are affordable. Digha Sea Beach Mandarmani Sea Beach Shankarpur Sea Beach Tajpur Sea Beach Sagar Sea Beach Bakkhali Sea Beach Henri's Island Udaipur Sea Beach Junput Sea Beach Photo Credit: Asim Mondal, Unsplash Digha Sea Beach of West Bengal Digha is the seaside town on the southern side of East Medinipur district and is surrounded by the Bay Of Bengal. This is one of the most famous beachside towns in West Bengal. Every year numerous tourists flock to Digha to spend a nice seaside vacation. Key attractions of Digha Sea Beach Old Digha This is the oldest part of the town and also the most crowded part of the town. Even though tourists cannot take a dip at this beach it is famous for its picturesque views which get even better in monsoon when the waves crash at the boulders set along the sea. One can enjoy beautiful sunrises and sunsets sitting along the marble guard wall or the rocky boulders even though it is advised to not go too close to the water because of the strong crashing waves. New Digha This is a relatively new part of the town where the tourists can take a dip at the sea or enjoy horse riding or speed boating. The waves here, even though strong, are not as crashing as the ones of old Digha. This beach also has marbled guard walls along the beach which is crowded with tourists all the time. There are various markets which sell local delicacies and handmade items. How to reach Digha Sea Beach There are various AC/ Non AC intercity buses which can take tourists to Digha. Other than that trains from Howrah station is available which takes around 3-4 hours to reach Digha. Best time to visit Digha Sea Beach Throughout the year Photo Credit: Piyush Sinha, Unsplash Mandarmani Sea Beach of West Bengal Mandarmani is a small resort village near Shankarpur it is much less crowded compared to that of Digha. Key Attractions of the Mandarmani Sea Beach There are numerous sea-facing resorts lined up along the beach which present exquisite beach views. During high tides, one can enjoy watching the sea just from the resort as they crash right in front of the gates. One can enjoy some solitude here as the beaches here are less crowded and peaceful. How to reach Mandarmani Sea Beach One hire cars or Local autos to travel from Digha to Mandarmani. Other than local autos from Kathi station will also do the job. Best time to visit Mandarmani Sea Beach Throughout the year Photo Credit: Sayan Bhaskar, Unsplash Shankarpur Sea Beach of West Bengal At a distance of 15km from Digha is situated Shankarpur beach which is known as a virgin beach of the town. It is famous for its pristine, less crowded view. Key attractions of Shankarpur Sea Beach This beach is mainly for fishing by the fisher boats so tourists can get a sneak peek of fishing especially if they visit this beach in the morning. The rows of local boats, the fishing nets and the vast sea makes the scenery highly photographic which is why this beach is famous among photographers. How to reach Shankarpur Sea Beach local autos or van rickshaws are the means of communication to this beach from both Digha and Mandarmani. Local cars from Digha station will also do the job. Best time to visit Shankarpur Sea Beach July to March. Photo Credit: Ranjit Pradhan, Unsplash Tajpur Sea Beach of West Bengal On the shore of the Bay Of Bengal, Tajpur is another less crowded peaceful beach of West Bengal. Key Attraction of Tajpur Sea Beach This beach is famous for the densely populated Tamarisk trees that surround the beach. There is an infestation of red crabs on this beach which is fun to watch when they are out in numbers. There are several fisherman’s villages nearby so one can observe the life of fishermen here. How to reach Tajpur Sea Beach local autos from Digha railway station are one way to reach Tajpur. Other than that there are local vans and autos in Digha and Mandarmani to reach Tajpur. Best time to visit Tajpur Sea Beach July to March Photo Credit: Arijit M, Unsplash Sagar Sea Beach of West Bengal Sagar beach is situated beside a small island named Sagardwip which is at the confluence of the Ganga River and the Bay Of Bengal. There are various religious beliefs entangled with Sagar which makes it famous among the pilgrims. Key attractions of Sagar Sea Beach Ganga Sagar Mela In January thousands of pilgrims take a dip at Sagar during this fair(Mela). They perform some rituals while chanting holy names and soaking themselves in the holy water. Lots of tourists also visit to witness the biggest celebration of Sagardwip. Otherwise, this is a calm and soothing beach where can enjoy some alone time.n How to reach Sagar Sea Beach Due to challenging accessibility, the road to Sagar is a combination of bus, taxi and ferry. There are buses from the esplanade in Kolkata which takes one Kakdwip after that they will have to reach Kuchberia by boat and from there, buses take them to Sagar. Other than this buses from Namkhana or Howrah junction will do the job. Best time to visit Sagar Sea Beach October to March, especially January. Photo Credit: Soumyadeep Bhattacharjee Unsplash Bakkhali Sea Beach of West Bengal Bakkhali is one of the many deltaic islands of West Bengal. This island with a crescent-shaped beach has a stretch of 8 km from Bakkhali to Fresurgunj. Key attraction of Bakkhali Sea Beach This beach is famous for its serene and calm surroundings making it perfect for families as well as couples. This beach is also famous for arranging picnics by the sea. Bishhalakshmi temple at the end of the beach is also very popular among tourists How to reach Bakkhali Sea Beach Bakkhali can only be reached by road. People can take a hired cab from Kolkata. Other than that there are buses to Bakkhali from Dharmatala of Kolkata. Best time to visit Bakkhali Sea Beach October to March. Henri's Island of West Bengal Henry Island is a small village near Bakkhali. Which is known for its tranquil surroundings. It is a virgin beach 140 km away from Kolkata that is perfect for a quick vacation. Key attractions of Henri's Island One can enjoy swimming here as the tide is gentle and not so dangerous. There are some resorts which have some of the best local cuisines to offer. Sundari Tourist Complex is the watch which presents a beautiful panoramic view of the whole beach. How to reach Henri's Island A road trip through the diamond harbour, Namkhana to Kakdwip and then cross Hatania-Doania will take one to Henry’s Island. It is a 15-minute journey from Bakkhali. Best time to visit Henri's Island October to March Udaipur Sea Beach of West Bengal This beach is located between Odisha and Talsari and is one of the most beautiful beaches in west Bengal. This beach is at a distance of 3km from Digha Railway station and is also famous among tourists. Key attractions of Udaipur Sea Beach There are various interesting activities like speed boating, banana boat and bike riding. Delicious local fish, mostly crabs, prawns and pomfret beverages along the beach can be enjoyed here. Other than that, one can also enjoy a long walk on the beach and go swimming in the sea. How to reach Udaipur Sea Beach Local autos from Digha railway station are the best way to reach Udaipur. Other than that one can use small ferries known as bhatbhati to Udaipur. Best time to visit Udaipur Sea Beach July to March. Junput Sea Beach of West Bengal Junput is another tranquil beach in West Bengal. It is situated at the confluence of river Ganga and Rasalpur. Key attraction of Junput Sea Beach Surrounded by casuarina groves, this beach is known for its gentle ambience and calm waves. There is also a lighthouse along the beach which is famous among the tourists as it shows the whole beach from above. The Museum of Fishery department is situated here which is also very famous among the visitors. How to Reach Junput Sea Beach one will have to hire cars or auto from Digha, Mandarmani or Talsari to reach Junput which is about an hour's drive. Best time to visit Junput Sea Beach July to March.

Leisure Photo Credit: Venkat Sudheer Reddy, Unsplash Andhra Pradesh is a state situated in the eastern part of India. It is the tenth most populous state of India. Its capital is Amaravati. With a coastline as long as 1000 km, it borders the Bay of Bengal in the east. The coastline extends from Srikakulam district to Nellore district and all beaches under this coastline are taken care of and promoted by Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation APTDC. As some of the beaches like Rushikonda provide water sports like speed boating windsurfing and swimming, other beaches like Ramkrishna beach are better known for their quiet and calm atmosphere where one can have a nice time while watching the never-ending waves and also enjoying some delicious foods or even take a sunbath. Baruva Beach of Andhra Pradesh Ramakrishna Beach of Andhra Pradesh Rushikonda Beach of Andhra Pradesh Vodarevu Beach of Andhra Pradesh Vakalapudi Beach of Andhra Pradesh Yanam Beach of Andhra Pradesh Suryalanka Beach of Andhra Pradesh Yarada Beach of Andhra Pradesh Photo Credit: Praneel Maddula, Unsplash Baruva Beach of Andhra Pradesh Baruva is known as one of the oldest beaches in Andhra Pradesh. It is situated on the east coast of the Bay of Bengal in the Village Baruva which is at a distance of 17 km from Palasa. Key Attractions of the Baruva Beach There is a pillar that is placed on the beach in remembrance of the cargo ship that drowned nearby in the year 1917. One can see the Confluence of the Mahendra Taneva river and the Bay of Bengal here. Very clean and well maintained which makes it a parents' favourite for their kids. Best time to visit Baruva Beach of Andhra Pradesh The best time to visit Baruva beach is from October to February. How to reach Baruva Beach of Andhra Pradesh Hire cars from Vishakhapatnam is one way to reach, other than that there are direct trains from Palasa to Baruva also one can travel from Srikakulam by hiring taxis. Photo Credit: Praneel Maddula, Unsplash Ramakrishna Beach of Andhra Pradesh Ramkrishna Beach got its name from the Ramkrishna Ashram which is situated near the beach. This beach is situated in Visakhapatnam which is known as the beach city of Andhra Pradesh. Hill ranges, sun-kissed shores and temples along the beach are very popular among the tourists making this one of the most bustling beaches of Andhra Pradesh. Key attractions of the Ramakrishna Beach of Andhra Pradesh Even though this beach is highly dangerous for swimming there are various restaurants and cottages along the beach where one can enjoy delicious seafood and have an unforgettable time. INS Kurusura Submarine Museum is one of the most popular spots near the beach. It is a museum inside a submarine which holds history inside. One can also enjoy sunbathing along the beach. There are various sculptures along the beach which also attracts tourists. Best time to visit Ramakrishna Beach of Andhra Pradesh August to October and January to March two best seasons to visit. How to reach Ramakrishna Beach of Andhra Pradesh Cabs from Visakhapatnam will take one to Ramkrishna Beach. Trains of the Howrah-Chennai line stop at Visakhapatnam which is the centre of the city one has to hire cabs from the station to the beach. Other than their government buses which run throughout the state. Photo Credit: Praneel Maddula, Unsplash Rushikonda Beach of Andhra Pradesh Rushikonda beach also known as Rishikonda beach is situated on the east coast of the Bay of Bengal and is known as the “Jewel of the east coast” because of its picturesque views and landscape. The government does a good job to maintain the hygiene and beauty of the beach. Key attractions of the Rushikonda Beach of Andhra Pradesh This beach has a wide range of water activities to enjoy. One can enjoy a soothing dip at the Bay of Bengal and can also enjoy boat riding. Fun adventures like jet skiing, sea Kayak, Scuba Diving and Windsurfing. Tourists also visit Iskcon Temple which is along the beach to seek blessings. The clean and beautiful golden beaches to spend a peaceful evening by taking a walk or sitting along the shore. Holi is celebrated with great enthusiasm along the Rushikonda beach. People all over the world visit during Holi to enjoy the festivities. Best time to visit Rushikonda Beach of Andhra Pradesh October to March is the best time to visit the beach. How to reach Rushikonda Beach of Andhra Pradesh Local government buses and autos are available everywhere which is the easiest way to access the beach from Visakhapatnam airport or even the rail station. Other than one can hire private cabs for convenience. Photo Credit: Rishav Sarkar, Unsplash Vodarevu Beach of Andhra Pradesh Situated in the Bapatla District of Andhra Pradesh this beach is at a distance of 6 km from Chirala and is one of the most popular beaches among the people of Hyderabad and Telangana. Key attractions of the Vodarevu Beach of Andhra Pradesh Water adventures like swimming and boating are available for one to enjoy. Fishing can also be enjoyed by tourists. There are various cottages lined up along the beach which provide all the basic needs to enjoy a good day by the beach. Best time to visit Vodarevu Beach of Andhra Pradesh November to February is the best time to visit due to the pleasant weather. How to reach Vodarevu Beach of Andhra Pradesh Hired cabs and government buses from Visakhapatnam are the best way to get to the beach. Photo Credit: Jaswanth Kalaga, Unsplash Vakalapudi Beach of Andhra Pradesh Vakalapudi beach is situated in the east Godavari of Andhra Pradesh. It is now one of the major tourist attractions after the government renovated the whole beach. Key attractions of the Vakalapudi Beach of Andhra Pradesh Kakinada beach festival is one of the most appealing festivals for tourists who come to watch various local artists perform dressed in traditional attire. There are luxurious cottages along the beach which provide delicious amenities to enjoy the sea. Best time to Visit Vakalapudi Beach of Andhra Pradesh November to March is the best time to visit the beach. How to reach Vakalapudi Beach of Andhra Pradesh Hired cab from Visakhapatnam which is the nearest airport or hired cabs from any part of the city is the easiest way to access the beach. Yanam Beach of Andhra Pradesh Also known as Rajiv Gandhi Beach, Yanam beach is one of the less crowded beaches in Andhra Pradesh. It is situated in the 30 sq. km. town of Yanam, it is known for its beautiful calm and serene surroundings. Key attractions of the Yanam Beach of Andhra Pradesh Because of the French influence in this part of the state, the cuisine here is very unique, representing a combination of both Telugu and French cultures. There are various boating packages like going to the Sangam where River Godavari meets the Bay of Bengal, cruising to a few islands or boating to the mangrove forests of Godavari. Other than these, one also enjoys a lazy evening sitting on the beach watching the sunset. Yanam ferry road which was inaugurated in 2000 is a long walking trail along the beach and is also a famous tourist attraction. Best time to visit Yanam Beach of Andhra Pradesh October to February is the best time to visit due to the pleasant weather. How to reach Yanam Beach of Andhra Pradesh Hired cabs from Kakinada which is the nearest railway station and private cabs from Visakhapatnam are the two easiest ways to access this place. Suryalanka Beach of Andhra Pradesh Suryalanka beach or Bapatla Beach is situated in the Bapatla district of Andhra Pradesh. This beach is one of the lesser-known beaches of Andhra Pradesh. Key attractions of Suryalanka Beach of Andhra Pradesh This is the perfect beach for swimming lovers. One can enjoy solitude on this beach as it is never much crowded. Best time to visit Suryalanka Beach of Andhra Pradesh November to February is the best time to visit the beach. How to reach Suryalanka Beach of Andhra Pradesh Hired cabs from Vijayawada which is the nearest airport to the beach. Other than that trains and buses to Bapatla are available from all the major cities of the country. Photo Credit: Satya Deep, Unsplash Yarada Beach of Andhra Pradesh Yarada Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Andhra Pradesh. It is surrounded by lush green mountains on three sides and the Bay of Bengal on the other. This is one of the cleanest beaches in India. Key attractions of Yarada Beach of Andhra Pradesh Local delicacies are present along the beach. One can enjoy swimming in the clean waters and other water activities like boating. A peaceful time can be enjoyed at this beach because of the lack of crowd. Best time to visit Yarada Beach of Andhra Pradesh November to March is the best time to visit as the weather is pleasant and soothing. How to reach Yarada Beach of Andhra Pradesh The best way to reach there is by government bus. Other than one can hire cabs or drive private cars to the beach.

Wildlife | Mammal Image by Glen Carrie, Unsplash Introduction | Scientific Name | Physical Description | Life Cycle | Characteristics | Diet Introduction of Rhinoceros Rhinoceros is a giant, horn-bearing herbivore land mammal. The total population of all rhinoceros species is around 30,000, and these animals are confined to eastern and southern Africa and subtropical and tropical Asia. Most Rhinos are solitary. However, white rhinoceroses tend to live in groups of up to 10 animals. Rhinoceros has an acute sense of smell and hearing but poor eyesight. The Rhinoceros family has five species, namely, Black Rhinoceros, White Rhinoceros, Indian Rhinoceros, Sumatran Rhinoceros, and Javan Rhinoceros. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has designated the Sumatran, Javan, and Black rhinoceros as "Critically Endangered." White rhinos as "Near Threatened" and One-horned Rhinos as "Vulnerable". Scientific Name of Rhinoceros Indian Rhino: Rhinoceros unicornis Javan Rhino: Rhinoceros sondaicus Sumatran Rhino: Dicerorhinus sumatrensis Black Rhino: Diceros bicornis White Rhino: Ceratotherium simum Physical Description of the Rhinoceros The rhinoceros is the second-largest land animal. It has a strong, cylindrical body with a large head and short legs and large, pointy horns mid face. Javan and one-horned rhinos are having single horn whereas other types of rhinos also have a second, smaller horn. Both black and white rhinos are grey in colour. Rhino species vary in terms of length and weight. The largest rhino species, the white rhino, can grow to 12 to 13 feet long and up to 6 feet in height and weighs around 3,300 kilograms. The smallest rhino species, the Sumatran rhino, can grow up to 8 to 10 feet in length and close to 4.8 feet in height. It weighs somewhere around 800 kg. The life cycle of the Rhinoceros Rhinoceroses' lifespans vary depending on the species. A rhino's lifespan is usually 40 to 45 years. The species has a low reproductive rate. Female rhinoceroses do not conceive unless they are six years of age. Calves consume milk for upto 2.5 years Male calves stay with their mother for 3 years or up to the birth of the next baby. Female calves may stay with their mother even after the next birth. Characteristics of the Rhinoceros Rhino horns are made of keratin, a protein found in hair and nails. They defend themselves with their teeth, not their horns. Poaching is a point of great concern since the horns are highly sought-after. Rhinos have no natural predators in the wildlife. The animal can run between 40 and 55 kilometres per hour. Female Rhinos or cow rhinos are more social than highly territorial male rhinos or bulls. A group of rhinos are also called Crash of Rhino The animal communicates using infrasonic frequencies that fall below the threshold of human hearing. These frequencies help them stay in touch with one another. Rhinos use their poo and urine as another effective communication medium To stay cool, prevent flies from biting, and parasites, rhinos will sometimes roll around in the mud, creating a sort of protective mud layer. The one-horned rhinos can swim, and even can cross the river easily. They are also seen driving underwater. Diet of Rhinoceros Leafy and grassy vegetation, as well as fruits, and roots, make up the bulk of a rhino's diet. To stay healthy, white rhinos need to consume as much as 120 pounds of food per day. Rhinos can sustain without water for as much as five days

Wildlife 4 of the world's 34 biodiversity hotspots are located in India.These 4 regions are Himalayan Mountains; Western Ghats; Indo-Burma; and the Sundaland (Nicobar Islands). Types of Forests | Prominent Wildlife Destinations | Travel Planning India is a huge country, and so its biodiversity. Because of its geographical spread, the country witnessed all weather conditions and wild habitats. India possesses almost all types of forests, lakes, mountains, islands, Rivers. This spectacular diversity of habitat is added richness to India's diversified wildlife. India accounts for 2.4% of world land areas but is home to 8% of all recorded species, including 45000 plants and 91000 animal species. Himalayas, Western Ghats, North-East and Andaman & Nicobar Islands are identified as Global Biodiversity Hotspots. Types of Forests About 19% of India's land are forest area. Based on the characteristic of trees, forest areas are categorised under various types. However, administrative-wise, there are three major categories; Reserved Forest, Protected Forest, & Unprotected Forest. ​ Reserved Forest This category occupies 53% of total forest cover. Trespassing is strictly prohibited here, even for cattle grazing. Protected Forest This category occupies 29% of total forest cover. Only local residents are allowed to enter to collect forest products and cattle grazing. Unprotected Forest This category occupies 18% of total forest cover, with no such restrictions. From a conservation perspective, Indian jungles are again classified under various categories. National Parks, Reserve Forests & Wildlife Sanctuaries are some of the major classifications. National Park Currently, India stand for 106 National Parks and 75 more are proposed. Wildlife Sanctuaries 553 are registered wildlife sanctuaries in India. Andaman & Nicobar Island has the maximum number of the sanctuary (96 nos). India's wildlife tourism tells the story of human and animal coexistence. India is self-sufficient in this industry as the significant share of wildlife tourism comes from domestic enthusiasts only. Some of the prominent Wildlife Destinations Jim Corbett National Park Kanha Tiger Reserve Pench Tiger Reserve Bandhavgarh National Park Ranthambore National Park Kabini Forest Sundarban National Park Kaziranga National Park Manas National Park Gir Forest National Park Keoladeo National Park Wildlife Travel Planning Major national parks have a restricted number of visitors, so you need to plan well in advance to secure your safari tickets. Booking starts 45 days in advance for Jim Corbett. For Kanha and Bandhavgarh, it's 120 days in advance. During the peak seasons, tickets sell out within minutes as the booking portal opens. Hence the best practice is to confirm safari booking first then plan for the rest of the itineraries. ​ During monsoon, all major parks are closed. However, buffer areas are open for ecotourism. True nature-lovers utilize the opportunity of buffer areas to explore the sublime beauty of monsoon.

Bankura is among the best tourist spots in West Bengal. This place will offer you an ultimate relaxation from the chaos of city life. Bankura is the land of red soil which is full of virgin forests, hills and rivers. The city is carrying the heritage of Bengal. The rich history, ancient architecture and amazing artworks are photograph worthy. The essence of Bengal is lying here, among the green fields. The greenery of nature will soothe your eyes. Many trains and buses are available from Kolkata to reach here. Buses to Bankura can be found from several bus depots. People travelling from Kolkata can also easily avail of trains from Howrah, Santragachi or Shalimar stations. Though, according to me the Aranyak express from the Shalimar station is the best choice. It leaves around 6:30 in the morning and takes almost 3.5 hours to reach Bishnupur. The other train options are good but can make delays sometimes. The Bishnupur station is a quiet place. Surrounded by flowers and rural beauty. From here several transportation options are available, like – bus, four wheelers, totos etc. Bishnupur Bishnupur is a very old urban settlement. The city is quite busy yet runs at a slow pace. The narrow lanes with ancient architecture on the sides are full of interesting stories. Prominent tourist attractions of the city are, Rasmancha, Shyamrai Temple, Jorebangla Temple, Madan Mohan Temple, Dalmadan Canon, Maa Chinnamasta Temple etc. There are lots of temples in Bishnupur. That’s the reason it is also called the “City of temples”. There are few ruins of buildings from the time of the king. A park named ‘Laal Garh’, which has a mysterious well, where you can take a walk inside. A beautiful lake is here, with a boating facility. An ancient church is also here in Bishnupur. The city had a vivid and glorious history. Bishnupur has a lot of staying and eating options according to your budget. The city is also very famous for Bishnupuri silks, Baluchuri and Swarnachuri silks. The Baluchuris have beautiful colours and stitches, all over them. The most interesting thing about it is that the stitches tell stories. Mostly, the tales of Ramayana and Mahabharata are portrayed over these silks. The average price of original Baluchuri silk is 5000 rupees. Joypur forest The most wonderful place to visit in Bankura is the Joypur forest. The forest is deep and full of mystery. The road that has gone through the woods is amazing for a long drive. Just put on your headphones and enjoy the view. Every season the jungle changes its colours. One can just get lost here both physically and mentally. ‘Banalata Resort’ is the most popular place in Joypur. It’s a beautiful resort with a full village vibe. The place is huge with all the necessary amenities. They offer almost every kind of Indian and Chinese food with mocktails and a bar facility. The resort has its gardens full of seasonal flowers and vegetables. A beautiful lake is here with gorgeous swans swimming over it. The rooms here have the village cottage looks but with a modern touch. It serves a special kind of ‘Rosogolla’ which is the size of at least five Rosogollas. By staying here one can also book a safari through the jungle. The special store in this place provides vegetables, fish, fruits, ghee, sarees and many more interesting products. Overall it’s a beautiful place to witness the culture of Bankura. Several hidden gems of nature are inside the Joypur forest. In the depth of the forest beautiful ponds, highlands and fields are found. These places have nature in raw form. A village named ‘Toshoar’ near these woods has an ancient temple of Goddess Kali. Locals say it is almost 200 years old. After being barren for several years, recently local people have restored the temple. For the last three years, Maa Kali is again being worshipped here every day. This village has the Adivasi community of Bankura. During the festivals, the Adivasi women perform their traditional dance forms. Mukut Manipur The next destination is the village ‘Mukutmanipur’. It’s located in the conjunction of Kangsabati and Kumari rivers, near the Jharkhand border. The place is famous for being the second largest dam in India, situated here. The dam is surrounded by charming hillocks that look like a ‘Mukut’ ( crown ). The dam is shaped like a necklace. The place is very clean and calm with an abundance of natural beauty. There is a trail here, headed towards the forest on the hills nearby. You can trek or hire a Toto to reach there. While taking this journey there are chances to have an encounter with deer. One can cross the dam by boat. On the other side of the dam, there is a deer park and Pareshnath temple. The atmosphere here is so serene that it will soothe the souls. There are numerous hotels or lodges around the dam. These places are very close to nature and provide great rooms and food. Amalaki and Haritaki lodges have the best views of the dam. Antamul, Satamul, Sal and Pial are some other lodges near the dam. Being situated on the hillocks it’s a little tough for the senior citizens to reach. Susunia and Biharinath Hills The next spots are the most popular ones in Bankura. They are Susunia and Biharinath Hills. Mukutmanipur and Susunia hill can be covered in one day. As the spots are 1 hour and 45 minutes away from each other. Susunia is known for its holy spring and medicinal plants. This ruggedly beautiful hill is great to spend some alone time with. The best time is winter to spend here. It looks like an elephant from distance. Many people visit here to trek. The deep forest and stony path are challenging. People also come here for picnics during the winter afternoon. Some nice places are near to stay, like – Hotel Rajmahal, Murut Baha Eco Park etc. Another hill that has the highest point in Bankura is Biharinath Hill. It's only 1 hour away from Susunia Hill. The hill is full of greenness and the twittering of birds. There is a shrine of Lord Shiva at the foothills of Biharinath with the adjoining Shivganga pond. The main gate of the temple opens at 6 am. Though the sanctum opens between 9 to 10 am. Several stalls are around the temple with puja ingredients, run by the local villagers. The Biharinath Hill has a heavenly ambience. It is quite easy to reach here from Kolkata over the Damodar bridge at Burnpur. Biharinath Tourist Point, Spangle Wings Resort and Hotel Evergreen are among the best places to stay near Biharinath Hill. Bankura is a beautiful place to visit with friends and family. It gives the much-needed refreshment from our busy life. The temples will give a spiritual float to the mind. 3 to 4 days are enough to explore Bankura. Witness the beauty of nature and hear the tales of the lanes. While returning home take some ‘Bankura Horse’ and ‘Dashabatar Tash’ as a souvenir. ‘Bankura Horse’ is a terracotta-crafted horse and ‘Dashabatar Tash’ are historical painting. The city is very famous for these. In every temple, you will get to see the terracotta horses. Local people believe it to be holy. Debjani Dasgupta Debjani is a writer and travel blogger. She loves to explore relatively unexplored destinations, and share those stories with people. She cares for animals and spend her time with books.

Wildlife Image by Hadwt, Unsplash The Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve is UNESCO's World Heritage Site. Other than a great number of tigers, around 70% of the world's one-horned rhinoceros population live in this natural reserve forest. The park is mainly well known for its rhino safaris and it is one of the most popular wildlife vacation destinations, where tourists can see elephants, water buffaloes, deer, bears, and other mammal species in action. There are also a variety of bird, insect, and plant species, which are worth exploring in the park. Kaziranga Tourism Zone Wildlife of Kaziranga National Park Jeep Rhino Safari & Elephant Safari Popular Tourist Attractions Planning & Reservations Best Time to Visit Kaziranga How to Reach Kaziranga The name "Kaziranga" is a mix of two terms from the Karbi language "Kazi" meaning "goat" and "Rangai" meaning "red". Together they mean "Land of red goats (Deer)". However, historians also debate that the name "Kaziranga" could also have been derived from the Karbi phrase "Kajir-a-rong" which means "the village of Kajir". Kaziranga Forest was established on June 1, 1905, on 232 sq km (57,273.6 acres) of land to save the rhinoceros. It was designated a "Reserve Forest" in 1908 and then renamed "Kaziranga Game Sanctuary" in 1916 and then finally a "Wildlife Sanctuary" in the year 1950. The stunning natural forested area of the Kaziranga National Park now stretches 378 kilometres in northeastern India's Assam state. The exact location of the sanctuary is on the Brahmaputra River's south bank. It is approximately 100 kilometres (62 miles) west of Jorhat and includes the districts of Golaghat, Karbi Anglong, and Nagaon. Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve Tourism Zones The Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve is divided into four main tourism zones. These are the Central Zone (also known as the Kaziranga Zone), the Western Zone (also known as the Bagori Zone), the Eastern Zone (also known as the Agaratoli Zone), and the Burapahar Zone. Image by Chirag Saini, Unsplash Central or Kaziranga Zone The entrance gate to the Kaziranga National Park's central zone is situated in the small town of Kohora, which lies in the Golaghat district of Assam. It is about 2 kilometres from the bus stop on National Highway 37. Both elephant safaris and jeep rhino safaris are arranged in this zone. The jeep rhino safari lasts two hours and the elephant safari lasts for one hour. Visitors will be able to enjoy both safaris by acquiring a permit from the central zone tourism office. The central zone begins at the Mihimukh riding tower, which also serves as the elephant safari spot. So, tourists who have reserved the 1-hour elephant safari would therefore ride the elephant from this very zone. The safari route of this zone passes through Mihimukh, Kathpora, Daphlang, Diphlu River Bank, Mona Beel, and Karasing before returning to the starting point. The total safari length is approx 27 kilometres. Image by Amlandeep Baruah, Unsplash Western or Bagori Zone The entrance gate to the Kaziranga National Park's western zone is situated in the Bagori village of the Golaghat district in Assam. The Bagori tourism office serves as the zone's starting point, from which tourists can embark on an elephant safari to explore the beauty of the forest area. The western zone is also the most popular tourist zone in Kaziranga because the landscape offers the best chance to go on a Jeep rhino safari and get up close to the one-horned rhinoceros. The safari route of this zone passes through Dongabeel, Roman, Rajapukhuri, and Monabeel before returning to the starting point. The total safari length is approx 22 km. Eastern or Agaratoli Zone The entrance gate to the Kaziranga National Park's eastern zone is situated in the small town of Agaratoli, situated on the National Highway. This zone's starting point is the Agaratoli tourism office, and the Jeep rhino safaris are also organized here. As there are so many small and large lakes and rivers in this area, visitors can go on boat safaris in addition to the jeep rhino safaris. A variety of native and migratory birds can also be seen in this zone of the natural sanctuary. The safari route of this zone passes through Agaratoli, Sohola Beel, Rongamotia-Maklung, and Turturoni-Dhoba before returning to the starting point. The total safari length is approx 23 kilometres. Burapahar Zone The entrance gate to the Kaziranga National Park's Burapahar zone is situated in the Ghorakati F.V village, which is in the Kaliabor, Nagaon district of Assam. The Rhinoland Park serves as the starting point for this zone's Jeep rhino safari. This section of the park is bounded primarily by mountains, making it an ideal place for trekking. This area of the park is also thought to be best for birdwatchers who wish to get a sight of birds flying around or sitting on the tree branches of this densely forested area. The safari route of this zone passes through Ghurkati, Potahi Beel, Difolu, Phuloguri, and Tunikati before returning to the starting point. The total length of the safari is approx 16 kilometres. Image by Omkar Rane, Unsplash Wildlife Safari of Kaziranga National Park Kaziranga National Park offers three exclusive safaris: Jeep Rhino Safari, Elephant Safari, and Boat Safari, which provide a complete view of the wild habitat of this tiger reserve. Jeep Rhino Safari of Kaziranga The thrilling Jeep Rhino Safari is a popular activity in Kaziranga National Park. This safari takes place across all four ranges: Agoratoli, Bagori, Burapahar, and Kohora. It gets you to the heart of the tiger reserve right through the routes of the deepest and darkest forest areas and tall golden grasslands, where you can sight the park's diverse wildlife. The forest department organizes a two-shift jeep rhino safari for tourists. The morning shift for Jeep Rhino Safari begins at 7:00 a.m. and ends at 9:30 a.m. The afternoon shift for Jeep Rhino Safari begins at 1:30 p.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m. The jeep rhino safari lasts about 2 hours to 2.5 hours. A single jeep carries six people and covers a larger area than either the elephant safari or boat safari. Every jeep rhino safari is escorted by an armed forest officer. Elephant Safari of Kaziranga Even though the elephant safari does not cover as much ground as the Jeep rhino safari, it provides an equally interesting chance to explore the exotic flora and fauna of the Kaziranga national park. This safari takes place across two ranges: Bagori and Kohora. Tourists can see wildlife from a close proximate while riding an elephant through the dry, tropical deciduous forests and grasslands of the nature reserve. The morning shift for Elephant Safari begins at 5:00 a.m. and ends at 7:30 a.m. The afternoon shift for elephant safari begins at 3:00 PM and ends at 4:00 PM. This particular safari takes roughly 1 hour to 1.5 hours. Boat Safari at Kaziranga The Dolphin boat safari is a 1-hour boat ride close to the Kaziranga National Park at the junction of the Dhansiri and Brahmaputra rivers. Tourists will be permitted to go on two safaris in a single day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. These safaris encourage dolphin tourism from the recently introduced River Tourism Zone at Bhomoraguri. The zone runs parallel to the Brahmaputra River and is approximately 30 kilometres from the Burapahar range. The boat safaris follow three alternative routes. The longest of which extends into the Burachapori Wildlife Sanctuary west of Kaziranga. The perfect location to see river dolphins is near Tezpur's Kaliabhomora Bridge. Image by Hans-Jurgen Mager, Unsplash Wildlife of Kaziranga National Park In 2006, Kaziranga National Park was officially recognized as a Tiger Reserve due to its high population density of 1 tiger per 5 km in comparison to any conserved forest area in the world. As per a recent census, the number of tigers in this tiger reserve has increased from only 83 in 2014 to 118 in 2022. Tourists will occasionally be able to spot the big and mighty Royal Bengal Tigers cooling themselves around the water bodies of this tiger reserve park. Other species of big cats are also found in this park, including leopard cats, clouded leopards, fishing cats, jungle cats, and wild cats. With a total population of 2613 one-horned rhinoceros, Assam's Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve happen to be the land of rhinoceros, and so as a result - the finest possible option to experience the best rhino safaris in India. The wildlife sanctuary saw an overall rise of 200 rhinos within the last four years. Apart from rhinos and tigers, the Kaziranga National Park is home to about 1,940 elephants, which is quite a significant elephant population in Northeastern India. Out of the total 5,500 Asian elephants living in the state of Assam, around 1,206 Asian elephants are found in this natural reserve. The park also serves as a breeding ground for the world's 57% of the Asiatic wild water buffalo. As per the 2002 census, the number of barasinghas (eastern swamp deer) in the Kaziranga national park is 468. The gaur and the sambars are the other two large herbivores. Indian muntjac, wild boar, barking deer, and hog deer are among the relatively small herbivores. The Bengal fox, Chinese ferret badgers, Chinese pangolins, flying squirrel, golden jackal, hog badger, Indian grey mongoose, Indian pangolins, large Indian civet, rare hispid hare, small Indian civets, sloth bears, and small Indian mongooses are all among the list of small mammals seen in this natural tiger reserve forest. Nine out of fourteen primate species of India are seen on the outskirts of this forest reserve, such as the Assamese macaque, capped and golden langur. Not only that, the country's only ape, the hoolock gibbon, also dwells in this park. When it comes to reptiles and amphibians, the park has the longest poisonous snake in the world, the King Cobra. It is also home to two of the world's biggest snakes, the reticulated python and the rock python. The Indian cobra, the monocled cobra, Russell's viper, and the common krait are among the other snakes found here. The Bengal monitor and the Asian water monitor are two large monitor lizard species which crawl the grounds of this national park. Other reptiles include fifteen turtle species, including the endangered Assam roof turtle, and one tortoise species, the brown tortoise. The park is covered by four major rivers: the Brahmaputra, the Diphlu, the Mora Diphlu, and the Mora Dhansiri which are home to forty-two different fish species, which include the Tetraodon, a species in the freshwater pufferfish family. Visitors could even be lucky enough to spot the endangered Ganges dolphins as well. Kaziranga National Park is also an important Bird Conservation Area for a variety of native and exotic birds. As a result, countless migratory birds, predators, scavengers, waterbirds, and other species can be seen here. During the cold winter seasons, the Asian openbill stork, Baer's pochard duck, black-necked stork, ferruginous duck, greater adjutant, the lesser white-fronted goose, lesser adjutant, etc. fly into the park from Central Asia. Blyth's kingfisher, white-bellied heron, Dalmatian pelican, spot-billed pelican, Nordmann's greenshank, and black-bellied tern are among the list of Kaziranga National Park's river birds. The eastern imperial, greater spotted, grey-headed fish eagle, lesser kestrel, Pallas's fish eagle, and white-tailed are all rare carnivorous birds. In the vulture category, the Indian vulture, slender-billed vulture, and Indian white-rumped vulture have all survived in this wildlife sanctuary in Assam. The swamp francolin, Bengal florican, and pale-capped pigeon are all among the game birds. Other prominent bird species found here include the great Indian hornbill, Jerdon's and marsh babblers, and wreathed hornbill. There are Old World warblers like the bristled grassbird, thrush birds like Hodgson's bush chat, and weaver birds like the common baya weaver, as well as the endangered Finn's weavers. The black-breasted parrotbill and the rufous-vented grass babbler are two other endangered bird species. The breath-taking flora of Kaziranga National Park includes tropical moist mixed deciduous forests, tropical semi-evergreen forests, savanna woodlands, and alluvial grasslands. These four astounding and massive plant life enriches the habitat of the sanctuary with stunning natural elements such as dense forest, elephant grass, and marshland. The tropical moist mixed deciduous forests and tropical semi-evergreen forests, in particular, are distinguished by 41% tall grasses, 29% open jungle, and 11% short grasses. The remaining area is surrounded by numerous small and large rivers, lakes, and lagoons. Sugarcanes, spear grass, elephant grass, and common reed are examples of tall grasses found in the park. Countless forbs and trees help provide cover, shade, and support to these grasses. The dominant species include elephant apple of inundated grasslands, Indian gooseberry, kumbhi, and savanna woodland cotton tree, This scenic beauty of the place, wildlife animals and plants, and exotic birds, along with the presence of the Brahmaputra river as a whole, adds value for wildlife photojournalists who can come and take stunning pictures. Kaziranga National Park Tourist Spots and Attractions The popular tourist spots and attractions of the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve are as follows; Kaziranga National Orchid & Biodiversity Park The Kaziranga National Orchid and Biodiversity Park, located in Durgapur village, is a popular tourist destination where Assamese folk dances are performed. It is the biggest orchid park in India with over 600 rare and threatened orchid species. Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary Known earlier as the Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary or Hollongapar Reserve Forest, the Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary is an evergreen forest reserve in Assam and one of the best Kaziranga tourist attractions. The sanctuary is home to about approx 106 hoolock gibbons, the only gibbons in India, and extends to the forests of the Dissoy Valley Reserve, a site for nature lovers and animal lovers. Hathikuli Tea Estate The name "Hathikuli" is a combination of the Assamese terms "Hathi" (elephant) and "Kuli" (frequent). As the name itself suggests, the area is frequented by elephants. The estate is located on NH-37, which is just next to the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve. This tea garden, which extends for about 15 kilometres along the highway, manufactures black pepper, CTC tea, inorganic fish spawn, organic green tea, and Orthodox tea. Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve Safari Planning & Reservation Before entering the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, tourists are advised to obtain information about all of the guidelines. The timings of the Elephant Safari and Jeep Rhino Safaris are from 7:00 a.m. to 09:45 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 02:45 p.m. It must be noted that the times are subject to change during unavoidable circumstances. Not a single vehicle will be permitted in the park without a guide. Tickets for Kaziranga National Park can be purchased at the office located at the entrance to each of the four zones. There is no online ticketing available for the Kaziranga National Park. Best Time to Visit the Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve The national park is open from the 1st of November to the 30th of April. The park is also open in October provided the weather is suitable enough. The winter season in the Kaziranga region starts in November and February. Due to the average mildly cool temperature of around 25 °C and low temperature of 5 °C , these months are the most popular times to visit this tiger reserve park and get involved in all sorts of activities, including boat safaris, and elephant safaris and rhino safaris. The summer season in the Kaziranga region is from March to May, where May is considered the hottest month in this place. In general, due to the very hot season, all animals can be found near the edge of rivers, lakes, ponds, etc. So, such times are ideal for photographers to come and take pictures of wild animals. Assam receives more rain between the monsoon and the pre-monsoon compared to other states in India. Therefore, for safety reasons, this national park is closed to tourists earlier than other major national parks in India. During the peak July and August, the park receives more than 2000 mm of rain and the whole area is submerged because of the rising water level of the Brahmaputra. It is only after October that the rain stops and flood levels slowly come down. Thus, in conclusion, the best time to visit the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve is from November to April. Image by David Talukdar, Unsplash How to Reach the Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve By Air The closest airport to Kaziranga National park is the Jorhat Airport, located at a distance of 97 km. Guwahati International Airport, also known as the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, is located at a distance of 217 km. After reaching the airport, you can get a taxi or cab to visit the park. Otherwise, you can go to the Partan Bazaar bus stop and take a government bus service or private bus to get around the park. By Train With a fair distance of 96 km, the Furkating Railway Station, located in the Golaghat district of Assam is the closest railway station to Kaziranga National Park. Other nearest railway stations include the Guwahati and Jorhat Railway Stations. After reaching the station, you can easily get a taxi, cab or bus to the Kaziranga National Park.​​ By Road Kaziranga National Park has good connections to all major cities in Assam, including Dimapur, Guwahati, Golaghat, Jorhat, Nagaon, Sivasagar, Tezpur and Tinsukia via National Highway Route 37. A variety of public and private buses run on the road, from almost every town to Kaziranga National Park. You can also take a taxi or cab to reach your destination.