Trip Reports

Breakfast with Butterflies At Manger - A Sacred Grove Hill Forest

July 11th

Date: 08-09-19
Venue: Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary
About Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary

Spread across the Southern Delhi Ridge of Aravali Hill Range and northern parts of Faridabad and Gurugram district of Haryana state, Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area and carries the last surviving remains of the biodiversity significance of Ridgelines. The sanctuary is surrounded by the historical places of Surajpur, Anangpur Dam, Tughlaqabad Fort, Adilabad ruins and Chhatarpur Temple in Delhi. Although the area is known for birdwatching, there is always a chance to sight the royal gait of Asian Leopards as it also serves as an important wildlife corridor for this majestic feline. It is often recommended to be in a proper dressing style while trailing through its untamed landscape. For female excursionists, it is advised to properly tie their hair and not wear too loose or tight clothes. As the sanctuary harbors a diverse variety of snakes and other reptiles who are active during monsoon, trailing in the region is avoided in the rainy season. Covering over 6,874 acres of land and established in 1986, Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary houses the educational center for forest studies. Although it is considered a protected area the forest department opens the place for children to visit during Summer and Winter season. Ringed around the thousand-years-old Aravalli Hill Range, the sanctuary is a humble abode to a wide variety of mammals including Jackal, Porcupine, Jungle Cat, Civet, Black-naped Hare, Blackbuck, Nilgai, different species of butterflies and birds.

To expose people to the unique wildlife throbbing in the region, Asian Adventures organized a one-day excursion on 08-09-19. We assembled at Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary at 07:30 AM as per the scheduled time. After a short introduction, we kick-started this eventful journey. We came across beautiful species of birds and butterflies including Common Tiger, Lemon Pansy, Common Blue Jay, Common Pierrot, White orange tip, Tiny grass blue, Danaid egg fly, Pale grass blue, etc. During the excursion, our group captain Sohail Madan gave us a deep insight into the beautiful world of butterflies. After a three hour walk, we assembled in front of Butterfly Park for a group photo before having breakfast. We again assembled at Conservation Education Centre for a post-walk discussion about species and other things. We had a meaningful discussion with Mr. Sohail, Mr. Lakan, Mr. Shantanu, Mr. Akash, Ms. Geeta, and others while having a hot cup of tea.

After a three hour walk, we assembled in front of Butterfly Park for a group photo before having breakfast. We again assembled at Conservation Education Centre for a post-walk discussion about species and other things.

This is a centuries-old unspoiled grove wedged between Delhi and the affluent suburbs of Gurgaon, and Haryana. The thick green cover of Manger Bani forest is a paradise for dozens of gorgeous birds, Leopards, and rare species of insects and flowers living a tranquil life in its untamed topography. While trailing through the forest we were delighted to see Mud-puddling, Common Grass Yellow with other species roosting around the Mangar Police Checkpost and the opposite side of the ancient temple. As we were navigating through the paddy fields of Mangar Village we crossed paths with Long-tailed shrike, Scaly-breasted Munia, Indian Silverbill, Paddyfield Pipit, and many more.

Our adventurous journey came to a halt by the sudden rainfall where we chose to stay at a farm which was sitting on the lap of Aravali Hills. After spending some time at the farm we resumed our journey and headed towards the Butterfly Park where we spotted fifteen different species of Butterflies, and the dramatic act of a grasshopper escaping from the mouth of Indian Skink. On our way back after the culmination of the tour we chanced upon sighting Monitor Lizard allowing us to take its decent photos before it vanished in the undergrowth.