Friends, India is renowned for its culture,
tradition, heritage and natural beauty. Today I am taking you to a place of
natural beauty in Uttar Pradesh which is so far untouched by tourism. In
February 2017 we spent 2 days at this place. I feel more people should be aware
about this place, hence this article.
Asia’s biggest lake was constructed on Sharda
river in Pilibhit district of Uttar Pradesh. Due to water shortage in this
area, British blocked the Sharda River to construct a dam and many canals for the
purposes of irrigation. On one side of
the lake lies Utaarakhand and on the other side lies the Tiger Reserve, Chuka
Eco Tourism Spot, Mahof Range Pilibhit. Chuka
Eco Tourism Spot was developed on the banks of Sharda Sagar Dam in 2001 where the
natural forests are full of wild life forces. Chuka beach is situated 25 kms
beyond Madho Tanda after travelling from Pilibhit on Khutar Road. Just before
the entry gate a concrete bridge over Sharda canal is seen. This canal was built
by the British is very deep and broad. After crossing this bridge is the main
entrance of the Chuka Eco Tourism Spot. The entry fee of Rs. 300 for your
vehicle and Rs. 100 per person is payable once. 6 Km long rough, black and
circuitous road made of sand and clay brings you to the tourist spot. While
progressing on the road after travelling 1.5 kms you can experience the
absolute stillness, chirping of birds and sound of waves whetting the beach of
Sharda Dam. Our minds are forced to a state of elation on beholding the dense
forest, circuitous rough roads, the songs of the birds spreading and deers taking
to flight on seeing us, groups of Antelopes and peacocks spreading their plumes
and dancing in the cold air. This heightens the thrill and we reach the middle
of the 2.5 hectare Chuka Eco Spot. The forest department has built two “THARU
HUTS” in 2001 for people visiting the place. Gradually the lodgings have been
extended by a proper guest house of forest department, a “TREE HUT” placed on
three trees which you reach after climbing three flights of wooden stairs and a
“BAMBOO HUT” which is built on water with tree trunks supporting the base. All
these facilities have proper washrooms with modern amenities minus running hot
water. On June 9 2014 this tourism spot
was assimilated into the Tiger Reserve. Good food and snacks are provided by
the canteen run by “SANYUCT VAN PRABHANDH SAMITI, MUSTAFABAD” a cooperative
society which runs the resort. Non veg and hard drinks are not allowed in the
resort. And they serve the food personally in your hut with hot tava roties and
insist to have just one more just like your home.
Friends, to the peace loving people, the natural
beauty, the rising rays at dawn, the redness of the setting sun, the beautiful
sun rays falling through leaves of trees, the songs of birds, the sounds of
wildlife, the hopes of beholding sights of exotic birds of Siberia, the
expectations of a chance encounter with tiger, the whispers of trees in the
darkness of nights, the fearful sounds of the waves heard in the stillness of
night, beautiful moonlight spread on the lake is just magical. Forget the
nights, even during the day, when you walk on the dry leaves the crumpling
sound is enough to entice one’s mind. The waters of the lake are so pure that
the algae at the depth of 8 feet near the banks are seen waving clearly with
the water beautifully. Reflections of the trees on the lake create the illusion
that they are floating in the lake. The lake is so big that the banks can
hardly be seen, just the panoramic sight of merger of the sky and earth is
visible. This place is ideal for people who love capturing wild life in their
cameras and who love nature. The area is totally protected by double security
of barbed wire and 440 volts electric fence with back up of solar power energy.
Yes, I would definitely say that do not expect to see a tiger on your
first attempt as we did. I was told by our guide after we left, a group from America
came who stayed for 3 days and took 5 Safaris sighted a tiger on their last
ride. What I mean to say that if you are very keen to see a tiger make a longer
stay as wild animals are not expected to be seen loitering around human settlements.
If they so desire, they bring themselves before us else we are forced to return
without meeting them.
I would like to give some important information for you that would
make your stay comfortable. The best season for visiting Chuka Eco Spot is from
March to May. The spot is closed from 15th June to 15th November every year. The winters are acute as you stay near a
large water body amidst dense forests, the summers are very hot. But tiger
lovers, what can you do?, if you wish to encounter a tiger you need to visit
during summer when the elephant grass is burnt.
If you wish to overwhelm your senses with natural beauty, then even
winters are good. Wherever you stay, be it the Tharu hut made of bamboo and
mud, the Tree hut built on trees with bamboos which sways with the winds, or
the bamboo hut built by bamboo in the lake with a large terrace for catching the sun swaying with the
waves, you get a wonderful thrilling experience. Just imagine how romantic an
experience you can have when the sounds of wind and water collide; where there
is no TV or noise, there is no electricity. However, our mobile with Vodafone
connection worked fine at the resort but not in the jungle. Electricity is
provided from generators during evening for three hours only and in the night you
have to take help of solar energy lamps only. We found it to be extremely
thrilling and worth visiting again and again.
I am posting some snaps we clicked and also give below names and mobile
numbers for persons who stay there for more information and bookings.
Mr. Rahmat 8392857702, Mr. Anees 8394054771, Mr. Zeeshan 8859889425
online booking : www.ptr-pilibhit.in
Happy visiting
Neelima Kumar
