Kalagarh Nature Festival: A Celebration of Nature and Community
The Kalagarh Nature Festival, hosted from 19th to 22nd December, 2024, was a unique 3-night, 4-day event held in the pristine landscapes of Rathuwadhab and Dhotiyal in Kalagarh Tiger Reserve (KTR), a lesser-explored gem of Jim Corbett National Park. The festival was a collaborative effort between Chakhuli, Titli Trust, Jeevan Deep Samiti, Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board, and the Uttarakhand Forest Department, showcasing the power of community-led initiatives in nature conservation.
Festival Highlights
Key Releases
The festival marked several milestones with the launch of three significant resources for birding and wildlife enthusiasts:
- Kalagarh Tiger Reserve Checklist
Curated by Sanjay Sondhi, Shiwank Negi, Taukeer Alam, and Rajeev Bisht, this checklist is an essential resource for anyone exploring the biodiversity of KTR.
- Kalagarh Tiger Reserve Bird Brochure
A comprehensive guide for birdwatchers, detailing the diverse avian species of the region.
- Kalagarh Tiger Reserve Special Bird Poster
Featuring some of the rare and remarkable birds of the reserve, this poster is a visual treat and an educational tool.
Additionally, the festival introduced the “I Don’t Play Call Back” badge, a symbol of ethical birding practices. Participants wearing this badge committed to avoiding call-back techniques, promoting responsible and ethical birdwatching.
Participant Experience
Aimed at fostering an intimate and immersive experience, the festival was designed for a select group of 20 paid participants, each contributing ₹12,500. The package included well-organized gypsy safaris, engaging discussions, and thought-provoking talks.
Talks and Discussions
The festival featured expert-led sessions on a variety of topics:
- Ethical Birding: Exploring the importance of responsible practices in birdwatching.
- Rathuwadhab Promotional Film was Released.
- Encouraging Women’s Participation in Birding: Highlighting strategies to make birding more inclusive.
Specialized talks included:
- Great Slaty Woodpecker by Sarabjit Kaur
- Barn Swallow by Amarjit Kaur
These sessions enriched participants’ understanding of bird behavior and conservation.
A Birdwatcher’s Paradise
The core purpose of the festival was to showcase the avian diversity of Kalagarh Tiger Reserve, particularly in Rathuwadhab and Dhotiyal, two hidden jewels of the reserve. The effort was a resounding success, with an impressive 149 bird species recorded during the event, including rare sightings of:
- Common Green Magpie
- Smoky Warbler
- Silver-eared Mesia
- Chestnut-headed Tesia
- Grey-bellied Tesia
- Mountain Hawk-Eagle
- Bonelli’s Eagle
These sightings highlighted the rich biodiversity of the area, reinforcing its potential as a premier birding destination.
Community-Centric Approach
Participants were hosted in locally-operated homestays, emphasizing the community-led ethos of the festival. Accommodations included:
- Corbett Rajae Homestay
- The Riverside Homestay
- River Valley Homestay
- Bamboo Cottage
- Corbett Hill Center River Homestay
This approach not only supported local livelihoods but also provided guests with an authentic and comfortable experience.
A Milestone in Conservation and Tourism
The Kalagarh Nature Festival stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of promoting ethical and inclusive tourism. By combining education, community involvement, and a celebration of biodiversity, the festival achieved its goal of showcasing the hidden treasures of Kalagarh Tiger Reserve.
As the event concluded on a high note, it left participants with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for the natural world. The festival’s success has set a benchmark for similar initiatives, ensuring that conservation and community development go hand in hand.
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