"It was a pleasure driving on the forest dirt track canopied by the tall Sal tress. In fact, this was a real ‘long drive,’ a city dweller ‘longs’ for. With no other vehicle on the track, the smooth forest road was a treat. We soon reached the awesome Jhadi Tal.

A number of migratory birds graced the waters of this huge water-body. On the far end, we spotted a large herd of Barasingha (Swamp deer); a harem dominated by a solitary handsome stud in the company of some 24 females (Wow!). They were squatting on a circular island like mound. Two pythons had made their nest just about 500 yards away from our vantage point. But by the time, we approached their nest; the pythons had slithered deep inside the warmth of their home. "

"We made our way to the second watch tower. Here we saw an even bigger herd of Swamp deer. I counted 47 of them. Most of the members of the herd were males; their mighty antlers glistening brightly. The herd was waiting for dusk so as to proceed concealed into the jungle to munch soft grass. This was the largest herd of a deer species, I had ever seen. In fact, Dudhwa is the last refuge of Northern Swamp Deer. "