A nature-loving actor, Dia Mirza recently visited Kabini, possibly as one last getaway before tying the knot. However, for this UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador, the trip was more than a mere vacation. As she meandered through the wildlife haven, Mirza unearthed her love for birding. The WildLife Trust Of India ambassador gives us a peek into her new interest, all while reliving the magic of the forest once again. By Bayar Jain
1. You recently visited Kabini. Tell us a little bit about your time there.
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This is the second time I visited Kabini, and it was a beautiful experience. The previous time I went—the year before last—I hadn’t done a boat safari and experienced birding. On that trip, I didn’t get a chance to see any wildcats, either. I came back feeling that I need to revisit it again. Plus, Nagarhole National Park in Kabini is one of the most beautiful national parks in the country. So, the first chance I got post the lockdown, I decided to head back.
I feel the inherent magic and beauty of the forest lure people. Nagarhole and Bandipur are divided by a river, and there’s huge forest spaces side by side. A big attraction at these parks is the leopards and tigers. Elephants and tigers go across from one park to another. There’s this big, black leopard here, named Blackie. I even used footage of this leopard—shot by my dear friend and wildlife photographer, Shaaz Jung—in the wildlife anthem I produced. Since I’ve used so much footage of this park in the anthem, I felt like seeing these cats up close and making a personal connection with them. This time, however, I saw tigers on every safari; no leopards. Looks like the forest wants me to visit again!
2. What compelled you to choose Kabini as your holiday destination?
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The wildlife, and magnificent beauty and splendour of the forest. Kabini also has some very sustainable and responsible retreats outside the forest boundaries. I enjoy visiting places that give me such close access to the forest. In fact, I even started following naturalists on Instagram to be up-to-date with the various sightings that are happening at a given time. And I found that it was raining cats in Kabini!
3. You spotted many birds and animals during the safari. What was the experience like?
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Nothing irritates me more than people who visit a forest with the sole intention of seeing wildcats. These forests are so biodiverse with species that I always come back with photographs of more birds and sighting newer birds than I have before. I also love the magic of the trees and the way the landscape pans out. Since there’s only a certain part of the forest that one can visit, I enjoy gaining a sense of familiarity with those areas. Every time I visit it, I realise it’s just as magical as the last time I saw it.
Since my visit this time, I’ve become somewhat of a birder, I think. I’ve started photographing a lot more birds. Funnily enough, it’s only when I started sighting birds in the forest, that I was awakened to the birds in my garden. And I’ve been living in the same building for 19 years!
4. Kabini is known for its wildlife. Did you get a chance to experience other aspects of it as well?
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This vacation was purely to experience the wild and discover the forest. I did visit during the holiday season, so there was a cultural programme organised at the property I stayed at. I saw some tribals dance, and heard some tribal music. But otherwise, I didn’t really get a chance to see anything else. The forest tends to consume me completely.
5. How can one be more mindful when going on a jungle safari?
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There are many things you can do. Some forests are excessively exposed to over-tourism, wherein close to 40-50 canters explore the forest at a time. Personally, I don’t think that’s right but some forests allow it. I think the first thing you can do is ensuring you’re not carrying any food, and that you’re not feeding the wild animals. Next, maintain some decorum. Keep a distance between yourself and the wildlife. Be respectful and courteous of the fact that other people are visiting as well. A lot of the wildlife experience is dependent on what you’re hearing. You don’t want to be noisy and disturb everyone’s peace and quiet in the forest. There are people who really enjoy listening to the sounds of the forest. Carry your own metal bottles. Don’t carry any plastic bottles. And, please, don’t leave any of your plastic behind in the forest! Wear colours that are earth-friendly and not loud bright colours.
6. What, according to you, are some must-haves to carry or wear in a safari?
During winter and monsoon months, carry a windcheater or something warm. The early morning safaris, in particular, can be very cold. Carry a warm jacket, and ensure you have ear mitts and hand mitts. Always wear closed shoes. Wear earthy-tones, not bright, loud colours. I always carry a haversack with me, so I can carry my binoculars, camera, and a loose shawl to cover my legs, in case it gets too cold. The forest is always three to four degrees colder than the average temperature outside.
7. How different was this vacation compared to any pre-COVID-19 holidays you’ve been on?
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I think the sense of caution was heightened. It’s very easy to disassociate ourselves with the reality that we are all confronted by, and how the pandemic has caused a complete distortion. Life is not what it was like, right? While some of us can be escapists in our attitude and pretend everything is fine, the pandemic is still raging. The likelihood of more such pandemics happening is only increasing because of climate change.
8. A hidden gem in India you wish people knew more of?
Actually, now I feel that a hidden gem should just remain hidden! Unfortunately, tourism can also be so exploitable sometimes. Luckily, Nagarhole is one of those forests that are not overcrowded yet, unlike Ranthambore National Park or Jim Corbett National Park, for instance.
9. Some places in India you’d like to visit, and why?
I really want to visit Khangchendzonga National Park in Sikkim; and Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, and Manas National Park in Assam. Because of my work with the Wildlife Trust Of India, I’ve heard so much about Manas that I’d really like to go and visit it sometime, especially because of my interest in birding. There are certain species that can only be spotted there and nowhere else, like Brahminy ducks, pygmy hogs, or golden mongoose. Of course, there are rhinoceroses and tigers, too.
I’ve also been hearing a lot about the Balpakram National Park in Meghalaya. It’s a birder’s delight! There’s another place called Nokrek National Park in Meghalaya where you can see the iconic red pandas. And then, there’s Namdapha National Park in Arunachal Pradesh where you can see the clouded snow leopard.
10. Your tips for conscious living, particularly in the post-COVID-19 world?
The first thing we can do regularly is to wash and use reusable cloth masks. Some of the best practices toward sustainability are following a (mostly) plant-based diet. Eat as many local fruits and vegetables as possible, reduce meat consumption. Refuse single-use plastic. Carry your own metal bottle; avoid using packaged water completely. Take shorter baths. I always joke that your bath should last a song! Segregate waste and compost at home.
Related: Here’s Why Actress And UNEP Ambassador Dia Mirza Is A Climate Warrior!
