The Death of Bamboo
The Western Ghats has many species of bamboo and in many places, there’s a continuous cover.  The giant bamboo grows to a height of around 100 feet over a period of 50 to 60 years.  In this period, the bamboo flowers and dies setting in motion a seeding process that rejuvenates into new bamboo.  But in the intervening period, there’s no bamboo for animals that depend on it for their fodder.  Elephant, gaur, deer and other animals are deprived of one of their sources of food leading to a demand supply gap.

The other issue that crops up is the removal of dead bamboo by interest groups for commercial exploitation.  The ostensible reason given is that they are fire hazard.  This removal causes a gap in the natural eco system, as dead bamboo is a means of protecting the new bamboo shoots where they act as a barrier preventing animals from eating or stamping out the regeneration. This is an efficient system that nature has devised to ensure regeneration, which we only need to understand.  Also, in the bargain, a lot of illegal cutting of live bamboo clumps occur.

Jungle Safari
A jungle safari is unlike a walk in the zoo where you can see all animals in cages or enclosures.  In the wild, you cannot ‘demand’ to see a tiger or, for that matter, any animal.  A jungle safari is dependent on your ‘luck’ and your group’s behaviour.  If your group is noisy and wild, then the chances of spotting animals, leave alone the big cats, becomes doubtful.  Silence is the key.  However, no one can ‘guarantee’ a sighting and nor can you demand it.

Please bear in mind that driving through a jungle is in itself a tremendous experience.  Many are so hell bent on seeing a big cat that they miss the woods for the trees.  There’s so much to see and hear in the jungle that the big cats become interesting only on us seeing them.  I have been going to the jungles since 1968 and even now astonished that I find something new there.  Travel with a good naturalist and he/she will make you appreciate the forests.  This has nothing to do with spotting the big cats or other rare animals.  So take your time and enjoy the jungle in all its splendour.

December 2010
In the December of 2010, Machaan locations ran full and the holiday season rush overwhelmed us.  But we were able to cope and deliver services to our guests and care for their comfort.

Year 2011 at Machaan
Swimming Pools and Spas
All Machaan locations are being planned to have a swimming pool and a spa.  The pools will be built to world quality standards with filtration systems to ensure our guests swim in clean water.  The spa themes will vary based on the location.

Childcare and Play Area
Machaan plans to pay special attention to parents with young children. Play areas will be designed and built to provide a space for young children to spend their time in playing or reading.  Parents can avail of childcare services to get some precious time together.

Lounge Bars
Separate lounge bars to enjoy that quiet drink.