Wildlife Tourism in India

Introduction to Wildlife tourism

Approximately 4% of the total Indian land is forests in which 90 forests are national parks and 482 Wildlife Sanctuaries. According to statistics, India has 60-70% world’s bio diversity.

In Indian forests you will find a variety of wildlife. From Asian Elephants to Asiatic Lion, Bengal Tiger, Sloth Bear, Indian Rhinoceros and Leopard, you will find all of them here. There are hundreds of bird species and it is one of the best places for bird watching.

Some National parks like Jim Corbett National Parkk

(Uttaranchal), Bandhavgarh National Park and Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh, Gir National Park in Sasangir (Gujarat), Ranthambore National Parkin Sawai Madhopur are rich in bird species.

History of WLT

Way back in 1973, Bandhavgarh, Ranthambore and Sariska were launched as national parks. In the year 2000, September 24^th, a need arises for the departments of forest, transport, fisheries and tourism to co-ordinate their resources. But for India it still looks like a dream. Despite of chaotic management, in Dec 2004 Dec 24^th, tourism saw growth due to availability of fantastic locales which were perfect to attract tourists from worldwide. In 2002, Kerala Tourism Development Corporation entered into a partnership with Indian Tourism Development Corporation development of tourism in Kerala.This included that sites for water sports, wildlif

e tourism, backwater holidays and mountain activities be identified. An year later in October India has more number of tourist pouring in to visit the national parks. The industry by now had started sustaining a substantial amount of people.The recent news is that Taj Hotels have entered into a treaty with Conservation Corporation Africa to promote wildlife tourism in India.

Present Situation

In India, the Wildlife Tourism industry is one of the most progressive. In 2006 talks of having policies to align wildlife in the country were in circulation. They wanted to assign this to think tanks which could help adopt the African Safari Model. By 2007, eco tourism was a properly introduced concept, which gained momentum but marketing of wildlife tourism was even then done poorly. The ways were unscientific and unsystematic. The wildlife is abundant in the country but still there are improper mans to exploit their real potential.

Vibrant Colors of India – Festivals

Incredible India

A very huge country celebrates every day of a year as a festival. People of India celebrate all the festivals with great joy and happiness. Festivals which India celebrates are Diwali, Holi, Rakhi, Eid, New Year, Christmas, Vijaya Dashmi and Onam etc. India is a unique country with national, local, religious and seasonal celebrations which fill various colors in one’s life.

Major Festivals

Guru Purnima: Celebrated in the month of Ashadh – July or August according to Hindu, Guru Purnima is celebrated in honor of the birth of Maharishi Veda Vyasa. On this day Gurus are worshipped by their disciples. Especially, this fest is celebrated in the ashram of Sivananda, Rishikesh.

Raksha Bandhan: The festival of love, compassion, sacrifices and protection, Rakhi is a holy thread of protection decorated with the love of a sister for her brother. In the month of Shravan – July or Sugust, Rakhi is celebrated mostly in north and western region of India. It is also renowned in other parts of India.

Ganesh Chaturthi: This festival is devoted to Ganesh. Devotional songs, dances, drum beats are the main parts of procession and hence this fest becomes more energetic. It is celebrated on Bhadarva Sud 4^th mostly in the states such as Maharashtra and Gujarat.

Janamashtami: Known as Krishnastami or Gokulastami, Janamashtami is a festival dedicated to Lord Sri Krishna. On this day, devotees do fast, bhajans and puja. An idol of lord is offered bhog full of Fruits, kheer, pedha, milk, and milk products. The main attraction of Janamashtami is chappan bhog- 56 dishes which are offered to Bal Gopal. This is celebrated in months of August-September.

Radhasthami: Radhasthami is closely linked with the divine mystery of Sri Radha-Krishna. The idea and spiritual importance is associated with legends. On this day, Radha Krishna is attractively embellished with flowers. Devotees worship Radha along with Lord Krishna in August- September.

Nagapanchami: A festival dedicated to snake-god, Nagpanchami comes on the fifth day (panchami) of the fortnight. On the fifth day of Shravan, people worship Nāga Devata. Devotees visit temples worship the snakes. Snakes are offered milk and silver jewelry to protect from all evils. People fast on this day. This festival is celebrated from July to August. Mostly, Punjab and Bengal celebrated this fest to the fullest.

Sri Ramanavami: Dedicated to lord Rama, this festival comes on the ninth day of the month Chaitra – April. The festival is associated with the birth of Rama. The chief attraction in this procession is decorated chariot especially in states such as Bihar and U.P.

Diwali - the Festival of Lights: Festival of Lights is one of the major festivals of India. People celebrate this fest with great joy and excitement in the month of October or November. During Diwali people visit the places of their relatives and greet for New Year. Lakshmi goddess of wealth is welcomed in the decorated houses with lamps and diyas. People wear new clothes, fire crackers offer sweets to their friends and relatives. People of all the regions celebrate this fest.

Basant Panchami: An advent of spring, Basant Panchami is feted as Saraswati Puja. Devotees gain blessings from this goddess. This festival occurs in the month of January-February. During this festival, yellow color is given major importance. Worshippers visit temples and do prayers to several gods. Women prepare kesar halwa. On this festival, Sarswati is adorned especially in Bengal.

Holi - Festival of Colour: Holi is celebrated with great joy and wild abandon. It is also known as a spring harvesting festival. On this day people lit bonfire. They sing songs and dance around bonfire. This festival is not only for children but elders also celebrate this fest with spraying colorful colors. This festival needs big time planning. Baskets and barrels are filled colorful balloons in which water is filled. This festival is celebrated in March in the states especially in Rajasthan, Gujarat Maharashtra.

Mahashivaratri: The history of this fest is linked with lord of Mount Kailas-Lord. During this festival, only cold water and leaves of bael are offered. According to history, other traditional offerings are also served. Worshippers use milk and Panchamruta – a blend of curd, milk, ghee, honey and sugar. Lord Shiva is worshipped as the god of adjournment. Mahashivaratri is celebrated in the month of February or March. Major states like Rajasthan, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh celebrate this festival.

A realm of various traditions and cultures, India appears as light with its splendid festivals. It is rich in its diversity of festivals. Indians take part with harmony in each and every festival; they enjoy freedom to practice any religion in India. With lot of excitement and prosper, Indian festivals are celebrated.

The Tiger States of India and the tigers

Scenario of tiger population:

National animal of our country is none other than Tiger. India is the only country which has a large number of Wild Tigers. India must be having 4000 tigers. According many surreys, it has been proved that there are around 3000 tigers left due to recently increased hunting. In 1973, Tiger Project was begun to raise the situation of tigers. At that time India comprised only 1800 animals.

Tigers of India are spread across the country.

Some national parks comprise many tigers. Kanha National Park

has 102 tigers and Sunderbans has an extreme population of 270. You can spot only few tigers in the Wildlife Sanctuaries. It is difficult to find uninhabited and nocturnal animals.

Another state Rajasthan is known as a paradise for a huge spectrum of wildlife including Tigers. In 1985, the ratio of tigers’ population was 35, reported after survey. The Ranthambore Sanctuary came under the Project Tiger in 1979 and became a national park in 1982.

Still people need more wildlife preservation laws and knowingness. It is essential to make Indian sanctuaries a safe haven for tigers. In India, there are only few parks who allow you to a realistic chance of seeing tigers.

States/ Reserves of Tigers:

India consists of many tiger reserves where one can have best chance to spot tigers. In the foothills of north side of Uttar Pradesh, Corbett Park is known for tigers. On the other hand, you will find Kanha National park in M.P. and Ranthambore in Rajasthan.
Due to the population of Tigers, Madhya Pradesh has become very popular. Madhya Pradesh’s Ka is Tiger state which is famous as the heat of India. Madhya Pradesh is also home to the India’s religions. State of Madhya Pradesh is rich in its diverse wildlife and diverse traditions. There are many historic forts, national parks, palaces and temples to explore. In Madhya Pradesh, you can explore various sanctuaries such as Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Vanvihar, Madhav national park etc.

The geography of Rajasthan sets out from the bleak desert, scrub-thorn dry woodlands to wetlands and lush, green forests. National Parks like, Ranthambore, Bharatpur, Sariska are major national parks which has a wide series of tigers. Other national parks include Sitamata, Darrah, Chambal, Tal Chapper, Jamwa Ramgarh, Kaila Devi.

Bengal is another state, Royal Bengal tiger is the national animal of India. You can have incredible sights of tigers. The tigers of Bengal are marked with dark stripes, long tail, huge paws and danger teeth. Royal Bengal Tiger of India is regarded as the King of the Jungle. The tigers of Bengal are the largest big cats of India.

Tiger Reserves of India are popularly known as Tiger Parks. These tigers are related through a large preservation effort called 'Project Tiger'. Amongst all national parks, four of them are the most breathtaking destinations, often visited and well known.

Royal Bengal Tigers are discovered in protected jungles of India, and across India like Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar and Bangladesh.

Ten questions you should ask your travel operator

Here is a list of FAQ’s that should come to your mind and you should ask before doing a deal with them.

1. How long has your company been in business?

The number of years equates with amount of experience. Obviously an older company is reliable and has extensive information about the adventure places. They are also in a better position to provide you with facilities and guide you throughout your trip. One more reason why this question should be raised is that now a days the web has facilitated the new companies in looking very impressive. You should not get wooed by looks alone.

2. What sort of adventure activities do they provide? Is it for the entire time or just the adventure part of the trip?

This question should help you decide how much they understand what they are trying to sell. If you are speaking to them about biking expeditions and they offer you sight seeing on bikes it is clear that too believe in the philosophy of having the maximum fun. And even if they don’t offer you that, you have a choice to decide.

3. Do they provide guided tours or self-guided tours? Can they customize the Holiday Thrilling suiting your needs?

This will showcase the range of tours they provide. And the tailor-made part will highlight their contact at those places which again comes to how much experiences they have had organizing the said tour.

4. How early should I make a reservation?

This question should be asked aiming to find out the popularity of the tour. Sometimes they would ask you to do it straightaway because the tickets sell out fast. Or they can ask you to take your time, decide and then register with them. In any case their interest in getting you onboard comes forth.

5. How long have you been running the specific tour I am interested in?

If the company has been offering you the chosen tour for long they will have loads of information to share about it. If the tour is new then there might be a few things to be worked out. But that depends on the reputation of the company. Whatever be the reason you should at least ask.

6. What is your most popular adventure tour package and why?

This question lets you know their areas of specialization. You should get detailed information if the company has any special tours.

7. What do your previous customers say about the degree of difficulty on this tour?

Travel companies generally rate their tour packages based on their customers experience and their own too. This should help you decide what tour to choose that suits your temperament.

8. Can they let you speak to people who have been their customers before?

You might get mixed answers here. Some might give you contacts straight away and some might refuse saying it’s against their policy. You should take a chance with this question.

9. What age group does the tour package generally have?

Now you don’t want to be the only 25 year old in a group of older people. If you have a better idea of the group composition you’d know which tour to choose.

10. What happens if I need to cancel my trip?

Every company has their own terms and conditions of cancellations. And it is better to know them in advance then to be met by some unexpected shocks.

15 tips while traveling to Ladakh

Here is a list of 15 tips which can be helpful to get you around the land of passes.

1. It hasn’t been long before tourism developed in Ladakh. And the north western region is still sensitive. So the tourists who arrive from outside the country need special permits to visit the Inner Line area. These permits can be availed from local Ladakhi authorities.

2. Majority of the tourists in Ladakh comes for Trekking and Camping. So if you are

here for the same reason then you should pay attention to your physical fitness. Ladakh weather is chilling and for first timers here acclimatization can be a problem. So when you land in here give yourself a day to get used to the weather and high altitudes.

3. Lot of back packers who come here should make sure that they should fill their sacks with water bottle. Hydration at high altitude can keep you going strong for long. Though the weather generally get you to go thirsty it is highly advisable that you should. Apart from that carry a first aid kit, prescribed medicines and enough warm clothing.

4. Next you need to have in your must-haves are sunglasses, moisturizers and sunscre

en lotions.

5. Whether on a trekking expedition, Jeep Safari or hiking tour you should keep in mind that you have a responsibility towards the conservation of the place. You should contribute to the protection of environment by not littering, using paper instead of plastic and by creating less noise pollution in deserted areas.

6. Leh the capital city is well developed to provide you with basic amenities. The calling facility is good here though the STD’s booths close by 10 pm.

7. When you are sightseeing you’d be tempted to click pictures. But before taking your camera out read the sign boards well. Photography is not permitted everywhere.

8. Talking of photography, Ladakh is such a beautiful place you will not get tired of clicking pictures. So while you visit the places that allow photography or pass through the general landscape of the place, you have ample opportunities to click click & click. So buy extra batteries and lots of film rolls or extra memory cards.

9. While eating out in Ladakh, carry the Indian currency because majority of the hotels and restaurants do not accept credit cards.

10. Leh the big town has facilities for e-mailing and general surfing. In fact Leh is the only place where you can have access to the internet. So all your online work should be done in Leh before you proceed further.

11. Very remote regions of Ladakh do not have banks. Leh and Kargil have banks with ATM facilities.

12. Leh has hospitals but Kargil has a district hospital which has good team of doctors and modern equipments. Besides Kargil there are medical dispensaries at Trespone, Sankoo, Mulbek, Padum and Panikher. They all have basic health facilities.

13. The national park in Leh is a good place to sight Wildlife, especially if you are on trek. But do not disturb the animals there and neither pollutes the surroundings.

14. Water pollution is too much in Ladakh. It is advisable to carry purification pills. A better option is to carry your own water or drink packaged water.

15. Lastly respect the culture, the quiet locals, be friendly to them and make time to enjoy the place. Talk to the locals as they are the biggest source of information.

Must Dos in India for adventure

So you are planning a trip to India and you have no idea what where to start from? And are too many options confusing you? Here is a list of adventures you must consider doing.

The land of passes is on every trekker’s must-visit list. Ladakh provides trekkers, climbers and whit water rafters their part of fun and challenges for many decades now. Up north

near Ladakh is another place which offers same mountaineering pleasures. If Ladakh is too extreme for you, you can try visiting Uttaranchal which can prove to be a perfect holidaying place.

Uttaranchal is famous for trekking, skiing, River Rafting, hang gliding, Paragliding, boating,

canoeing and angling.

From east, Sikkim is a paradise for tourists. Coffee plantations give Sikkim a whole new ambience and refresh the onlookers. Come to this part of the country to experience some amazing sunsets and discover great rafting rapids.

North has no dearth of destinations offering great adventure opportunities. Visit Himachal for one

India also has great architectural treasure. Karnataka in the south east of India offers a whole range of sculptures temples, hills, forests and sea shores. If that doesn’t suffice knowing that it is the 4^th most popular tourist destination in India should. Adventure wise Karnataka will not disappoint anyone. There are endless trekking options in the hills of Karnataka and white water rafting opportunities in the Kali River. There are abundant opportunities to spot wildlife. You can visit any of these wildlife sanctuaries - Bheemeshwari, Bandipur, Nagarhole sanctuaries. For weekend getaways you will be spoilt for choice.such memorable adventure trip. It has trekkable mountain peaks and raftable rivers, green forests and good roads for safaris. It also has favorable conditions for skiing, heli-skiing and ice skating. You can also try safaris by jeeps, cars or motorcycles. Aero sports like paragliding is also available here. Trekking, camping and river rafting are also famous here. North West state of India is surrounded by Thar Desert. It shares a long border with our neighboring country. If you long for sun sand and frolic, Rajasthan is the place for you. It is the place where the oldest

mountain ranges of Aravalli stand. It offers adventure sports such as camel safaris, trekking, aero sports, fishing, Water Sports and Wildlife extravaganza.

Goa is called the Rome of East. Goa too is a place for water sport lovers. The Arabian sea touching the Konkan coast is an exciting place to experiment with water. The water sports you can try here are surfing, snorkeling, jet-skiing, boogie

boarding, scuba diving, water-skiing, parasailing, windsurfing, and deep sea fishing.

Andaman and Nicobar is a cluster of 572 small and big islands. Andaman has a water sports complex where you can indulges in a variety of water sports. You can experience scuba diving, sailing, parasailing, windsurfing, snorkeling and trekking in the ocean. You can also enjoy sail boats, speed boats and paddle boats. Glass bottom rides are a hit here. The extensive marine life here is striking and a wonderful experience. Kerala is a place where all the elements of nature exist in their purest form. The seas tranquilize, the skies mesmerize and the lands are ablaze with the fire of light that blows from the human settlements. Kerala is voted as the third best tourist destination in Asia. It is connected with all the major cities of India and is accessible by air, train and bus. Some also come here for soft adventures like Wildlife Safaris, the infamous boat race-Allepy, Kollam and backwater vacations.

Lakshwadeep is a beautiful island 240 km away from Malabar Coat. The island is rich in marine wealth and that is what people come to see here from across the globe. Water sports in Lakshwadeep are quiet popular as there is availability of equipments of very high standards. Water sports here include snorkeling, scuba diving, glass-bottom rides, para sailing, surfing and water skiing. The islands of Kavaratti, Kalpeni, Kadmath and Minicoy offer activities like kayaking, sailing, paddling and inflatable motor boats. Staying facilities here are good but expensive as it is still not so tourism inflicted.

A typical Day on a Ladakh Trek

A typical day on Ladakh Trek begins at 6:00 am. Each member of the group is given warm water to wash. The breakfast is generally an hour after waking up. In between you do the morning ritual. The breakfast generally is milk/tea/coffee, porridge, bread-jam or eggs. While you have your food, the crew in charge of you wraps up the tents and loads them on the ponies or porters. You carry your lunch with you on your journey ahead. And if that is not the case then facilities for hot lunch have been arranged on the way.

You reach the next camping spot around evening time. When you reach your next halting point, you are welcomed with tea/coffee and snacks. Dinners are not at nine but immediately after sunset. No one minds because the smell of food after a long days trek is more than inviting. The dinner is very basic food items like bread, a vegetable, rice and Dal. Some places you will also be offered a drink at the end of the meal. It can be tea, coffee or hot chocolate.

Before reaching the camp the entire trek is an ordeal of carrying your rucksacks on your back. Trekking on a single day begins with deciding the route and leaning your camp with a trained guide. You maneuver through gorges, passes and narrow passages. You do series of ascends and descends. You are in a group so there might be people who would want to rest. While some rest some take time to click pictures.

Anyway after arriving at the camp and having some refreshments you are ready to sleep. Most of the people prefer unwinding instead of hitting the pillow. They gather together and play cards, read or write about their experiences. Sometimes everyone is asked to gather around camp fire and spend time singing, sharing jokes basically mingling with each other. By 9 pm everyone is inside their tent and by 10 pm latest every one dozes off.

A safari with one horn Indian Rhino

One horn Indian Rhino has skin with loose folds. These features are totally different from African rhinos. Indian one horn Rhino generally eats grass, reeds and twigs. Rhinos spend long periods rejoicing mud and lying in water.

Elephant safari is an ideal way to encounter with the Indian Rhino from a close range. You can also explore some Zoos in India that domiciles the Indian Rhino. One-horned Rhinoceros or the Great One-horned Rhinoceros is discovered in the state of Assam. People believe since many years that, various parts of the rhinos have charming settings. Best season to spot Rhino is monsoon and November to April. Kaziranga National Park and ManasNational Park located in Assam are the perfect destinations to spot the Indian Rhino in its natural home

ground.

Habitat:

The real habitat of Rhino is took place from the foothills of the Hindu Kush in Pakistan. The Indian rhino was carried off from all the regions except Chitwan Valley, Brahmaputra valley and Teesta valley. Later it was found in south Nepal and north parts of India. Rhinos are now restricted to the lofty grasslands and river line forests of the Himalayan foothills. The Indian rhino is one of the species that dwell in the Himalaya and Indo - B

urma Biodiversity spots and the Terai-Duar Savannas & Grasslands.

Home of Rhino in India:

Kaziranga National Park:

Kaziranga National Park is set along the mighty Brahmaputra River. It covers a region of around 430 sq km. The swamplands and lush green pastures are elegant with its tall and evergreen woods. You will find large number of Rhino in this region. It is an alarming point for Rhino. This park is the greatest success of rhinoceros preservation. Rhinos were viciously stewed for their horn.

Manas National Park:

Another most prominent and Rhino sanctuary is Manas national park. It is remarkable for its rare golden Langur.

Golden langur is found only in this part of India. Other animals include Assamese Macaque, Capped Langur and the Hoolock Gibbon. An attractive and fascinating Reserve houses Red Panda, which are rarely found in high elevations. Covered in 2,840 sq km, Manas National Park is a very special ecosphere. It also houses around twenty species of animals and birds. These are enormously vulnerable, which include Hispid Hare and Pigmy Hog.

9 rafting destinations for beginners in India

An escapade which is not very old in India, River rafting as an adventure sport has gained loads of popularity. Some rivers are for those who love rapids that churn the water and stomach. Lovers for rafting will love these destinations.

This water sport has been the mainstay for the foreign tourists. On the other hand Indians have adapted this sport very quickly with so much of gusto. For beginners, the thrill of floating in the rivers can be the best enjoyed experience. When you are on the waters, you perform this sport with some easy rapids. India has a large number of rivers and teemingness of locations that are perfect for white water rafting. India offers some numerous rivers, calling you to unwind with its glorious riverbeds and waters. River like Alaknanda, Ganga, kali, Bhagirathi, Kameng, Zanskar, Brahmputra, Indus, Tons, Lohit etc are ideal for first time rafters.

Here are the rafting destinations for first time rafters.

Series of varied rapids with grades for 1 to 4 at regular intervals.

River Rafting on Teesta River, Sikkim, Darjeeling: You will traverse down the rough and rutted mountain river. River Teesta offers a Rivers of Alakananda, Kaudiyala – Shivpuri: You will be rafting with the route, where you will meet with the deep, tranquil pools. The famous rapids are "3 Blind Mice, Black Money, Return to Centre, and Roller Coaster". Kaudiyala is above the road to Deoprayag. It is more craggy and tranquil than Shivpuri.

River Rafting on Zanskar River: Zanskar river rafting is performed between Padum and Nimo regions. Here you will be traversing through the Zanskar Mountain ranges and perform small roller coastal rapids.

Tehri-Shivpuri (Bhagirathi/Alaknanda): The Tehri - Shivpuri flow on the Bhagirathi/Alaknanda River has a Grade III. Take a help of guide for rafting.

River Rafting in Garhwal, Uttaranchal:

Rafting Garhwal can be the best place for beginners. There are water spprt resorts Asan Barrage, Dakpathar in the Dehradun district, set at the base of the Shiwaliks and on the banks of river Yamuna. In these rivers you raft with some rapids and grade starting from 1 to 3 with the

help of trained rafters.

River Rafting on Brahmaputra River, Arunachal Pradesh: One of the largest rivers in Arunachal Pradesh, Brahmaputra River descends down across Tibet into the north-eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh will let you experience the exciting rafting trip for the beginners.

The Bhagirathi River Rafting: This River raft down with the lower Bhagirathi gorge, where you can use Grades III and IV with various rapids like “The Chute”, “Elephant rock”, “Sharp S”, “Confluence rapids” etc. You will meet the conflux with the Alaknanda at Devprayag to form the Ganga.

River Rafting in Ladakh ,Jammu & Kashmir: Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir is the best options for learners. Whitewater is on the Indus between Spituk and Saspol. The glacial cold and Clear River have rapids usually of I and II grades. These routes also run to Indus Zanskar.

Kali Sarda River, Kumaon, Uttarakhand: One of the ideal options for first time rafters is river Kali Sarda. The Kali Sarda River provides some classic Grade IV rafting exalts. Explore the wood land around Kaldhunga through a gorge with breathtaking grade III rapids.