Destinations
I become rather saddened when beginning to discuss itinerary options with clients when they say they are not interested in including wildlife in their trip to the subcontinent as they have ‘done that’ in Africa! Wildlife viewing in India, Nepal and Sri Lanka offers a very different experience than an African safari, but can be equally rewarding. Certainly you are unlikely to see large herds of animals roaming the savannah but the jungles and grasslands of the subcontinent have their own beauty and the excitement of hearing an alarm call and waiting in anticipation is a thrilling experience. Birding is excellent, indeed even in the cities you will have the opportunity to see a wide range of avian fauna. In my view a visit to one of the subcontinent many National Parks helps complete the rural experience. The forests are very much part of the community, and even in designated parks the villagers will be allowed into the buffer zones to collect fruit & fodder and even in some areas graze their livestock. Human/animal conflict is a growing issue in all parts of the world, but the co-existence of humans and wildlife should not be underestimated.
Most of the lodges we recommend that are located near a National Parks don’t just offer a wildlife experience but are part of a wider cultural exploration of the rural subcontinent. It is inevitable that for visitors to India & Nepal a tiger sighting will be on everyone’s wish list, and for those going to Sri Lanka a leopard sighting but it would be a shame to only focus on these key species when the parks have so much more to offer.
When visiting a national park do remember sightings are not guaranteed (especially of the elusive tiger & leopard), the more visits you arrange to the park the more likely you are to have good viewings. A minimum of 3 nights would be recommended so you not only have time for several park visits but can also experience the other activities on offer. Be prepared to not only focus on the larger mammals and carnivores, an appreciation of the smaller flora and fauna will greatly add to the wilderness experience. Birdwatching throughout the subcontinent is excellent.
We have only mentioned the larger National Parks & Tiger Reserves, those which have good accommodation in easy reach. There are many smaller reserves and parks throughout the subcontinent which can be linked with any journey, so do ask for further ideas.
Safaris need to be booked as far in advance as possible as spaces are limited. Each park has a slightly different booking system so do discuss with us further. Park visits are non-refundable once booked. Most parks offer 2 safaris a day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, with the morning safari being for a longer duration. Some lodges will provide a picnic breakfast to eat in the park. Full & half day safaris for the fuller committed can also be arranged in many parks.
 |
The forests in Indian Wildlife are very much part of the community, and even in designated parks the villagers will be allowed into the buffer zones to collect fruit & fodder and even in some areas graze their livestock. Human/animal conflict is a growing issue in all parts of the world, but the co-existence of humans and wildlife should not be underestimated.
|
 |
Wildlife viewing in India, Nepal and Sri Lanka offers a very different experience than an African safari, but can be equally rewarding. Certainly you are unlikely to see large herds of animals roaming the savannah but the jungles and grasslands of the subcontinent have their own beauty and the excitement of hearing an alarm call and waiting in anticipation is a thrilling experience.
|
 |
Sri Lanka has a number of attractive National Parks, and even if wildlife is not a major attraction for you including one of the parks would certainly give a different dimension to any trip.
|