Planning a Wildlife Tour

Planning a wildlife safari in India? Confused from where to start? Search engines are loaded with information about planning safaris, booking accommodation and transportation. But the real fight is getting a safari ticket. 

Tourists on a tiger safari in India

Travel bloggers from all over the globe have been visiting and writing about Indian wildlife. Some call it adventure while others term it as an excursion. “Things to carry” and “What to do and what not” articles are readily available all over the web. But all this comes to help only when you’ve decided the destinations and your itinerary.

So first decide the destination according to your choice and interest.

Indian Golden Jackal at Kanha Tiger Reserve, India

This can be a tiring and confusing process as not every member travelling with you has the same interest. Some might look for birds and some might go after the big cats. It is beaches for some and mountains to the rest. India is a large nation with diverse destinations. So plan your travel according to your need, time and pocket. If you’re looking for Asiatic Lions go to Gir National Park in Gujarat, and if you’re interested in bird watching, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is the place for you.

Once you know what interests the group and have shortlisted the destinations you would like to explore, you can start the booking process accordingly. 

A tiger cub trying to make a kill.

Booking your hotel, transportation and safari rides can be taken care of by good destination management companies which follow the responsible eco-tourism policies. I would recommend  companies that are certified by TOFT (Travel Operators For Tigers) and follow the guidelines of responsible travel in India.

It does not end here. Stay and transportation is half job done, the purpose of the visit follows – The Jungle Safari!

A joy ride as it may seem, is only possible if you have the ticket to the roller-coaster. Safaris are booked well in advance and it is a first come, first serve process. Tiger reserves have several zones which are further divided by a number of entry gates. Each zone and gate has its positives and negatives. Some are good for tiger watching and some are birding paradise. While the topography of some many render you speechless. 

Tigress at Bandhavgarh National Park, India

The safari tour company can make bookings for your wildlife game drive according to your interest zone. But what matters is the time. If you’re booking months before your travel, you might be able to get the best seats for yourself. This does not guarantee any sightings but sure gives an edge above the rest. 

My suggestions would be to ask the tour service provider to inquire the availability of the zones. They do this on a daily basis and are good at it. They have their team of naturalists and birding guides who are regular visitors to the parks and have deep knowledge about sighting of tigers and leopards. They even excel at birding in these areas and can help you find your targeted species. It is highly recommended for readers to engage one for their trip. 

Brahminy Shelduck at Pench National Park, India

Take out some time and discuss your plan and your targeted checklist with your naturalist. Ask them more about the place. They might be able to help you add more to your list. Some of the local facts and findings which are not even on web articles are known to them. Their experience will surely come in handy.

The other half for a complete memorable experience is good sightings and great pictures you take back with you. 

Destination recommendation:

• Asiatic Lions: Gir National Park, Gujarat.

• Royal Bengal Tigers: Kanha and Bandhavgarh, Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra and Ranthambore ,Rajasthan.

• Rhinoceros: Kaziranga National Park, Assam

• Wild Ass: Little Rann of Kutch, Gujarat.

• Birds: Keoladeo National Park, Rajasthan