One of the reasons for travelling to India and Sri Lanka is the wildlife. Whether it is a sighting of a tiger or Asiatic Lion, herds of wild elephant or barasingha – or the wonderful variety of birds to be seen – there are pleasures and surprises; heart-stopping moments of excitement and memories that linger long after you’ve returned home.
In India and Sri Lanka there are a number of wilderness areas including Tiger Reserves, National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries – and other areas of natural beauty. The waters off Sri Lanka are home to the planet’s biggest creature, the Blue Whale. Mirissa and Dondra Head, as well as Trincomalee on the east coast are good for whale watching tours; there are also sperm whales and various dolphins to be seen.
Not only is it the sights within the jungle, it is the sounds and the smells – such amazing sensory experiences – quiet and stillness as you listen carefully for the alarm calls of monkeys and birds, warning of danger – a tiger perhaps…
Enjoy crisp early mornings in the parks, and late afternoon safaris by jeep, elephant or boat into the heart of National Parks in order to experience the sights, sounds and scents of the jungle.
Etiquette in the Park
Wear muted tones of green, olive, brown and khaki for your time in the forests.
Respect your drivers and guides – these people are your jungle interpreters; they are very knowledgable and have excellent eyes and ears.
Stay silent – your visit will yield so much more.
Make sure your camera flash is off so you don’t startle a wild animal.
Never get out of your safari vehicle – stay safe and respect the spaces of wild animals.
Appreciate every small part – the forest ecosystem is made up of a myriad of small miracles. Pay attention to it all, including the flora and fauna.
And don’t forget to:-
Protect yourself from the strong sun with sunscreen, a hat or cap – and take some bottled water with you to stay hydrated.
Take some non-toxic mosquito repellent for use at dusk.
Double-check chargers and batteries for cameras – so you don’t miss that amazing photo!
Maxwell Scott Travel has always been committed to responsible and sensitive tourism and we are pleased to support wildlife conservation and local community programmes through a worldwide nature travel campaign charity started in 2005 – TOFTigers.
In addition to providing some extraordinary personal experiences, responsible wildlife tourism also helps to protect forests and their biodiversity, including tigers.
There are some superb jungle lodges, resorts and homestays – run by committed, knowledgeable and passionate people. Visits to National Parks can be incorporated into a journey or itinerary of your choice. As members of TOFTigers all accommodation and safaris are carefully selected.
Here are just a couple of ideas, in India and Sri Lanka.
Kahna National Park, Madhya Pradesh, Central India
A landscape of grassy meadows and deciduous forest including the Indian Ghost Tree (kullu), sal and bamboo with meandering streams. This is the setting that inspired Rudyard Kipling to write his Jungle Book, stories about animal behaviour and the laws of the jungle.
Stay at Kipling Camp, a family-owned lodge in a traditional style that is very dear to us. It is also home to Tara, the elephant made famous by her travels across India with the late Mark Shand.
Satpura, Madhya Pradesh, Central India
The Satpura National Park and Tiger Reserve is relatively unknown and represents nature at its very best. With a limit on the number of jeeps allowed into the park at any given time there is the opportunity to witness a true wilderness experience. In addition the park offers elephant and boat safaris and also walking safaris within the reserve.
Stay at Reni Pani Jungle Lodge
Since its inception in 2009, Reni Pani Jungle Lodge has endeavored to deliver the highest standards in wildlife tourism. This is a contemporary wildlife and conservation jungle lodge with just 12 rooms (and four luxury tents to be added by January 2018)
They now have some exclusive and rare ”pop-up” travel experiences. To begin, they introduced the Satpura Under Canvas mobile camping and walking expedition through the forests of Satpura. They now have some exclusive Pop-Up travel experiences to some handpicked select destinations.
These expeditions will be fixed itinerary programs led by expert naturalists. This coming year there are Pop Up expeditions to see Red Panda, in Singalia Naitonal Park; Snow Leopard in Ladakh; and Endemic Birds and Mammals of the Western Ghats.
Ranthambore, Rajasthan, North India
Like other parks in the region, Ranthambore was originally the hunting ground of Jaipur’s maharajas and you can see ruined pavilions standing on the banks of one of the three lakes in the park. Here you may get a glimpse of the endangered tiger but may also see panther, jackal, hyena and sloth bear, as well as species of deer.
Stay at Sher Bagh Tented Camp; a luxurious and exquisite choice in Ranthambore.
Yala National Park, Sri Lanka
Lowland dry scrub on a long stretch of coastline, and punctuated by rocky outcrops, Yala is Sri Lanka’s foremost wildlife destination and home to the world’s largest concentration of leopards.
Stay at Chena Huts, or Jetwing Yala. Bundala can be easily accessed from Yala.
Bundala National Park, Sri Lanka
Shimmering wetlands with a great variety of birds, this is a beautiful park and is one of the finest birding destinations in Sri Lanka.
A visit to a National Park or Tiger Reserve can be a part of your holiday in India or Sri Lanka. Please Contact Us to discuss the possibilities further. You will also find more details on our website www.travelmaxwellscott.com