Page 731 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - India

OUTDOOR A C TIVITIES & SPECIALIST HOLID A Y S  729

species in the wild. Ibex
Expeditions organizes eco-
friendly trips to parks all over
India; Exotic Journeys is
another reputable agency.
Jungle Lodges and Resorts
in Karnataka runs numerous
luxury camps, spread across
the Nagarhole and BRT Wildlife
Sanctuaries (see p524), with
coracle boat rides, elephant
safaris and film screenings
Colourful wind-surfing sails, Goa on offer for visitors.
Corbett Park in Uttarakhand
Wildlife Tourism
snorkelling, scuba diving and (see pp196–7), Kanha in Madhya
other water sports is the tropical The country has an extraordinary Pradesh (see pp258–9) and the
Andaman Islands in the Bay diversity of habitats that support Sunderbans in West Bengal
of Bengal. Quality equipment, a vast variety of plant and animal (see pp292–3) are among India’s
including glass-bottomed boats life, including many rare and largest Tiger Reserves.
and scuba gear, is on offer at endangered species. Rajasthan’s Keoladeo Ghana
the Andaman Water Sports Today, India has 166 National Park (see pp372–3)
Complex (see p622) in Port protected national parks and attracts a large variety of
Blair. Adventure parks such as over 515 wildlife sanctuaries migratory birds in winter and is
Wonderla, in Kochi, and others that cover 5 per cent of its a bird-watcher’s paradise, while
in cities such as Bengaluru and total area. Numerous soci eties Kaziranga in Assam (see pp334–
Hyderabad, are popular. are actively involved in 5) is one of the few places in the
environmental issues. world where the Indian rhino
The World Wide Fund for can be found in the wild. The
Fishing Nature, India (WWF), with best park for observing Asian
India’s network of rivers and its headquarters in Delhi, has a elephants is Periyar in Kerala
lakes provides ample opport- regular programme of activities (see pp644–5), which has the
unity for fishing enthusiasts. such as camping trips, film largest population of wild
All fishing in India requires a shows and seminars on wildlife. elephants in the country.
permit, which can be obtained The Bombay Natural History A few practical tips should be
from the Fisheries Officer at Society (BNHS) is one of the followed while visiting wildlife
the various state Fisheries foremost nature institutions reserves. Do not litter and be
Departments. However, it in India. Its first Indian president especially careful not to drop any
is simpler to let an agency was the renowned ornithologist, plastic and synthetic materials.
organize the permits for you. Dr Salim Ali (see p470). The Society, Carry a pair of binoculars, wear
Himalayan River Runners dedicated to conservation, with sturdy boots and never wander
organizes exciting mahseer special emphasis on bird studies, off on your own, as this could
fishing expeditions in the also organizes workshops. be dange rous. Do not play loud
Ganges in February and March. Another eminent institution is music or blow horns within
The best spots in North the Madras Naturalists’ Society. park limits, since this disturbs
India are the Ramganga river, India’s many wildlife reserves the animals. Also, talk softly on
outside Corbett National Park; and game sanctuaries are the safaris to improve the chances
Gangalehri, off the Haridwar- best places to see endangered of spotting wildlife.
Rishikesh road on the Ganges;
and Pong Dam, on the Beas in
Himachal Pradesh. This state
also offers superb trout-fishing
on the Beas river at Katrain,
and in the scenic Sangla Valley
on the Baspa river.
In South India, Jungle
Lodges & Resorts (see p731)
run the Kali River Camp at
Dandeli and the Cauvery
Fishing and Nature Camp,
in Karnataka. These are luxury
camps for discerning visitors
who wish to combine a
fishing holiday with
modern comforts. Tigers can be seen at several reserves in India

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