30 Important Things to Know Before
Visiting National Parks in India
India is a land of diversity where you can find different national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. But there are certain things to keep in mind.
India is truly filled
with wildlife sanctuaries, national parks and biosphere reserves where you can
see a treasure of biodiversity and several rare wildlife species. A lot of tiger reserves and national parks in India are
meant to protect the endangered Bengal Tigers. You can explore the majesty of
mountains, forests, and coasts of India and witness amazing wildlife in one of
these areas.
Wildlife safari in India
has always been on the bucket lists of many travelers. Even though you fly all
the way from different parts of the world just to see tigers in national parks
of India, it is definitely worth it. There are different things you should keep
in mind before going for a wildlife safari. We are going to share some
important tips to be prepared in advance.
1. Advance Safari Booking
When it comes to
visiting national parks in India, many people book flight tickets, train
tickets, hotel rooms, etc. But one thing they often overlook is safari tickets
and permits. Especially in peak season, safari tickets are overbooked soon. So,
it is very vital to book safari at least 120 days in advance. Then
you should book accommodation, travel tickets and more accordingly. You can
book safari online at the official website of national parks.
2.
Hire
Local Driver and Guides
Before making entry to
national parks, you need to hire a local driver and guide so they can help you
along the way. No private vehicles are allowed to enter national parks. Only
canter and safari jeeps can enter the territory. So, it is highly advised to
hire drivers and guides who have proper knowledge about the area.
3.
Get
to entrance Gate earlier
National parks usually
get crowded during peak summer months. So, it is highly recommended to start
your trip early in the morning and reach the entrance gate early on. It is also
because there is some paperwork you need to complete before getting entry to
the park.
4.
Local
Travel Agents
You can also consult
with local agents who can provide the best deals and packages. They can make
all the arrangements for transportation, safari, accommodation and everything
you need in advance. This way, you can travel without any stress in these national
parks.
5.
Keep
ID proof original
When booking safari online, you need to provide
complete details of every visitor, such as full name (as in ID card) and ID
number. Also, submit the same ID proof in original to forest officials when
entering the park. Failing to do so can get your safari booking canceled by the
forest department. Indian nationals can carry voter ID, PAN card, driving
license, passport, Aadhar card, college/school ID, or any government ID. On the
other side, foreign nationals have to show their passport only.
6.
Nature
Color Cloths
It is always advised to
wear only earthy colored clothes instead of flashy and bright colored ones. It
is because bright colored clothes can distract the animals. You never know how
wild animals can react to those colors. So, it is always better to play safe.
7.
When
you are Visiting / Winter or Summer
The time of year you choose to visit the national park is based on certain factors. First, most of
the national parks in India are closed during monsoons. So, you can choose
either winter or summer. You also need to do your own research before planning
your trip. Getting to the national park and finding their gate closed is the
last thing you will ever want on your trip.
Next up, it is also about the type of experience, you would like. If you want a relaxing and
peaceful vacation, you should rethink before going in the summer. Of course,
summer is a peak season, and parks remain crowded throughout the nation. But
visiting national parks in summers has its own benefits. The chances of tiger
sightings are also very high because there is a lack of greenery in jungles due
to the harsh summer. So, it is easy to spot the Royal Bengal Tigers resting
around. Summer is also a great time if you love to be in the hustles and
bustles of tourists around you.
Especially if you are traveling
with kids, it may not be easy for them to get their days off from school during
the spring and fall. Summer vacations can be the best choice for them. But you
can plan your vacation during winter if you want peaceful holidays with a low
crowd. Even better, day temperature is also low during winters in some national
parks. You can easily enjoy morning safari even in bright daylight.
8.
Mask
Avoid dust
You may have to face
dust from other vehicles and raw terrains. So, it is always better to protect
your face and cover your mouth with a mask when going for a safari.
9.
Sunglasses
Sun often gets too harsh
during summers. So, it is always better to protect your eyes against harmful UV
rays by using sunglasses.
10.
Sunscreen
cream
Always carry sunscreen
when going out in the jungles. Sometimes, you will be on open grounds where you
need the utmost protection from the sun.
11.
Do
not talk a lot with drivers and guides
Talk to drivers only
when it is needed. If tourists talk a lot, they often get distracted on their
path. So, keep silent and enjoy the breathtaking views of the jungles along the
way and see the wildlife.
12.
Alertness
- Ear and Eyes open while on safari
Keep your eyes and ears
open when going on safari. Even a slight movement shouldn’t be missed or you
will miss track of your favorite creature. Sometimes tigers are just in front
of our eyes but we can’t spot them due to their stripes and tall grass.
13.
Alarm
Calls for Tigers or Predators
Jungle safari usually
starts when we hear the alarm calls of monkeys and other animals as they alert
their fellow animals about tigers and other predators when they enter their
areas. If you hear those loud calls, it means tiger, leopard or other predators
are just around the corner.
14.
Sign
of Pugmarks
Watch out for the common
signs like pugmarks of leopards, tigers, sloth bears, and other animals on the
safari. Sometimes, these marks show the direction and indication that you are
going in the right direction.
15.
Always
listen to what driver and guide Saying
Local guides and drivers
have a lot of information and knowledge to share. So, always listen to them
carefully to learn about the wildlife as much as possible. Along with spotting
wildlife, the purpose of jungle safari should also be exploring and discovering
what nature has to offer.
16.
Drive
slow into the reserve
When driving into the
tiger reserve, be sure to drive slowly or you will lose track of any important
moment or sighting that you have come all the way for. You also need to drive
slowly because you may not want any animal to be distracted.
17.
After
Safari interact with locals Guides or Driver
The friendly crew in the
hats is always available to the tourists for a reason. They have proper
knowledge of the jungles inside out. They always ensure the safety of tourists
and fun experiences. So, befriend them whenever you meet them. They have a lot
of inside details, such as shortcuts to reach certain places, what to avoid,
top spots not to be missed, and things to look for on the route. They can also
suggest the best spots for hiking, restaurants, and where to catch the
beautiful sunset.
18.
Always
Carry Binoculars
In order to get the
beautiful sights of animals from far-away locations, don’t forget to carry
binoculars and cameras. You never know when a rare animal or bird comes up on
the way.
19.
Checklist
of Birds and Mammals
Before visiting a
national park, keep a list of birds and mammals you can spot while getting
there. There are plenty of birds and animals you can spot in national parks in
India.
20.
Carry
filter Waters
You may not find the
source of water in the dense canopy of jungles. So, always carry bottled water
and some snacks to keep you and your group full on the way.
21.
Avoid
using of Plastic and polythene
Of course, you need to
carry some snacks and water on the way. But it doesn’t mean you can leave any
garbage behind. National parks are our heritage and it’s also about the
environment. We shouldn’t get our jungles polluted. Carry all the empty water
bottles and wrappers with you and throw the garbage on the dustbin when leaving
the park. Also, don’t disturb the animals by getting closer to them.
22.
Tip
to Guides and Drivers
Of course, guides and
drivers do a lot of hard work to keep us engaged and amazed while ensuring our
safety. So, a small tip of Rs. 100 to Rs. 500 is worth to help them support
their families. You can tip them as per your budget to bring smiles on their
faces and make them happy to serve you.
23. Always buy things from local souvenir shops
Most of the people who live in and around national parks depend upon tourism. Whenever possible, help
the locals by buying things from their souvenir shops. These shops are all they
have to support their livelihood. It’s like a sweet gesture from your side.
24 – Try Local Food Dishes / Organic Food
India is known to be a
country of diversity where you will get to discover different cultures. Local
food dishes also have an influence on varied cultures. If you are planning to
visit a national park in a particular state, don’t forget to try local food
dishes over there as well as organic food.
25 - Responsible tourism
As a tourist, you have
some responsibilities. Be a responsible tourist. Don’t litter in national parks
to take care of wildlife and reduce environmental, social, and economic
hazards.
26 - Camera & binoculars
If you are heading to a
national park, don’t forget to carry binoculars and cameras to capture
beautiful moments that you shouldn’t miss. There are varied species of flora
and fauna you can spot in national parks of India.
27 - Hotels & Resorts Booking
Before visiting national
parks in India, be sure to book hotels and resorts in advance. It is because
you may have to plan at least 3-4 days to get the most of your trip. Resorts
and hotels can be available at an affordable price if you book in advance.
During peak season, the prices go on a high side.
28 - Research about the
place
Before visiting any
place, it is always wise to do some research to avoid unwanted surprises and
cultural shock. It is always better to be prepared for anything before going to
any new destination.
29 - Flight
In order to avoid paying
extra at the last moment, it is always recommended to book flight tickets in
advance to get better deals and discounts. It is especially important if you
are traveling in groups. It can help you save a lot on early bookings. A lot of
airlines offer special discounts on group bookings.
30 - Trains
Especially when you are
planning your trip in summer or peak season, trains get booked easily. In order
to ensure confirmed tickets, be sure to book train tickets at least one month
in advance or earlier. Some trains have a dynamic pricing system. With every
10% of berths booked, the base fare rises to 10% and it goes on and on up to
50% on some trains. On the other side, normal category trains get overbooked
easily. If you don’t book your train tickets early, chances are you may end up
with waiting tickets.
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