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Over
the last century Indian wildlife has been continuously challenged
by man. In the early 1900s it was hunting for pleasure by the Maharajas
and the members of the Raj (hunting ravaged the tiger population
from 40000 to 2000 in just 50 years !). After independence, a number
of protected sanctuaries were formed with remarkable success. But
these created conflicts with people who got dislocated as a result.
Various commercial and industrial interests also competed for the
land occupied by these sanctuaries. In recent times, poaching to
cater to the demands for
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animal
parts in the far East has emerged as a new threat. This puts the
wonderful flora and fauna of India in continuing danger, despite
the tremendous conservation efforts of many dedicated people.
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Experience
in Kenya has proved that the most sustainable solution to this challenge
is "wildlife tourism". Tourism improves the economic welfare of
the people who live in and around the wildlife parks by providing
them with direct and indirect employment. This creates a "win-win"
situation in which man and animal become mutually dependent for
survival. The
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same
people start seeing wildlife as a 'provider' rather than as a 'threat',
and protect it against poaching and other hazards. Also, by increasing
awareness about the fragility of our ecological balance, tourism
helps build public opinion against any industrial activity or State
neglect endangering wildlife.
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Wildlife
tourism requires good and relevant information for the aspiring
traveller. This web site is an effort in this direction, and is
created by a couple with a deep passion for Indian wildlife. It
aims to share first-hand, personal experiences and insights on some
of the wildlife destinations in India, which we hope will help people
visiting these places have a more enjoyable experience. This is
a humble tribute to the wonderful and varied wildlife of the Indian
sub-continent, and to the people who are striving to conserve them.
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