Go Wild This Vacation: Visit A Wildlife Sanctuary

By Smita Chatterjee

Animals and the world they inhabit fascinate adults and kids alike. Wildlife sanctuaries provide a short but exciting break from the drudgery of city life – the daily routine, honking cars, polluted air and the constant hum of activity. This is a type of holiday which needs a long weekend – and the enthusiasm to do something different.

For the kids, it is a chance to see animals in their natural habitat, and to live life away from cell phones, the TV, the computer and the video games. To see what nature has given us – the rivers and mountains, the jungles, a variety of birds and trees. At a wild life sanctuary, there is something to fascinate even the most world weary.

Come night, the jungle world goes quiet. It’s pitch black and there are no street lights, only the stars out in full strength. Listen quietly and you can hear a tiger or a lion roar an opinion… does he smell humans? Hear the crickets, the rustling leaves… an owl hoots a long haunting sound. Far away, there are sound of splashing…

In India, there are over 440 wildlife sanctuaries and 80 national parks, and you really have no reason to feel you live too far away from one. Surf the Net and find out which is park or sanctuary is close enough for you to drive down for the weekend.

Or, if you have time on your hands, fly to one of the more famous destinations like the Jim Corbett National Park in Uttaranchal, Ranthambhore in Rajasthan, Kanha in Madhya Pradesh, KaziRanga in Assam or Bandipur in Karnataka – to name just a few.

Equipment And Accommodation

A map, torches, spare batteries, your camera or handicam, a first aid kit, snacks for the journey and clothes which can handle a rough ride.
Travel light – you don’t want to lug heavy baggage around.
Make sure you dress comfortably. Don’t forget caps/hats and sunglasses, even for the kids.
Carry important medicines that you feel you may need, along with basics like medicines for fever, tummy upset and nausea.
Check with your doctor about any that can be given safely in case of emergencies.
Carry potable water for the journey.

Accommodation is usually available to suit all budgets. Budget travelers, look for State Tourism Department hotels which are clean and well-maintained. The early morning safaris are usually the most reasonably priced. Your budget for the trip would ideally include:

Fuel expenses (if you are driving)
Meals
Room rent
Sundry expenses like eating on the way
Souvenir shopping
And, of course, some extra cash for emergencies like breakdowns

Ensure that your car gets an once-over from your mechanic before you undertake a long journey.

To spot the tiger visit Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh

Choosing A Destination

If tigers are your favorites, head for Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh. For rhinos, Kaziranga in Assam is your best bet – there you get to see rhinos in their natural habitat, and an elephant ride will take you as close as you could ever want to get to these amazing creatures.

Every sanctuary in India has something special. Find out the ideal seasons to visit such a wild life park or reserve so that you get to see the flora and fauna at its beautiful best. Every sanctuary has night and early morning safaris where you get to see the most animals.

Avoiding Vacationing Pitfalls

A short list of precautions you need to keep in mind:

If you’re on a trip with kids, ensure the kids don’t wander off – keep a strict eye on them. At no point do both parents get so involved in the sights that the kids are left alone
Follow sanctuary rules and regulations strictly. They may not make sense to you, but this is not the city. The rules are made for your safety and security
Nobody moves out alone – not kids, not father, not mother, uncle aunt or friend. Nobody.

Keep in mind is that in the jungle, you don’t know what is around the corner or what comes next. Don’t tempt trouble. Apart from these, stick to the usual do’s and don’ts that go with every trip.

It’s a jungle out there, but it is the real thing – and it will leave both your kids and you breathless for more. Have a great safari and say hello to the tigers.

© Smita Chatterjee

This article may be reproduced with the complete author bio and a live link back to http://www.lovingyourchild.com

Additional resources:

Ranthambore Adventure – Deepak Dalal’s book about tigers is inspiring children across India to work towards saving the tiger and the country’s rapidly disappearing forests. It narrates the story of the tiger, Genghis. Brimming with tiger-lore, it traces the moments of Genghis’s life – from his birth as a fluffy, helpless ball of fur, to his emergence as a proud and powerful predator.
Last Minute Traveler: How Procrastination Can Save You Money - The essential guide to last minute travel deals that only available if you are able to travel at the last minute. Having open travel dates can open up a world of possibilities for you when you know how to grab a last minute deal to your dream holiday.
Travel, Vacation And Airfare Guides – Expert tips and ebooks for travelers on budget, discount travel, airfares and more. Learn how to travel the world and pay just a fraction of the regular prices on airline tickets, vacation packages, hotel rooms, cruises and more.