Wildlife

What is Wildlife?

Wildlife adventure, along with being a great choice for family holidays with kids, is also one of the best ways to connect with nature. One can explore wildlife in myriads of matrixes. From butterfly parks to tiger sanctuaries, from underwater species to bird watching, wildlife is extensive to explore. Every bit of this adventure tour connects you deeply to nature.  A trip where your wakeup call is not your phone or desktop alarm but birds chirping, where you do not want to snooze it any longer, rather pop out of your bed and walk into the lush greens. Breathing in that refreshing air, humming your most favorite tune with the hand by your side, feeling the wind as it caresses your palm and walking barefoot by the riverside that gushes to far off land, is sure to rejuvenate your soul.

The need to break the monotony of a busy and tied-to-schedule city life has levelled up Wildlife tourism globallyWildlife adventure tours, which in itself include many interdependent activities such as safari, boating, camping, fishing, trekking etc., basically aim at improving the interaction and observation of humans with the animal kingdom in its natural habitats. Eco-friendly tourism, wild-life safari, marine life observatories, bird watching, butterfly trails etc., are some such planned exposures. Wildlife tourism has gained momentum in many countries like Africa, South America, Australia, India, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and others. This growth is even higher in the UNESCO World heritage sites. Recognized as a profitable international industry, various tour companies provide customized tour packages and safaris to observe animals closely in their natural environment.  From the wild safaris in Africa to diving at Great Barrier Reef to elephant riding in Malaysia, there are many ways that an avid wildlife tourist can get close and personal with the wildlife. 

Wildlife Tourism in the Past

Interaction of human beings with wildlife is not a recent phenomenon.  It was there from the time immortal. But the ways were different. Animals were tamed or hunted. Purpose was basically consumption, protection or as a resource to power. Gradually with the passage of time it became a sport in the form of hunting and poaching. Animals and animal parts became products of commercial business. Even though this is continuing, now the trend is focusing on the preservation and conservation of wildlife. Earlier the wildlife expeditions were filled with thrill and kill to boost one’s confidence and ego.  Hunters would come back with their prized possession from the hunting and everyone was in awe of it. The muzzle of elephants, tigers, leopards, deers, bears etc., decorated the walls of the houses. Observation and preservation of wildlife was never a thing. It was only hunting for one’s sheer pleasure.

In India, in the early 1970’s, India’s Wildlife Protection Act and Project Tiger were put in place which gained the momentum of saving the precious creatures. Post that many national parks were created. So the paradigm was shifted from hunting to honouring the animals.Slowly the nations and the governments experienced the benefits of conserving wildlife. As different protected areas were developed to stop poaching and killing of the animals, it turned to a main source of tourism and income generating sector.

Wildlife Adventure during Covid-19

Wildlife adventure trips have proved to improve mental and physical health of people who have been indoors for long. The pandemic has bound most of us within the four walls of the house and this has been very stressful.  In such a situation, it is great to go on a professionally managed wildlife adventure tour, wherein all covid-19 protocols and safety measures are followed. Few days amidst nature can boost your energy and bring back a relaxed self. If you are tied & tired of WFH, then a trip to a jungle will make you feel happier.  Much like our other adventure tour services, we at WOO Adventures ensure trips in small group sizes wherein the transports are managed by our trusted transport partners, food is provided by reliable food & beverage resources, we arrange for well sanitized stay options and also request for your COVID test before travel. We advise our tourists to carry their own cutlery, cup, plate / box etc. We ensure that you carry your own sanitizerswear masks properly (mandatory when in common place or while space sharing like travelling in a bus or jeep) and you also have to submit Two doses of vaccine/ RT-PCR Negative Certificate. It is always better to stay safe than to regret.

Wildlife Tourism Improves Harmony between Man & Wild

An eco-friendly wildlife destination preserves and restores the local habitats and the flora and fauna. For a wildlife tourist, visiting any such kind of place is healing and educating.  There are many animals and plants which are on the verge of extinction. So to preserve and conserve them becomes the major priority. These wildlife protected areas like the national parks and sanctuaries help in the protecting, preserving and breeding the wildlife and the flora and fauna of different regions.  Hence when tourism is encouraged in these areas, it helps in generating revenues which becomes very helpful for the improvement of the wildlife. Apart from this, as wild life enthusiasts, many gain life changing experience and return with new perspectives.

Wildlife of any geography represents quintessential biodiversity which is crucial for our health and the survival and welfare of the entire planet. Such trips improve the understanding of people concerning the protection of biodiversity and endangered species. Wildlife tourism also plays a role in protecting the natural heritage and the culture of different places.

It is also a different experience for the common man to explore the animal kingdom in their natural habitat.  These trips not only add fun & adventure but also develop understanding on how important it is to conserve the animalsStudying animals in their natural habitat can be a tremendous learning experience for everyone. Wildlife tourism is often clubbed together with many other outdoor adventure activities like safari, night camping, nature walks or trekking. These wildlife adventure trips by WOO Adventure are often preferred by corporate companies, PSUs, Professional Colleges and similar institutions for training and team development activities.  

When to go for Wildlife Adventures Tours

All weather, except the monsoon, are ideal for a wildlife adventure tour.  Monsoons too attract wildlife enthusiasts who are looking forward for seasonal explorations. Different sanctuaries and wildlife conservation zones have their own permissible time zones. They are open to tourists for certain months and rest its closed to protect the animals, respecting their breeding seasons etc.  Since monsoon varies from place to place, country to country; it is advisable to research the chosen wildlife adventure destination weather pattern. In India, most national parks are closed from July-September. Mostly the best season is when the temperature is moderate. So that the tourist will also be comfortable and the animals are also willing to flaunt themselves out in the wild. Accordingly, the popular time to visit is from October to May. Post monsoon, the vegetation is high which in turn means that it will be difficult to spot wildlife among them. But the landscapes and the greenery are worth a visit.

Abundance of Wildlife Avenues in India

India as a country is affluent in biodiversity including wildlife and flora and fauna. The rare and endangered animals are found in different parts of this country like the lion in Gir forests of Gujarat, elephants and rhinoceros in Assam, elephants in Kerala, White tigers in Rewa of Madhya Pradesh, Indian bison in Madhya Pradesh, the cranes and Indian bustard in Rajasthan etc. There are various protected areas where the wildlife and the flora and fauna are conserved by maintaining habitats and natural resources. Biological diversity is protected through these areas. The sizzling desert of Thar or the cold desert of Ladakh and Spiti, the wetlands of Assam or the brackish marshy areas of Sunderbans and Rannof Kutch, the temperate forests,the evergreen jungles, the tropical dry deciduous forests, coral reef etc. fall under those protected areas. Broadly, the protected areas cover :

  • National Parks: National Park is used for conservation and preservation of wildlife and also for their betterment. These are maintained by the government. Some National Parks in India are Jim Corbett National Park, Hemis National Park, The Great Himalayan National Park, Bandipur National Park, Nagarahole National Park, Kaziranga National Park, Dibru Saikhowa National Park etc.
  • Sanctuaries: These are the places where wildlife and plants are protected from any external disturbance. The endangered species are monitored and breeding takes place. Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Thattekad Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary, Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary, Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary etc. are some prime sanctuaries of India.
  • Biosphere Reserves: Over the years, many biosphere reserves are developed for sustainable existence. Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve, Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Nokrek Biosphere Reserve, Pacmarhi Biosphere Reserve, Simlipal Biosphere Reserve and the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve count in as the predominant ones.

Some of India’s most visited wildlife parks include Jim Corbett National Park, Hemis  National Park, Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary, The Great Himalayan National Park, Rajaji National Park, Binsar, Dudhwa National Park in North India; Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Thattekad Wildlife Sanctuary, Bandipur National Park, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary,  Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary, Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary, Nagarahole National Park in Southern states of India; Sunderbans Jungle Camp, Kaziranga National Park, Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, and more in Eastern India;  Western India flaunts some like the Gir National Park, Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary, Ranthambore National Park, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Kutch Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary, Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary and the Sariska National Park. Not to be missed, Central India is famous for Kanha National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park, and Satpura National Park.

Wildlife Adventure Across the Globe

Enjoying the wildlife in their natural habitat has its own charm. And when it is not bounded by any particular region or country, it manifests in its options. The wildlife adventure ranges from adrenaline pumping excursions to the peaceful drives in their habitat. So pack your bags and start on an ebullient journey of coming in close contact with the wildlife around the world. Through the journey come across the lemurs in Madagascar or play with the baby turtles in Costa Rica or pose with the sea lions in the Galapagos or feed baby rhinoceros in the African safaris. Some of the most incredible wildlife adventures destination around the world includes Serengeti National Park - Tanzania, Maasai Mara National Reserve – Kenya, Kruger National Park, Ngorongoro Crater – Tanzania, Etosha National Park – Namibia, Chobe National Park – Botswana and Samburu National Reserve – Kenya. Wild life enthusiasts across the have heartily appreciated and enjoyed their trips to Galapagos - Watching the giant tortoise, Galapagos penguin, marine iguana, various types of finch and Galapagos fur seals;  East Africa - Famous for the great migration, one can watch the zebras and gazelles travel from Tanzania to Masai Mara in Kenya for food and water. This journey is also filled with dramatic encounters with crocodiles and lions; Mexico -  here you can go swimming with the whale sharks in Mexico’s Caribbean Sea, largely around Holbox Island and Isla Mujere. Also enjoy the snorkeling experience along with dolphins, manta rays and turtles; Wyoming is another popular wildlife destination which is famous for spotting Bisons, the Yellowstone National Park also shelters black bears, grizzly bears, gray wolves, moose, Canada lynx, bobcats, bighorn sheep and also various species of birds and reptiles; Alaska , as a home to multiple whale species like humpback, gray, orca and beluga whales, Alaska also tempts the tourists with its stunning glaciers and lush forests. Whale watching can be done from the cruise ship decks, boat tours or on personal sea kayaks. Furthermore, Australia has attracted wildlife tourists to its Great Barrier Reef, which  is one the seven natural wonders of the world and is home to many species of fish, hard and soft coral, sharks, whales and dolphins and endangered marine turtles. One can see a rolling, playing or lazily eating a bamboo stick Panda in the various zoos in China but the most preferred one is to see them in Chengdu. Gifted by nature, wildlife is rich in variety and abundance. Thanks to the varied geographical terrains, our planet is home to scores of species of mammals, reptiles, insects, rare birds and amphibians and a diverse flora that supports our ecosystem.  

Stay Options And Essentials

It is pretty intimidating going into the animal’s territory so always trust a professional partner. It is equally required that you should educate yourself and be well informed for a successful trip. Once the where to go is decided, then comes the next challenge of what, how, and when.  Going on a safari to catch a glimpse of the lions or diving in the ocean to swim with the whales or treading through the forest in search of the wild monkeys, whatever the adventure is, it is important to abide by the guidance of the rangers or the travel guides. You should always focus on safety in these adventures, safety of not only oneself but also the animals. Eco tours should be practiced to avoid cruelty to animals. Respectable distance should be maintained from the animals. You have to respect the wild, so it becomes very crucial to hire a reputable wildlife adventure tour company and trained guides who know their work best.

Some of the personal essentials that one should take a note of while going on a wildlife adventure trip include: Wear earth toned clothes or camouflage clothes, use sturdy and comfortable shoes, take a good sunglasses & safari hat, do not forget your binoculars, camera & battery/power back-ups, first aid kit, personal medicines, insect repellent, sunscreen / sanitizer / toiletries etc.

WOO Adventure offers various wildlife adventures trips & safaris, which are pre-planned, along with custom-made wildlife adventure tours for groups. We provide various stay options such as  resorts, eco camps, lodges and hotels as per client’s choice. We also offer stay in hostels, home exchange, Air BnB, farm stay etc., across the globe. These properties are made ecologically friendly and in the comfort zone of the rich biodiversity. One can choose accommodations and tour plans designed for families, couples, solo travellers, corporate groups, institutional groups etc.  Our prime aim is to plan & execute a memorable wildlife adventure trip, as desired by clients.

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