Wildlife Tourism in India

The wildlife in India comprises a mix of species of different types of organisms. Apart from a handful of the major farm animals such as cows, buffaloes, goats, poultry, pigs and sheep, India has an amazingly wide variety of animals native to the country. It is home to Bengal tigers, deer, pythons, wolves, foxes bears, crocodiles, camels, wild dogs, monkeys, snakes, antelope species, varieties of bison and not to mention the mighty Asian elephant.

Historically and culturally, forests and all forms and wildlife in them, have played a very important role in the Indian way of life. Plants and animals have been worshipped over the centuries and thus the importance accorded to them. According to estimates the forests, the deserts the mountains and swamplands of India sustain over 350 species of mammals 2,100 kinds of birds-both local and migratory, 350 varieties of reptile and innumerable insects. Each sanctuary has several species of mammals and birds but is sometimes known for one particular species. For instance the Sultanpur Sanctuary Haryana is known for the large contingent of migratory birds from October onwards every year, and Gir in Gujarat for its lions.

Wildlife tourism, which also comprises of eco-tourism and sustainable tourism, has witnessed a massive growth in the recent years. Like everything, wildlife tourism too has its own pros and cons. Positively, it has proved to be the best way to conserve the rich wildlife of India. People have become more aware of the endangered species and initiatives are being taken to save them. Wildlife tourism also supports the projects on conservation monetarily. It is led to a reduction in the poaching activities in the country.

Contents: Preface. 1. Introduction. 2. Adventure tourism in India. 3. Wildlife tour and tourism. 4. Wildlife sanctuaries tourism in India. 5. National parks tourism and wildlife sanctuaries in India. 6. Wildlife destinations in India. 7. Wildlife and forest tourism in India. 8. Wildlife tourism, ecotourism policy and guidelines in India. 9. Wildlife conservation tourism in India. Bibliography. Index.