Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
National Parks & Wildlife Sanctuaries
Prior to 1972 India had only five national parks, so the Wildlife Protection Act was intro-
duced that year to set aside parks and stem the abuse of wildlife. The Act was followed by
a string of similar pieces of legislation with bold ambitions but few teeth with which to en-
force them.
India now has about 100 national parks and 500 wildlife sanctuaries, which constitute
around 5% of India's territory. An additional 70 parks have been authorised on paper but
not yet implemented on the ground or only implemented to varying degrees. There are also
14 biosphere reserves, overlapping many of the national parks and sanctuaries, providing
safe migration channels for wildlife and allowing scientists to monitor biodiversity.
Wildlife reserves tend to be off the beaten track and infrastructure can be limited - book
transport and accommodation in advance, and check opening times, permit requirements
and entry fees before you visit. Many parks close to conduct a census of wildlife in the low
season, and monsoon rains can make wildlife-viewing tracks inaccessible.
Almost all parks offer jeep/van tours, but you can also search for wildlife on guided
treks, boat trips and elephant safaris. New rules introduced in 2012 put an end to 'tiger s
hows', whereby resting tigers became sitting ducks for tourists that were radioed in, taken
off their jeep and put on elephants to get close to the, presumably peeved, resting tiger.
Also, in many reserves, safari vehicle visits have been cut and for one day in the week,
some tiger sanctuaries will be closed to safaris. These new rules are in flux, so do find out
the latest situation before booking your safari.
