Top reasons to travel to India in 2013
#Indiaweek November 12 - 18, 2012 A week-long celebration of India at wildland.com
Wildland Adventures understands that planning a trip to India is an exciting and slightly daunting adventure, especially if visiting for the first time. Pioneers in authentic, adventure travel, Wildland Adventures is launching a week long, in-depth celebration of India, November 12 - 18, 2012 which will provide travelers with online tools to help trevelers learn more about India. Watch the hashtag #Indiaweek to keep up on all the events.
And, to cap India Week off, the film Tigers & Palaces: A Wildland Adventure in India will premiere on Wildland Adventures’ website www.wildland.com/indiaweek on Sunday, Nov. 18.
Here are the top reasons to start planning a trip to India.
1. The Tiger viewing ban was lifted.
They are big, beautiful and endangered, but travelers can still see tigers in India in the wild. Research has shown there are less than 2,000 Bengal tigers left in the world today.
In July 2012, concern over the growth of tiger tourism and the affect on the remaining tigers’ health and well-being caused the Supreme Court of India to ban tourism while new conservation guidelines were crafted. This essentially shut down tiger tourism within the country. As of Oct. 16, 2012 that ban was lifted, while the newly created National Tiger Conservation Authority spearheads the establishment of new conservation and tourism management guidelines. Tiger tourism is needed to protect the tigers, as long as it is done following the new conservation guidelines within the tiger reserves in India.
2. There is more to India than the Taj Mahal.
Everyone goes on tours to India for the Taj Mahal but few know about the Chambal River Sanctuary, located nearby. It is a world apart from the famous mausoleum; visitors can float down an relatively untouched river searching for crocodiles and river dolphins, then go back to a lodge set next to a family farm.
These experiences provide travelers with unforgettable interactions with remote villagers and destinations, including the ability to discover and learn about the wildlife and spectacular wilderness scenery that often gets overshadowed by the abundance of temples, historic forts and palaces. Most travelers will experience an unexpected religious festival and celebration as part of their journey; and going with a seasoned guide to interpret the celebration makes it all the more wondrous.
There are 17 international and 115 domestic airports in India, which makes getting around the country easier than ever. More unique experiences and remote destinations are opening up to visitors.
3. There are more English speakers in India that all of western Europe.
Not only does India embrace visitors with its sights and sounds, but the people are not shy and will welcome you with open arms and usually, in English. About a quarter of Indians speak two languages and another 200 million plus speak more than two languages.
And there are 1.2 billion friendly faces to meet. As more and more Indians travel within their own country due to the rising middle class, travelers will encounter locals throughout their journey. Indians are also very proud of their culture and their country and enjoy sharing their celebrations, festivals, art and food with travelers which can lead to long lasting friendships, one of the best souvenirs of any journey.
4. There is a growing appreciation of sustainable tourism.
Ecotourism is growing within India, thanks to the increased interest in wildlife viewing, and the country’s system of 80 national parks and 441 nature sanctuaries that protect and conserve India’s wildlife.
Participating in local community tourism initiatives that invest back into the community, staying at locally owned and operated ‘havelis’, restored former residences of wealthy merchants, and homestays, and partaking in local festivals is now easier than ever before. Wildland Adventures uses experienced local guides in India to bring travelers to Kanha and Bandavgarh Jungle Lodges which are among the first lodges dedicated to ecotourism in India, built and operated by the Sankahla family who also started Project Tiger, India's first and ongoing tiger conservation initiative.
5. It’s a psychedelic feast of color for the eyes you can share.
India is full of color: from pyramids of spices, to saris worn by local women and flowers around the necks of cows. It is a sensory dream and a playground for artists and photographers. You no longer need 3 equipment bags, a tripod and a porter to photograph the stunning colors. Capture these moments with ease, and share them with friends with a local SIM card. India has the second largest telecommunications network in the world, and some of the lowest data plan rates. So go ahead and share!
About Wildland Adventures
Rated by National Geographic Adventure as the #1 Best ‘Do-it-all’ Outfitter on Earth and Fodor’s as one of the World’s Best Tour Specialists,Wildland Adventures has guided travelers through fragile natural and cultural environments for 25 years, creating innovative ways to support local people and help protect their culture, environment and communities. Offering more than 130 unique itineraries in 28 countries, on a Wildland adventure vacation there are remarkably few barriers between visitors and local cultures, creating an authenticity in the way people travel and the places they encounter. Along with India, a sample of destinations offered include Costa Rica, Peru, Patagonia, the Galapagos, Belize, East and Southern Africa, Alaska, Turkey, the Middle East, and New Zealand. Wildland Adventures is proud to be a founding member of Trusted Adventures, an alliance of top adventure travel companies offering adventure trips around the world. For more information, visit www.wildland.com, Facebook.com/WildlandAdventures or Twitter: @WildTravel. An online media kit is available at www.tartangroup.ca under Media Centre: Wildland Adventures.
Media Contacts:
Deirdre Campbell, Tartan Group: 250-592-3838, 250-882-9199 (cell) or deirdre@tartangroup.ca
Brian Cant, Tartan Group: 250-592-3838 or brian@tartangroup.ca
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